Bought a new TSi, did I just totally get screwed?

[One Equals Two]

So guys. I know I've posted a few times already, so, I'm trying to stop honestly. I am just trying to keep this as anonymous as possible so I am not pointing fingers at anyone.

However, I am wondering if I totally got screwed. I think I did.

So, I had no daily driver. My GST wasn't running well, and my SRT4 is in the middle of being sold. I also have no cash on hand. I needed a daily driver ASAP, and I found a local guy on the local forums asking $5,000 for his automatic TSi. It only had 78K miles, and was a one owner car. I was like, not bad! And I was asking $4,600 for my Eclipse so I figured, maybe he'll trade? So, I offered to trade, and told him what my car had. Keep in mind, my car has $12,000 in parts alone and his is bone stock. He said, "Sure, I'll do it." We talked about the details and stuff, but he agreed. I explained exactly what I had done to the car and what it needed to be a good running car. I also explained that I didn't have the time to make it so. I also had no money. Anyway, so....

So, he brings the car down and I am inside the gas station where we're meeting. He texts "I am here." So I told him I'd be a minute. I came outside and he was at his other Talon with his friend and the Talon he was trading me was parked somewhere else. I got to it and it was still running. Thought it was a little odd, but whatever.

Anyway, I drove it, and it drove okay but it wasn't nearly as nice as my GST. But being desperate, I figured it was fine because it ran well. The tape deck was screwed up and the check engine light was on, plus he said the tire was leaking a little. I thought, no biggie, when I get paid in 2 weeks, new tires, new stereo, and I'll clear the code by getting a new O2 sensor (which was the problem). I traded, signed the papers, and off we went. Well, I started the Talon and GRRRIIIINNNDDDD and then it fired up. Flywheel (or flexplate) is totally screwed up (which he didn't tell me) and I'm going to be out $1,000 cause I have to have the trans pulled. Also, it didn't pull up one code for the O2 sensor (I trusted his word), it pulled up three! And the tire wasn't slowly leaking, it lost all it's air in one day and that tire is toast. It barely holds any air, so I have to get a replacement set of tires NOW just to drive (cause they're all the same tires), and ready to crap out.

I know, shame on me. I really should have checked everything closely, so, I've learned my lesson. But, come on! Doesn't it sound like he knew the car was totally f'ed up? And not only that, it's maybe getting 18 mpg right now on the f'ing freeway, which he swore it was getting great gas mileage. I know I was dumb to go for the trade, but I think he took advantage of me for a few bucks.

What do you guys think?

 

[eclipse_16g]

so you told him that he lied to you and about the trade and screwed you out of alot of time and money, and all he had to say was you left your garage opener?? did you actually call him out on it, or try to get some money out of him for your troubles?

 

[dsmdeliveryboy]

Sounds like you need to get some money out of him, what he said wasn't true. If you have emails or texts saying everything was chill then take him to small claims court or trade back.

 

[fstfcs]

was it a member here?

i mean i know you dont want to point fingers or name drop. But dude. If he is doing this kind of thing people need to know not to do business with the person.

Any progress on the repairs?

 

[donniekak]

Sounds like a bad deal. But, its impossible to get screwed when you are given the chance to inspect, and drive the car. I treat every dsm I buy as a shell. I consider everyone I get to have a blown engine and trans when I buy it. These cars are so cheap now that over the course of 10-20 years they are almost all f***** off by kids now.

 

[One Equals Two]

Haha, it's all good actually. I posted it for sale yesterday (with a list of the stuff that's wrong) and am getting a lot of calls on it. I guess it may have benefited me because I was couldn't even sell my Ecilpse for $3500, and the $4000 asking price of the Talon is attracting lots of attention.

Guess it wasn't bad after all.

But, the damage like one said earlier was about $150 parts, but the car is barely starting now. And I don't have the time to pull the trans and install a new flywheel. So monetarily, it's really not a huge loss, just a time loss and an annoyance.


I am thinking of picking up a local 3000GT base automatic. Anyone have any experience with these in terms of durability?

 

[Doubleot]

I know the guy that did this trade and he's kinda sketchy. He's had problems like this before. I don't want to point fingers either but I think he took advantage of one equals two. He knew exactly what was wrong with the tsi and just didn't say anything. I would have taken him to claims or asked him for money but that's just me. Good luck bro.

 

[Fabian]

dude, when he told you to go get your garage door opener you should have taken a bat and some fishing hooks and tried to fish that garage opener out of his lower intestines...I HATE people that take advantage like this.

 

[One Equals Two]

dude, when he told you to go get your garage door opener you should have taken a bat and some fishing hooks and tried to fish that garage opener out of his lower intestines...I HATE people that take advantage like this.

Haha, I actually had to ask for my garage door opener, and he said "Yeah, you left them." So, I have to get it.

I haven't really bugged him about the car, so I'll just let it slide for now. Live and learn, it's a good way to learn a lesson.

 

[spooln4fun]

Why are you going to let it be, this apparently pissed you off big time, you complained about it and now your going to let it slide.............If you dont tell him whats going on or how you feel about what has happened between you and this person. Dont complain any more.

 

[tsihottie]

Sorry to hear that you got hosed. I know how you feel.
I sold my GSX that was MINT back in October for a 1997 Pontiac Trans Am
I go and test drive the car in the dark and in the rain (yeah im an idiot)
Decided I would buy it.
I get the car home, wash it all up and realize that the entire car had been keyed. (you couldnt see this on the day I bought it till I got home and washed it good,its a black car)
The wipers wont sit where they should when I shut them off,they sit laying across the center of the windsheild.
The transmission valve body went out exactly one month from the date of purchase which is $900 some dollars to fix (part alone is $600)
When you go over 70, the whole rear end shakes and vibrates.
But needless to say......next time I make a purchase I will be sure to check EVERY little detail on the car and even take it to a car wash to check for scratches. =(
Good Luck with the car

 

[Jed_Atreides]

Late advice: when I buy used cars, I bring at least 2 friends, 1 of who is more knowledgeable in cars than me. All take turns driving the car and check it all over, and the make a decision about buying. Hope you sell the car and at least break even.

 

[350war]

Somebody needs to rat this guy out! Its true One Equals Two should have checked the car out better but the other guy should have been honest about his ride especially given the circumstances. A good deal = both parties happy even if it is an unequal trade. This guy is going to screw someone else because no one will point a finger. Just my .02

 

[rock1t]

"You left your garage door opener...might wanna come get it."

That's all.

I know I totally rushed into it, and it's not like I traded for a Daewoo. I just ended up being $500 behind where I wanted. The Talon was probably worth $3,700 when it runs fine cause of the mileage and the fact that it's an AWD TSi, but it's broken now..

And I had to drive an hour to meet him, so I didn't have access at my shop. It was an inpulse decision, and I know that. I think you said it well richardc.

being broken now is just a dsm thing. broke happens.

 

[One Equals Two]

Why are you going to let it be, this apparently pissed you off big time, you complained about it and now your going to let it slide.............If you dont tell him whats going on or how you feel about what has happened between you and this person. Dont complain any more.

Yeah, you know when things go south, it really gets to you at first! But, afterwards when you think about it, I really don't think it's worth going and getting in a big fight out it. I have been to court before, and have tried to settle disputes before, but it's just not worth the $500 I might get out of it. Even if I just try and talk to him, he's probably just going to say, "That's ypur fault." I'd rather learn my lesson here and just get on with it. Besides, if I stay steamed and angry about the deal, then I'm unhappy for a while, but if I get over it now, I can get on with things now. And, I'm cool with that. I am really only out $500 if you think about it. And that's not the end of the world. However, if it was a Porsche out of commission, then I might have something more to say.

 

[One Equals Two]

Just a fun fact to add. I took the car in and had it diagnosed and inspected. Here's the list the mechanic gave me and showed me.

1. Cam seals are bad and leaking
2. Valve Cover gasket is bad and leaking (I knew that)
3. Starter is dying (I knew that too)
4. Air conditioning is hopeless
5. CV axles are bad at the transmission side
6. Brakes are bad and fail inspection
7. Oil pressure sensors are going south
8. Compression is low
9. Oil return line is leaking
10. Transmission will need a rebuild soon
11. The crankshaft seals are leaking
12. The transfer case is leaking

And, the quoted "serviced" rear diff, was indeed, NOT serviced, and he said that there was no way in the hell the timing belt and water pump were done at 60K. So, everything was a lie.

Be careful in the future guys! I'm fine cause I'm getting a new GS next week and have learned my lesson.

 

[Nessuno]

sorry, but you getting screwed over in this case is your own fault. how do you not check a car inside and out before you buy (or trade) it? yea, it was dishonest on his part, but you can't be THAT naive when it comes to people you don't know. it's like buying a house without looking at the inside first. just doesn't make sense to me.

 

[nyTalonTsi]

sorry, but you getting screwed over in this case is your own fault. how do you not check a car inside and out before you buy (or trade) it? yea, it was dishonest on his part, but you can't be THAT naive when it comes to people you don't know. it's like buying a house without looking at the inside first. just doesn't make sense to me.

Agreed, like buying without inspection.

Im sorry and i know the feeling. It sucks, same thing happened to me a while ago. Even after all the mess that i found, the guy still claimed he sold me a clean car.

It was bad cause i took 2 skilled mechanics with me, turns out they thought the intercooler was nice thats why they said I should buy it.

You def. live and learn, its like this if you have any doubt about something in this case a car, leave.

 

[1993eclipseGS]

I'm not trying to argue, Or cause fights over who did or did not get screwed, But it sounds like you were completly desperate, And went into it with eyes open knowing you were getting exactly what you were getting? How can you not see/feel/hear this car, Before doing the trade? Every single problem you mentioned below could have been noticed, Within 15 or so minutes.

I know it might have been wrong for him to not tell you, But when you buy a used, As-is, where-is car with no warrenties expressed or implied, You basically need to check everything over, yourself. it's like buying a used tire. are you going to check the wear on it? are you going to check for holes in it? If you don't, And you get a tire mounted and theres' a hole in it, You're to blame for not checking it over, Correct?

I hope everything works out for you with getting a reliable car though.

1. Cam seals are bad and leaking (takes 3 10mm bolts to be loosened to check this problem, Can easily carry a basic $10 tool kit with you for things like this).
2. Valve Cover gasket is bad and leaking (I knew that)
3. Starter is dying (I knew that too)
4. Air conditioning is hopeless (turn it on before buying?)5. CV axles are bad at the transmission side (look under car, drive it and hear clicking, see leakage?)6. Brakes are bad and fail inspection (did you not check the brakes, or notice when you were driving?
7. Oil pressure sensors are going south (dont know how they can be ''going'' bad, But ok.)
8. Compression is low (compression tester is $20, And takes 5 minutes, before buying the car?)9. Oil return line is leaking (look under the car)10. Transmission will need a rebuild soon (drive it before the trade, How did you not notice this?)11. The crankshaft seals are leaking
12. The transfer case is leaking (look under it before the trade?)

 

[ian_maham]

What you should do is report him, what he did is against the law and he can be fined and you can get your old car back. He sold you a junker and told you it was in okay condition. Don't put another penny in that car.

But honestly, how could you buy a car that had a check engine light on and not check out exactly what was wrong. I kind of feel like you deserve this...

And OH GOD DO NOT TAKE OUT ANOTHER LOAN!!! Your already screwed, buy a bike in the mean time.

Yeah, you know when things go south, it really gets to you at first! But, afterwards when you think about it, I really don't think it's worth going and getting in a big fight out it. I have been to court before, and have tried to settle disputes before, but it's just not worth the $500 I might get out of it. Even if I just try and talk to him, he's probably just going to say, "That's ypur fault." I'd rather learn my lesson here and just get on with it. Besides, if I stay steamed and angry about the deal, then I'm unhappy for a while, but if I get over it now, I can get on with things now. And, I'm cool with that. I am really only out $500 if you think about it. And that's not the end of the world. However, if it was a Porsche out of commission, then I might have something more to say.

WTF The guy just got screwed out of a couple grand!!! Not a $300 turbo

 

[1993eclipseGS]

You are actually wrong, There is nothing that can be done, And the deal had been completed and signed off by a legal notary.

The original owner DID NOT hold a gun to his head and force him to trade cars. It was actually the thread starters' decision/idea to do so. He had every second while he were there, To say NO, And walk away. Did he? Well, We know the answer to that question as it's more then obvious.

I've seen it in court, Before. You are buying/trading a USED, AS IS WHERE IS CAR, With NO warrenties EXPRESSED or implied. Had it been a dealer though, Something could have possibly been done, But not by a private party, For the most part.

HE agreed to do the trade, HE had all the time in the world to properly inspect the car, But HE did not do so.

Although the car might be a "junker" in your eyes, Or others... It could have been perfectly normal in the original owners eyes. Rembmer the saying " one mans trash is another mans treasure ".

You really need to do all of your homework before buying something used, WITHOUT a warrenty being given. Once it's all said and done, The only person to blame is yourself. In the mean time, Before buying or trading the car... The car could have been completly inspected, By the future owner, Or ANY mechanic/dealership. That was not the case here, It had been over-looked. Which means, You not get a thread like this, Bashing the original owner because the new owner did not see all of these problems at the time of trade/purchase.

The only screwing I see here, Is the screwing he did to himself, UNFORTUNATLY.

Once again, I'm not trying to cause a fued between the different types of posts being read in this thread. I'm just stating my opinion, And just like everyone else, We all have different views and opinions, But nobody knows exactly what had been checked/inspected except the actual buyer and seller.

 

[ian_maham]

Not necessarily, all he would have to do is prove that he was taken advantage of. That doesn't seem very hard to do in this case. Some of the problems listed don't just happen over night, they take time to show. This would imply that the seller was aware of its previous problems and lied to buyer. This isn't a murder trial that that needs 100% proof. It's pretty obvious of what happened. Your right about one thing though, HE AGREED. He agreed on a car with minor problems, not a complete overhaul.

 

[brassc2007]

are you sure i believe that the lemon laws apply to as is where is cars to. Word of mouth stand up in court in some states if it was not a written agreement i would check into your states lemon laws

 

[1993eclipseGS]

The whole thing would be different' states, Then. I know here in PA, if you are a private seller/buyer and buy a car without a warrenty expressed/implied, Then it is your job to completly inspect the car over, And go from there by either accepting it for what it is, Not looking at it and hoping for the best, Or simply saying NO, and walk away!

When you buy a used car here, It's as-is, where-is. Meaning as you see it, Where it is, Is exactly what you are getting. You are 100% responsible to make the final decision weather you want it or not. YOU need to check the car over 100% before buying it. The seller does not hafto say ANYTHING about the car, If it's as is/ where is. As soon as you remove the car from the spot the car is in, Then you are now responsible for every cent that goes into the car.

Again, I'm assuming every state is different, And i'm sure alot of states are more strict, But here in PA, You would not win in court, If from a private party.

 

[JTURBOGSX]

if any lesson is learned here DONT TRUST anybody and never make your dsm your daily driver been down that road

 

[One Equals Two]

, I keep saying I know I got screwed! I also knew I was desperate and I knew the car had CEL on, etc. etc. I didn't run through the car much at all OBVIOUSLY. I usually run through my cars entirely before buying them, but I think I trusted him too much (and it was 10:30 at night) because he is a pretty high ranking and high reputation guy on the local DSM forum here, so I figured he wouldn't be that kind of person.

The tranny issue started up about 15 miles ago. Fluid was fine and clear and not burnt, but it's shifting pretty horribly right now. The cam seals and stuff, yeah, just lazy and didn't look at the engine.

Well, tis' life, and life goes on.