Stupid question inside.
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What state are you in? In California, you can negotiate, sign every bit of the paperwork, walk outside to take delivery, change your mind and walk off. Granted, if you went THAT far you'd probably have a legal battle on your hands, but short of signing the documents the finance guy gives you, it's not your car yet, and they are obligated to give you your money back. Now, getting them to do this voluntarily is a pain in the *** of the utmost degree. They will be perfectly ok with selling you a different car, but they aren't going to like it if you've changed your mind completely.
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I'm in Massachusetts. The car I'm interested in is a WRX at a new Nissan dealership they got as a trade-in. Sounds like a big hassle, I'll probably pass on the deposit.
Its the first one I've test driven and though I would never make the purchase without looking at a couple more, I must admit I've become a little attached to it.
Its the first one I've test driven and though I would never make the purchase without looking at a couple more, I must admit I've become a little attached to it.
Last edited by Eternal_Reign; Jan 1, 2003 at 01:23 PM.
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Ok, I get it. What is making you not confident in it? High mileage? Unknown lineage (out-of-state, auction car, evidence of neglect)? One thing the sales guys tell you that you can believe is that there is no need to compare used cars too much, unless the dealer is just being a PITA. Focus on that particular car, and if nothing pops up that makes you shy away from it, go for it. If you want any advice from a former used car pusher, uh, I mean salesman, just PM me. Also, request that they let you take it to an independent shop for a full inspection. If they balk at that, then walk, but they should be willing to stand behind the cars they sell.
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Is this the used WRX at Ira Nissan? I saw one in the paper, I actually live down the street from there. I'd be skeptical of any used WRX that was being sold after a year, especially if the previous owner wasn't around to find out how badly they beat up on it or what they thought was wrong with it when they got rid of it. Be careful.
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I'm betting the WRX was being traded for a 350Z, which makes enough sense for me. But definitely have it inspected with an eye towards uncovering abuse- worn rotors/pads, out-of-round wheels, shavings in the tranny fluid or oil, brake fluid contamination, coolant contamination, etc. And if you do get a used car, be sure do do EVERY periodical maintenance item on it so you know where you stand on the schedule.
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From: Reno, NV
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Originally posted by WRBlue
I put a deposit down on a car in Va once. Changed my mind and they wrote me a check, not exactly the cash that I have them, but better then nothing. Not sure about other area's.
I put a deposit down on a car in Va once. Changed my mind and they wrote me a check, not exactly the cash that I have them, but better then nothing. Not sure about other area's.
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NO there is no law. From a sales point of view a deposit is the dealers way of letting you know you're sold. they have a deposit now your going to buy. But if you change your mind they have to give the cash back. Most states from what i understand you can change your mind until you drive it off the lot.
The deposit isnt a legal binding contract say they have one car on the lot. You give them 100$ to hold the car and leave while you "think it over" 2 minutes later a guy walks in with cash in hand they can sell the car. I know a guy who did this with the first Subaru Baja they got.
As far as taking the car to a garage for a look over that is a good idea esoecially if they are a new dealership with no reaql reputatuion to rely on. Any dealer should let you do that. If they don't then they dont want to sell you a car.
The deposit isnt a legal binding contract say they have one car on the lot. You give them 100$ to hold the car and leave while you "think it over" 2 minutes later a guy walks in with cash in hand they can sell the car. I know a guy who did this with the first Subaru Baja they got.
As far as taking the car to a garage for a look over that is a good idea esoecially if they are a new dealership with no reaql reputatuion to rely on. Any dealer should let you do that. If they don't then they dont want to sell you a car.
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Ok, its a 2002 WRB WRX. The odometer is at 19,500. I guess thats a lot for a car registered in Dec 01'. But thats a mere fraction of my concern.
There are a few things I noticed on the car...
Cold air intake- I believe it was an Injen. Do CAIs affect the factory warrenty? After I took some time to convince the salesman that this big polished metal pipe was not a stock component he told me he would look into it.
Sunroof- Seemed pretty well done. Not something I would have done, but I can't say I would mind having a sunroof if it didn't give me any problems. Most of these aftermarket sunroofs are known to leak though...
Exhaust- I was almost excited when I started up the car and heard a deep rumble that had to be an aftermarket exhaust. To my disappointment and disgust, I later looked underneath the car and saw one of these big ol' coffee can mufflers attached to the stock centerpipe.
Small notes- Subaru trunk logo debadged poorly, scratches were visible even though it was dusk. Brackets on the trunk that could only be the remains of towering aluminum spoiler judging by their positioning(coverable with a v7 STi spoiler). Thin, silver, double-lined decal across both sides of the car, ewwww.
Clean record, only history was registration.
The previous owner not only had bad taste, but was obviously driving this car hard. On top of this there was this noise from the front end the must have been the transmission or suspension I would hear when I launched (a little) roughly from a stop. Pointed that out to the salesman and he told me that would be looked into, too. I checked the oil, which was 1/4 an inch below the bottom marker and wasn't exactly clean. I'm told its in the shop regarding my concerns. Smells like trouble to me... what do you guys think?
Cabal, thats the one.
There are a few things I noticed on the car...
Cold air intake- I believe it was an Injen. Do CAIs affect the factory warrenty? After I took some time to convince the salesman that this big polished metal pipe was not a stock component he told me he would look into it.
Sunroof- Seemed pretty well done. Not something I would have done, but I can't say I would mind having a sunroof if it didn't give me any problems. Most of these aftermarket sunroofs are known to leak though...
Exhaust- I was almost excited when I started up the car and heard a deep rumble that had to be an aftermarket exhaust. To my disappointment and disgust, I later looked underneath the car and saw one of these big ol' coffee can mufflers attached to the stock centerpipe.
Small notes- Subaru trunk logo debadged poorly, scratches were visible even though it was dusk. Brackets on the trunk that could only be the remains of towering aluminum spoiler judging by their positioning(coverable with a v7 STi spoiler). Thin, silver, double-lined decal across both sides of the car, ewwww.
Clean record, only history was registration.
The previous owner not only had bad taste, but was obviously driving this car hard. On top of this there was this noise from the front end the must have been the transmission or suspension I would hear when I launched (a little) roughly from a stop. Pointed that out to the salesman and he told me that would be looked into, too. I checked the oil, which was 1/4 an inch below the bottom marker and wasn't exactly clean. I'm told its in the shop regarding my concerns. Smells like trouble to me... what do you guys think?
Cabal, thats the one.
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Run and don't look back. The only thing missing from the list was burn't rotors and grinding gears. For the love of God, don't buy that car. You can bet that he flogged the car from day one and even if he didn't you don't know for sure. You may be able to contact the old owner and ask him about the car. It is out of his hands so he will be truthful. Either way, I would run or offer a LOW bid and tell him that he is a thief if he sells it for more.
Tim
Tim
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From: Reno, NV
Car Info: 1993/2000/2001 GF4 mostly red
Skip it. Any dealer that doesn't even bother to change the oil on their used vehicles doesn't deserve your business. Way too many negatives on your list to outweigh the simple fact that it is a WRX. Wait for another, it will come around.


