Hi all, new subaru owner Forester '99 - wondering if it should be a short ownership and need some advice. I recently bought the car from a mechanic who operates as a dealer near minneapolis at the high end of KBB value - $3K - under (pointing this out more for schadenfreude) assurances (and amazing salesmanship) that it won't need repairs in the short term, his integrity, his word etc etc. Having moved countries, the amount I paid was most of the our buffer and now we are down to waiting for paycheck for rent. Long story (and hard lesson) I was pretty naive and stupid and didn't have it checked before (excuse of pressure in new job, lack of mobility without car, dealers can't sell dangerous cars back home, etc). Days later engine codes started popping up. Not familiar with cars, I took it to a second mechanic nearby recommended by multiple work colleagues who just gave me $2K worth of things that he says need fixing - specifically belts and brakes that according to him are ready to go anytime and safety problem. What are my sensible options in this scenario? Any constructive advice appreciated.
I think used car lots have like a 24-48 hr grace period that if you find any problems with the car you can return it to that dealer and they can give you your money back or money to put down on another car but if youve had it longer than that Id say go to a auto parts store and get the cheap rotors and pads just to get you by, or get the cheap belts to get you by. But with the brakes, if you have a spot to do them, they would prolly be easier to do yourself or with a friend. You dont need to do them all around either if youre living paycheck to paycheck, just the fronts until you get the money to do the backs.
I have dealt with similar issues, except in oklahoma. Basically, what I would do if I were you is, contact the dealer who sold it and tell them that there are way too many problems with the car, tell them about how much in repairs the car needs, then ask for a refund. If they wont take the car back then I would escalate the situation and potentially contact a legal expert. Also, did you get a warranty or was it as is? Even with an as is warranty you can still fight it legally. Minnesota DOES have lemon laws, unlike Oklahoma. I was lucky enough to have free legal experts to help me though via the army. Also, try bbb.org, the better business bureau. You can contact them about the company, with what the issue is and what you want done to correct it (maybe have them fix the issues?). The BBB will contact them on your behalf, and any semi respectable business will comply with your demands, because a bad rating on the bbb.org website is bad news for people who care about their business.
