Just bought car, engine dying :(

[dhruvprakash]

Hey guys,

I am a new Mazda3 (2006, 2.3 hatch GT, 123800 km, 5 spd) owner and a new forum member as well!

I purchased my car privately 4 days ago and all seemed well during the test drive, but as soon as I signed the ownership, I have been hearing a ticking sound that you seem to have experienced as well. Best to say that the car sounds like a Diesel

In fact I heard it on the way back from the MTO office, but at the time I just thought it was the front license plate banging against the bumper as I had tightened it without a screwdriver at the point...but that was not the case

A few characteristics:
- You can hear it while cranking the engine, during idle and during driving
- Increases with Revs
- Audible even during idle (when car is not moving)..so it’s not the suspension, or brakes or tires…
- Can be heard from the cabin and upon lifting the hood it sounds as if it is coming from centre-left area if you are facing the engine.
- It seems as if the sound is less pronounced when I go uphill. It is louder while driving on a flat surface or going down hill.
- Oil is almost black, but service record indicates oil change at 119,500 km

I have barely put 200 kms on the car since I got it transferred to my name and out of those 150 have gone to get the car inspected at Westowne by Vito, MOT (Joe was not in, spoke to Vincent yesterday) and a private garage. All three sources say that the car needs a new engine. :whoa

Only Vito @ Westowne was able to venture a guess and indicated that it sounds as if a connecting rod is loose / bearing is worn. He was nice enough to provide the diagnostic for free as well. Today, I took it to MOT, hoping for a more cheerful prognosis, but they said that they can’t guess unless they tear apart the engine. So I basically learnt nothing new, but walked out with a lighter wallet.

Thanks so much for your help/advice/suggestions regarding causes, fixes or hookups…I am really quite nervous. I would be happy to send you a small audio file in which you can hear the engine idling and learn of your opinions.

What blows is that this is also my first car, I am just out of school and I need it to get to my new place of work, which is not easy to get to by public transport. So instead of focusing on my new job, I am stressing on a car I have barely driven/owned.

Buying an '06, I was hoping for a few years of satisfying and relatively trouble free ownership...but...sigh :(

I have been driving the car like a grandma, basically shifting at 2200 rpm or less and not using the air conditioner (to save the engine any more stress than is necessary)

Your help and comments would be much appreciated!

Regards,
Dhruv

[MPS]

its normal for MZ3
but i think there was a fix for it
try search button

[notoriousb]

Don't you have a week before you can take a just bought car if there are problems that were not noted on your contract???


http://car-part.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi?userSearch=int&userPID=1000&userLocation=All+States&userIMS=&userInterchange=CCB%3F@N&userSide=&userDate=2006&userDate2=2006&dbModel=48.25.1.1&userModel=Mazda%203&dbPart=300.1&userPart=Engine&sessionID=200000000000000000043580707&userPreference=zip&userZip=L6Y4K8&userLat=43.6704&userLong=-79.7528&userUID=0&userBroker=&userPage=1&iKey=

Those are the engines available for your car -- for some reason they are in the $2000 range --- I would just get an engine overhaul for about $500-1000.

Or first change your oil and use seafoam.

[dhruvprakash]

its normal for MZ3
but i think there was a fix for it
try search button

Thanks for the quick response, were you talking about the fix for the intake valve issue? Apparently, these dealers that I have mentioned think its something more serious than that...

If its not too much trouble, I would REALLY appreciate you pointing me in the right direction!

[jonjon72]

I would suggest getting a non-Mazda dealership opinion and have Jimmy at Street Performance take a look.

[MPS]

+1 for Jim 905-943-9449
i say its ur best option for good and honest mechanic with out any BS :bana (ok some BS on saturdays only lol)


I would suggest getting a non-Mazda dealership opinion and have Jimmy at Street Performance take a look.

[dhruvprakash]

+1 for Jim 905-943-9449
i say its ur best option for good and honest mechanic with out any BS :bana (ok some BS on saturdays only lol)

I have called Jimmy, and unfortunately he was closed this Sat being the long weekend and all. Do y'all know how much he will charge to have a look at it? I already dropped 125 at MOT without getting a clear answer from them as they said they would need to tear apart the engine to find out the exact failure.

Perhaps I will take it to Jimmy this Wednesday. I also have a new job starting on Tuesday (main reason for buying car)...so I'm gonna have to manage/coordinate all of that.

UGH, what a pain in the derierre!

Thanks for the advice, keep it coming guys! Its like my only ray of light in a dark dark time...

Wow, that sounded rather melodramatic!

[rick10]

best advice i can give you is DO NOT TAKE IT TO THE DEALER... They are going to charge up the ass and you are not going to get anywhere...

Something similar happened to a buddy at work , he had to dropped almost 800 for the dealer to tell him they are still not sure what the problem was ....

Just take it to a garage ( like mentioned before) those guys are most likely to give you a diagnosis without charging you too much ( most of the times free)

worst case scenario you have to put a new engine in it which is not that much , I read someone in this forum already got a new engine ( used one with 20 000 km) for under 2500 installation included ... Of course if you go to the dealer they are going to charge you at least 10 000 ( that was the quote i heard from the same member that got the engine for 2500) for a new engine...


Dont stress too much about it , worst case you put a new engine which is around 2 - 3000 grand and you have a car with much less KMs , if you bought it private you probably saved a lot in taxes so just think as you paying the dealer tax ( which is probably around 2000-3000) and you are getting a better engine with less KMs....

just trying to be positive!

[MajesticBlueNTO]

does it sound like this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_O8qSw4dxII)? does the noise stop after unplugging the harness as shown in the video?

this thread (ttp://torontomazda3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11854) discussed the noise in that video being from the butterfly valve in the intake manifold.

if it is that noise in the video, it's not detrimental to drive it...however, the intake manifold is an expensive replacement outside of warranty.

if it's not the noise in the video, does the engine/car shake? a loose con-rod, fouled spark plug, loss of compression in a cylinder would throw the engine out of balance and cause shaking to go along with the noise.

if it is not that noise in the video, and there is no shaking, it could also be noisy fuel injectors.

...have a compression test done on the engine, which will also reveal the condition of the plugs.

just take it to jimmy and you'll be in good hands.

[MPS]

Jimmy wont charge you nothing for looking at it :)


I have called Jimmy, and unfortunately he was closed this Sat being the long weekend and all. Do y'all know how much he will charge to have a look at it? I already dropped 125 at MOT without getting a clear answer from them as they said they would need to tear apart the engine to find out the exact failure.

Perhaps I will take it to Jimmy this Wednesday. I also have a new job starting on Tuesday (main reason for buying car)...so I'm gonna have to manage/coordinate all of that.

UGH, what a pain in the derierre!

Thanks for the advice, keep it coming guys! Its like my only ray of light in a dark dark time...

Wow, that sounded rather melodramatic!

[dhruvprakash]

Hey Guys so I have uploaded my first youtube video as well where you can see/hear thee engine. Available here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkIcy803bEM).

Thanks for the advice regarding Jimmy..lets hope his recommendations are not as extreme.

MajesticBlueNTO - thanks for posting the youtube links. I am not sure, but it sounds as if my engine has a deeper sounding tick. I guess its more like "thuck thuck thuck". Let me know what y'all think.

To answer your question MajesticBlueNTO, the car and engine don't really shake, though you can feel the vibrations (slightly) inside the car. Spark plugs were changed less than 5000 km ago by previous owner according to service records.

I barely have any money in my accnt...so if the car needs a new engine, I really wouldn;t know what to do...

[MPS]

i think its the motor

[omalak]

Did you get the car checked out by a mechanic before you bought it? def not a normal sign.. hopefully jimmy can pinpoint it.

I also notice the battery air duct is missing, and you got a strut bar on there and wheels.. I assume the car was pre modded..

i know most of us take good care of our cars, but with modded cars you always gotta take that extra precaution when buying.. you never know what was done

Good luck, hopefully it's not too expensive to fix :)

[BiGBanG]

does it sound like this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_O8qSw4dxII)? does the noise stop after unplugging the harness as shown in the video?

this thread (ttp://torontomazda3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11854) discussed the noise in that video being from the butterfly valve in the intake manifold.

if it is that noise in the video, it's not detrimental to drive it...however, the intake manifold is an expensive replacement outside of warranty.



I have that noise in my car, is it covered under warranty?

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

i think its the motor

+1. It sounds like the engine is on its way out. Jimmy will know...all praise the Jimmy...

[notoriousb]

does it sound like this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_O8qSw4dxII)? does the noise stop after unplugging the harness as shown in the video?

this thread (ttp://torontomazda3.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11854) discussed the noise in that video being from the butterfly valve in the intake manifold.

if it is that noise in the video, it's not detrimental to drive it...however, the intake manifold is an expensive replacement outside of warranty.

if it's not the noise in the video, does the engine/car shake? a loose con-rod, fouled spark plug, loss of compression in a cylinder would throw the engine out of balance and cause shaking to go along with the noise.

if it is not that noise in the video, and there is no shaking, it could also be noisy fuel injectors.

...have a compression test done on the engine, which will also reveal the condition of the plugs.

just take it to jimmy and you'll be in good hands.


let's hope its the intake manifold -- It costs around $250 and you can install it your self...

The engine on the other hand -- you can get replaced for $600 + the cost of the engine ... which is about $1500-2500 depending on the mileage and where you get it.

[notoriousb]

Your engine makes wayyy too much noise besides the ticking lol

but it almost sounds like an exhaust leak? Did you check if that's it?

Maybe in the exhaust manifold area???

[Flagrum_3]

It definately sounds like an engine internal! I don't think it's as serious as a loose rod or thrown bearing as the engine runs too smooth.I would guess it's either what MajesticBlue mentioned or a bad/loose tappet or maybe even the Variable Valve timing actuator, which is a known problem with these engines.

Hope it's not too serious and good luck!


Let us know what fixes it,

thanks.


_3

[x_o_k_x]

sounds like a blown engine.

[Gizzmo_jr]

Spun bearing. Sounds identical to someone who did just that at my autox club (z04 corvette thou)

[mazdabetty]

ohhh noooo that sucks.... wouldn't your 5 year warranty cover this?? Or is that just the drivetrain?

[Flagrum_3]

ohhh noooo that sucks.... wouldn't your 5 year warranty cover this?? Or is that just the drivetrain?

Unless he has MAP extended warranty he's well over on the mileage.



Guys, comments like "It's a blown engine" etc; do nothing here.Does anyone here know what a blown engine sounds like? Most of the time a 'Blown' engine will not even run as usually they will seize-up...his engine seems to run fine except for the noise and remember the engine was still cold in the video...A noise like that could be anything from some things mentioned here to as simple as the water pump...So let's give the guy some hope here and see what Jimmy says.


_3

[MPS]

x5 blown motors with Mazda :)
i know the sound and with that he can still drive for a while
i did for about 5 weeks
royroy did same with his speed drove it till it went


Unless he has MAP extended warranty he's well over on the mileage.



Guys, comments like "It's a blown engine" etc; do nothing here.Does anyone here know what a blown engine sounds like? Most of the time a 'Blown' engine will not even run as usually they will seize-up...his engine seems to run fine except for the noise and remember the engine was still cold in the video...A noise like that could be anything from some things mentioned here to as simple as the water pump...So let's give the guy some hope here and see what Jimmy says.


_3

[x_o_k_x]

Spun bearing. Sounds identical to someone who did just that at my autox club (z04 corvette thou)

+1 or belt tensioner. It reminds me of 09 wrx265 enigine failures. Same sound too

[whodilly]

Sorry to say, but the engine is toast. Had the same sound with my engine but "mazda" mechanics were unable to diagnose exactly what the culprit was and just said I needed a new engine. Biggest waste of $100! Took it to another shop and they said my engine was dry and was burning oil. I had just got an oil change 1000kms ago. The shop tore down the engine and found that the upper engine bearings in 2 cylinders were done but didn't know why (could be from the lack of oil). They also found that 2 cylinders were fouled so it seems that there wasn't a proper seal and thats why I was burning oil. In the end got a new "used" engine put in.

If you're having the same problem as me, monitor your oil level constantly to see if you are burning oil and check your spark plugs for fouling/carbon build up. If so then your engine is toast.

My advice to you is that if you have the money, it will cost approximately $3000 dollars to get a new "used" engine put in depending on the mileage. That is probably the cheapest solution.

Another option is to get the engine rebuilt but that could be cheaper or more expensive as it depends on how bad the damage is and what needs to be replaced. Can't tell without taking it apart so it may not be worth the effort.

[mzkaye729]

+1 or belt tensioner. It reminds me of 09 wrx265 enigine failures. Same sound too

That's what I thought too... but those Subaru engine failures were due to a faulty spun bearing right ? I wonder if they ever recalled the vehicles.. I don't follow Subaru much so I wouldnt know..

Op, good luck. Keep us updated on what the problem was and how it's to be resolved. I'm in almost the same boat as you so I know how you feel when you say "you wouldn't know what to do..."

[MPS]

i think there may be a 30 day lemon (lime) law and you can get ur cash back even if its private sale
you may want to goggle that

[dhruvprakash]

Hey all,
sorry for the delay in replying, had to pick up the gf from the airport, spend time with her and prepare for new job (first day tomorrow!) while looking for apartments for September move in!

By the way, what time is Jimmy open till on Wednesdays? I am planning on visiting him after work (will drive from Meadowvale area w/o using HWY's)


i think there may be a 30 day lemon (lime) law and you can get ur cash back even if its private sale
you may want to goggle that

I looked but could not find anything on that...the contract says 'as is', the seller did not let me take to my mechanic. Do let me know if you know where to find that article/legislation. I would owe you big time.


That's what I thought too... but those Subaru engine failures were due to a faulty spun bearing right ? I wonder if they ever recalled the vehicles.. I don't follow Subaru much so I wouldnt know..

Op, good luck. Keep us updated on what the problem was and how it's to be resolved. I'm in almost the same boat as you so I know how you feel when you say "you wouldn't know what to do..."

Thanks for the empathy mzkaye729. What's up with your car?


Sorry to say, but the engine is toast. Had the same sound with my engine but "mazda" mechanics were unable to diagnose exactly what the culprit was and just said I needed a new engine. Biggest waste of $100! Took it to another shop and they said my engine was dry and was burning oil. I had just got an oil change 1000kms ago. The shop tore down the engine and found that the upper engine bearings in 2 cylinders were done but didn't know why (could be from the lack of oil). They also found that 2 cylinders were fouled so it seems that there wasn't a proper seal and thats why I was burning oil. In the end got a new "used" engine put in.

If you're having the same problem as me, monitor your oil level constantly to see if you are burning oil and check your spark plugs for fouling/carbon build up. If so then your engine is toast.

My advice to you is that if you have the money, it will cost approximately $3000 dollars to get a new "used" engine put in depending on the mileage. That is probably the cheapest solution.

Another option is to get the engine rebuilt but that could be cheaper or more expensive as it depends on how bad the damage is and what needs to be replaced. Can't tell without taking it apart so it may not be worth the effort.

Hey whodilly, I am not sure if the acoustics of the garage/mic sensitivity make it sound louder than it is or not, but who knows...
The oil level in my car is fine, but it is almost black. Previous owner's records indicate oil change was done ~4000 km ago.
What shop did you go to? How much did they charge for the teardown?


Unless he has MAP extended warranty he's well over on the mileage.



Guys, comments like "It's a blown engine" etc; do nothing here.Does anyone here know what a blown engine sounds like? Most of the time a 'Blown' engine will not even run as usually they will seize-up...his engine seems to run fine except for the noise and remember the engine was still cold in the video...A noise like that could be anything from some things mentioned here to as simple as the water pump...So let's give the guy some hope here and see what Jimmy says.


_3

Thanks Flagrum_3. Do you think that it could be something simpler like water/fuel pump problems? To elaborate on your observations, the engine warms up normally during the course of operation and I don't think there is any loss of power (but I dont have a frame of reference as I have been driving the car as if I were on ice). Had I been deaf, I wouldnt have thought anything was wrong.


Your engine makes wayyy too much noise besides the ticking lol

but it almost sounds like an exhaust leak? Did you check if that's it?

Maybe in the exhaust manifold area???

Have not specifically checked for that...I am not as mechanically competent as some of you folks..though this experience has taught me a bit! Not the circumstances under which I wanted to learn, but thats life.

----------------
Guys it would be great if you could point out some of the areas I should ask Jimmy to look at...just so that I cover all the bases during 1 visit.
Also since I am a noob and he doesnt know me from Adam, if one of you is really pally with him, I would REALLY be grateful for a reference/intro whatever so that he leaves no stone unturned while checking it out....as this car, in spite of the headache its causing, is my baby.

Hope y'all enjoyed the weekend more than I did :)

[dhruvprakash]

Did you get the car checked out by a mechanic before you bought it? def not a normal sign.. hopefully jimmy can pinpoint it.

I also notice the battery air duct is missing, and you got a strut bar on there and wheels.. I assume the car was pre modded..

i know most of us take good care of our cars, but with modded cars you always gotta take that extra precaution when buying.. you never know what was done

Good luck, hopefully it's not too expensive to fix :)

Yup, the car was premodded
I kept trying to get the seller to let me take it to a mechanic. But he said that he didn't wanna give the car to me cause of my lack of insurance at the time and because he wouldn't 'trust his baby in the hands of some unknown mechanic'...so I let it go.

From what I gathered, it was daily commuter car and It SEEMED as if he had taken good care of the car...but that was my naivety I guess.
------------------
Sorry for the double post...

And to answer Flagrum_3/mazdabettys question..i dont have MAP

[FLIPDADY]

Looks like there's some used parts on your car. By watching that video I saw a marking on the rad support. Probably been in an accident before?

[MajesticBlueNTO]

Looks like there's some used parts on your car. By watching that video I saw a marking on the rad support. Probably been in an accident before?

i think the marking says "4.3L"...someone needed to be reminded as to how much oil to put in the engine. :)

i've heard that sound before on an old TM3 member's engine that was on the way out.

the oil may have been changed recently but what may have happened was that, at some point, the oil got real low in the engine and there was an instance where the engine became oil starved and it spun a bearing (i.e. taking a corner/on-ramp hard causing the oil to move away from the pickup).

the previous owner not allowing you to take it to a mechanic was real shady as he may have been trying to knowingly sell a car with a bad engine.

[cinder88]

Wow, when someone does not let you take the car they are selling to a mechanic, BELLS SHOULD BE GOING OFF!
Mazda3's are everywhere this guy was not selling a rare car, where does he get off.
Once the money changes hands the car is now yours, and everything that is wrong with the car. Unless you can prove that the owner knew of the problem you have no case at all.

Man talk about a life lesson, Sorry to be bitter about your situation.

Anyway, It could be many things/ noises.
If the car drives, just drive it gently for a while. When something happens deal with it then. Hopefully it is just the VTCS noise and the garages you went to dont know a ****in thing about cars, and just want to scam you for a BIG cash job.

When buying a private sellers car, ALWAYS have it looked at by a competent mechanic, a very detailed inspection, take the valve cover off. And when you test drive it, really put the car through its paces, and listen for anything strange.
Sorry your first car buying experience was this shitty.

I had something similar happen to me, I only buy from dealers with guarantees now, a few thousand is not worth the potential bullshit, and zero recourse from private sales.

[chinsterr]

I feel for the OP, but you live and learn. Chances are the owner of that car was a member on this board ! It's a shame that someone from this community would do such a thing, assuming that he/she sold the car knowing the engine was on it's way out.

Hope everything works out for you.

[MajesticBlueNTO]

I feel for the OP, but you live and learn. Chances are the owner of that car was a member on this board ! It's a shame that someone from this community would do such a thing, assuming that he/she sold the car knowing the engine was on it's way out.

Hope everything works out for you.

the previous owner is/was a member of this board (http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=35346) :pop

[chinsterr]

the previous owner is/was a member of this board (http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=35346) :pop

ouch. I didnt catch that one !

[MPS]

ohhhh boy

[mazda lover]

Yup, the car was premodded
I kept trying to get the seller to let me take it to a mechanic. But he said that he didn't wanna give the car to me cause of my lack of insurance at the time and because he wouldn't 'trust his baby in the hands of some unknown mechanic'...so I let it go.

From what I gathered, it was daily commuter car and It SEEMED as if he had taken good care of the car...but that was my naivety I guess.
------------------
Sorry for the double post...

And to answer Flagrum_3/mazdabettys question..i dont have MAP

He should have driven the car to a mechanic with you. If it was a private sale did you go to his home to view the car. Did he have a information package? he needed to supply one, in fact if he didn't and when you went to the license office to have the ownership transfered they would have to issue one to you, its the law I believe... no such thing as a 30 day cooling off period.

[whodilly]

ouch. I didnt catch that one !

+1! :pop shady...

[dhruvprakash]

So I had the previous owner safety and etest the vehicle prior to sale (for an extra $300 mind you!), and I realized that the DRL's dont work. Is that something I should be taking up with the shop that did it?
------------------

He should have driven the car to a mechanic with you. If it was a private sale did you go to his home to view the car. Did he have a information package? he needed to supply one, in fact if he didn't and when you went to the license office to have the ownership transfered they would have to issue one to you, its the law I believe... no such thing as a 30 day cooling off period.

I suggested that to him (us both going to mech), but he works in Sales so "time is money" for him...UVIP was there. He brought the car to my place of work for the showing. The ownership was his


I feel for the OP, but you live and learn. Chances are the owner of that car was a member on this board ! It's a shame that someone from this community would do such a thing, assuming that he/she sold the car knowing the engine was on it's way out.

Hope everything works out for you.

Thanks chinsterr. If he knew that something was wrong, its a really sick world we live in..cuz I told him that I am fresh outta school and starting out my first job, got debt etc. and can not afford "surprises"


Wow, when someone does not let you take the car they are selling to a mechanic, BELLS SHOULD BE GOING OFF!
Mazda3's are everywhere this guy was not selling a rare car, where does he get off.
Once the money changes hands the car is now yours, and everything that is wrong with the car. Unless you can prove that the owner knew of the problem you have no case at all.

Man talk about a life lesson, Sorry to be bitter about your situation.

Anyway, It could be many things/ noises.
If the car drives, just drive it gently for a while. When something happens deal with it then. Hopefully it is just the VTCS noise and the garages you went to dont know a ****in thing about cars, and just want to scam you for a BIG cash job.

When buying a private sellers car, ALWAYS have it looked at by a competent mechanic, a very detailed inspection, take the valve cover off. And when you test drive it, really put the car through its paces, and listen for anything strange.
Sorry your first car buying experience was this shitty.

I had something similar happen to me, I only buy from dealers with guarantees now, a few thousand is not worth the potential bullshit, and zero recourse from private sales.

Cinder, the sad thing is that I did a sh*t load of research before buying the car...learnt that you should have it inspected etc (usually i am very meticulous) but I figured that this guy is legit, spent $ on upgrades, zero rust..so figured his engine would be in shape as well.

One can only hope that this will be a cautionary tale to other people looking to buy a used car.

Lets see what Jimmy has to say abt VTCS


i think the marking says "4.3L"...someone needed to be reminded as to how much oil to put in the engine. :)

i've heard that sound before on an old TM3 member's engine that was on the way out.

the oil may have been changed recently but what may have happened was that, at some point, the oil got real low in the engine and there was an instance where the engine became oil starved and it spun a bearing (i.e. taking a corner/on-ramp hard causing the oil to move away from the pickup).

the previous owner not allowing you to take it to a mechanic was real shady as he may have been trying to knowingly sell a car with a bad engine.

Haha i think you are right abt the 4.3l being for the oil...ironic how its black though!
Who was the member who had that sound? I hope it wasnt the guy selling it to me..
As much as I hate to believe it, it does seem that his reluctance to take it to a mechanic was indicative of prior knowledge of troubles..


Looks like there's some used parts on your car. By watching that video I saw a marking on the rad support. Probably been in an accident before?

Hi Flipdady, are you thinking there are used parts just because of the 4.3L or is there something else as well? I got carproof on the vehicle, which says that it was clean, with no claims.

[mazdabetty]

So I had the previous owner safety and etest the vehicle prior to sale (for an extra $300 mind you!), and I realized that the DRL's dont work. Is that something I should be taking up with the shop that did it?

What!!!! OMG..... Take it up with both of them!!! There has to be some sort of law that protects people selling "big ticket items" privately... I'd be taking this guy to court to get my money back. He MUST have known there was an issue, and if he had any shred of decency in him, he would have offered to meet you at a mechanic of your choice with the car.

What a twat!!!!! I'm really sorry to hear you're having these issues and hope something can be worked out for you...

And on another note, congrats on the new job!



EDIT: I just thought I should also show you this link so you know your rights... whether or not these consumer rights fall under registered businesses only or include private sales, you should have a look either way and find out what you can do to fix this.

http://www.gov.on.ca/mgs/en/ConsProt/STEL02_045905.html

There's something called a "cooling off period", but again whether this will pertain to this specifically I'm not sure. There's also a link to "What Do I Do If I Think I’ve Been Sold a Lemon?" (http://www.gov.on.ca/mgs/en/ConsProt/STEL02_168478.html)

Hopefully this will help in some way. I really don't recommend wasting $3000 on a new engine when you could have bought a newer vehicle for the same price. Definitely fight it out, just my opinion! :)

[MajesticBlueNTO]

So I had the previous owner safety and etest the vehicle prior to sale (for an extra $300 mind you!), and I realized that the DRL's dont work. Is that something I should be taking up with the shop that did it?
------------------


I suggested that to him (us both going to mech), but he works in Sales so "time is money" for him...UVIP was there. He brought the car to my place of work for the showing. The ownership was his

Lets see what Jimmy has to say abt VTCS



Haha i think you are right abt the 4.3l being for the oil...ironic how its black though!
Who was the member who had that sound? I hope it wasnt the guy selling it to me..
As much as I hate to believe it, it does seem that his reluctance to take it to a mechanic was indicative of prior knowledge of troubles..


hindsight being 20/20, next time walk away from someone that gives excuses as to why they don't want to take it to a mechanic.

as for the VCTS, that's what is in the video i linked. pull either the plug harness or one of the vacuum hoses in the front of the intake manifold and, if the noise goes away, it's the VCTS.

hope all works out for you.

[BoostieMonster]

Even if the deal for the car was "AS IS" in the bill of sale or contract, you won't have a case under contract law, but you would under tort law.....so you can still sue him for damages! So sad that I know this as i'm studying for my P. Eng exam this Sat and the Law book is SO BORING.......

[chinsterr]

Even if the deal for the car was "AS IS" in the bill of sale or contract, you won't have a case under contract law, but you would under tort law.....so you can still sue him for damages! So sad that I know this as i'm studying for my P. Eng exam this Sat and the Law book is SO BORING.......


ooooo Tort law ..... memories of my Engineering Ethics class . Gl on ur P.Eng !


Dhruv , have you tried contacting the seller recently ? It would be interesting to see what he has to say. (BTW, I was supposed to buy the Koni Yellows on your car !)

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

ooooo Tort law ..... memories of my Engineering Ethics class . Gl on ur P.Eng !


Dhruv , have you tried contacting the seller recently ? It would be interesting to see what he has to say. (BTW, I was supposed to buy the Koni Yellows on your car !)

So who's car was it?

[thanu31]

the previous owner is/was a member of this board (http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=35346) :pop

his

[5_Alive]

MZ3-2266's old car.. his name is Mike..

OP, when was the vehicle safety performed? The date is what I am asking; if it is less than 36 days from right now(I'm sure it is, you bought July 27, correct?), go directly to the MTO and file a claim on the car, and contact Jimmy ASAP. You need to have your car looked over again because if the car got a "safety", you may have a car that got done blind.
When you go to Jimmy (unsure if he does safety's) or someone that does, make sure to have another safety done (usually $40-$60). I'm sure there is something else wrong.
DRL's are a HUGE factor, especially on a 2006, come on.

Get it checked the sooner the better, hopefully all works out for you man. This type of stuff upsets me as well, especially coming from a previous board member.
Now it makes sense as to why he seemed so eager to sell so fast, he probably knew or felt something was wrong.

Also, funny he sold it to you on the contract "As Is", but had it Safetied & E-tested.. Which means he is liable, so is the shop that performed the safety.
GL man, I'll keep up with this thread..
Moe

[mazdabetty]

Now it makes sense as to why he seemed so eager to sell so fast, he probably knew or felt something was wrong.

Oh yeah, he knew something was wrong.

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?p=308962#post308962

[Go_Habs_Go]

Oh yeah, he knew something was wrong.

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?p=308962#post308962

Maybe he never found the hamster?? :chuckle

Anyway...not to judge but this deal doesn't sound very kosher...

[chinsterr]

Oh yeah, he knew something was wrong.

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?p=308962#post308962

That's about a year old ! I don't think its the same problem.

[mazdabetty]

That hamster still lives in there.

There's your problem.

[Tokic_o]

:pop

[MajesticBlueNTO]

MZ3-2266's old car.. his name is Mike..

OP, when was the vehicle safety performed? The date is what I am asking; if it is less than 36 days from right now(I'm sure it is, you bought July 27, correct?), go directly to the MTO and file a claim on the car, and contact Jimmy ASAP. You need to have your car looked over again because if the car got a "safety", you may have a car that got done blind.
When you go to Jimmy (unsure if he does safety's) or someone that does, make sure to have another safety done (usually $40-$60). I'm sure there is something else wrong.
DRL's are a HUGE factor, especially on a 2006, come on.

Get it checked the sooner the better, hopefully all works out for you man. This type of stuff upsets me as well, especially coming from a previous board member.
Now it makes sense as to why he seemed so eager to sell so fast, he probably knew or felt something was wrong.

Also, funny he sold it to you on the contract "As Is", but had it Safetied & E-tested.. Which means he is liable, so is the shop that performed the safety.
GL man, I'll keep up with this thread..
Moe

unfortunately, in a private sale, a Safety Standards Cert (SSC) is not an implied warranty and only means that the car meets the Safety Inspections outlined in the HTA Regulation 611, Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 (http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_900611_e.htm)... the car can be Certified and E-tested but the buyer takes the car "as is" and any future problems become the responsibility of the buyer.

however, as you pointed out, the DRL, being part of the lighting system, needs to be accounted for in the SSC inspection. In the Lighting section of Schedule 1, 6.(1).(a) and 6.(1).(a) state: (http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_regs_900611_e.htm#BK6)



6. (1) Prescribed lamps and reflectors shall be inspected and tested and,

(a) each circuit shall light the filaments of all lamps on that circuit when the appropriate switch is in the “ON” position, and each indicator lamp shall indicate correctly;

(b) the operation of any lighting circuit shall not interfere with the operation of any other circuit;

(a) - when the parking brake is down, that is the "ON" position for the DRL. if the DRL does not light, it couldn't have passed that condition.

(b) - based on the FS thread, the car had HIDs and, to stop the flickering, the DRL circuit would've been bypassed...in essence, the operation of the DRL circuit was "interfered" in order to allow the operation of the HID circuit.

This is nit-picking, but it does raise the case that the car may have been Certified "blind" as any mechanic would've noted the sound of that engine.

[kevcol74]

DRLs are part of the safety, but at this point, unless you have documentation to verify they weren't working when it was safetied, you are SOL. "At the time of the inspection" is always the case for safety issues. In other words, you would have had to prove it right away. Now who's to say you didn't bypass the DRLs yourself?
I feel for you, don't get me wrong. But I've been on the other side of the coin, where I sold a car, safetied and e-tested, and 4 days later the kid is calling me back asking for his money back because he dropped the engine. (98 Contour SVT) I felt bad for the kid, but I delivered a running car from Kitchener to North York, to his driveway! What he did in the following 4 days, I have no clue. I admit it did have a noise from the engine, and I disclosed it, he drove it, I offered to fix it for the full asking price. He waived it, wanted the car with the noise. So in my position, what do you do? I sold a car I believed was in good working order. Maybe it wasn't, but thats a risk of buying a used car privately. I just bought a 2000 Subaru Impreza, and learned after I bought it, the check engine light had been pulled from the dash. Ends up its hiding 5 codes! Can I do anything? No, sold privately, assumed "as is". What can you do? Unfortunately, not much. Deal with it, fix it,or sell it and cut your losses. Sucks, but its true.

[Mz3-2266]

Hello Folks,

I just wanted to tell my side of the story. The reason why I wanted to sell the car asap is because I work for Lexus now and they offered me a demo car. If I wasn’t working here I would have been driving the 3 still, as for the DRL's I had it modded so the foglights were the DRL's. I know many of you have this mod done especially with aftermarket HID's. As for the motor, I had no idea that this was going to happen. I drove the car to the MTO to him the new buyer, I drove there with the windows down to make sure that car wasn't making any funny noises. There was no indication that the engine was on its "last legs". If I did, wouldn’t have sold it in that condition. I have provided all the receipts that I can find on the work that was done on the Mazda3. I have also provided the receipts for the major work done like the wheel bearings and the full tune up recently done in the beginning of June.

I did my part, thinking this would have been a smooth transaction. I've been on this forum since 2006 and was part of TOprotege forum as well. I just wanted to be clear that I'm not a scam artist; I had no idea about this issue on the motor.

Thanks,
Mike

[chinsterr]

DRLs are part of the safety, but at this point, unless you have documentation to verify they weren't working when it was safetied, you are SOL. "At the time of the inspection" is always the case for safety issues. In other words, you would have had to prove it right away. Now who's to say you didn't bypass the DRLs yourself?
I feel for you, don't get me wrong. But I've been on the other side of the coin, where I sold a car, safetied and e-tested, and 4 days later the kid is calling me back asking for his money back because he dropped the engine. (98 Contour SVT) I felt bad for the kid, but I delivered a running car from Kitchener to North York, to his driveway! What he did in the following 4 days, I have no clue. I admit it did have a noise from the engine, and I disclosed it, he drove it, I offered to fix it for the full asking price. He waived it, wanted the car with the noise. So in my position, what do you do? I sold a car I believed was in good working order. Maybe it wasn't, but thats a risk of buying a used car privately. I just bought a 2000 Subaru Impreza, and learned after I bought it, the check engine light had been pulled from the dash. Ends up its hiding 5 codes! Can I do anything? No, sold privately, assumed "as is". What can you do? Unfortunately, not much. Deal with it, fix it,or sell it and cut your losses. Sucks, but its true.

wow, the lengths some people will go.

[Mz3-2266]

Oh yeah, he knew something was wrong.

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?p=308962#post308962

Just for clarification, this had nothing to do with the engine it was actually the right wheel bearing & it was replaced. I have given the new owner the receipts on the work done.

Thank you,
Mike

[BoostieMonster]

DRLs are part of the safety, but at this point, unless you have documentation to verify they weren't working when it was safetied, you are SOL. "At the time of the inspection" is always the case for safety issues. In other words, you would have had to prove it right away. Now who's to say you didn't bypass the DRLs yourself?
I feel for you, don't get me wrong. But I've been on the other side of the coin, where I sold a car, safetied and e-tested, and 4 days later the kid is calling me back asking for his money back because he dropped the engine. (98 Contour SVT) I felt bad for the kid, but I delivered a running car from Kitchener to North York, to his driveway! What he did in the following 4 days, I have no clue. I admit it did have a noise from the engine, and I disclosed it, he drove it, I offered to fix it for the full asking price. He waived it, wanted the car with the noise. So in my position, what do you do? I sold a car I believed was in good working order. Maybe it wasn't, but thats a risk of buying a used car privately. I just bought a 2000 Subaru Impreza, and learned after I bought it, the check engine light had been pulled from the dash. Ends up its hiding 5 codes! Can I do anything? No, sold privately, assumed "as is". What can you do? Unfortunately, not much. Deal with it, fix it,or sell it and cut your losses. Sucks, but its true.


Again, with your contour, this kid has I believe up to 6 years to sue you on the basis of Tort law. Regardless of what you say you disclosed about the car, the judge will look at it like you sold him a car saying there was noise from the engine, so its perceivable that you knew the engine was on its way out. 4 days later the engine died is not a common occurance, its harder for you to prove that he drove the engine into the ground than it is to prove you didn't know the engine was on its way out. TONS of cases go back against the seller even though there was an AS IS contract. Just a heads up.......

[TheMAN]

Wow, when someone does not let you take the car they are selling to a mechanic, BELLS SHOULD BE GOING OFF!
Mazda3's are everywhere this guy was not selling a rare car, where does he get off.
Once the money changes hands the car is now yours, and everything that is wrong with the car. Unless you can prove that the owner knew of the problem you have no case at all.

Man talk about a life lesson, Sorry to be bitter about your situation.

Anyway, It could be many things/ noises.
If the car drives, just drive it gently for a while. When something happens deal with it then. Hopefully it is just the VTCS noise and the garages you went to dont know a ****in thing about cars, and just want to scam you for a BIG cash job.

When buying a private sellers car, ALWAYS have it looked at by a competent mechanic, a very detailed inspection, take the valve cover off. And when you test drive it, really put the car through its paces, and listen for anything strange.
Sorry your first car buying experience was this shitty.

I had something similar happen to me, I only buy from dealers with guarantees now, a few thousand is not worth the potential bullshit, and zero recourse from private sales.
yeah you said it best... these cars aren't a unicorn.... if the seller jacks you around and won't let you do this or that or won't answer questions... WALK AWAY

NEVER EVER TRUST SOMEONE SELLING A USED CAR

also, I never ever look for cars that are modded... many people don't either... why? because you don't know how the car was driven/taken cared of... modded cars in general have been beat on

[kevcol74]

Again, with your contour, this kid has I believe up to 6 years to sue you on the basis of Tort law. Regardless of what you say you disclosed about the car, the judge will look at it like you sold him a car saying there was noise from the engine, so its perceivable that you knew the engine was on its way out. 4 days later the engine died is not a common occurance, its harder for you to prove that he drove the engine into the ground than it is to prove you didn't know the engine was on its way out. TONS of cases go back against the seller even though there was an AS IS contract. Just a heads up.......


Ha, I'm not worried at all, I have email trails of my offer to fix the problem causing the noise, and he denied this. He wanted it the way it was. The car was running the day it was safetied, thats all that matters. Hell, my 03 Protege I had recently passed safety wth only 1st and 2nd gears. Depending on the mechanic's discretion, a car can be safetied even if its not running. (generally they don't pass an e-test not running though!)
If I offer to fix the problem, and you do not take the offer to save money, its a 2-2-2 warranty. 2 feet, 2 seconds, 2 bad. Hell, buying from a dealer doesn't guarntee anything either, I learned that te hard way. They can manipulate the code of ethics they are bound by to suit their needs. OMVIC doesn't do a damn thing when BS paperwork shows for the dealers. Court may work, but its not worth the time for a $5000 car.
As for the Contour,and 18 year old buy an SVT car,and you blame the seller?

[rick10]

Sorry to say, but the engine is toast. Had the same sound with my engine but "mazda" mechanics were unable to diagnose exactly what the culprit was and just said I needed a new engine. Biggest waste of $100! Took it to another shop and they said my engine was dry and was burning oil. I had just got an oil change 1000kms ago. The shop tore down the engine and found that the upper engine bearings in 2 cylinders were done but didn't know why (could be from the lack of oil). They also found that 2 cylinders were fouled so it seems that there wasn't a proper seal and thats why I was burning oil. In the end got a new "used" engine put in.

If you're having the same problem as me, monitor your oil level constantly to see if you are burning oil and check your spark plugs for fouling/carbon build up. If so then your engine is toast.

My advice to you is that if you have the money, it will cost approximately $3000 dollars to get a new "used" engine put in depending on the mileage. That is probably the cheapest solution.

Another option is to get the engine rebuilt but that could be cheaper or more expensive as it depends on how bad the damage is and what needs to be replaced. Can't tell without taking it apart so it may not be worth the effort.

like he said just get a used engine for 2000-3000 install and problem solve. If 3-4 mechanics already told you is your engine its not eve worth having it rebuilt because you dont know the amount of damage... You can get a engine mwith much less KMs for roughly that price and the car will be good...

[mazda lover]

Ha, I'm not worried at all, I have email trails of my offer to fix the problem causing the noise, and he denied this. He wanted it the way it was. The car was running the day it was safetied, thats all that matters. Hell, my 03 Protege I had recently passed safety wth only 1st and 2nd gears. Depending on the mechanic's discretion, a car can be safetied even if its not running. (generally they don't pass an e-test not running though!)
If I offer to fix the problem, and you do not take the offer to save money, its a 2-2-2 warranty. 2 feet, 2 seconds, 2 bad. Hell, buying from a dealer doesn't guarntee anything either, I learned that te hard way. They can manipulate the code of ethics they are bound by to suit their needs. OMVIC doesn't do a damn thing when BS paperwork shows for the dealers. Court may work, but its not worth the time for a $5000 car.
As for the Contour,and 18 year old buy an SVT car,and you blame the seller?

kevcol.. are you a curb sider?

[kevcol74]

kevcol.. are you a curb sider?


lol Why would you ask that? I've flipped a few cars in my time, but I don't disguise lemons and rip people off.... I just know how to turn a profit on a car! :chuckle
The SVT is the only car I've ever had someone come back on me for, and in 20 years of owning cars, selling 15 isn't THAT bad is it? :whoa

[mazda lover]

lol Why would you ask that? I've flipped a few cars in my time, but I don't disguise lemons and rip people off.... I just know how to turn a profit on a car! :chuckle
The SVT is the only car I've ever had someone come back on me for, and in 20 years of owning cars, selling 15 isn't THAT bad is it? :whoa


just curious what your reaction would be, and personally I was right...

[kevcol74]

So I'm a curbsider although 95% of the cars I've bought I've paid taxes on and driven for atleast 4 months? If you want to believe that, go right ahead. I never hide anything, mainly because I have ethics and integrity.... wish I could say the same for those in the actual industry!

*curbsider..... HA*

[Donutz]

This threads getting off topic...

OP, did you try uplugging the harness from the intake mani like in the vid that was posted earlier? Can you post some video of your noise?

Does it sound like the vids in this thread?: http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=15143&highlight=blown+engine

[mazdabetty]

Can you post some video of your noise?


Hey Guys so I have uploaded my first youtube video as well where you can see/hear thee engine. Available here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkIcy803bEM).

:whoa

[Donutz]

:whoa

Buuurrrrrnnnn!!! *looks around; realizes it's me that was burned!*

[Bean]

:pop

[mazdabetty]

Buuurrrrrnnnn!!! *looks around; realizes it's me that was burned!*

aww hahahahha :chuckle

[Karen Lee-McNair]

Whoa! This thread is getting a little ahead of itself, the previous buyer has posted and let's try to give him the benefit of the doubt. I wouldn't recommend replacing the engine until you can confirm this.

As for the comment on auto industry workers being unethical and lacking integrity -that is an unfair comment! It comes down to the person working within the industry - and I refuse to do anything remotely unethical or anyone on my staff for that matter - that is grounds for termination in my books! I'm sorry if you've been burned in the past but not everyone in the trade is like that.

As for the original reason to this thread, these situations can be difficult an I feel for your situation, if you want another opinion, bring it in to me - I'll have my guys take a look - free of charge

Pm me or email me if you would like to take me up on this offer k_lee@agincourtmazda.com

Good luck with whatever you choose!

[Bean]

Now thats what I call Customer Service :)

[mazdabetty]

Yah no kidding, karen you the shizz!!!

[notoriousb]

I dont wanna give you any wrong ideas... but if for some reason someone hit your car and ran and you noticed the noise --- insurance would fix it for yah ;) ;) ;)

wink wink nudge nudge


nudge nudge nudge nudgenudge nudge nudge nudgenudge nudge nudge nudgenudge nudge nudge nudgenudge nudge nudge

[MAZDA Kitten]

Sorry... but whats a curb sider?

[Bean]

Someone who sells cars and not overly legally either. In other words, a Fly by Night business.

[MAZDA Kitten]

oooooooooohhhh... Thank you

[Bean]

My Pleasure. I used to work for a company that closed a lot of them down. I wont go into too much detail however.

[dhruvprakash]

Hey all,
Sorry for the late update. I'll make it short.
I took my car to Jimmy on Tuesday. He was awesome..he kept the shop open way past closing time (i reached at 6:45), took his time in diagnosing the engine and discussed options with me. MPS (Vlad) was also nice enough to drop by and give company...so thanks Vlad, it was nice meeting you. mzkaye729 was absolutely super, she offered to meet up with me and go together to Jimmy....so moral support has been awesome!! :)

Anyway to the facts:
1. Engine is almost completely gone (con rod failure)...I drove from my office in 'ssauga to Markham to downtown (home) and thought that I would have to get it towed to my house- it was that loud. Fortunately I was spared that expense.
2. Oil was BLACK and level was low. I saw Jimmy add 3 lts of oil to bring the level to an acceptable amt. He was so nice, he didn't even accept any $ for the oil!
3. If i remember correctly, it is the no. 3 and 4 cylinders that are problematic.
4. Bottom line: suspect small oil leak, oil starvation, oil quality bad.
5. The next time i crank the motor, it will be to make it to a repair shop to do engine replacement. Would probably need a tow for part of the way.:bang


What!!!! OMG..... Take it up with both of them!!! There has to be some sort of law that protects people selling "big ticket items" privately... I'd be taking this guy to court to get my money back. He MUST have known there was an issue, and if he had any shred of decency in him, he would have offered to meet you at a mechanic of your choice with the car.

What a twat!!!!! I'm really sorry to hear you're having these issues and hope something can be worked out for you...

And on another note, congrats on the new job!



EDIT: I just thought I should also show you this link so you know your rights... whether or not these consumer rights fall under registered businesses only or include private sales, you should have a look either way and find out what you can do to fix this.

http://www.gov.on.ca/mgs/en/ConsProt/STEL02_045905.html

There's something called a "cooling off period", but again whether this will pertain to this specifically I'm not sure. There's also a link to "What Do I Do If I Think I’ve Been Sold a Lemon?" (http://www.gov.on.ca/mgs/en/ConsProt/STEL02_168478.html)

Hopefully this will help in some way. I really don't recommend wasting $3000 on a new engine when you could have bought a newer vehicle for the same price. Definitely fight it out, just my opinion! :)

Hey Mazdabetty, thanks so much for your research and continued interest! Unfortunately the 'what do i do if i think i have been sold a lemon' link applies to NEW cars only, though I am not sure abt the Ministry of Consumers and Small business link you mentioned...might look into that, so thanks!

New job is great so far, quite busy (learning lotsa new stuff)..but would have been awesome if I had a reliable ride to work...given that I had promised the employers that I would have a car by my first day. Imagine what I sorry ass figure I am cutting at work now!

I am gonna try and work things out with seller. So let's see if there is still an amicable resolution possible...


hindsight being 20/20, next time walk away from someone that gives excuses as to why they don't want to take it to a mechanic.

as for the VCTS, that's what is in the video i linked. pull either the plug harness or one of the vacuum hoses in the front of the intake manifold and, if the noise goes away, it's the VCTS.

hope all works out for you.

Majestic, I doubt this is a lesson I will soon forget. The repercussions have been disastrous!



MZ3-2266's old car.. his name is Mike..

OP, when was the vehicle safety performed? The date is what I am asking; if it is less than 36 days from right now(I'm sure it is, you bought July 27, correct?), go directly to the MTO and file a claim on the car, and contact Jimmy ASAP. You need to have your car looked over again because if the car got a "safety", you may have a car that got done blind.
When you go to Jimmy (unsure if he does safety's) or someone that does, make sure to have another safety done (usually $40-$60). I'm sure there is something else wrong.
DRL's are a HUGE factor, especially on a 2006, come on.

Get it checked the sooner the better, hopefully all works out for you man. This type of stuff upsets me as well, especially coming from a previous board member.
Now it makes sense as to why he seemed so eager to sell so fast, he probably knew or felt something was wrong.

Also, funny he sold it to you on the contract "As Is", but had it Safetied & E-tested.. Which means he is liable, so is the shop that performed the safety.
GL man, I'll keep up with this thread..
Moe
Thanks Moe, but I guess the DRL issue has been addressed by the foggies..


Maybe he never found the hamster?? :chuckle

Anyway...not to judge but this deal doesn't sound very kosher...

Can't say I disagree with you.


DRLs are part of the safety, but at this point, unless you have documentation to verify they weren't working when it was safetied, you are SOL. "At the time of the inspection" is always the case for safety issues. In other words, you would have had to prove it right away. Now who's to say you didn't bypass the DRLs yourself?
I feel for you, don't get me wrong. But I've been on the other side of the coin, where I sold a car, safetied and e-tested, and 4 days later the kid is calling me back asking for his money back because he dropped the engine. (98 Contour SVT) I felt bad for the kid, but I delivered a running car from Kitchener to North York, to his driveway! What he did in the following 4 days, I have no clue. I admit it did have a noise from the engine, and I disclosed it, he drove it, I offered to fix it for the full asking price. He waived it, wanted the car with the noise. So in my position, what do you do? I sold a car I believed was in good working order. Maybe it wasn't, but thats a risk of buying a used car privately. I just bought a 2000 Subaru Impreza, and learned after I bought it, the check engine light had been pulled from the dash. Ends up its hiding 5 codes! Can I do anything? No, sold privately, assumed "as is". What can you do? Unfortunately, not much. Deal with it, fix it,or sell it and cut your losses. Sucks, but its true.

Kev, I hope that you at least gave him the option to take it to a mechanic.


yeah you said it best... these cars aren't a unicorn.... if the seller jacks you around and won't let you do this or that or won't answer questions... WALK AWAY

NEVER EVER TRUST SOMEONE SELLING A USED CAR

also, I never ever look for cars that are modded... many people don't either... why? because you don't know how the car was driven/taken cared of... modded cars in general have been beat on

Yeah, I think I trusted too much in this case. Usually I am skeptical by nature, but this is the one time I let my guard down...

[Bean]

I am sorry to hear this :(

[dhruvprakash]

Whoa! This thread is getting a little ahead of itself, the previous buyer has posted and let's try to give him the benefit of the doubt. I wouldn't recommend replacing the engine until you can confirm this.

As for the comment on auto industry workers being unethical and lacking integrity -that is an unfair comment! It comes down to the person working within the industry - and I refuse to do anything remotely unethical or anyone on my staff for that matter - that is grounds for termination in my books! I'm sorry if you've been burned in the past but not everyone in the trade is like that.

As for the original reason to this thread, these situations can be difficult an I feel for your situation, if you want another opinion, bring it in to me - I'll have my guys take a look - free of charge

Pm me or email me if you would like to take me up on this offer k_lee@agincourtmazda.com

Good luck with whatever you choose!

Hi Karen,

Thanks for your offer! Unfortunately, at this point even a 2 year old would confidently opine that the engine go bye bye. Though I must say that such gestures show that you run a very customer oriented department and I would be happy to get in touch with you for future issues (which I hope will be few and FAR between!)

I agree that everyone working in the auto industry is not bad per se, but if one were to look at ratio of unethical folks to total members, you may find that this ratio is higher compared to other industries (even higher within the Sales subset!!) other than banking, lol. Of course, I have not validated this hypothesis..

Cheers,
Dhruv

[dhruvprakash]

My Pleasure. I used to work for a company that closed a lot of them down. I wont go into too much detail however.

Thats awesome public service! Waay to go!:bana2


I am sorry to hear this :(

Thnx Bean..

[Karen Lee-McNair]

I would pleased to help you out with anything you may need in the future!
As for the latter, I want proof! LOL!

[dhruvprakash]

I would pleased to help you out with anything you may need in the future!
As for the latter, I want proof! LOL!

I am in the process of setting up a double blind study as we speak :chuckle

[Flagrum_3]

Well was sort of hoping alongside you that the situation/problem didn't turn out how it has, (I was trained in the KISS method of diagnosis), so I always look for the simplest causes first....

Sucks when you buy a new car, even if it's used and it farks up on you....Here's hoping your new engine install goes good and to many years of enjoyment out of your 3. :)


_3

[Dave_The_BMXER]

Man that sucks, I am sorry to hear that that happened to you and via a member of this board. Regardless of if the previous owner knew about the engine or not it's not the type of thing you like to see within what is a somewhat close community.

Good luck with the new motor...

Also another bit of info my car was saftied without any DRLS at all.

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

Dhruv,

Really sorry to hear it turned out to be the 'worst case' scenario for you. Good luck with reaching some sort of amenable arrangement with the seller, but somehow, I suspect, this won't be easy. Although, I truly hope I am wrong. Frankly, my instincts tell me that the story that he (the seller), didn't know something was seriously wrong with the car is B.S., or else he wouldn't have had any issue with you taking it to a mechanic. End of story.

I know you learned a bad lesson the hard way, but the way you have conducted yourself on this forum and communicated has also been extremely commendable and probably the reason you have garnered such support. If you had come on here flaming, cursing and not taking any accountability for making a mistake (lack of judgement), people likely would have reacted very differently.

Happy Jimmy was able to help you also and yes, as many have said, he is awesome beyond belief. We are lucky to have him as an 'extended' part of TM3.

Anyway, good luck with getting this resolved and keep us updated.

Tim

[RedRaptor]

I guess buyer beware when buying anything from Mz3-2266.

[Go_Habs_Go]

Sorry to hear that it's the engine!

Good luck getting it fixed...perhaps the seller might be willing to assume some of the cost?

[MPS]

and if he wont i willing to donate some cash :) (i did say some not all):chuckle


Sorry to hear that it's the engine!

Good luck getting it fixed...perhaps the seller might be willing to assume some of the cost?

[ds2chan]

ouch.. sorry to hear about all the problems.. it's never easy to buy something (no matter what the cost) and then something bad happens right away..

So, if I understood correctly, you'll be taking the car back to Jimmy to get a new/used engine?? If so, hopefully all goes well after that..

[TheMAN]

if I were you, I'd do an oil filter conversion with the new engine at the same time... I have a feeling that the filter housing cracking may have been part of the current engine's demise

[cinder88]

The OEM oil filter housing is only a problem IF overtightened. Everyone do your selves a favour and change your own oil. I hand tighten mine and have had zero problems.

Buy a low profile oil catch pan and you will not need to jack up your cars, easy peasy!

To the OP, I feel your pain, but make sure this does not happen again.

On your next test drive take the car for a 30+ min spin. Dealer or Private, if you are going to live with the car for many years driving it for 5-10 mins is nothing.

Anyway, say NO to modded cars in the future, less hastle.
And always get a second opinion.

[Flagrum_3]

I guess buyer beware when buying anything from Mz3-2266.

Big +1, I don't know the person and actually whatever he says to try to defend himself means nothing as the fact stands; He did not allow the oP to take the car to his own mechanic and sold the vehicle 'as is' and this can mean only one thing; He knew something was wrong.

Shame.


_3

[mazda lover]

The OEM oil filter housing is only a problem IF overtightened. Everyone do your selves a favour and change your own oil. I hand tighten mine and have had zero problems.

Buy a low profile oil catch pan and you will not need to jack up your cars, easy peasy!

To the OP, I feel your pain, but make sure this does not happen again.

On your next test drive take the car for a 30+ min spin. Dealer or Private, if you are going to live with the car for many years driving it for 5-10 mins is nothing.

Anyway, say NO to modded cars in the future, less hastle.
And always get a second opinion.

Good advice, but as for changing the oil I think the car needs to be on ramps so it is high enough to get the cover off and to get to the drain plug. I don't think it can be done without the car up higher...
JMO

[cinder88]

I change my oil with out ramps every time. I use a low profile oil catch can, you can get them at Canadian Tire.
I bought the OEM wrench to take off the filter cover.

Very easy, and little mess compared to can filters.

[TheMAN]

The OEM oil filter housing is only a problem IF overtightened. Everyone do your selves a favour and change your own oil. I hand tighten mine and have had zero problems.

Buy a low profile oil catch pan and you will not need to jack up your cars, easy peasy!

To the OP, I feel your pain, but make sure this does not happen again.

On your next test drive take the car for a 30+ min spin. Dealer or Private, if you are going to live with the car for many years driving it for 5-10 mins is nothing.

Anyway, say NO to modded cars in the future, less hastle.
And always get a second opinion.
not entirely true
mazda admitted to the problem through an internal memo... the 04 through early 06 cars had a thinner filter housing cover prone to crack even with the proper tools/methods... they quietly updated the cover with thicker plastic to "fix" this problem

furthermore, don't you find it funny that mazda went back to the spin on filter on the new 3 and 6? the early 2009 6s had the cartridge but they quickly went to the spin on... all engine parts are still the same

[RedRaptor]

My oil filter cracked in the winter. I almost lost my engine. Avante said "it was the extreme weather that caused the failure..."

Can you see why I hate my Mazda?

Do the spin on conversion. It might save your engine.

[Bean]

Does this affect the 2007 models?

[kevcol74]

Kev, I hope that you at least gave him the option to take it to a mechanic.



Yes, he had every opportunity,and I encouraged him to do it. In about 15 cars I've sold in my time (give or take), only 4 people have opted to take their cars to a mechanic. But, as a seller, I have ALWAYS given the potential buyers any opportunity to take the car to a mechanic, theirs or an independant. In fact, 3 of the last 4 I sold were... People are getting more cautious I think! lol

Sorry about the news OP. Hope it all works out in the end.

[dead_cactus]

Does this affect the 2007 models?

From what i've read on this forum I believe it affects all 2.3 engines except for the 2010's.

[Bean]

So my 2.0 litre is okay then

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

So my 2.0 litre is okay then

Yes. The 2.0 has the traditional spin-on filter. The 2.3 uses cartridges. The conversion for the 2.3L is to use the spin-on conversion and filters.

[mazda lover]

I change my oil with out ramps every time. I use a low profile oil catch can, you can get them at Canadian Tire.
I bought the OEM wrench to take off the filter cover.

Very easy, and little mess compared to can filters.

do you take the cover off to get to the filter?

[mazda lover]

Yes, he had every opportunity,and I encouraged him to do it. In about 15 cars I've sold in my time (give or take), only 4 people have opted to take their cars to a mechanic. But, as a seller, I have ALWAYS given the potential buyers any opportunity to take the car to a mechanic, theirs or an independant. In fact, 3 of the last 4 I sold were... People are getting more cautious I think! lol

Sorry about the news OP. Hope it all works out in the end.

what is so funny about people getting more cautious?? lol not
You work for a Lexus dealer I believe?, if so why not have a mechanic have a look at the car? just curious.. you said you have ALWAYS given the potential buyer any opportunity to take the car to a mechanic, why not this car? just curious..... or do I have my facts wrong...

[MajesticBlueNTO]

what is so funny about people getting more cautious?? lol not
You work for a Lexus dealer I believe?, if so why not have a mechanic have a look at the car? just curious.. you said you have ALWAYS given the potential buyer any opportunity to take the car to a mechanic, why not this car? just curious..... or do I have my facts wrong...

i think you may have the original owner of the OP's mazda3 and kevcol mixed up.

in the case of the OP, the seller was Mz3-2266 who, according to his post, works for Lexus and, according to the buyer, Mz3-2266 is in sales and "time is money".

kevcol has sold 15 cars in the past 20 years and, as of a few weeks ago when he sold his protege, has never worked for a Lexus dealer.

[kevcol74]

^ Correct....

[dhruvprakash]

Hey all,
sorry for the AWOL status. The girlfriend is moving to the States so went and took care of some 'pre moving' stuff ...and yes I got stuck in the storm! We had to rent a car, but on the brighter side we got a double upgrade to a BRAND new (32 km) Chrysler 300 (gas guzzler!) from Avis...so we managed to fit more stuff in. Then I was off on a work trip for a couple of days...so its been busy as i settle into the new job!


Well was sort of hoping alongside you that the situation/problem didn't turn out how it has, (I was trained in the KISS method of diagnosis), so I always look for the simplest causes first....

Sucks when you buy a new car, even if it's used and it farks up on you....Here's hoping your new engine install goes good and to many years of enjoyment out of your 3. :)


_3

Keep it simple stupid? lol...but thanks for the wishes Flagrum_3 :)
Seriously, its the support from you guys that's kept me relatively sane.


Man that sucks, I am sorry to hear that that happened to you and via a member of this board. Regardless of if the previous owner knew about the engine or not it's not the type of thing you like to see within what is a somewhat close community.

Good luck with the new motor...

Also another bit of info my car was saftied without any DRLS at all.

Totally true, one of the reasons i trusted the guy was BECAUSE he was part of this forum...
That's not good...about the DRLs..you should report the shop to MTO...cuz at the end its YOU who would get fined.

Good luck!


Dhruv,

Really sorry to hear it turned out to be the 'worst case' scenario for you. Good luck with reaching some sort of amenable arrangement with the seller, but somehow, I suspect, this won't be easy. Although, I truly hope I am wrong. Frankly, my instincts tell me that the story that he (the seller), didn't know something was seriously wrong with the car is B.S., or else he wouldn't have had any issue with you taking it to a mechanic. End of story.

I know you learned a bad lesson the hard way, but the way you have conducted yourself on this forum and communicated has also been extremely commendable and probably the reason you have garnered such support. If you had come on here flaming, cursing and not taking any accountability for making a mistake (lack of judgement), people likely would have reacted very differently.

Happy Jimmy was able to help you also and yes, as many have said, he is awesome beyond belief. We are lucky to have him as an 'extended' part of TM3.

Anyway, good luck with getting this resolved and keep us updated.

Tim

Hey Tim,
You are right...his actions do totally discredit him. I will be getting in touch with him to figure out how to work the finances shortly.

Jimmy continued to be awesome...he came all the way down where I live to to give me some quotes on the engine.

Your comments are too kind Tim :blush! I am not as angelic you make me out to be :P


Sorry to hear that it's the engine!

Good luck getting it fixed...perhaps the seller might be willing to assume some of the cost?

Thats what I am going for Habs!


and if he wont i willing to donate some cash :) (i did say some not all):chuckle

Vlad, thats so kind of you! The only way I would take cash from you is if you were the seller :) But thanks for the gesture...it means a lot to me.


if I were you, I'd do an oil filter conversion with the new engine at the same time... I have a feeling that the filter housing cracking may have been part of the current engine's demise

Good advice TheMAN...I will certainly point that out at the time of engine replacement.,,

[dhruvprakash]

Thought I would seek your expertise on the new engine as well...do you all have any advice looking for used engines? Also, what should I look out for to make sure I don;t get stuck with a lemon...again!

Thanks!

[Donutz]

I found these, but I don't know too much about pricing for used engines:
http://search1079.used-auto-parts.biz/cgi-bin/search.cgi

[mazda lover]

asking the seller for a cash donation, like that will happen, but you never know, ask him and let use know what he says..

[MajesticBlueNTO]

Thought I would seek your expertise on the new engine as well...do you all have any advice looking for used engines? Also, what should I look out for to make sure I don;t get stuck with a lemon...again!

Thanks!

you can check car-part.com (http://car-part.com/) and search for engines across north america.

probably best to get one close to home so you can at least get a mechanic to inspect it. if not, you'll want results of a compression test and/or a leakdown test and, if possible, if they were able to run the engine without issue.

midnightfxgt was able to source an engine to replace a blown one from a past mishap....check with him to see where and how much he got his for.

[m_a_t_r_i_x]

well what can i say, all the signals are there, but you took your chances ...thats the price that you have to pay.

props to the members here for pointing you out in the right direction , too bad your didnt yet experience the zoom zoom zoom.....

are you still gonna keep the car after the repair?.... ummmm no im not interested, just curious....

[mzkaye729]

are you still gonna keep the car after the repair?.... ummmm no im not interested, just curious....

I asked Dhruv the same question once I found out entirely what was wrong with his car. And he said he is just going to keep it and have it repaired.

[dhruvprakash]

Hey all,

So I had my car towed to Jimmy this friday...hopefully will get it back with a new engine this Friday/Saturday!!

Thanks for all your help guys! I really appreciate it...will post updates as they come along.

The seller seems to have disappeared into the woodwork...I will try contacting him again.

Cheers,
Dhruv

[Fuman]

you might be able to sue via consumer protection act (http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_02c30_e.htm#BK16):
some possible violations
1) A representation that the goods or services are of a particular standard, quality, grade, style or model, if they are not.
(the standard being the engine is in working condition)
2) A representation that the goods have been used to an extent that is materially different from the fact.
(used to a point where the engine dies, so wtf)

that's all I found after a brief skim. You might find more.
(if this is a repost, I apologize)


I heard the sound of your car at Jimmy's, my heart aches

[mazda lover]

Hey all,

So I had my car towed to Jimmy this friday...hopefully will get it back with a new engine this Friday/Saturday!!

Thanks for all your help guys! I really appreciate it...will post updates as they come along.

The seller seems to have disappeared into the woodwork...I will try contacting him again.

Cheers,
Dhruv

of course he did...

[Bean]

How convenient. Too bad Silverman Helps is not around anymore

[Donutz]

Yeah bro, I heard your car last week; sounds like a bag of loose nuts and bolts. I really feel for you. If it makes you feel any better, your car looks really nice though.

[dhruvprakash]

you might be able to sue via consumer protection act (http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_02c30_e.htm#BK16):
some possible violations
1) A representation that the goods or services are of a particular standard, quality, grade, style or model, if they are not.
(the standard being the engine is in working condition)
2) A representation that the goods have been used to an extent that is materially different from the fact.
(used to a point where the engine dies, so wtf)

that's all I found after a brief skim. You might find more.
(if this is a repost, I apologize)


I heard the sound of your car at Jimmy's, my heart aches

----------------------

Hey Fuman,

Thanks a bunch for the links man...I really appreciate the trouble you went through!
On top of selling me a dud, this guy still hasn't given me proof of lien discharge...even though part of our contract obligates him to do so...

It seems as if this car has become a side attraction at Jimmy's...but it sounds like a truck, doesn't it?! I had to be so careful when i was driving it up from the underground garage to the tow truck...sheesh!

[dhruvprakash]

How convenient. Too bad Silverman Helps is not around anymore

Whos Silverman?...where did he go?


Yeah bro, I heard your car last week; sounds like a bag of loose nuts and bolts. I really feel for you. If it makes you feel any better, your car looks really nice though.

Thanks Jason, it looks fast even when its stationary lol...sad thing is that I didn't care much for the mods when I bought it..I just wanted a 5 spd that would work!

[marvin24k]

----------------------

Hey Fuman,

Thanks a bunch for the links man...I really appreciate the trouble you went through!
On top of selling me a dud, this guy still hasn't given me proof of lien discharge...even though part of our contract obligates him to do so...

It seems as if this car has become a side attraction at Jimmy's...but it sounds like a truck, doesn't it?! I had to be so careful when i was driving it up from the underground garage to the tow truck...sheesh!


Your car is the grey one just outside of Jimmy's?