So my car (96' Pathfinder - 80k miles) overheated, and it has a semi-slow leak from the waterpump. I usually add water maybe once or twice a day depending on how much I drive, since it only seems to leak badly when under pressure.

Would I be able to get a good trade in price on the car in the current condition? I wouldn't feel right selling it private party knowing it needs like $1000 in maintence for the tb/wp. I took it to the dealership recently and they wanted to do $4000 worth of maintence as well, including replacing the axels, and replace the valve seals, but I think they are trying to just rip me off, but I dunno. I'm pretty sure the cv boots are ripped and I think the intake is cracked.

I've never bought a new car, or traded in a car. How closely do they usually go over the car? I was talking to the dealership today, and they said they usually just drive around the block, and take like half an hour to check it out. would they notice this leak? Would they not take my car with this leak, or not give me anywhere near the blue book value? The blue book trade in value on the car is like $4500 in "fair" condition, and $5500 in "excellent" condition. I'd be extremely happy to get anywhere near 4k for it.

any suggestions? Anyone know a temporary fix for a leaking water pump, just to get it to pass the dealer inspection?

 

Just go at night... they dont really look at it that carefully.

I remember my brother traded in his Jeep GC and it was leaking oil in the parking lot. They didnt even notice.

Doesnt hurt to try.

 

good idea

I'd probably have to go after work anyways. Hopefully all the service mechanics will have gone home. haha. I'm not a good liar though, hopefully they don't grill me very much. I'll have to act stupid

anything they can do to me, if they find out after the fact that it overheats all the time?

 

i have the feeling they will notice the leak though.

Do dealerships usually take the car anyways? has anyone ever had a dealership completely reject a trade in?

 

Just go in with the AC running. It will look like condenser water

 

^ Good thinking!

If you trade it in ... play dumb. And bringing it closer to closing time is a fantastic idea. (Just not to a Nissan / Infiniti place since they know what to look for what's wrong! ) Most dealerships will look at the car and then send it to the auction / wholesaler. I know in Hawaii cars are more expensive than the Mainland due to shipping issues. So maybe you might get a decent price?

Good luck on your trade-in future purchase.

 

damn they noticed

and every other problem with it.
offered 2400, but I got them up to 2850. I think i'll take it anyways, I don't want to deal w/ this car anymore

 

^Worth a try anyway. Was it at a Nissan/Infiniti dealership, as Derrick asked?

 

nope, it was at a toyota/scion dealership.

they went over it pretty good. Sadly I couldn't take it when it was dark since they closed at 8, and as it was, to get the paperwork done lasted till 8:30. But there is also a loud ticking coming from the engine, and i'm leaking oil from the valve covers. so I think this car has way more problems than what it's worth.

p.s. I saw a big cockroach in my car and it crawled behind the dash as soon as I open my door. I hate bugs, makes me want to get rid of the car even more.

 

Or, similarly, in or just after a rain storm. That will hide paint flaws also.

 

2850 i'd take it. especially if it needed 4k in repairs.

 

did you get a 4 runner, FJ cruiser, or Rav 4 to replace the Pathfinder?

 

.................look at infamous' avatar..............i joined the "club"


.............in TCM too

 

congrats

:ibitsuglyposts:

 

especially because I bought a brand new 06'

the new one doesn't look enough like a refrigerator for me, and costs over 2k more.
apparently one of the last 70 left, make that 69 left. http://www.thelastxb.com/

 

i would have cleaned to motor and there are a couple of things that could be done to hide certain problems.


if the motor was ticking you could have added motor honey or something thick like that. it will typically quiet down a louder motor.

also make sure the oil is pretty clean and all fluids are full and clean.


any body flaws? like someone already said, go in a couple days after it rains or ona day that it is raining. but make sure that you check out the new car a few days early in another car if you can since their cars are clean


there are more but can't think of them