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Help I just bought a car with a bad head gasket


LINDAL

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What steps were taken to determine that the head gaskets were failed? 71600 miles is awfully low to expierence a head gasket failure. In fact, a 2002 is just due for its first coolant change.

Kevin
'93 Fleetwood Brougham
'05 Deville
'04 Deville
2013 Silverado Z71

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Does your state have a governing body to investigate dealership complaints?

I appealed in Ontario to OMVIC, and they forced a dealer to compensate me for an

undisclosed accident on a used Accord I purchased last year from a Toyota dealer.

The dealer told me it wasn't their fault ... but the governing body saw it my way, and

reimbursed me, basically giving me a price adjustment for the old body repair, as it devalued

my car.

At the very least, they should pay for the proper repair of the vehicle.

Is this a licensed dealership, or just a fly by night used lot?

1989 FWD Fleetwood, Silver

1995 STS Crimson Pearl on Black leather

1997 STS Diamond White

1999 STS Crimson Pearl

2001 STS Silver

2003 STS, Crimson Pearl

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The local cadillac dealer has determined that every plug has coolant in it. So, now my husband is setting and waiting for the response from the ford dealer where I purchased it on what they are going to do about it.

I have contacted the attorney general's office and they pretty much said it was up to the dealer. But, that I could call back and file a claim with the investigator.

I mistakenly thought that I had 3 days to check it out. I am pretty sure that it used to be that way with any auto sale.

If they won't take it back I might have to convince them to let me get another car. They didn't have any other cadillacs on the lot.

Not sure what to do!!

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Did the dealer represent anything about the condition of the vehicle?

Did you/your husband ask any questions or did the dealer state that the car was in good working condition?

Did the seller disclaim any and all warranties in writing? Meaning the dealer stated that the vehicle has absolutely no warranty. Under Illinois law a seller cannot verbally disclaim warranties. The disclaimer must be clear/conspicuous and you must be made aware of the dealer's/seller's intent to disclaim. For example, fine print of the back of a contract will likely not suffice as a legal notice of intent to disclaim.

Pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code new and used cars have an implied warranty of merchantability. Meaning, the car must be fit for use in accordance with its ordinary purpose. If it's not, then you can attempt to rescind the purchase agreement.

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They took the car back. Thank Goodness!! They are giving my husband a ride home right now.

They are looking for me another one like it.

And yes one of the last questions I ask was are you sure this car is a good car. Because I will be driving to Minnesota on Monday to the Mayo clinic. He assured me that he would not send me out in a car that was not a good car. Good thing my plans changed at the last minute and my sister went up to the Mayo with my mother instead.

Larry did ask if they had tested the head gaskets and they said they would. It appears that they did not. But, I am so happy that the Cadillac dealer checked it out for them when he went back.

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Glad to hear things worked out--at least you don't have to worry about a car with a defective head gasket. Given the obvious problems with the first car, I would be inclined to ask seller to provide you at least 10 business days so you can have it checked by a mechanic. I would ask for a written guarantee that you can back out of the deal for any reason within ten days of signing the purchase contract. And I wouldn't be shy about it. You should remind the dealer that you asked him specifically to check the head gaskets and despite saying he would--he obviously didn't. I would not trust the dealer given the lack of honesty the first time around.

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Dallas usually is a good market for shopping for used Cadillacs:

Click here to search the Dallas Morning News Cadillac Ads

You might look and see if you have a auto check mobile mechanic type service available in your area. This is a mobile service that will do a mechanic's check on a car you are considering for purchase. Your local Cadillac dealer may also be willing to do this type service.

Normally in the past I think I paid around $100 for someone to come out, examine the Cadillac I was considering, then give me a complete report on the condition of the car. In one case they uncovered that it had rust in the undercarriage that was uncharacteristic for our area, showing the car had been brought in from somewhere else. I passed, and was glad I spent the money for the check.

Bruce

2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

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WOW! What an emotional roller coaster that must have been. Even though they said they would check the head gaskets I would never expect them to. It costs money in mechanics time. I guess the fact that they took it back does say something about their credibility. I was really feeling bad for you till I read post #9. I am equally glad to hear that the experience has not soured you on Cadillacs. Have the next one inspected and tested on your own. That way you will know for sure and have piece of mind. Another thought is to find one with lower mileage that is certified. Obviously it will cost more, but you'll have a factory warranty for a while. I'm glad to hear that it all worked out well in the end. Happy hunting Linda. I'm sure that the next one will be even nicer.

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We had been through this with the 97. we had the engine replaced a year ago with that one. So, we had told the salesman that we would bring it back if it didn't pass the test. He said no problem. But, then when it didn't pass he started backing down because his boss insisted on a check in his service dept. They didn't know how to do the test. So, then they take it across town and my husband stayed with the car and wanted to see the test. They said the carbon test was not realiable anymore and the best thing was to pull the plugs. Well he stayed right there as they pulled each one. and each one had white residue on it. The main shop guy was called out and confirmed blown head gaskets.

Then, my husband had to wail for an hour in the shop (hot down here right now) until they talked with the Ford Garage and decided if they wanted it fixed or not.

I am calling the attorney genereal to try to get an answer on the 3 day law. They said no such thing. It was up to the dealer if he wanted to take it back.

We are fortunate that they took it back. I still don't have my check yet. But they are supposed to take care of that tomorrow.

In the meantime they are looking for another one for me.

This one was silver with a black cloth top. Real classy looking. I really want a red one or another pearl white one.

There has to be a nice one out there for me. I will find it.

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I am calling the attorney general to try to get an answer on the 3 day law. They said no such thing. It was up to the dealer if he wanted to take it back.

That surprises me. I too thought there was a 3 day buyers remorse law on any major purchase.

There has to be a nice one out there for me. I will find it.

Yes you will. Searched for mine for several months. Found it in Texas a year ago.

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If I was in the maket for another car I would get a cadillac certified car When I get a cadillac certified car all I check is the body & interior for cosmetics the rest of the car I have no issues with If any problem crops up the certified warrany will take care of it That warranty is money well spent

Good Luck

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Met with the dealer last night and he paid off my loan. I didn't get stuck with any charges. I figured I would lose at least the title registration and a few fees of some sort. He mailed the check to the bank. So, that is the only thing I was a little leary about. I will be contacting them later to make sure they received the check.

I feel better about this dealer. They all are not out to get you. They are of course hoping to make another sale to me. We will see what they come up with. It will be tested first before anything else is discussed.

Just wanted to update my post.

Linda

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That is a good lesson learned for that dealer. I have always been aggravated about their BS GM certified designation, they do nothing, if it looks good they certify it. They need to go through these cars in more detail, they should have done a coolant hydrocarbon test. Shame on them. I am happy this worked out ok for you, they are an honorable dealer and you should stay with them.. Good Luck

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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I don't think Linda's car was a certified car The cerified car does not happen until you pay 1k then they look at the car & if everything works & is in good condition it's a done deal if something is broke or worn they fix it.

Then if the car has any problems when the car becomes the customes car it gets fixed when you bring the car in. I would not buy a cadillac without being certified Just too much costly stuff to go wrong a car.

Jim

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Hmm I didnt know about the $1K. We bought a certified Monte Carlo and it had a bunch of problems when we drove it off the lot, with 22K miles on it. They are competing with Lexus and BMW who advertise that they certify their cars with like 125 point inspections. Maybe they certify cars with low mileage within the original warranty period.

Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1  >>

1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm

How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/

Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year  http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm

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All the dealers look at the cars & do inspections they do not want to get a law suit they check the car. Certified from cadillac is where you pay 1k for the warranty 6yr / 100k mi. bumper to bumper the car has to be so many model years old etsc etc so it can be cerified with the warranty.You can check it out at cadillac's web site The warranty starts when the car went into service then it's good for 6yrs or 100k which ever comes first

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My '03 was advertised as certified before I ever called the dealer. I paid nothing extra for it. I think Mike is correct. If it has low enough miles, they pencil whip the inspection sheet. It is a selling point and they MAY be able to get you to pay more for it. The $1000 fee is probably for a higher mileage car that you can have certified (buy a GM protection plan for).

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Not sure how it works not all cadillacs are certified if that car was certified someone had to pay for it the dealer I deal with charges more to have any cadillac certified as long as they fall into cadillacs requirement You can purchase a yr old two yr old cadillac with very low milage 2 or 3k if it is not certified all you get is the remainder of the fact warranty not the 6yr 100k bumper to bumper If you can get the dealer to asorb the cost that's great the dealer I deal with gives me a good price so I have no issue paying the extra 1k for it. Maybe it's a regional thing or he's beating me out of 1k NONE of their cars are advertized as certified that is offered when you purchase the car.The gm buyer protection is a whole different deal

Jim

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Jim,

I suspect it is more of a dealer thing than a regional thing. When I was looking for mine (as well as the '02 SLS prior to that, that I have since sold to my daughter) they were advertised as certified. Do a quick search on autotrader and you'll find many advertised as certified. On the other hand, I have had dealers tell me that it was an extra charge to have it certified. I think it all depends on what they have in the car, how bad they want to turn it and how much they think they can get out of you. The $1000 for certification is pure profit for them.

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Larry

All the USED cadillacs on the dealers lot I deal with even if the car is the current model year with 1 or 2k on the clock on the window sticker they put on the car all of them have under the warranty section state

Full Balance of Factory Warranty. Unless you cough up 1k NO Certified car Of course you can neogitate I usually beat him up the best i can & have always had to pay the 1k However if I add that in to my purchase price I still get a car cheaper from them than other places I have checked out

Jim

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