This is my first post on the board. I've been hoping to buy an MP3 for awhile, but today's experience has me thinking that it's just not meant to be.
I'd really appreciate some input. Thanks.
. . . . so, I'm test driving an MP3 with 78,000 miles. The dealer agreed to let me drive the car about 35 miles to go pick up my fiance from work so we can come back and do the deal.
After the first 25 miles or so, I notice a slight clicking sound coming from the front of the car, but it only happens when I first step on the gas and right before I let it all the way off. I'm on the interstate going 70 or so (in 5th gear, of course).
I hit an exit and come to a stop at the top of the ramp. As I pull out, the first three gears are noisy as hell. CLICKETY-CLACK! It eases off a little once I get to fourth, but now the clicks and clacks are constant, not just in the first few millimeters of the throttle.
I get to my fiance's workplace, pick her up, and start heading back. By the time I hit the interstate again (about 2 miles, if that), the car is plain scaring me to death. I'm just wondering if I can get it to the next exit before the engine seizes.
I don't think I totally blew the engine, but as I was pulling off the interstate so I can park the thing and call the dealer to come get his car (even though I couldn't be held liable, I did NOT want to be driving the car when the f'n thing blows up), the oil light and check engine light comes on and it dies on me.
While I was waiting on the two truck, I started it back up. It clicked and clacked and just plain ol' felt rough, but I didn't see any smoke coming out the exhaust or any other fluids on the ground. I immediately shut the car back off.
A few questions if any of you all would be so kind as to give me a little input:
What *exactly* could be wrong with the engine? I'm far from a car mechanic so I don't want to humiliate myself by going to deep into my "diagnosis," but I imagine that the valves were making the noise.
What causes that? Considering that I shut the car down fairly quickly once the problem worsened past just being slightly annoying, could it be fixed somewhat easily?
If the dealer is willing to give me some kind of warranty on the powertrain after they fix it, would I be an idiot for still considering purchasing the car?
I know it's hard to say on some of these without having witnessed it yourself, but any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again.
I'd really appreciate some input. Thanks.
. . . . so, I'm test driving an MP3 with 78,000 miles. The dealer agreed to let me drive the car about 35 miles to go pick up my fiance from work so we can come back and do the deal.
After the first 25 miles or so, I notice a slight clicking sound coming from the front of the car, but it only happens when I first step on the gas and right before I let it all the way off. I'm on the interstate going 70 or so (in 5th gear, of course).
I hit an exit and come to a stop at the top of the ramp. As I pull out, the first three gears are noisy as hell. CLICKETY-CLACK! It eases off a little once I get to fourth, but now the clicks and clacks are constant, not just in the first few millimeters of the throttle.
I get to my fiance's workplace, pick her up, and start heading back. By the time I hit the interstate again (about 2 miles, if that), the car is plain scaring me to death. I'm just wondering if I can get it to the next exit before the engine seizes.
I don't think I totally blew the engine, but as I was pulling off the interstate so I can park the thing and call the dealer to come get his car (even though I couldn't be held liable, I did NOT want to be driving the car when the f'n thing blows up), the oil light and check engine light comes on and it dies on me.
While I was waiting on the two truck, I started it back up. It clicked and clacked and just plain ol' felt rough, but I didn't see any smoke coming out the exhaust or any other fluids on the ground. I immediately shut the car back off.
A few questions if any of you all would be so kind as to give me a little input:
What *exactly* could be wrong with the engine? I'm far from a car mechanic so I don't want to humiliate myself by going to deep into my "diagnosis," but I imagine that the valves were making the noise.
What causes that? Considering that I shut the car down fairly quickly once the problem worsened past just being slightly annoying, could it be fixed somewhat easily?
If the dealer is willing to give me some kind of warranty on the powertrain after they fix it, would I be an idiot for still considering purchasing the car?
I know it's hard to say on some of these without having witnessed it yourself, but any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again.
