Used car broke down immediately after buying from a dead dealership
When a used car dealership goes out of business right after a sale, buyers are left paying thousands out of pocket for unexpected mechanical repairs while finance companies dismiss the failures as normal wear and tear. This constant cycle of breakdowns drains savings and creates deep anxiety, leaving drivers terrified that something else will fail every time they get behind the wheel.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Taking the car to an authorized brand dealership for a proper inspection
- 2Contacting warranty providers and finance companies to dispute responsibility
- 3Taking it easy for a while and continuing to monitor the vehicle's performance during drives.
- 4Saving extra money for inevitable repairs
- 5Learning how to fix cars independently
- 6Avoiding cheap turbocharged high-mileage vehicles
- 7Replacing the damaged hose and filling up the coolant
- 8Hiring a mobile mechanic
- 9Doing a compression test or checking the oil for contamination to detect head gasket damage
- 10Selling the car for parts or to a junkyard
- 11Getting a second opinion or quotes from independent local mechanics
- 12Sourcing a used or recycled junkyard engine to cut down repair costs
- 13Taking out a 0% introductory rate credit card to finance the repair
- 14Borrowing money from family to pay for engine replacement
- 15having people look at it to diagnose potential issues like a CVT or BCM
- 16testing for mold under the mats and seats
- 17Getting a personal loan for the difference to pay off the remaining negative equity
- 18Continuing to make car payments and saving up until the loan can be paid off
- 19Seeking legal routes or small claims court
- 20Talking to a lawyer for a consultation
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“Ok so I have a 2021 r line fwd Tiguan and my check engine light turned on as well as epc light.”source ↗
“My oil pan had gotten down to about 1/2 a quart of oil in my car because of the leakage so when I brought the car about 40 minutes away the camshaft was grinding against the metal in my engine and started flaking into the oil pan. I have no extended warranty.”source ↗
“They recommended me a new engine coming close to $8,000. I just bought this car three-four months ago. I’m only 19 and I’m really torn because I financed this car all by myself and pay about $460 a month for it.”source ↗
“I was thinking of selling it but I have no clue how to sell a financed car. I have around $16,000 that I owe on the car still (69/72 payments left.)”source ↗
“Besides all this I feel so empty, stupid, and lost in this world and I wish things were better, for everyone, it is so easy to be taken advantage of financially and pushed into a hole.”source ↗
“I took it for repair and the day after I picked it up the coolant exploded everywhere.”source ↗
“On her way home is when all the lights turned on and it started smoking. Unfortunately she did keep driving for like 5 more minutes.”source ↗
“I towed it back to the shop and was told the gash is probably from wear and tear and that it’s not possible for the belt to have slashed the hose because it’s too far away. I’m having a hard time believing that and feel like they’re gaslighting me.”source ↗
“I’m so scared there is engine damage, I’m putting her through nursing school and tuition is kicking my butt.”source ↗
“I'm currently having that issue, and I owe 11k on the vehicle still. The value for the car is about 2300 if I sell as is, according to carvana.”source ↗
“The problem is, the fix is 8-10k, and I simply don't have it.”source ↗
“after buying it with problems, I’s honestly a bit paranoid every time I drive it. I keep expecting something else to go wrong.”source ↗
“$1200 cars with issues are not $1200 cars. Unless you have a bunch more saved up, are good with a wrench, and know how to fix a car. This will likely be far more expensive than you expected.”source ↗
“Since the past week a few issues have arised.”source ↗
“The finance company who sorted papers out claimed every part of this is wear and tear.”source ↗
“Dealership has gone bust. In such a short span of time.”source ↗
“Tiny bit stressed writing this 😭”source ↗
“Hi! I have a 2015 Nissan Rogue with approx 85,000 miles that I just got that is causing me issues.”source ↗
“underneath the steering wheel (steering column, gas pedal, brake pedal) and underneath the front seats there is significant rust, exposed wires, orange gel like material, and water damage.”source ↗
“it has died on me twice now, and both times when I’ve had people look at it they’ve told me it’s not safe or reliable lol?”source ↗
“Constant issues and thousands of dollars of repairs that I did myself.”source ↗
“Looking for a new car with a low budget (I’m 16) since my current car has a bunch of problems.”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 3Buying a used car when the owner doesn't know the maintenance history
- 4Why is my truck shaking and popping after replacing wheel hubs?
- 14How to handle random car error codes and weird driving feelings
- 5Why did my low mileage engine fail?
- 13Why are equipment service bills so expensive for minor fixes?
- 3How to tell if a broken car part needs immediate repair