Rubberhead
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- January 11, 2003
- Messages
- 315
- Reaction score
- 14
- City, State
- Fort Mill, SC
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2023 Timberline w/TechPak
27 Miles...2 of which were mine during the test drive.
Two different hose clamps have blown off, the door creaks any time it moves from a stop, the Air bag light keeps coming on and off intermittently, had a water leak in the third row, smell from the exhaust in the car, squeaky brakes, mirror wind noise/whistle, rough idle, and the no shift issue, ...
Forgot to mention, I bought a 350Z years ago brand new. The car was driven from a dealer 100 miles away to the dealer I purchased it from. A few thousand miles later.. all the motor did was consume oil. I brought it to the attention of the dealer, and they asked if I knew how to drive stick properly, which I took as an insult, and asked if I revved the motor over 4000 rpm at all. In which I was baffled and stated, so 350Z owners are not allowed to utilize half the RPM range on a new 40k sports car post break in? Needless to say, the day the lemon law paperwork was sent away in the mail, the vehicle was struck by a transit bus and totaled. So I never got an answer as to why the car consumed oil. I received the car with ~100 or so miles on it, and followed the proper break in procedure like I do with all of the new cars I've ever owned. My only guess is whoever drove the vehicle beat the piss out of it before I received it. This is part of why I am suspect of dealers handling my new cars, besides what I've seen/heard working in the auto industry.
Oil consumption issues on the early 350Z’s were not uncommon. A handful of owners received new engines.
Early as in 2003? Mine was a 2006 which received the 'rev-up' refined motor that was supposed to be free of those early model issues. IIRC the issue was with the valve guides?
The oil consumption issues were not "resolved" until 07. Although considered rare some early production 06's did have the issue. But the percentage is definitely higher for pre 06.
Thanks for the info Nick. That sounds familiar now. It's funny how folks like yourself know more than dealerships when it comes to these common problems.
I guess every dealer has a different philosophy on test drives. The dealer where I have bought about ten new cars over the last 25 years will let me drive any car on his lot if I am looking to buy. And I don't have to haul the salesman with me and I am sure I am not unique.
Unless you catch a car right off the transport there is a good chance it has been driven. The 14 Sport I just picked up had 80 miles on it when I tested it and I put another 40 on it before I made a deal for it. As long as it does not have any physical damage I don't have a problem with a few miles. I know I will not buy a car I haven't driven enough to check for any obvious issues.
I have to agree if I special order a vehicle, I expect it to be delivered to me without any unnecessary mileage. Quite frankly, I'd prefer that they didn't even remove the plastic from the seats and the floors.
Im pretty sure Ford requires the dealership to do a Pre Delivery Inspection (PDI) and that MUST include cleaning with removal of all factory wrappings. The dealer would get in trouble through Ford if they got paid for this but didn't provide the service.
I don't think they even get a choice.
I have to agree if I special order a vehicle, I expect it to be delivered to me without any unnecessary mileage. Quite frankly, I'd prefer that they didn't even remove the plastic from the seats and the floors.