QuestionHello Ray,
I purchased a Nissan Altima 2002 sedan in Feb.2009 with 48,353 miles from Atlantic Nissan ($12,000) (My First Car). This car has been in services more than 10 times. The second week I had it, the catalytic converter was replaced (oh and the dipstick was missing!). The second month the entire engine was replaced. The fourth month the alternator was replaced. The sixth month the exhaust had to be readjusted or something like that. Two months ago my crank sensor had to be replaced because according to the service manager it was a defect from Nissan. For all the times the car has been in service they have tried to make me pay but I always went to the general manager and advised him that my car was in service again. So, I have only ended up paying for the alternator ($260.00). But it has given me so many problems I am paranoid driving it because it might break down again. I spoke to the general manager at Nissan and he promised to replace my car and promised to call me. I left him like 6 voicemails and called him everyday, but he refused to return my calls. I never heard from him again until I called advising him that the crank sensor was a defect from Nissan and I was not paying for it.
I'm a single 20yr old mom and have filed complaint with BBB but they said they couldn’t force the dealer to resolve the issue. Then I went to attorney general for lemon law and they wrote back saying that I probably have a case and to fill out the paper work to start the process. But being a single mom I need a reliable car and don't have time to deal with arbitration. Santander Consumer USA is the bank that approved my loan and I recently found out that the interest is incredibly high. For example I made a payment of $850 and they took 570.00 for interest. That is ridiculous! I know I don't have much of a credit history due to my age, but I still find it way too high. Anyway, I'm sorry for the long story, but I have no idea how to go about this. I definitely want another car. I have been thinking of trading it in but I still owe $9,000. Co-workers and friends have advised me to sell it on my own, but according to Kelly blue book my car is worth almost $6,000. But if I trade it in I don't want the remaining amount to go onto my new loan, I wouldn't be able to afford it. Maybe I should go through arbitration but I heard it takes years and with everything I went through with this car, I want an easy way out that will make it easier to get a new car. I drive at least 90 miles a day to and from work, so I have almost put 20,000 miles on the car, I don't know if that will effect anything. Please guide me to the right direction, or the direction that won’t cost me anything. I would really appreciate it. Let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you so much,
Tati
AnswerHi Tati
Don't be sorry for the long story, there always seems to be a lemon in every batch and unfortunately you seem to got stock with one. You are very wise to not consider the remaining amount to go a new loan with the type interest you're paying.
The only legal advice I see is if you can prove misrepresentation, in this case the GM at dealership promised to replace your car and now avoiding you, as for legal action, follow the steps on my website at this link http://www.usedcartips.org/dispute.html it's free, and if a lawyer feel you have a case you will be contacted.
Personally I think with 10 months having passed and you having added 20K to the vehicle you are at the mercy of the dealership, my direction would be to concentrate getting vehicle at a lower Interest rate, because if you don't the day will come where the car will be worthless with you still owing a ton of money, go to this link http://www.usedcartips.org/CREDI.html and scroll down to " How to Deal with a Vehicle being Upside Down " for a better understanding.
If you have further questions feel free to make contact anytime.
Ray
http://www.usedcartips.org/
