Tag Archives: subaru

Buying a new, used car. 5 steps to keep you from buying a lemon.

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It’s time to buy a car, but you can only afford a new, used car.

Many clients I know have a budget to stick to.  I have a budget and need to plan for any big purchase. Buying a new car is a huge step for anyone.  Tags, title, maintenance and insurance, everything just got more expensive.

Not every used car is going to be a good buy right off the lot. I look at about 10 cars every month and less than 50% are worth buying.

I work for my client, not the seller.

I do not wear rose-colored glasses. So I will look past the shiny paint and overly slicked down engine bay to see every fault.

Step 1: Go look at cars during the day.

Cars on the car lot will look real nice under the bright lights, but you will miss many details at night. During the day it is easy to see all the flaws. Paint color issues and poorly done body repairs are the big defects that hide at night.

Step 2: Buy 2 to 4 years old, let the first owner take the hit.

When you buy a gently used 2 to 4-year-old car, the first owner will take the hit on the deprecation of the car. Almost all cars and trucks take a huge dip in value in the first 5 years. It is best to buy a car no older than 8 years. This way you will still have service parts available to keep your car looking and running good.

Auto manufactures start to discontinue cosmetic parts at 8 years of age. Cosmetic parts keep your car looking good. If it is in an accident it will need cosmetic parts to put it back together. So It is best to get something newer vs real old.

Mechanical parts will still be available for many years and you may have to go to a regular auto parts source (NAPA) for some things as the car ages past 15 years. Personally I drive a 1993 Toyota Tercel and my Toyota is 20 years old, but Toyota still services almost 80% of the parts for this car.

As long as you love your car and we can get quality parts for it, we can keep your car running great.

Gear head alert: If you have mechanical skills, the year of the car will never matter, but I will still recommend you to have an independent shop inspect the car, because it will be an objective opinion. If I save you money and keep you from buying a money pit, it will be worth every penny for the inspection.

Step 3: Drive the car in the city and on the freeway.

Before you bring the car in for an inspection. You can rule out some things on your own. When you drive the car, does it drive straight down the road? On flat ground, under safe conditions, lightly grip the steering wheel while driving. If it wants to turn or pull to one side, it could show repairs are needed. Tires can also cause a pull, but so can worn suspension parts or poor quality accident repairs.

Do the same pull check when using the brakes, does it pull or shake? Take time to listen to the car not the radio. Is the car overly noisy when driving on a smooth road? Does it vibrate at an idle when it is in gear? Does it shake at high speeds above the speed limit…

Does the car smell musty or like an old gym bag when you first get in. This is mostly noticed when you live in a hot climate area like Phoenix, AZ.

Do all the electric devices work? Does the A/C and heat work correctly. This one is a must have in Phoenix, AZ

Just check everything you can, switch everything on and off plus open and close all windows and the sun roof if it has one. If it will pass basic tests you are ready for the next part of the inspection.

Then bring the car into the shop for a full inspection. We will check the engine, fuel and Ignition systems, scan the computer, emissions equipment, transmission and under chassis. We will look for hidden body repairs that may have not been reported to Carfax. If we find issues we can give you retail prices on the needed repairs. This repair list will give you power to wheel and deal with the seller or just pass on the car.

Step 4: Stay away from cars that have “Go Fast” modifications.

Modifications do not add to the retail value or private re-sale value of the car, unless done correctly. Too many times I see cars that are just hacked up, but they look good on the outside. You can break this rule if you want to, but let me tell you why this step is important.

Let’s say you buy a Ford Mustang with a smaller V8 or V6, but later will want to add performance parts to it to make it Go Fast. You just killed the re-sale value of the car and wasted your money for a small gain.

It would be better for you to just buy the Mustang GT. The GT will hold its value because it is not hacked up, plus it is a Go Fast car to start with. Buy right, buy once.

When performance parts go bad, finding replacement parts when traveling can cause issues. A near stock car can be serviced at almost any repair location. Modifications will cost extra to maintain, and may add extra repair labor when servicing your car.

Every change you make to the car has a price. The costs go way past the original installation the parts.

Step 5: The most important step is…

*** “Do not buy any car or truck without getting it inspected!” ***

Ok, this should be a no brainer, but it’s not. I have looked at many cars that clients have already signed the papers on and they own the car.

I act on the clients behalf to protect the client from the seller. Think of it as being your second set of eyes. About 99% of all used cars older than 5 years do not come with a warranty. Yes, you can spend extra money on a 3rd party warranty, but if you buy a good car, you will not need to worry about a warranty because you did your home work. So do not sign anything till you have had it checked out at an independent shop. Even if the car is from a friend!

It’s all good under the hood. Anthony Xavier ASE Master Technician

copyright: All rights reserved @ HeyAnthonyAZ.com 2013

 

 

What is a genie lamp? Engine Repair Phoenix 85016

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What is a Genie lamp?

This was one of the funnest & sad things I have ever encountered, but it was mostly a sad day for the owner of the car. The owner of the car in question did not know what the lights on the instrument panel indicated. The owner drove the car till it stopped. Once the car arrived at the shop, I asked the standard questions. The owner said they had a genie lamp on, but the car drove fine till the engine stalled. so I asked them to show me what lamp on the panel was turning on.

Keep in mind, I was puzzled about what the client was seeing. Because I have never seen a genie lamp on any instrument panel. 

The client turned on the key and pointed to the light that was on. It was the OIL LIGHT, but to them it looked like a genie lamp. Keeping a straight face, I said, a genie lamp would have smoke going up out of the spout. The lamp on the panel had a drop going down. The client just giggled. Then shock set in.

The client had no idea that the engine had no oil in it. It was just serviced at the clients local quick lube. The drain plug was tight, the filter was new and tight, just no oil. I was very impressed, the car went 14 miles before engine failure. The client said the light was on when they picked up the car, but they did not think anything of it because, it was on intermittently a week before the service. I did not say a thing. I Just gave them a price and the car ended up going away.

As a car owner, you should know some basics. You need to know how to air up your tires, plus check the oil and coolant. You should know what all the warning lights on the instrument panel indicate. You should know how to change a flat tire.

If you have questions about your car, stop in at the station and we will answer any of your questions at no charge. Knowledge is key to keeping your car in good shape.

It’s all good under the hood. Anthony Xavier ASE Master Technician

copyright: All rights reserved @ HeyAnthonyAZ.com 2013

 

DTC P0440 Evaporative System Leak Detected

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The gas cap pictured above looks bad, the gasket is cracked and you would think it would be leaking, the odd thing is it seals up just fine.

DTC P0440 evaporative system leak detected.  This is one of the OBD 2 codes that every car owner will hear about at least once.  The code is for leakage in the evaporative system.  It does not indicate the gas cap is bad, but a loose or defective gas cap can trigger the code.  A faulty roll over valve on the top of the fuel tank can set the same code.  The code will set in the computer for any number of reasons, that is why we run tests to rule out the unknown.  The first test is the gas cap.  It is a part that can wear out from use, so it is a good place to start.

It’s all good under the hood. Anthony Xavier ASE Master Technician

copyright: All rights reserved @ HeyAnthonyAZ.com 2013

It’s going to rain, are your wiper blades ready?

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We check your wiper blades at every service. 

If the wiper blades will not clear the glass, they need replacement.  I see many clients wait till it rains to discuss replacing the wiper blades.  Why wait?  The cost is minimal and most cars only need them replaced once a year.  I advise clients why they need good wiper blades and yes it does not rain every day in Arizona, but again, why wait till it does rain…

 

It’s all good under the hood. Anthony Xavier ASE Master Technician

copyright: All rights reserved @ HeyAnthonyAZ.com 2013

Should I fix my old car or buy a new car?

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Wow, that’s a lot of money to fix my car!

In walks Mr. Steve, he is a new client to the shop.  Steve owns an Isuzu Rodeo with 160,000 plus miles on the clock.  Steve’s Rodeo told me it needed help, Steve on the other hand did not want to spend any money on a big repair.

Mr. Steve and the Rodeo should talk more often…

I looked at the issue (a transmission shifting issue) and calculated that it would be close to 800.00 to address the 5 fluid leaks causing the transmission shifting issue.  You see, Steve’s Rodeo was very low on fluid and because the Isuzu rodeo does not have a transmission dip stick tube.  No one has been checking the fluid level.

You check the fluid level on the Isuzu Rodeo from under the car, when it is on the rack for service.  Now, the under body of the Rodeo told me that the leak has been going on for many weeks if not months.  So someone has been over looking the needs of the car just to save time or because they did not put two and two together.

(Leaks cause fluid loss and fluid loss can cause many parts to fail.)

I asked steve if he would like to leave the car to make the repairs because the parts are special order.  At this point, I should mention that Steve does not like my price.  Steve does not want to spend any money on the car.  So I dropped the other shoe, I informed steve about some of the other needs I see on the car. (Things needing to be done today.)  So Steve is not happy with me at all right now.  So Steve tells me he is selling the Rodeo and going to buy a new car soon.  (Ok)

I hear this one all the time…

In all, I talked with Steve about everything that the rodeo needed and I topped off the fluid in the transmission, plus added some coolant to the cooling system.  I wished Steve well and he drove off.  I would like to see Steve back as a regular client, but for now he is a man with a broken car and I can not change that.

Cars and trucks talk to me.  I hear them tell me they need help and I do what I can to guide the client to the best repair for the car.  The moral to this story, maintenance is an ongoing thing and the older the car gets, the more maintenance it will need.  If you ignore it, it will break.  I like to see my clients at least 3 times a year for oil change services.  This lets me talk to the car and then I can let the client know what the car may need.

The main goal is to plan for upcoming repairs and maintenance

vs being surprised by them at the side of the road.

 

It’s all good under the hood. Anthony Xavier ASE Master Technician

copyright: All rights reserved @ HeyAnthonyAZ.com 2013

P0128 Engine Code Dodge Magnum

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Dodge Magnum Check Engine Light on, code P0128

When the check engine light turns on, it indicates that the computer sees a fault.  When the engine computer sees the fault, it will store a code.  The code will direct the repair technician to an area to test.  Today I have a 2005 Dodge Magnum with a P0128 code.  This code is basically the same for any make or model.  This is a standardized code for O.B.D. 2 cars and trucks.  P0128 is for Engine Cooling System Thermostat Rationality.  The engine computer (PCM or ECM) predicts what the engine coolant temperature should be, based on the engine coolant temperature at start-up.  The predicted engine coolant temperature is then compared to the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECT)  The error between the two is calculated and integrated with respect to time.  When the Thermostat diagnostic runs, the integrated error is compared to a calibrated threshold and a pass or fail is then determined.  Many things can cause the code to set, but they all have one thing in common, Engine Temperature.  Any electric or mechanical component that can affect engine temperature readings will cause the code to set in the computer, even a faulty computer.

The image above is from the Dodge Magnum.  The black rubber body around the center disc failed.  (new on left vs old on right)  The rubber is in place to make a tight seal around the outer body.  This rubber sealing ring keeps coolant from flowing untill the engine reaches the correct temperature.  If coolant flows too early, the code will set.

The engine computer is looking at the coolant temperature to adjust timing and fuel delivery for best economy.  A faulty Thermostat can cause reduced fuel economy, poor heater operation and hard shifting from cars with automatic transmissions.

It’s all good under the hood. Anthony Xavier ASE Master Technician

copyright: All rights reserved @ HeyAnthonyAZ.com 2013

Cabin air filters

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The air filter above is only 7 months old.

Heating and air conditioning systems on many of todays cars and some trucks have an air filter on the inlet side of the blower motor housing.  The filter helps to remove the small debris and dust from getting into the passenger area.  Service is normally due about once a year or 15,000 miles.  The filter will need more frequent service in a dusty climate.  In many cases the filter does not take long to change.  Air flow will be reduced as the filter becomes dirty.  Changing a cabin air filter video by HeyAnthonyAZ.

 

It’s all good under the hood. Anthony Xavier ASE Master Technician

copyright: All rights reserved @ HeyAnthonyAZ.com 2013


It was not like that before!

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Ok, I understand.  So let’s solve this now.

As a service consultant I have some trouble with this statement.  For me, it indicates that the car owner came in with a condition that may of not been disclosed when the car was dropped off for service.  Lucky me, I document all findings from large to small.  If I am at fault, I will not side step the issue.  I will fix it.  It is not uncommon to have something happen during a visit, but if anything was to happen during a visit, we will not hide it from you.

Anything we find during the cars visit is documented on the work order.

 

It’s all good under the hood. Anthony Xavier ASE Master Technician

copyright: All rights reserved @ HeyAnthonyAZ.com 2013