I just bought an old used car and I am having problems...?

Question

I just bought a 94' Altima and I did not do the proper testing before buying (I mistakenly figured "it is a cheap car it isn't worth investing in having a mechanic inspect it).

I am pretty sure I have a CV joint problem (squeeking on the turns) and some sort of a/c coolant problem (clicking in the a/c).

1) Does anyone have a ball park figure of the cost of these repairs?

2) How should I approach the people who sold me the car? They are people in my city whom I met and are not trying to rip me off but probably aren't interested in hearing me say "but I didn't realize..."

Thanks.

Thanks for the answers so far.

1) I just want to say I bought the car about a day ago!

2) Yes, I am in the U.S. (new york)

3) How much does it cost just to add coolant?

The car has a very slight tremble when it is stationary and when I make a turn (the sharper the more pronounced) it whistles/squeaks/clicks. It moves fine.

The weirdest part is: the a/c thing doesn't make any noise when it is in the face/feet setting but in any other combo [just feet, just face, defog, etc.] it makes the clicking sound

p.s. I paid $1800 for it - 1994 Nissan Altima with 99,600 miles

That is a pretty good deal, right?

Bearman: You are what is called in english a "CROOK"

Answer 1

If you need a new cv axle the labor guides calls for 1.3 hours on the right side and 1.2 on the left side for removal and replacement. Where ever you live will determine the shop labor rate. Depending on what axle, what kind of transmission, Abs or not will depend on price of axle. Expect about $65.00 and up unless you go to a shop expect no less than $100. You may also need to replace the axle nut and oil seal. However your description doesn’t sound like a CV. You would more than likely hear a clicking sound when turning. You can jack up the vehicle, please use jack stands and wheel chalks, inspect the boot. Keep the keys in the ignition so the steering wheel doesn't lock, turn the steering wheel and wheel to get more boot exposure and look for cracks. If the boots cracked or torn you will need a new axle. If there is no tears grab the shaft and shake it back and forth if you have movement or hear or feel a knuckle like popping you will need a new one. Next problem, there is no coolant in your A/C system. It is called refrigerant(R-134) Coolant is what’s in your radiator. Used to cool your engine and heat your heating system. Your problem sounds like you may just be low on R-134. However you may also have a leak. I would advise you to find a reputable shop and get the inspection done. Some shops will apply the price of the inspections to the cost of repairs. You can get an estimate for repairs and take that to the people who sold you the car. In California the seller is only required to make the vehicle pass a smog inspection unless it’s stated in a contract that there is nothing wrong with the vehicle. So you may simply ask the sellers if they might cover the repairs or pay for some of them. Good luck.

Answer 2

You buy a car that is 12 years old and then complain of problems. What does everyone think that when they buy a car they are buying a new car. I have a 98 Chrysler I bought from my brother and the fuel pump went out. IT cost $300 but that is part of wear and tear of a vehicle.

Haynes Manual
What you do is get the Haynes Repair Manual for your Year and model of vehicle at Auto Zone, or another automotive repair shop. The manual will show you what and how to do the repairs.

Personally, you are responsible. You could be approaching them for the next year everytime the car broke down. You do know what the word used means. Besides even you admitted it is a cheap car so suck up to the repairs.

If you buy the manual you can do the CV joint yourself. If you are in the US, you go to Auto Zone and they will lend you the tools to take it apart., But not that hard to do.

A/C problems are common. But may run as much as $400 or it may just need some coolant.

The C/V joint can run around $300. If you are in the US let me know and I will tell you where to do it cheap.

Answer 3

A/C problems can be expensive. It sounds like your A/C is out of refrigerant - the clicking is the compressor trying to turn on. It'll run for a moment (without effect) and then shut off to avoid damage when it senses that it's out of gas. After a pause, it'll try again. And again. The problem is how the refrigerant got out. Lines, condenser, pump - some are fairly cheap, some cost a lot. At least changing the CV joint shouldn't be too bad.

Answer 4

Just guessing, but the A/C will probably be the most expensive to repair. You have a leak somewhere in the system and when it comes on you hear a click turning it off from the low pressure switch. You may be able to get away just adding some 134A and get by for a season .
The people that sold you the car knew it had problems, that's way they sold it to you. I wouldn't even take the time to tell them about it. "Let the buyer beware" "As is". Bite the bullet and get it fixed, and learn from your mistakes. Best I can tell you. Sometimes you get the bull, and some time you get the horn.

Answer 5

Squeaking at the turns is most likely a brake pad problem. Clicking and clacking on the turns are CV shaft problems.
AC clutch may be bad and they are expensive to have replaced. You may be able to disconnect the ac unit so it wont come on.
CV Shaft are not that expensive. You can shop around and get one for as low as 69.99 w exchange.
Call a couple of repair shops and ask how much for just labor to have a CV shaft replaced. Shops are really slow right now so you can bargain with them.

Answer 6

Almost always when someone sells a car cheap, there is something it needs, and the owner said to himself "I'm not putting any more money into that thing" so what you see is what you get.

You said it yourself. It's a cheap car and not worth.............

As for the repairs, they will run you around 500. if you're lucky.

Answer 7

Most used cars sells will say 'AS IS' right there on the Bill of Sale. If so, it's useless to contact the seller.

Answer 8

id try calling or going to talk to them,and see if they would help with the repairs on it,it cant hurt to ask ,all they can say is no,but if you talk right and don't get smart with them,and be calm,they might offer to help you with them or even fix them for you ,sometimes being calm can go a long way,good luck,i hope this help,s.

Answer 9

cv axeles are about 60 bucks a peace at advanced auto and are not very hard to install

Answer 10

"squeeking on the turns" is this with the car in motion or does it squeek when you turn the wheel nomater if car is moving or not, if it just squeeks, i could be your balljoint