Would these be rountine maintenance on a Kia? Contemplating small claims court.?

Question

When we questioned a dealer about a Kia we ultimately ended up purchasing he assured us just "routine maintenance" had been done. Two weeks after bringing home the vehicle it began overheating and was undriveable. When we took the car to the same mechanic who had worked on it, we were surprised to find out the water pump had been replaced as well as the timing belt and several other repairs. My question is would these repairs fall under minor rountine repairs or should the dealer disclosed this information to us? We don't want to be stuck with a "dead horse" so to speak. If this salesperson was misleading we have a good chance of getting our money back from what I understand.

To lawmarine83: You are an idiot. I didn't ask for legal advice. I asked for people with mechanic experience to tell me if these were major or minor repairs. There is such a thing as truth in disclosure. By choosing to hide these repairs, they also chose to deprive us of our right to choose a different vehicle with a "cleaner" history. Some people would choose to not buy a vehicle with a laundry list of problems that the most obvious ones were fixed to get it off the lot. It could indicate a history of abuse from the previous owner. The dealer obviously knew we might feel like that. No, the vehicle is not fixed. It's currently at the mechanic waiting for a diagnoses. I DO NOT want your opinions on a court case I ONLY want to know about the classification of these two repairs, unless of course you're a lawyer in MT, in which case I'd like to ask you more questions. Thanks.

Answer 1

Depending on how old the vehicle is, yes -- water pump and timing belt replacement are routine. In fact, on many vehicles the water pump is included when replacing the the timing belt because there is much greater access to the unit with the belt off (Nissan Quest, for example). Since a water pump is fairly inexpensive it is usually replaced as added insurance for the cooling system upkeep. Timing belts HAVE to be replaced every 40 to 60 thousand miles or risk massive engine failure (see your owners manual for specifics).

Answer 2

So...let me get this straight....you are complaining because they had MORE done then they said? you are upset because you bought a vehicle with a new water pump and timing belt? I mean, personally, I would be glad that this stuff had been done, but you...no, not you...how DARE they care for that vehicle properly before you bought it.

You know, there are scheduled intervals to check or replace the timing belt, and if the water pump was due for inspection and they saw it was OK, but starting to go, then they would replace it, and this would all be scheduled maintenance, another term for "routine". And if they replaced the water pump, it would be stupid not to change the timing belt.

I mean seriously, you are upset because the dealership was responsible enough to repair this stuff PRIOR to selling it. I'm sorry to tell you, you'll get laughed out of court if you try to take this complaint to court.

***ADDED***

No, I am not a lawyer in MT, what I am is someone who knows a bit about vehicles, obviously more then you do. I explained to you that these both fell under routine maintenance, but you somehow managed to not only completely ignore that fact, but also show how truly disillusioned you are.

You posted a question and said you wanted to take it to small claims court, like it or not kiddo, you got my opinion, because you are acting very immaturely about this. You are actually complaining because routine checks were made and parts were replaced when it was determined they needed to be. You have no standing to take this to court, you had the choice to request the vehicle be checked by a mechanic of your choosing, you had the option to have a Car Fax history done, or something similar to it, and you chose to take the dealer's word over what records were available, that's not them hiding it, that you being too lazy to go get the information. What you are experiencing now is "buyer's remorse" because you bought a crappy vehicle and didn't bother to actually look into its history, you jumped in because you saw the shiny car setting on the lot and thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread, and that's exactly what the dealer wanted you to think. You rushed your choice, now stop crying and live with it.

Answer 3

It depends on how old the Kia is and how many miles are on the engine. The timing belt and the water pump may be considered maintenance items but only with a lot of miles on the engine.

You didn't mention why your car overheated and became undriveable, I assume that it is repaired now. If it is running now, I'm not too sure of your complaint. Be glad that repairs have been made to the car, these are the ones that you may not have to make in the future.

good luck.

Answer 4

You will loose in small claims court.
A timing belt is a part of scheduled maintenance. About 60,000 to 90,000 miles is the norm. I would have to look it up.
Water pumps do fail over time and after 60,00 I would not be surprised.
You did not say WHY it over heated so I can't help you there.

Used cars, let the Buyer Beware. Is better to have them inspected by your mechanic before you buy. If they say NO, then do not buy.

Answer 5

Water pump and timing belt are major issues that they should have (and normally would have) consulted with you about. But you should always agree up front, before any maintenance is done, on what is to be performed. Never ever just give them the car and tell them to do what is necessary unless you've established a relationship with them. You might could do that with a hairdresser but never with your car.

Answer 6

You bought a used disposable car? It is gonna have problems, I have serviced many kias who's water pumps let go rediculously early, 25k, 40k oh and my favorite 7,300 miles and the water pump let go the car overheated and warped the head. Kias are inexpensive mass produced cars that are gonna have flaws. You get what you pay for.

Answer 7

I could take her to small claims court docket for the reason that while you borrow whatever it's viewed normal experience within the courts eyes to pay for alternative within the occasion you can't go back the object. Also earlier than your court docket date discover the distinctive digicam at the internat and print out a quote to interchange the digicam additionally when you've got the customary receipt take that! Thats how the pass judgement on will examine how a lot she rewards you.

Answer 8

If your not going to buy a Honda or a Toyota their is no reason to buy anything but an American car. Kias are junk, just because they are made overseas doesn't mean they are good. Buy a Chevy next time.

Answer 9

In most states you buy a used car "as is" and in most cases you dont have a case. But a water pump is no big deal. Driving a hot car is, be carefull..