USED CAR COMPLAINTS, RECALLS and BUYBACKS are all the more to worry about when trying to find the right new or used car. I spend a lot of time researching the cars I find for my clients and also making sure the cars my clients want ME to help them sell, are worthy and in great, serviced condition. I discovered this website recently and wanted you to check it out when you have an issue or are thinking about buying a USED CAR. This website is easy to use and allows you to add your two-cents to the specific make and model you may be experiencing trouble with; www.carcomplaints.com.
I had a call from two different MYCARLADY.com blog readers the other day, both wondering if a 2007-2009 6.7L Dodge Cummins Diesel was a good replacement for their 2002-2003 Chevy DURAMAX . One had recently spent $4000.00 on new fuel injectors at 95,000 miles, after having them replaced under warranty several years before. You can’t find NEW fuel injectors for the 2002-2003 Chevy DURAMAX, so these were rebuilt by the factory. The second gentleman calling had the same concern; Does he spend 6K (not under warranty by 3 mos. according to the dealer) or should he buy a ‘07- 2007 Megacab 3500 Dodge 6.7L? for $33,000.00 with 60k miles on it, coming from California, some 1800 miles away?
Here is what I suggested:
OWNER-TRUCK #1. Keep the Chevy since the 2nd set of injectors had been done and the truck runs like a champ. The NEXT time a big expensive item shows up, don’t spend the money, trade for a used 2010 Dodge Ram 2500-3500 Cummins Diesel 6.7l with the new idle control unit on the top of the engine.
OWNER-TRUCK #2. The GMC -CHEVY factory rep should step up and pay for the new fuel injectors on the second truck, since the original injectors have NEVER been replaced, and the factory knew about the problem, hence the extended factory coverage. Under “GOODWILL” this client should be covered, at least for half the cost.
How amazing that CHEVY DURAMAX FUEL INJECTORS are hitting the 100k mark and dying to the tune of $6000.00! (this is the kind of stuff you learn on www.carcomplaints.com or www.NHTSA.com
For those considering buying a USED or left-over new 2007-2008-2009 DODGE RAM 2500-3500 CUMMINS DIESEL 6.7l… HEAR THIS: Many of these FOR SALE USED TRUCKS: 2007-2008-2009 Dodge Cummins 6.7l trucks have been repurchased by the Dodge factory as LEMON-LAW BUYBACKS in CALIFORNIA.
Californai is VERY strict about the 3-strike LEMON LAW rule. In California the LEMON LAW status must be disclosed at the auction, and in sales to consumers. The titles are clearly branded; LEMON-LAW BUYBACK. DO NOT DEPEND on CARFAX to tell you!
ALERT: Dealers from outside California are buying these trucks, clearing titles and selling them to unknowing clients without disclosing the BUYBACK branding. FURTHERMORE, they are CHARGING WAY TOO MUCH for these trucks considering the issues. Fortunately for the gentlemen that called me BEFORE they took delivery, I strongly suggested 3 things..
1. Take $5000.00 off the KBB book price on any Dodge Cummins diesel 2007-2009, and expect troubles.
2. If you buy one of these 2007-2008-2009 Dodge Cummins diesels with the 6.7l and plan to pull off the stock DPF, make sure you don’t have to do an emissions or smog test to get it registered in your state/county every year, and wont be ticketed for black smoke. (the black smoke usually comes out the first time to hit it hard after not driving for a few days.)
3. Know the problems with the design of the DPF-REGEN System makes it virtually IMPOSSIBLE for the local dodge dealership to “fix” the problem permanently. Don’t expect the dealer to cover anything in the engine under warranty if they can find a way to charge you because the “problem” is allegedly YOUR FAULT. The dealers always seem to find a way to charge you for something, and the check engine light will come back on, and the fuel economy will continue to be sub-par. (see lawsuit blog posts)
If you do want to add a product warranty on your Dodge, at least a basic engine, transmission, water-pump, air conditioning, 4wd, electric and seals/gasket coverage plan before it hits 150k miles, contact me at sarahlee@mycarlady.com.
In the meantime, check out and tell all your friends about www.carcomplaints.com
*Women Car Buyers don’t be afraid to contact me: Sarah Le with your car shopping questions!
If you need any other car buying, selling, trading or financing assistance on any new or used vehicle, please do not hesitate to email me at sarahlee@mycarlady.com or give me a call; 702-521-7546 I’m here to help you with any of your automotive needs and advice is free.
Sarah Lee is an automotive executive with 20+ years of experience. She writes about Cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects. Her company: MY CARLADY is a car buyer’s service committed to getting you the best deal on your next new or pre-owned vehicle. You can reach her at CAR DEALS
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