If you're going to own a car, you should have a mechanic that you trust. Wherever you buy a used car (from an individual or a dealer), take it to your mechanic. I bought a car recently and found some things from my mechanic that I didn't notice on my test drive... even on the way to the mechanic, the check engine light came on, which wasn't on in my test drive. He picked up immediately on problems with the suspension and transmission... I'd have spent more repairing it than the purchase price. On the car I bought, he told me there were problems with the linkage arm that I'd have to repair within a year or so, and a couple of other minor problems, but the car was worth buying (even if I did overpay).

You learned the hard way that if carfax says it was in an accident, it's not a minor accident. I guess I am more generous toward auctions than some here (it can be a legitimate way to get cars out of their inventory if they don't sell). But, if the dealer bought a car that was in an accident at auction, I have to wonder how reputable they are - they know what they're getting into when they do that.

Absolutely. An auction car isnt there 1005 because it is a problem car or it would never sell and they wouldnt exist. Auctions provide a way to offload excess inventory, or to increase inventory. It is not solely to sell problem cars, as mentioned previously.

The biggest thing is find a good salesperson. Believe it or not, they all aren't out to get you. The vat majority truly want to help you and take care of you so you will come back and refer people to them. Find a good honest guy, and give him you return business. That works good for them and you.

All week my fiancé was talking a big game about going in and not backing down. I tried to talk off the ledge by seeing it from the dealership side and how they have helped with the struts. When we got there and sat down with the manager she wimped out and basically said nothing. So I explained that's frustrating to buy a car and have all these problems right away. In the end, we agreed to keep the car. They dealer is giving us 4 new tires, then having it aligned again for free, if it's still pulling they'll take it to a frame machine. Hopefully it won't come to that. It's still a nice 2008 Legacy with only 47,000 miles and no engine issues. Plus after last winter she was jealous of how well my Forester handled the snow with ease.

Thanks to everyone who posted.


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I hope it turns out well. At least they're doing something, but I wouldn't recommend them to friends and family...

Again what type of title does this vehicle have

clear, salvage or rebuilt

if it goes on a frame machine then it should probably have a salvage or a rebuilt title and there is a chance you could end up with one (salvage or rebuilt) after that

what is the history of the title has it been titled several times and specifically out of state which would be rare for a car with 47,000 miles

Does the state in which you bought the car have a "lemon law?" If so, see if there are any options you can pursue under it.

Since the car fax report was wrong since a minor accident is listed and unibody damage is not listed, then your car may qualify for the Car Fax buyback. I would look at the angle as well. Car Fax is not as good as people think, there is a 3 month to 1 year delay of items being reported, i use to see that all the time. Use Autocheck, that's what the auctions use.