What to Do About an Oil Leak in a Recently Purchased Used Car?
Asked Nov 29, 20180 views3 answers
I purchased a 2012 Ford Escape Limited from a dealer, and about a week later, I noticed an oil leak that ended up costing over $1,200 to fix. The repairs involved replacing the oil pan and front timing cover. I contacted the dealer to ask about their inspection findings because I was concerned I might have been misled. They mentioned they noted seepage but not a leak, which they would have fixed. Given that the leak appeared just a week after my purchase, should I trust their assessment?
Understanding Your Oil Leak Concern
Purchasing a used vehicle, especially one that is several years old, can sometimes come with unexpected issues. In your case, the emergence of an oil leak just a week after buying a 2012 Ford Escape Limited raises legitimate concerns about the vehicle's condition prior to the sale. Here, we will break down the situation, provide troubleshooting steps, and discuss best practices to ensure you're protected in future transactions.
Assessing the Dealer's Inspection
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Inspection Standards:
- Dealers typically conduct inspections before selling a vehicle, which should include checking for leaks. If they noted “seepage” but did not classify it as a "leak," this could indicate a lack of thoroughness in their inspection.
- Seepage vs. Leak: Seepage often refers to minor oil accumulation that may not present a visible drip, while a leak is a more definitive flow of oil. The distinction can be subjective and may vary among mechanics.
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Trusting Dealer Assessments:
- Given that the leak appeared shortly after your purchase, it is reasonable to question the thoroughness of the dealer's inspection. If they were aware of seepage, ideally, they should have investigated further and disclosed this information to you.
Steps to Take
Step 1: Document Everything
Expert Answers
EC
Elixir Cada
Answered Nov 29, 2018
The dealer should have thoroughly checked the oil pan and timing cover gasket before selling you the vehicle. It's standard practice for dealerships to road test vehicles and inspect them for any issues. If they were aware of the seepage, they should have investigated further rather than just wiping it off and selling the car.
Since you've already had the oil pan and front timing cover repaired, it's understandable to feel concerned that the dealer may not have been transparent about the vehicle's condition. If the leak was significant enough to require repairs shortly after your purchase, you might want to consider reaching out to the dealer to discuss the inspection process they conducted. It’s reasonable to ask for a refund for the repair costs, especially if you believe they misrepresented the condition of the vehicle.
In the future, if you notice any leaks or issues after buying a used car, it’s a good idea to have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle. This can help catch any potential problems before they become costly repairs.
EC
Elixir Cada
Answered Dec 3, 2018
It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating situation after purchasing your 2012 Ford Escape Limited. If you discovered an oil leak just a week after buying it, that’s definitely concerning. Ideally, before a dealer sells a vehicle, they should conduct a thorough inspection and test drive to catch any issues like this. Since there was already some noticeable seepage, it’s reasonable to expect that they should have investigated further to identify the source of the leak.
In your case, it seems likely that the dealer may not have done their due diligence, which could mean you were misled about the condition of the vehicle. It’s important to address this issue as soon as possible. I recommend taking the car back to the dealer and asking them to inspect the leak. They should be responsible for resolving any problems that were present at the time of sale.
If you find that the dealer is uncooperative or dismissive, you might want to consider reaching out to a consumer protection agency or seeking legal advice to understand your rights in this situation. Keeping all documentation related to the purchase and any communications with the dealer will be helpful if you need to escalate the matter. If the issue persists or you have further questions, don’t hesitate to seek additional support.
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