I bought a used Buick this weekend. I was able to put the VIN into several public and free databases that confirmed instantly the recall status of the car. No need to panic or blame others. But I guess that doesn’t make for a very sexy story.
Get used to "let the buyer beware." It will get worse with Trump as president.
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I tried to get a straight answer from a Ford salesman locally, regarding airbags specifically.
He got VERY defensive right away, told me they couldn't possibly be aware of all recalls for the used cars they sold, and I should visit Carfax ... which I guess isn't all that upfront / the be-all, end-all either.
He really didn't want to talk to me about this, simply couldn't be bothered.
I've yet to buy a new (used) vehicle ...
He got VERY defensive right away, told me they couldn't possibly be aware of all recalls for the used cars they sold, and I should visit Carfax ... which I guess isn't all that upfront / the be-all, end-all either.
He really didn't want to talk to me about this, simply couldn't be bothered.
I've yet to buy a new (used) vehicle ...
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I have always been a big fan of Carmax. No Longer
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Why would recalls be an issue? The repairs are free, and usually minor.
What about the issue of cars that were purchased in a state not requiring recall for now, but that after several years get moved into a state and zone that is part of the recall? Have the regulators even thought about that?
A lot to unravel here.
So, the person hurt by dealers unwilling to resell these vehicles are the people trading them in. Many dealers, refuse to sell these vehicles, which diminishes the value to the dealer.
Aside from litigation, they do not want to sell a vehicle that could kill you. And they rightfully understand that you can't gather signatures on disclosures that fully describe the risks or indemnify the dealer.
60 million recalled airbags means years of replacements, with no assurance that Takata will endure. If a dealer trades in one and holds onto it until replacements are available, they may lose thousands on each one.
Carmax has decided it can outlawyer its customers. Maybe so, but it is a very telling of their business model.
So, the person hurt by dealers unwilling to resell these vehicles are the people trading them in. Many dealers, refuse to sell these vehicles, which diminishes the value to the dealer.
Aside from litigation, they do not want to sell a vehicle that could kill you. And they rightfully understand that you can't gather signatures on disclosures that fully describe the risks or indemnify the dealer.
60 million recalled airbags means years of replacements, with no assurance that Takata will endure. If a dealer trades in one and holds onto it until replacements are available, they may lose thousands on each one.
Carmax has decided it can outlawyer its customers. Maybe so, but it is a very telling of their business model.
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I think you read a different article!
The problem is that the several car makers and most dealers — and now Trump's FTC — are perfectly fine with selling used cars that have known safety defects and are under recall. They are fine with customers signing waivers, which, as usual in the car buying process, takes place in a frenzy of paperwork during which few read the fine print.
It's a scam and one reflective of the de-regulation, anti-government, conservative, free market forces.
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Here is what the so called "Free Market" means: "I got your money and no matter what happens, too bad for you!" Therefore, more socialism, more government, and more regulations NOT less! But definitely no more Republican'ts! They are all fascists and unAmericans as per their actions not words.
Early in 2016, I received a notice from Honda that the airbag in my vehicle would be replaced in Spring or Summer. There were no further notices and the airbag hasn't been replaced. The driver-side airbag in my previous Honda protected me from serious injury or death in a severe frontal collision which totaled the vehicle. The passenger-side airbag destroyed the windshield when it deployed from an opening in the dashboard.
Why didn't you follow up, aggressively, with your dealer?!
One or two phone calls and you would have been scheduled for the free repair. That's all it took for us — and we weren't high on the priority list.
I certainly hope that you didn’t keep driving the Honda without getting the detonator fixed. And, that you and your family are OK!
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I don't care if turning off the frontal airbag IS illegal. I'll turn it off anyway because I've always worn my seat belt properly and it's saved my life several times. So many stupid people neglect to buckle up, thinking they're protected by the airbag. Wrong!
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that frontal airbags saved 2,213 lives in 2012. This number has risen each year since 1998, when federal legislation mandating frontal air bags went into effect, and has now leveled out at just over 2,000 lives saved a year.
I agree that wearing a seatbelt saves lives but you're wrong saying that airbags don't save lives. With only a small number of airbags deploying as a result of defect vs the potential to save your life I suggest keeping your airbags in working order. Last I checked there's no switch to turn off the front airbags in a vehicle so your threat to do so sounds unrealistic.
I agree that wearing a seatbelt saves lives but you're wrong saying that airbags don't save lives. With only a small number of airbags deploying as a result of defect vs the potential to save your life I suggest keeping your airbags in working order. Last I checked there's no switch to turn off the front airbags in a vehicle so your threat to do so sounds unrealistic.
really nice and money saving article. but on old cars there are huge auto repair cost.
Not if you buy reliable models. I've never bought a new car in my life at almost 60, and I've had so little repairs they are inconsequential. New cars are for suckers unless costs mean nothing to you.
Silly comment. If no one buys new cars, then no one will be able to buy used cars because there won't be any.
I've only ever bought new cars and in a period of a little over forty years, I've made three purchases. Pretty cost effective if you ask me.
It's a shame and very discouraging to see consumer protections being eroded for quite some time. This is blatantly true and obvious by the climate of business for years to "sell" consumers on the idea of "brand loyalty" and "liking" companies as witnessed by business via social media , in particular on Facebook. Sadly, this trend of watering down and eliminating consumer protection laws and regulations will get even worse with the current administration in Washington.
Where is David Horowitz when we need him the most?
Where is David Horowitz when we need him the most?
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The FTC is allowing used cars, subject to a recall to be sold, as long as the recall is 'disclosed'. Why should the car dealers/car manufacturers have to incur any loss as a result of Takata. The Company just agreed to pay $1 billion to the U.S. to settle criminal allegations and damages to dealers. Where is that money going? It appears the FTC caved in to pressure from the dealers/manufacturers about the mounting inventories of cars under recall. I get it - it was costly. So either fine Takata another billion, and keep the cars off the streets until they are repaired, or allow the cars to sold w/the proper disclosure. If car dealers still aren't disclosing, they should be prosecuted, as the bags have been directly linked to causing multiple deaths in the U.S.
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Thank you for this article. People should know when they are in danger!
The FTC and government safety agencies have been compromised by corporate power.
The FTC and government safety agencies have been compromised by corporate power.
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Let's start by calling airbags something else, like "bomb bags", because that's exactly what they are--rather than filling with compressed air, they contain an explosion.
Under most circumstances, these devices do what they are intended to do. That changes nothing. What it means is that regulators assume that they will beat the odds of being personally affected by a problem, and they are usually right, but we have regulations to protect the rest of us.
Under most circumstances, these devices do what they are intended to do. That changes nothing. What it means is that regulators assume that they will beat the odds of being personally affected by a problem, and they are usually right, but we have regulations to protect the rest of us.
Refreshing to hear story of an honest business man who refuses to sell a product with known safety concerns. And to think he is the car business - amazing!
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Caveat Emptor! If you're buying a used car from a private party it's best to have a trusted mechanic inspect it to uncover any potential problems. How is buying a used car fro a dealer any different? What the hell does the GOP have to do with this?
In any reality,there are millions of cars on the road with recalled Takata airbags, my advice to used car shoppers is ask questions and get it in writing!
In any reality,there are millions of cars on the road with recalled Takata airbags, my advice to used car shoppers is ask questions and get it in writing!
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The GOP will shred even the scant protections used car buyers still have. If slicing away a regulation helps any business and hurts any Americans, they love it.
Recently a commenter in another newspaper responded to my concerns by explaining that whenever there's a big problem, and having a regulation reduced its size, you can lift the regulation and the problem will never recur. I wish I knew how to contend with magical thinking...
Recently a commenter in another newspaper responded to my concerns by explaining that whenever there's a big problem, and having a regulation reduced its size, you can lift the regulation and the problem will never recur. I wish I knew how to contend with magical thinking...
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The GOP? This FTC decision was handed down under the Obama administration! I love how people continue this fantasy of his utter infallible and unaccountable greatness! Something bad, oh, must have been a Republican...
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It's not the GOP. It's not Obama. It's money. It has infected all politics.
Man bites dog! Earl Stewart is an honest used car dealer. What's next, a reality show participant as President!
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We are talking about issues of safety here. Three points:
1. Exploding air bags represent a tiny, tiny proportion of injuries in car accidents. 2. You are far, far more likely to be killed or injured either because of driver fault (yours or the other person's). 3. A fast-rising cause of accidents is the use of mobile phones and particularly texting.
Sorry for those seeng the value of their vehicles plummet but the overreaction to the air bag scene is the cause. Yes, we need to deal with it, but no, it's not nearly as serious as the other (human behavior) issues.
1. Exploding air bags represent a tiny, tiny proportion of injuries in car accidents. 2. You are far, far more likely to be killed or injured either because of driver fault (yours or the other person's). 3. A fast-rising cause of accidents is the use of mobile phones and particularly texting.
Sorry for those seeng the value of their vehicles plummet but the overreaction to the air bag scene is the cause. Yes, we need to deal with it, but no, it's not nearly as serious as the other (human behavior) issues.
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True it is unlikely that a airbag will kill you, but unlike other unlikely ways of being killed why would you want to pay for a device that may kill you however unlikely?
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If this isn't dealt with, then manufacturers will know that they cancut more corners and cars will have multiple defective parts.
It's like saying that murder is a tiny part of the overall causes of deaths.
It's like saying that murder is a tiny part of the overall causes of deaths.
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You say "yes, we need to deal with it" but your overall tone is rather dismissive of the problem. And besides, unlike driver error of any kind, it is actually an easily fixable problem.
Not sure this is news; "used car dealers are not to be trusted".
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"Earl Stewart, a Toyota dealer, at one of his lots in West Palm Beach, Fla. He refuses to sell used cars with open recalls," Good for him and a smart move, no litigation worries.
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this is all going to be settle down soon
Yeah, Trump will declare that all recalls are cancelled. He will issue an executive order to that effect, then will brag about how he has helped consumers by getting rid of unnecessary regulations.
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Some few, lucky citizens will reap the benefits of what the extraordinary Mr. Stewart is doing.
Let us recognize that he is doing it because government will not.
Government, though its collects taxes to fund its safety, regulatory, inspection, and enforcement responsibilities, is increasingly responsive only to special interests and manufacturers, and has here - again - utterly abdicated its duties.
Defense of the safety, the lives and well-being of the people lie more and more in the hands of a few persons of conscience. One of the few things we may all count on is that this will become more true than not over the next four years.
Let us recognize that he is doing it because government will not.
Government, though its collects taxes to fund its safety, regulatory, inspection, and enforcement responsibilities, is increasingly responsive only to special interests and manufacturers, and has here - again - utterly abdicated its duties.
Defense of the safety, the lives and well-being of the people lie more and more in the hands of a few persons of conscience. One of the few things we may all count on is that this will become more true than not over the next four years.
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I had a Honda Insight under lease recalled with a Takata airbag under. Honda provided a substitute non-Honda subcompact pending repair. When after three months it had not replaced the airbag, I revoked my acceptance under Uniform Commercial Code Article 2A. Honda resisted, but did accept, cancelled the lease and provided a small compensation credit.
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CPO vehicles are not actually inspected by the manufacturer. They are given an inspection by the used car dealer who has a financial interest in concealing known defects to boost the sale price. Car Fax and Auto Check reports are useful but only contain information provided to them. Many wreck damaged cars are shoddily repaired and put through an auction to be resold. Among the pointed questions you must ask when buying a used vehicle is whether the vehicle has ever been in any type of collision. Ask if the dealer inspected the vehicle. Ask for your own copy of the inspection. Walk away if it seems shady. The buyer has the power to say no. Many dealers want you to think you have to buy today, but ask yourself, when is the last time you drove by a car lot that sold out of cars? There is almost always more supply than demand.
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You got this issue down pat! Trust no one and verify everything before you buy a used vehicle. Period!
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Another useful tip: See if they'll let you take the car to your mechanic to get it checked out. Your mechanic can tell if it's been hit or damaged otherwise. This step saved me from buying a car that had been hit and the owner didn't report it, so it wasn't on the CarFax report.
I too have a VW, a 2006 Passat, always garaged, fully maintained and running like new, that I won't be able to sell or trade in. They aren't going to fix an 11 year old car, no matter what, and now I'll be stuck with it as a third car until its wheels fall off. Thanks for NOTHING, VW. With this car my near 40 year exclusive VW life comes to a. End. My next car will be a Honda.
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I'm not sure why you say they won't fix it? Do you mean they won't replace the Takata airbag? I have a 2004 Ford, it was recalled and the airbag replaced recently. Age has nothing to do with it on a recall.
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As former Acura / Honda car owner for past 25 years, you might want to re-think your plans to buy Honda products. Honda knew about the problems with Takata airbags, including literally dozens of traumatic injuries and/or deaths, in their cars for 8 years before being forced to come clean. Received notice from Honda last spring that I shouldn't have anyone sit in passenger seat in my 2012 Acura, but dealers had no access to replacement parts for over next 4 months. I finally got my last Acura airbag replaced, then promptly sold it at a loss of thousands, and have foreswarn buying Acura / Honda cars again. VW diesel owners got a buy-out offer for air-pollution concers, but Honda disavows any responsibility for putting their customers lives at risk. NHSTA lawyers dropped the ball on this one!
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There is a bit of irony in the whole situation. Japan was one of the countries that resisted putting in air bags because they had strict laws against explosives. It turns out that they were right to be concerned.
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Now we know who the FTC really works for.
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I bought a 2013 BMW CPO last October. BMW will not sell a car, CPO or not, that is subject to an open recall. My car had just been turned in from an expiring lease. As it was only three years old and spent its entire life in a non humid environment, it was not an immediate risk. I had to wait about three weeks for the part to be available.
It is apparent that BMW is supporting its CPO sales by prioritizing available parts to cars awaiting CPO certification. Other BMW owners with even older cars fall lower on the priority totem pole.
Fortunately, the NHTSB has a web site where you can enter a vehicle VIN to see if there are open recalls on it. That site is
https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/
It is apparent that BMW is supporting its CPO sales by prioritizing available parts to cars awaiting CPO certification. Other BMW owners with even older cars fall lower on the priority totem pole.
Fortunately, the NHTSB has a web site where you can enter a vehicle VIN to see if there are open recalls on it. That site is
https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/
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Just got rid of a VW with Takata Bags. VW dealer offered pennies on the dollar citing the open recall as if I was the one who had installed it! Sold it to Carmax but still lost thousands on the deal. Where is help for the consumer?
M. Hudson
M. Hudson
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You are expecting help in a Trump administration? Good luck. Haven't you heard about the free market which really means a system for maximum corporate profits? You are lucky if they do not gut the existing regulations.
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A class action lawsuit in the making.
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Count me in.
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