97 transmission - not impressed

97 SLT 4WD owned for 2 weeks & NOT impressed. I bought this privately & what a mistake - nothing but problems, & previous owners won't answer our calls! 2 days after 'their' safety check, we've replaced both ball joints. Check engine light more on than off; squeal in motor - replaced belt, idler pulley, tensioner assembly. After long drive to work & warmed-up, the fuel pump is excessively noisy; clunking into 2nd gear, sometimes doesn't want to go into 2nd or 3rd - like it's starving for fuel/air. Of course none of this showed up in the test drive (with a cold vehicle). Read 'Transmission' post on Oct. 27/04 & this is the exact same thing! Took it into GM Dealer today & they scanned code "P1870 Tranny component slipping" - "high transmission line pressure P1870 defaults trans to max line pressure". They reset codes, but if P1870 sets again we need NEW tranny. My '93 Tracker 4X4 has twice the power, and 100% more reliable than this Jimmy. Private buys - don't go there.

2 weeks?

I believe you have the right to demand your money back from them in that time frame.

I would, sounds like they scammed you. Also, get a lawyer, ball joints are a part of the safety and you should have NOT replaced them.

Private seller absolutely will not return calls - so will be paying a vist in person tomorrow. Yes, ball joints are part of safety: the garage that did safety recommended front wheel alignment, so I took to a tire/align. shop & they wouldn't align without new ball joints. I Okayed not knowing they are covered in safety & tire shop R&R'd. Since it was 'tampered with' there is no credibility to stand up in court - as told by Min. of Transportation. I did report original garage that did safety tho; but nothing will come of it. Did you know that when you buy Privately you can't go back on contract - even tho original owner 'claimed vehicle is perfect'?

Yes, I am pretty sure you have the right to return it if defective.