Got a 1997 Tahoe LS /w Wrong Trans & Multiple Oil Leaks!

[amerikhan7]

solved

[east302]

Sorry to hear about the problems with your new Tahoe. A lot of us have had similar surprises so I know where you are coming from.

What did they mean when they said it had the wrong transmission in it?

You are right, the tranny leak should probably be addressed first. As for oil leaks, they may be minor and repairs could be spread out a bit. Just watch the fluid level. Where were the oil leaks or was that what the extra $110 was for?

Most dealerships charge a flat fee to inspect the vehicle, whether or not any repairs or done. They usually will tell you that up front and have you sign something agreeing to it. The $85 seems in line with dealer charges here (Atlanta) though some independent mechanics will waive that charge if they didn't find anything wrong.

Hourly labor fees usually run in the $80-95 range so it wouldn't take much to add up to the $450 repair that you mentioned. As you said, an independent shop would probably be a little less and you may be able to save a $100 or so.

Others here could probably elaborate on just what that repair involves.

Have you spoken with the dealership that you bought the car from? Was it a major chain (Ford, Chevy, Toyota, etc.) or an independent? Assuming that the Tahoe didn't have a warranty, maybe they would agree to cover part of the repairs out of good faith. Wouldn't hurt to ask but they would probably (and rightly) insist on doing the repair themselves.

If you have the Chevy place (or any other shop) do the work, ask them if they could help you out on the charges...I'm a college student, don't have a lot of money to spend, don't want to run up a huge credit card bill, etc. Most of these folks live in the real world like us and would understand where you are coming from. I would bet they would try to do something to lower the fee.

Good luck and let us know what you find out.

[DJ JEFF]

I just purchased a 1997 Tahoe LS from a nearby dealer (found though autotrader.com). 3 days after I drove it off the lot it started leaking alot of trans fluid.

3 Days? Why wouldn't you take it back? In most states you have 3 days to take back something like a car/truck. Some states have a 30 day lemon law. You might want to check on that if you still have time.

[amerikhan7]

Originally Posted by 01TahoeJunk

I just purchased a 1997 Tahoe LS from a nearby dealer (found though autotrader.com). 3 days after I drove it off the lot it started leaking alot of trans fluid.

3 Days? Why wouldn't you take it back? In most states you have 3 days to take back something like a car/truck. Some states have a 30 day lemon law. You might want to check on that if you still have time.

You have to pay a huge fee to return a used car to a dealer, one dealer could charge $500 2 days, or $300 for 3 days in California etc for just the option of being able to return it. Also the CA lemon law applies only to cars etc with a warranty. I also had to sign a purchase AS IS document for the Tahoe when I baught it. So basically there ins't much else to do besides to get the problem fixed.