Bad luck with used car purchase - need help with timing chain issue

October 02, 2019, 10:25 AM

quote:
Originally posted by EmpireState:
If it happened in 2 weeks I'd be going back to the dealership. Is the car financed?

I agree after re-reading that OP, within a week of buying it, the engine implodes (possibly) I'd be back there asap talking to them.

Have them look at it, which they should do at no charge to you...

October 02, 2019, 05:39 PM

4x5

Thanks to everyone here for the advice. I paid the first shop for their diagnosis, and promptly took it to another shop. They'll look at it on Friday.

October 02, 2019, 06:04 PM

jimmy123x

quote:
Originally posted by 4x5:
Thanks to everyone here for the advice. I paid the first shop for their diagnosis, and promptly took it to another shop. They'll look at it on Friday.

I would get on the phone immediately with the dealership that you bought it from. With your limited amount of time of ownership, most dealerships will actually fix it for you for free to keep their reputation intact.

October 02, 2019, 06:05 PM

darthfuster

quote:
Originally posted by 4x5:
Thanks to everyone here for the advice. I paid the first shop for their diagnosis, and promptly took it to another shop. They'll look at it on Friday.

Did you happen to take it to Tom Greenwood in AF?

October 02, 2019, 08:32 PM

4x5

quote:
Originally posted by darthfuster:
quote:
Originally posted by 4x5:
Thanks to everyone here for the advice. I paid the first shop for their diagnosis, and promptly took it to another shop. They'll look at it on Friday.

Did you happen to take it to Tom Greenwood in AF?

We took it first to Garrins in Lehi - never used them before, but they had the earliest opening. Now it's at Rogers Automotive in Lehi. Is Tom Greenwood good?

October 03, 2019, 12:59 PM

darthfuster

Tom is good and honest.

October 03, 2019, 05:14 PM

4x5

I got the second diagnosis today. Camshaft timing gear. There's apparently a TSB about this. This mechanic is quoting me 1k to fix.

October 03, 2019, 05:15 PM

4x5

quote:
Originally posted by darthfuster:
Tom is good and honest.

For future reference, what's the name of the shop Tom owns or works at?

October 03, 2019, 05:59 PM

darthfuster

Greenwood Service. He's right near the Autozone in AF close to 5th East. He's always been fair and honest with me. Rarely gets stumped.

October 03, 2019, 07:10 PM

kkina

OK, interesting. Apparently that engine does suffer from a faulty Variable Valve Timing gear. Maybe the oil drains out of the gear assembly when the vehicle is stopped, and takes a second to refill on startup. So it only makes noise when you start it.

FWIW, here's a Samarins review updated May 11, 2019, though the quoted costs may reflect 2009 prices. $1000 is probably about right now.

quote:
The service bulletin T-SB-0087-09 for the 2009 Corolla / Matrix describes a problem where a brief knocking/rattling noise from the 2ZR engine when started cold is caused by a faulty camshaft timing gear assembly (VVT gear). The gear must be replaced to correct the problem. According to the bulletin, the repair labor is estimated at 1.5 hours. The part (gear assembly) is sold online for just over $200. If out of warranty, the repair could cost from $380 to $590.

October 03, 2019, 07:49 PM

greco

Hmmm. My wife’s Honda CR-V has a TSB for the VAT (VVT). It made a horrendous knocking noise on cold start-up. It was repaired for free and only took a short while to fix. I understand that yours is used. If it’s only a component repair it shouldn’t be that much (3500). I wish you luck...keep looking for an honest repair shop/dealer.

October 03, 2019, 08:06 PM

kkina

I think the original quote for $3500 reflected a misdiagnosed bad timing chain that subsequently caused actual engine damage.

The current diagnosis is just a timing gear that needs to be replaced, much simpler and cheaper. Ten years ago that would have run $500, give or take. $1000 is about par for the course today.