[thumper]

jalopnik just posted this:

Your Painfully Tragic Stories Of The Worst Cars You've Ever Owned (http://jalopnik.com/your-painfully-tragic-stories-of-the-worst-cars-youve-e-1756396826)

i feel for the guy with the VW story/tragedy... years of therapy is just barely keeping me from reliving my own experience and bursting into tears.

anyone else have tragic stories like this to share?

[!Aznboi128]

Where's Lomac with his mx6.... that was pretty bad

[Lomac]

Where's Lomac with his mx6.... that was pretty bad

:badpokerface:

https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1929868_40067225079_535_n.jpg?oh=ac10394014145a3b7 6137a9baae2375f&oe=5728498A

[thumper]

i vaguely remember something about a bonfire with marshmellows?

edit: yep that's the one.

[richardmozis]

Had a mk.4 Golf with a 01M transmission.... need I say more?

10-15 year old Mercedes are more reliable than a VW lol (from my experience)

[RCubed]

http://i.imgur.com/qA8DYPU.jpg
My b7 a4 lol

[cho]

i had an automatic civic

[dared3vil0]

2005 Nissan Pathfinder. Two transmissions, two radiators, a transfer case, countless sensors, all in the first 6 months of ownership. Thankfully the dealer it was bought from stood behind the vehicles they sold as it was out of manufacturer warranty...

[BBMme]

2000 VW beetle diesel
Turbo blew after 100km when bought. Ball bearing seized. Rear tail lights blacked out. Suspension was shot. Unknown engine light . Out of province veh. $5000 damage from previous owner. That being said it was a use car and i should've researched it myself before buying

[jpark]

i had a Automatic civic

Editted

[Retrac]

My first foray into the rotary world with a FD. Was in the shop every other week, but god when it worked it was heavenly.

[tofu1413]

Porsche 944 - always electrical problems. Fuel pump relay shorted 6 times.... killed fuel pump. then alternator fried rest of the electronics.

Clutch slave died twice. like how.............??!


Yellow ITR - 2x engines 2x transmission rebuilds.

[320icar]

My buddy with a 2014 focus titanium, with the CVT transmission. Already on his 3rd tranny

[CCA-Dave]

Porsche 944 -
Clutch slave died twice. like how.............??!

That one is simple, if you didn't replace the master at the same time, you now have your answer.

[tofu1413]

That one is simple, if you didn't replace the master at the same time, you now have your answer.

Replaced both at once the first time actually...


for some reason the slave died again after.... in six months . :yuno:

[bcrdukes]

We had a MK1 VW Cabriolet for my mom in the 90s.

Electrical problems after electrical problems non-stop followed by fuel delivery issues (fuel pump, injectors etc.) It was seriously the biggest piece of shit we ever owned. Luckily, some hoodlums decided to slash the top and steal the car for a joy ride. It was found in Maple Ridge torched. If I hated somebody, I'd tell them to buy a VW.

GG

[yray]

New New VW beetle.

My warranty details were 3 pages long at the end of the lease :lawl:

[underscore]

The only real problem I've dealt with is the piece of shit auto transmission in the 5th gen Prelude. My GTFour RC has had a long list of issues but those all stem from it being neglected horribly for the first 4 years it was in this country.

[Dragon-88]

Year 2000+ Honda's with Automatic V6 transmissions(TL, Odyssey & Accord) :fulloffuck:

All of them have been through at least 1 transmission replacement. TL and Accord sold before the 2nd tranny went..

Odyssey is still going somewhat strong, but only because it barely gets used.. Also has the wonderful Check engine light on due to loose gas cap (I call BS), but Honda could never fix it.

[underscore]

^ it wasn't just 2000+, I think it was any auto trans on any top engine optioned Honda from 96+ that had the design work farmed out to GM.

[mos_skeeto]

http://i.imgur.com/OblUyIO.png

[jjson]

^ it wasn't just 2000+, I think it was any auto trans on any top engine optioned Honda from 96+ that had the design work farmed out to GM.

As far as I know, first gen CR-V transmissions were shit as well. I believe 97-01

[E-SPEC]

Tragic?? There is no story about a car that is tragic.

[jpark]

lol my 01 AP1 s2k suffered from all kinds of problem... common ones to not so common you name it (Maybe mine was a lemon)

Where do i even start...

-Axle vibration - common issue
-Differential blew up twice (I sorta blame my driving for this one) - common issue
-Propeller shaft exploded - s2k tech has never even heard of this issue before
-Brake switch stopped working and didn't know, was driving around without brake lights for 3days until a friend pointed out.
-Headlight wire was shorting out so my highbeams were stuck on - bad ground
-Transmission output shaft bearing went
-Misfired several times - Common coilpack issue
And there were several more incidents that had left me stranded a couple times

This was all within the span of putting roughly around 100k kms
I would be happy to buy another s2k but id lean more towards a updated/newer ap2. If i really had to buy an AP1 it would be 02-03 (Slightly updated, less problems apparently)

[murd0c]

I had a 07 Mazda B4000 pick up on a 4 year lease (only had 32k on it)... one month but my lease was up the motor seized a block from the dealership.. They tried to charge me but I took it in for service two months before that so they ended up covering the entire bill and I just gave it right back.

[Jmac]

Worst I've had is our '09 Nissan Versa, which had front rotor issues for the first few years (before we ditched OEM for aftermarket) and then the front end needed to be replaced last fall to the tune of $2k.

Not really that bad compared to others. Learned Nissan dealerships suck shit on the island.

Real horror stories go to my brother, though, to be fair, with his choice of vehicles, it's mostly his own fault.

B5 Passat :badpokerface: the usual issues with the B5 Passat
1st gen CTS-V :badpokerface: constant drivetrain issues, especially with the transmission.
and, to top it all off, the worst of the worst,
L322 Range Rover :badpokerface: :badpokerface: :badpokerface: just ... everything. And, when it goes to shit every 5-10k kms, it costs an arm and a leg.

He loves his money pits. He still has the RR, but it's currently parked indefinitely (when isn't it?). He now drives a POS Neon that he bought for $600 because it's more reliable.

[entrax]

02 bmw 325xi family car from 97k to 150k km.

- hood "kidneys" just broke from opening the hood
- 2x intake cam sensor
- exhaust cam sensor
- vanos
- valve cover gasket x2 in 40k km. some sort of heat issue?
- o2 sensor
- both front axles
- fuel pump
- oil leaking so bad my parents learned the schedule of when castrol goes on sale at canadian tire
- would blow a cloud of smoke randomly at stop lights
- PLASTIC coolant hose (from reservoir to tstat housing) cracked, overheated
- water pump bearings went, fan is attached to water pump pulley, fan self destructs, breaks shroud, hood, radiator, coolant reservoir (which has some plastic sensor that breaks upon removal).
- even the bmw logo was gone (the blue/black parts were gone, just the background silver left)

worst 50k km of any family car i've been in since I was born. thankfully they're now in a new toyota.

the new owner bought it from us dirt cheap, i contacted him about 6 months after because we got an airbag recall notice and we found the spare valet key for him. when he came and got it, i asked him hows the car, he replied back with "it started running on 4 cyl for a while and also it seized"

[entrax]

http://i.imgur.com/OblUyIO.png

so true. a close friend has this in the same exact color/body style
only repairs in 140k and some 16 years+

spark plugs x2
power steering pump
valve cover gasket
1 head light bulb
brakes, tires, oil change

a/c blows cold, rear drums are still factory, engine doesn't burn/leak/lose oil or coolant.

[Super Dipper]

I bought a 1980 Pontiac Acadian aka chevette back in my early 20s.. I paid 50 bucks for it. That was the worst 50 bucks I ever spent on a car.

[SpartanAir]

1990 Mercedes 300TE Wagon.

Such mixed memories;

Good: so well built, in terms of leather quality, interior panels, seat comfort, door slam feel, and overall tank-like structure. Thick gauge steel. Felt very safe. So quiet, even the power windows. TONS of room in the back, way longer than most wagons. M103 engine is highly regarded as one of Mercs best engines.

Bad: Fuel economy was shit, rear self-leveling suspension in cargo was shot and sagging so you faced up while driving, hydraulic door locks were leaking, hidden rust seized the brake bleed screws so you couldn't bleed them and needed to replace the calipers, and worst of all, the being one of the first cars with 4matic, was poorly designed and once it fails, and it will (mine did right after buying it), you have to remove it, ship it to the ONE place in Canada (Ontario) that rebuilds them for at least $3k plus removal, shipping 2 directions, and reinstallation.

Parts and labour were extremely expensive for this car. And they are not home-mechanic friendly. Mercedes would never reuse parts, like speedo cables for example. They would redesign parts every year, even half year, so nothing could be used from other cars. And things were designed and laid out without giving single fuck about having to pull everything apart to work on it.

I sold it and was looking at another one, a JDM import with lower km. Decent shape, on the outside. My gut told me to get a PPI, thank god I did. Tons of hidden issues like replacing the goddamn driveshaft. Took their advice and ran.

A real shame because they are a timeless design. I see them on the road every once in a while and covet them still. It's like an abusive relationship :fuckthatshit:

There was a 300TD Diesel with manual tranny for sale years ago, they were asking $15k. The holy grail of the W124... sigh, someday I hope....

[ZN6]

My 1990 GT-Four RC caught fire on the highway just before Horseshoe bay. Just cruising to Squamish and then something popped most likely a fuel line and black smoke was billowing through the vents. The dash was lighting up like it was fuckin' Christmas. I pulled into horseshoe bay for help and that was dumb as I should have immediately got out of the car.

I owned the car for 5 years and put 25000km on it in that time. bought new main seals and a 3S-GTE rebuild kit. I miss it to this day.

[entrax]

My 1990 GT-Four RC caught fire on the highway just before Horseshoe bay. Just cruising to Squamish and then something popped most likely a fuel line and black smoke was billowing through the vents. The dash was lighting up like it was fuckin' Christmas. I pulled into horseshoe bay for help and that was dumb as I should have immediately got out of the car.

I owned the car for 5 years and put 25000km on it in that time. bought new main seals and a 3S-GTE rebuild kit. I miss it to this day.

hmm...was it this one?
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/182010_10151122813801017_1666243270_n.jpg?oh=4c632 6d2bf6ee1fa192dca1487efce79&oe=57261F4D

[underscore]

^ was yours silver? The firefighters had to pop the hood with one of their hydraulic things since the hood release cable snapped from the fire or something?

[Harvey Specter]

Parents purchased a new Jeep GC Limited back in 1996 which I started driving after I graded HS in 98. Finally traded it in after 2 awful years of ownership.

Problems I had with the Jeep;
-the sunroof broke and cost almost $3,000 to fix.
-transmission blew which was rebuilt covered under warranty. The transmission never felt the same.
-cv joints leaked
-passenger side seat stop working
-radiator leaked, replaced twice under warranty.
-brake pads damaged the brake rotors, dealer claimed "dirt" got embedded in the brake pads.

[Inaii]

I own and daily an auto 2nd gen rx7 :lol 'nuff said, amirite?

[GS8]

:suspicious:

http://i.imgur.com/OblUyIO.png

And in an alternate dimension, Corollas are sharing their painfully tragic stories of the worst owners they ever had.

http://ww4.hdnux.com/photos/27/14/34/6080283/3/960x540.jpg

[westopher]

I owned a corrado VR6.
I feel like there is no need to elaborate.

[Lomac]

I owned a corrado VR6.
I feel like there is no need to elaborate.

B3 Passat VR6.

Think I have ya beat.

:p

Worst car I've ever had the pleasure of owning. :(

[westopher]

True. At least mine looked good.:lawl:

[68style]

They should rename this thread "Stories from people who owned a VW" for the sake of accuracy.

[aztekd3]

my first car before i grad high school was a 90 ford tempo. if i wanted to drive it. i had to plan out every single gas station on the way to my destination. that way i can stop and cool the engine. sometimes dumping buckets of water to help it cool down quick.

[ZN6]

hmm...was it this one?
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/182010_10151122813801017_1666243270_n.jpg?oh=4c632 6d2bf6ee1fa192dca1487efce79&oe=57261F4D

Actually, yeah, I think it is. The hood was all ripped up because they took the jaws of life to it since the latch was impossible to get at. I have to dig up the old pics but I don't remember the hood vent being all smashed up like that. The rest of the car was mint because didn't drive it frequently :(. Curious, where was it that you took the picture? Mitchel Island?

[ZN6]

^ was yours silver? The firefighters had to pop the hood with one of their hydraulic things since the hood release cable snapped from the fire or something?

Mine was that same color. God, I miss that car. Sold off all my gaskets and everything :(

Those clear corners were expensive. I still have the stupid amber ones to pass inspection somewhere.

That rear hatch rubber seal was also expensive and I JUST replaced it like 2 days before, I remember.

[underscore]

If my memory serves you posted up about the incident either on here or on alltrac.net, I wanted to come down and buy the car from you and save it but it was going to be a huge hassle on your side because it was already in an ICBC storage facility or something.

[ZN6]

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll13/pintocrazy/spotted/IMG_1111.jpg

Dat wheel gap and sunken look.

[ZN6]

If my memory serves you posted up about the incident either on here or on alltrac.net, I wanted to come down and buy the car from you and save it but it was going to be a huge hassle on your side because it was already in an ICBC storage facility or something.

Yeah, it was on alltrac.net. ICBC gave me huge hassles about how it was handled for some reason. The adjuster told me if I wanted to sell it, i'd have buy it back and they would not store it for me. I remember him telling me that if I bought it back I would have to remove it from their premises immediately and I couldn't hold it there for more than a day. He really didn't want to deal with it so it's either take it or leave it kind of deal. I couldn't insure it as it was a write off and if anything happened to it, I would be out and wouldn't have any coverage then I'm SOL. Also had no where to store it at the time.

Can't remember the details but the logistics were a bit complex as I didn't have a garage to tow it to and my neighbors would not have liked a charred car sitting on the street.

[underscore]

Makes sense, if I lived a bit closer it might've been easier to make work. Is that Corey's narrowbody next to your car in that pic?

Next time I bring my car down I'll give you a shout in case you feel like taking one for a rip again.

[ZN6]

Makes sense, if I lived a bit closer it might've been easier to make work. Is that Corey's narrowbody next to your car in that pic?

Next time I bring my car down I'll give you a shout in case you feel like taking one for a rip again.

Nope, I don't think Corey was there. He was on the island still at the time. It was my twin car that I think is still rolling around in Vancouver somewhere. I see it from time to time.

Yeah, sounds awesome. Take my FRS for a rip. I miss that turbo spool. The three inch turbo back was something amazing. I remember I had the berk 3" pipe, that one off company that made the 3" midpipe (I sold the cat to someone on alltrac.net) and the 3" exhaust I bought off Glenn with the Black RC.

I don't know where Glenn is anymore, I met up with him for coffee on Hastings across from Kensington Driving range at one point but haven't seen him since.

We all parked like douchebags that day with people hanging out along side the cars. Starting from my friend's white STi on the left.

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll13/pintocrazy/spotted/img_0517.jpg

[entrax]

Actually, yeah, I think it is. The hood was all ripped up because they took the jaws of life to it since the latch was impossible to get at. I have to dig up the old pics but I don't remember the hood vent being all smashed up like that. The rest of the car was mint because didn't drive it frequently :(. Curious, where was it that you took the picture? Mitchel Island?

Yes, this was over 3 years ago at Ralph's mitchell island, before they got bought by pick n pull.

[Cman333]

My nightmare experience was a 2000 ML430. Engine wise had no issues, but holy fuck did many things go wrong in the two years I had it. Vehicle had 60,000km when I picked it up, and was about 5/6 years old at the time.

So upon inspection everything seemed to check out, no accidents, drove fine, etc.

Within the first week the transmission died, had to be towed and the repair was about $2300.

Couple months after that the power window switch assembly stopped working (found a DIY fix) but replacement from dealer was $900.

Then couple months after that the Fuel gauge wouldn't work properly. Whenever the tank was full, it would show 100% empty. Then once you drive for half the tank it would work again. Didn't fix it because the gas needle worked below half and I couldn't find anything online about the issue.

About a year in the brakes were toast (basically every 20-30k kms need new brakes), found out the brakes suck because the rotors are small and car is heavy so chews through brakes quick.

Couple months after that the vehicle wouldn't start. 1.5 year old OEM battery was toast. Replaced.

Couple months after that car won't start again, but this time I don't hear the vehicle cranking and the battery was new. Towed it to general mechanic, couldn't figure it out. So towed to dealer, they wanted $9k to replace the alarm/immobilizer + main vehicle harness. FUCK THAT, brought to an independent Benz mechanic turned out to be a $250 ignition sensor for the immobilizer (full cost $700 + 2 tows @ $1xx ea tow)

Defective cat, there was a recall so I was covered by Benz. Luckily. Was a $1500 fix otherwise.

The rest was maintenance (tires, new suspension, oil change, brakes x3, and OEM headlight bulbs always seem to die)

High maintenance, horrible handling, horrible gas consumption, horrible electronics, V8 engine but was still a slug, expensive parts that die prematurely. By the time I hit 2 years, I figure get rid of it before more happens. Every time I fixed it I thought I might as well keep it awhile, each time I regretted it because something ALWAYS dies.

/Rant

Have had a few vehicles after with FAR less issues at higher mileage (BMW, Lexus, Infiniti). I've only heard nightmares about VW/Audi, definitely would never buy another Daimler/Chrysler generation Benz.

[Cman333]

Parents purchased a new Jeep GC Limited back in 1996 which I started driving after I graded HS in 98. Finally traded it in after 2 awful years of ownership.

Problems I had with the Jeep;
-the sunroof broke and cost almost $3,000 to fix.
-transmission blew which was rebuilt covered under warranty. The transmission never felt the same.
-cv joints leaked
-passenger side seat stop working
-radiator leaked, replaced twice under warranty.
-brake pads damaged the brake rotors, dealer claimed "dirt" got embedded in the brake pads.

Was that the beast we worked on way back in the days?

[thumper]

if we were at the bar i would have bought you a round of drinks :beer:

[euromoron]

Well considering my Golf is really the only car I've ever owned, two CELs that turned themselves off in nearly a year and a half of ownership are the only tragic things that have happened. They're probably O2 sensor related, my 21y/o exhaust is junk and fuel economy isn't as good as I've been told it should be so that wouldn't surprise me since the car goes well. Other than that it's been more reliable than I could have imagined (knock on wood), albeit painfully slow.

I've been told VWs are junk countless times, but if that's the case then why do people keep buying them? Serious question.

[Volvo-brickster]

05 Mustang with $16k in warranty work

Transmission rebuilt twice
Transmission eventually replaced with a new unit
2 new headlights
rear set of brake pads replaced
new fuel pump
new cylinder head
new front main seal

[68style]

I've been told VWs are junk countless times, but if that's the case then why do people keep buying them? Serious question.

Same reason guys always want to fuck troublesome and obviously high maintenance chicks.

[Lomac]

Same reason guys always want to fuck troublesome and obviously high maintenance chicks.

:lol Only half right.

I've owned far more VW's than I care to admit (I stopped counting at 12.) I'll admit that they all had their share of issues, but when they were working perfectly they were an absolute blast to drive.

Except the B3 Passat. Fuck that thing. There aren't enough levels in hell for it.

[Noran]

I've had this 1990 Jetta for about 8-9 months and the 3sp auto just blew on Friday. :)

Only little things went wrong on the RSX - rubber exhaust mounts broke, tail lamp gaskets, most other things were wear and tear parts.

Go-kart breaks all the time but whatever. Stuffed it into a wall twice but it's a racecar so what do you expect?

[SaviorSelf_666]

My worst car right now is my 09' Forester, currently in my 3rd month of ownership (driven for 2), two turbos and now this week a new long block. My FD seems like a better daily than this thing.

[Mr.Money]

05 Mustang with $16k in warranty work

Transmission rebuilt twice
Transmission eventually replaced with a new unit
2 new headlights
rear set of brake pads replaced
new fuel pump
new cylinder head
new front main seal

oh my fuck...is it a V8?.

Lemon.

[punkwax]

My '92 GTI's cooling fan would stop working when it rained. Pretty much every time.. it rains a lot in BC.

That was the most annoying of the lenghty list of electrical problems that haunted that car.

[JesseBlue]

i had an 88 ford taurus boat...heater went during the winter. before heater core died, it spewed green mist (the coolant) into the cabin. oh i wish it was stolen back then and the thief thinking it was booby trapped