My little Mazda 121 that has been reliable until a couple of weeks ago conked out just as I'm about to purchase a new car. While the engine starts, it doesn't kick over so isn't going anywhere. Any ideas what it could be? Rego runs out on 9 March and all I want to do is drive it 10 minutes away to the car dealer to be traded in for a new car.

frangipanis

yes, that's exactly what's happening! It's so frustrating not knowing how to word these things

the engine switches on, but when I put my foot on the accelerator it doesn't rev.

We had a look at it last night and it isn't anything as obvious as a loose spark plug cable. My boyfriend has a feeling there isn't any petrol getting through to the gasket, although he isn't sure what's wrong with it.

I'm not going to push the dealer into taking it as a trade-in. If it was working okay, I would have driven it in and seen what I was offered. My main focus now is to try to pick up a new Honda Jazz 1.5 (manual in white) for $21K (onroad) that would normally retail at around $23,500 (onroad). Last weekend when I spoke with the dealer, he was offering $22K. Do you think $21K is a reasonable offer? I plan on dropping in to the dealer this afternoon as I'm keen to pick up the new car as soon as possible.

Any advice?

rtw_travel

If you turn the key and nothing happens, it could be the battery, starter or starting solenoid.

If you charge the battery, or use jumper cables to a different car, can you start the car?

The Honda Jazz is called Honda Fit here. Nice car. You can always make an offer at any price you want. In the current economy, customers are king! However, education on pricing is very helpful. In Canada, we can get access to information on dealer pricing & manufacturers incentives... so we can get a much better idea of prices that are likely to be acceptable. There must be something similar in Oz? RAC or some other organisation like that may be helpful.

frangipanis

hi there,

I thought the battery must be okay since the car is starting and lights are coming on etc??? It could be the starter or starting solenoid (?) though.... I'll try jumper starting it to see what happens. That will have to be on the weekend.

I test drove other cars in that range and have my heart set on the Honda Jazz. My boyfriend and bank manager are saying what you're saying..... given the global economy at the moment, you're in control! They're telling me to play it cool..... offer my $21K and walk away if they don't take it... ha! I tend to be as transparent as a sheet of glass.

I've contacted a few dealers here and interstate to see how low they can get on price. I'll search for RAC or something similar.... thanks for the helpful advice.

frangipanis

The funny thing about this is that my Mazda conked out the day after I first spoke with my bank manager about a loan for a car. It's as if she's having a hissy fit .. lol.

rtw_travel

OK - I misunderstood again. It is starting... but then stops after a while?

frangipanis

hi again,

the ignition switches on but there are no revs and yes, it stops.

By the way, just found out it's a 1997 Mazda 121.

frangipanis

turn the key and it switches on...put your foot on the accelerator, and it does nothing.

frangipanis

here's what it's worth if sold privately:
Cars Australia - Used cars Australia - New car Australia - Car reviews Australia | carsguide.com.au

rtw_travel

If it stalls after starting it could be a lot of things. I don't think I can be too much help other than saying it is not what I said it might be earlier. It could be sparkplugs... or anything else in teh ignition. It could be a fuel pump or fuel filter/ clogged injector. You should not start randomly replacing parts like sparkplugs hoping that it will fix things.

Chances are it will be relatively easy to fix if you have a trustworthy mechanic to do some testing.

frangipanis

sounds like I need to somehow get a mechanic out to look at it.... and that it's worth a polish and a spit to get it ready for private sale.

Thanks very much for your help. Much appreciated.