1990 Mazda 121 act of defiance

frangipanis · #1 Mar 1, 2009, 03:05 AM

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.

ROLCAM · Mar 1, 2009, 04:18 AM

I happen to own a similar car.
It is very reliable, it has only done 24,000 kms.
Why are you worrying unnecessarily.
Just get the car towed to the dealer and complete your new transaction.

frangipanis · Mar 1, 2009, 05:02 PM

Thanks, Rolcam. The thing is, I want to negotiate on my Mazda re trade in value and having it towed in to the dealer's car yard doesn't quite strike me as putting me on a strong footing to negotiate a price on

)) If it could be something as simple as spark plugs, which it may be, that would make things easier. The trouble is, I don't know where the spark plugs are.... can't see them.

CaptainRich · Mar 1, 2009, 05:15 PM

I'm sorry to say, frangipanis, but your lovely car may have greater intrinsic value to you than any dealer trade value. It just isn't likely worth much fuss.
If the dealer won't give you any respect without a decent trade, consider what it will cost to bring the car up to par and sell it outright.
Then decide which way to go.
First thing to do: find out what's wrong right now.
More information about how it's not working right, please.

frangipanis · Mar 1, 2009, 05:36 PM

hi Captain, do you think I would be in a stronger bargaining position if I didn't try to include the Mazda as a trade-in? They would probably only offer $500 as a trade.

When I start the car, the engine switches on, but the engine doesn't kick-over, so it isn't moving.

ROLCAM · Mar 1, 2009, 05:47 PM

Giving some further thought to your current predicament.
In Sydney we have an organiastion called
HOME MOBILE.
I do not know where you are.
They might be the people to call.
They actually come to your place.

frangipanis · Mar 1, 2009, 05:51 PM

Do you mean the NRMA rolcam? I did a search for HOME MOBILE in Canberra and it doesn't seem to exist.

ROLCAM · Mar 1, 2009, 06:40 PM

NO, It is not the NRMA.
This is a private organisation that advertises
on T V.
They come to your place and fix things in front of your garage.

frangipanis · Mar 1, 2009, 07:54 PM

would have been a good idea, but we don't seem to have them in the ACT.

rtw_travel · Mar 3, 2009, 11:00 AM

I think we're having english difficulties here. What do you mean "switches on but doesn't kick over?"

Do you mean you turn the key, the dash lights come on but the starter doesn't turn the engine over... or does the starter turn the engine over, but the engine doesn't start?