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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rtw_travel

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...

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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?

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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 the 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.

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.