Filed
Do your research and get an independent inspection
It pains me to write this because everyone at Joy Ride Auto Traders was extremely nice to my family during the purchase. Unfortunately, my experience afterward has been extremely disappointing. I purchased a 2012 Nissan Titan on 7/31/26 at top-of-market retail value with a fresh PA inspection. Almost immediately I discovered a leaking radiator, transfer case approximately a quart low and leaking, leaking front differential, cracked exhaust manifold, severely corroded brake lines, broken rear window, and heavy burnt-oil smoke on cold starts apparently related to sludge-clogged PCV/valve-cover baffles. The truck was already warmed up when I arrived, making the loud exhaust-manifold tick and cold-start oil smoke much less apparent. I also inspected underneath before buying it, but much of the undercarriage appeared recently cleaned, making leaks difficult to see. Once home and driven normally, the leaks and other problems became apparent. The condition of the brake lines is especially concerning considering the truck had just received a fresh PA safety inspection. There was also an approximately $1,100 CARS service contract included in the transaction that was never presented to me for review or signature. CARS later contacted me because it was unsigned, and I canceled it. I contacted the dealer promptly and tried to work toward a reasonable solution. Their answer was for me to drive the truck two hours back to their shop. By then I had discovered the leaking radiator, extremely low transfer case, deteriorated brake lines and other issues, and I did not consider the truck roadworthy enough to make that trip. I also had serious reservations about returning it to the same facility that had apparently failed to identify these problems before selling the truck with a fresh inspection. I was not seeking to undo the sale. I understand that a 2012 truck will need maintenance and repairs. However, after paying retail market value, I don’t believe a buyer should immediately be responsible for this number of significant pre-existing issues. I simply wanted the dealer to acknowledge the situation and offer reasonable compensation toward the repairs. Instead, after initially communicating with me, the dealer stopped responding. Everyone was very nice during the sale, which is what makes this experience so disappointing. Based on my experience, I strongly recommend having any vehicle here independently inspected by a shop of your choosing and insisting on seeing and hearing it from a completely cold start before purchasing.
Filed by BP