Needing Advice on purchase
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Needing Advice on purchase
Hello to all. I am new to this forum and looking for some advice on buying a 2013 f150 lariat 4x4 from carmax. I test drove the vehicle several days ago and noticed a alignment issue and a vibration when braking. They advised they would look at those issues and contact me for a follow up drive. Drove it again yesterday and found that the alignment issue has been resolved but that the vibration is still present. The vibration is coming from the rear. This is the first 4 wheel drive vehicle I have ever driven. I don't know if this is normal for a 4x4 and the sales guy was about useless. He was was readin the owners manual on the drive and then measuring the rotor with his finger when we got back. I was told that the rotors weren't worn enough to be fixed. My questions are could this be the only issue or could I be walking into something worse and should I just walk away. Would love some help.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,493
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A vibration is not normal. Just because it is a 4x4, its still not normal. a rotor can look perfect and still be warped. rotor warpage is a problem on these trucks. if you dont feel comfortable with the truck--dont buy it. OR ask if you can take it to a mechanic you trust to look at it and check it out. but just so you know, there are no guarantees ...
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 39,979
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From: Maine, Virginia
I'm surprised that Carmax isn't addressing this as they seem to be all over getting things fixed right. I'm not crazy about one price dealers but is due where it's due.
Is the truck smooth other than while braking? There have been some issues on the Screw trucks that are in need of a driveshaft spline re-greasing. These trucks have a two piece drive shaft with a center bearing.
Like was mentioned above, if you're not comfortable, walk away.
Is the truck smooth other than while braking? There have been some issues on the Screw trucks that are in need of a driveshaft spline re-greasing. These trucks have a two piece drive shaft with a center bearing.
Like was mentioned above, if you're not comfortable, walk away.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,534
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From: penn twp.
It's always a good idea when looking to purchase a used vehicle to take that vehicle to a mechanic that you know and trust. However one thing to remember is that no matter how good a mechanic is, there still can be problems with a vehicle that they may not be able to find. Especially intermittent issues. Which is a big reason a lot of vehicle get traded or sold in the first place. But in this case it sounds to me like a warped rotor and an easy diagnosis for a good mechanic. That being said I've never dealt with CarMax so I don't know how they would treat this scenario. So like others have said before if you ask to take to a third party mechanic and they say no, walk away.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
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From: Waterloo, Iowa
That's good advice. Set up an appointment to have the truck inspected by a reputable garage that coincides with your test drive. Should cost less than $100, they'll be able to put it up on a lift and really inspect things that many people aren't always familiar with, like prior collision damages and repairs, flood damage or worn or damaged suspension and steering. Let them know you're thinking about buying it and want them to check it out carefully.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,111
Likes: 3
From: Lexington Mo
First off I want to say, Welcome to the FTE
I've bought my last two F150's from Carmax, and we're looking at helping our son get him some credit established on a newer, vehicle. And it will most likely be from carmax. I like their no haggling policy, and what you pay for the vehicle also includes your sales tax, license etc. You won't even have to go to the DMV
But like others have mentioned, it does sound like a warped brake rotor. Ask that sales person to have all four brake rotors turned/machined, then go back for another test drive.
These rotors seem to be pretty easy to warp. I went through that with my 2011, and now on my 2013. And it only takes one, good hard stop from a decent speed to warp a rotor. You should notice it mostly in the brake pedal.
Also there was a drive shaft issue that was also mentioned. I went through that in my 2011. And it was mostly when taking off from a dead stop for me. Just a thump from under the truck. Again, it's a quick easy fix.
Unk Bob
I've bought my last two F150's from Carmax, and we're looking at helping our son get him some credit established on a newer, vehicle. And it will most likely be from carmax. I like their no haggling policy, and what you pay for the vehicle also includes your sales tax, license etc. You won't even have to go to the DMV
But like others have mentioned, it does sound like a warped brake rotor. Ask that sales person to have all four brake rotors turned/machined, then go back for another test drive.
These rotors seem to be pretty easy to warp. I went through that with my 2011, and now on my 2013. And it only takes one, good hard stop from a decent speed to warp a rotor. You should notice it mostly in the brake pedal.
Also there was a drive shaft issue that was also mentioned. I went through that in my 2011. And it was mostly when taking off from a dead stop for me. Just a thump from under the truck. Again, it's a quick easy fix.
Unk Bob
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