Debra Powell Final Term Paper
Ethics - PHI 220 12/06/2012
Professor Latartara
How
Reliable Is Your New “Used Car?”
The purpose of this
paper is to educate buyers on the importance of researching the history and
mechanical condition of a used car. The reason I chose this topic is because I
was working for a used car dealer at the time, and was faced with the ethical
dilemma of choosing what was best for me or for my former employer and
co-workers. I was in a position to report my employer to the Automobile Dealer
Board as well as the Virginia State Police for state inspections, on what was
basically an illegal matter, knowing that it could cost me as well as many
others their jobs. I could have used
the Principle of Utility, however, after going through the seven values and
knowing that a decision based on utility would not maximize pleasure or
minimize pain since, I opted to go with the Golden Rule and the concept of
reciprocity,
Have you ever gone
car shopping because it is time for a new car, or you just
need another family
vehicle? Did you end up buying a lemon? It is vital that car buyers take the
time to research the history and current mechanical condition of any used car
they are considering buying, beginning with asking the dealer for a Car Fax
report, and a copy of the service ticket showing what work or repairs, if any,
were made by the dealer.
Often, prospective
buyers go into a dealership trusting that what they are told is the truth,
however, there is the old adage, “Buyer Beware”. I feel this subject is
appropriate because car buyers are often taken advantage of by used car
dealers. My goal is to answer the question, “Did you end up buying a lemon?”
and I will use ethical principle, empirical theory of truth and critical
thinking to show why it is best to do your research. Having been in the
automotive business for almost 19 years, though not in a sales position, I have
seen numerous issues with customers not getting what they thought they
purchased. The reason I chose this subject is because I was almost one of those
buyers; however, I chose to do some research on the car I was considering
buying and have evidence to support that the dealership was attempting to sell
me an unfit car. Although the car was on what a dealer calls the “front line”,
meaning it was put through the service departments shop, had repairs done, and
passed inspection, so it was ready to sell, I can demonstrate that the vehicle
I intended to buy should not have been on the front line and it should not have
passed inspection, based on the empirical theory of truth.
Earlier this year I
had found myself in a situation where I needed a second vehicle, nothing
elaborate, beautiful, or expensive, it just had to be mechanically sound and
last me at least a year and a half, maybe two years. Of course with working for
a used car dealer I felt somewhat obligated to find a car through my employer.
After test driving several cars, my sales manager told me he had the “perfect
car” for me, and “although the mileage is high, it was front line ready and
passed state inspection on January 13, 2012”. He then handed me the keys to a
2002 Ford Taurus. Upon closer look, the car seemed to be in fairly decent
condition, with only a few dings and scratches, and the interior was immaculate.
Trusting what he told me, I asked if I could take the car for the weekend and
see if it’s what I wanted, he agreed without hesitation.
Over the course of
the weekend I could smell oil burning, which is not uncommon when an oil change
has just been done; but rather than take a chance, a personal friend of mine,
who is an ASE certified mechanic for over 30 years, said he would look at the
car for me. He told me that there was so much oil covering the engine that it
was hard to say definitely or not, but he suspected with great certainty that
there were several oil leaks, including the head gasket, which means it would
need a new motor. Upon returning to work the following Monday, I expressed my
concerns to my sales manager and he said it was probably residual oil, but he
would have one of the mechanics in the service department check out the vehicle
again due to my concerns.
The service manager
told the sales manager that the vehicle checked out fine, it passed a block test, as evidenced on repair
order #928427 (Document #1) and there was no cause for concern. With this in
mind, on February 17, 2012, we agreed on my purchasing the car with the
stipulation that if there was in fact a head gasket leak, the dealership would
buy the car back from me, as evidenced by document labeled “We Owe” (Document
#2). While I was waiting for the
paperwork to be prepared for me to sign which I knew would be a few days, I
took the car to a local Ford dealer on 02/21/12, because something told me that
the car was not mechanically reliable, and I found out more than I expected.
Not only were there several oil leaks, a trans-servo leak, which is part of the
transmission; but the ball joints were loose also. The Taurus should have never
passed inspection because there was moisture in the headlight, and the tie-rod
ends, which are part of the suspension, were loose or had play in them, as a
mechanic would say, as well (Documents #3, 4 & 5). These items in
particular are listed on the Virginia State Inspection checklist (Document #6).
Needless to say, I immediately refused to purchase the vehicle and I have to
add that I think the Ford dealer exemplifies the kind of establishment that I
would recommend dealing with.
In conclusion, I
would recommend all used car buyers ask for a Car Fax, a copy of the service
history from the dealer to see what they did to the car, as well as take the
vehicle to a mechanic outside of the dealership that you plan to buy from, to
have the vehicle looked over. Most auto repair shops or car dealers can do a complete
check up on the vehicle for $100.00 or less (Document #7), but keep in mind
that whether the vehicle checks out or not, logically, the money spent for a
check up could end up saving you thousands down the road.
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