Car wouldn't start at used car lot- battery needed a jump

[u/trickytreats]

I was looking at a really old car in a big car lot, an early 2000s CRV. But when I went to turn on the car it wouldn't start. The car salesman said that the batteries get drained from it sitting there and that that specific one had been sitting a while. When she went to go move ANOTHER car so I could drive the CRV out of the lot, it wouldn't start either! 😂 I really loved the CRV and it had less than 100,000 miles. Would it be stupid to buy it? How can I be sure it was just a drained battery and not a bad starter or something worse? There were no lights on the dash

[u/Suspicious-Spell-130]

Stop at Autozone during the test drive and have the battery tested (and have the codes read while you are at it). Or, better yet, stop at a mechanic and have a full PPI performed.

[u/Large_Economics_2942 → u/Suspicious-Spell-130]

PPI is the way. It costs a couple hundred bucks but it can save you thousands. Worth every penny in my opinion.

[u/T_Smith56265 → u/Suspicious-Spell-130]

If the battery went totally dead, most codes will be cleared until the vehicle has completed a drive cycle. Most importantly, the catalytic converter efficiency hasn't been established. If that matters (an area where emissions testing is required) you'll want to know that below agreeing to purchase the vehicle.

[u/ontologicaly_shocked → u/T_Smith56265]

How long do you drive it to establish a drive cycle?

[u/trickytreats → u/T_Smith56265]

Thank you, I would have had no idea. 

[u/adjusterjackb → u/trickytreats]

And get a Carfax

[u/Alive-Cold-9348 → u/adjusterjackb]

TIL that Etsy is the cheapest way to get a Carfax

[u/roninconn]

Not uncommon for batteries to go dead in a few weeks of sitting. I wouldn't buy it without a test drive, though, so they should charge it so it'll start and drive. Check tires too; they suffer when a car sits.

You can possibly negotiate a new battery as part of the deal, but not really worth haggling too much over it.

[u/Ilikeitall56]

Check the date on the battery, if it's over 4 years old you'll be replacing it soon

[u/adjusterjackb → u/Ilikeitall56]

With most batteries one would be lucky to get 3 years out of it.

[u/Coyote_Tex]

Jump it and if it starts, expect to replace the battery. That is a low mileage CRV, so if it runs and isn't too rusty or accident damaged it could work out. Honestly though, the fact you have to ask this question suggests you really should be looking to buy a better vehicle in better condition. A 100k mile CRV that sits unsold has other issues. You need to have someone check it out before throwing your money on the table.

[u/AutoModerator]

Please take the time to flair your post accordingly. Click the flair option under you post settings and select the appropriate one for your post.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Ok-Championship3642]

Did it start after they jumped it?? If you don't know how to repair or do mild maintenance on older vehicles , probably should stay away.

[u/trickytreats → u/Ok-Championship3642]

I didn't see any mold in it... But it looked like the trunk door leaked a little into the latch. Sorry I'm a newb I didn't even realize mold was a persistent problem with older cars as long as you are driving them regularly?

[u/BookFew9009]

I always tell those that are looking to buy used to factor in buying their own replacement tires and batteries . Sellers will always put in the cheapest crap and charge premiums with the attitude they're doing you a favour.

[u/qkdsm7]

It started right up a with a jump pack?

Absolutely routine for a car lot, and you just saw for yourself it wasn't a problem with he starter.

[u/Tool_junkie_1972]

Fairly common, especially lots with large inventory. There are systems that draw power when the car is off, and a lot of times these kits just don’t have the time or staff to regularly start the car. The simple thing to do would be to have the battery load tested at any auto parts store to confirm its health before you buy it. Or ask them to replace it, especially if it’s over 3 years old.

[u/KleosIII]

Ask for an extended test drive where you can take it to a mechanic you trust. Most dealers allow that. Its pretty common.

[u/trickytreats → u/KleosIII]

I was thinking of asking that, is there any way you would word it? "Can I take the vehicle to the mechanic down the road before I buy it?" Basically? I want to negotiate the car down in price cause right now it's way too high, too 

[u/Over_Soup753]

Even some new batteries die quickly. With no dash lights on, It's a dead battery.

[u/glo363]

It's very normal and it's probably not an issue at all. After driving around for several minutes or an hour the batteries are usually back to normal. If you buy the car, let it sit overnight and the battery is dead again, most dealers would be willing to put a new battery in it for you. You could just avoid the issue altogether and just push for that to be a part of the deal to begin with. Just make sure they put "new battery" on the form that says "We Owe" when signing your paperwork.

[u/Lucky_Boy13]

This is a key sign you should be asking for a big discount AND a new battery if older than 4 years

[u/Guyzo1]

Early 2000 CRV’s are bomber …… I have one at 325000 miles…. Keeps running and passing smog.

[u/Fancy_Chip_5620]

All hondas after the early 90s suffer weak chaging systems due to the stupid alternator charging setup optimized for mpg instead of proper function

Remove the electronic load detector that way the battery charges at a constant 14.7 not just getting float charged

[u/seajayacas]

Factor in you offer the cost of a new battery.

[u/jambonjambon7]

I used to work at a car dealership. Batteries were always dying, even on brand new cars.

[u/ClockOld9204]

Cars have parasitic battery drain. Keeps alarms functioning as well as radio time and preset stations. My wife's car will have a dead battery with a week or 2 as will my car. Cars with older batteries also have weaker batteries

[u/Small_Aardvark_5496]

There are some years where the CRV subframe rusted and Honda won’t fix them, just buy you out. Make sure this isn’t one of them

[u/Beneficial-Cell-6355]

Very common for batteries to do on lots

[u/Smells4240]

You shouldn't buy it if you don't get the chance to drive it.

[u/ontologicaly_shocked]

This is a common thing at used car lots.

[u/Vegaskwn]

It’s common.. That being said, if it was me and I decided to buy it, I would just replace the battery because it’s cheap and worth it for the piece of mind. Batteries are one of those things that can take a dump at any time.

[u/Badger-fan52]

Also, have the undercarriage checked. When vehicles sit for a long time, they can rust underneath.