My new 350Z (San Marino Blue Enthusiast) came in today. I bought it in Indiana, but the actual vehicle was in Louisiana. The wife went over to pick it up for me, and after driving about 10 miles, the check engine light came on.

She drove another 0.8 miles, and the ECCS system began trying to shut the car off. It lurched twice, and she made it to our driveway (about 2 blocks) where it began to smoke. At first, she thought a hose had burst, but when the smoke got very very severe, she called the fire department.

They responded quickly, opened the hood which was burning hot, and found that the radiator cap was missing. They actually said we ran the radiator dry.

The dealership has the car now, and is assuring me they will make it right. They are also guaranteeing that the ECCS system would protect the engine from every boiling dry. I'm getting mixed advice from friends on whether to actually take delivery on the car. When I bought it, I got the 5 year, 75,000 mile warranty.

I need advice on whether or not to take delivery on this car. Pep Boys will do an engine warpage test for $28. The dealer is doing a full diagnostic, but I have trust issues.

If there is anyone who can give me advice, I am eager to listen. In the meantime, I'll be sitting in my empty garage -- sobbing.


***UPDATE -- Tuesday Night***
I went in to speak to the service manager. He showed me that the temperature never exceeded 275 degrees. Apparently, there's a limit around 325 before they view it that the engine is in danger.

 

damn man, sorry to hear that. no advice here, just sympathy.

 

thats sucks man..hope it all gets worked out.

 

i wouldnt take it...tell them u want a new Z

 

ahh hell naw!!! i would want a new one! if you do agree to take it back then i would want all guarantees in writing plus some sort of compensation, free oil changes for life or something similar.

 

New car or extended warranty for free.

 

Agreed. I don't think I would accept it after that.

 

warranty for life of car

 

With no coolant, engine has likely detonated with some internal damage regardless of ECU pulling timing to compensate. Do not accept the car.

 

That is so depressing. I'd just say I want another car and for them to try and convince me otherwise. I'd tell them to make me smile like I should have been smiling. I'd also get on line and find out if their are any others in the area so I'd know my options.

 

+1

 

stupid dealership, why would they take the cap off???????????

 

+1 on what everyone else said!!! how can those morons forget to put the radiator cap back on a new car???? tell them either a new car or extended warranty + knock off $$$ of the final price

 

I would not take the car.

 

**** that!!! i would go back to the dealership...demand a new car + get all kind of warrany packages and other bullsh1t like free oil changes and maintenance...cuz u could fcukin sue so easily!!!

 

i woudlnt take delivery of it. If they refuse, don't you have 30 days to break your contract?

 

Anybody can sue so fcukin easily on anything. It's the cost, hassle and whether he would be better off in the end.

The problem is that it is late in the year and production of '07s has probably stopped. It may not be possible to get the car that he wants in the color he wants. Who knows how long he will have to wait and only the OP knows what his need is now. At the minimum, besides making it right, they should comp him the extended warranty or more (refund as he already paid for it).

I'd certainly try to get a new car first if one is available that he wants.

 

+1 agreed I would'nt take delivery of that car. I would make them bring another Z the same color just take down the vin# on the messed up Z.

 

I have to agree with some of the replies... I'd have a hard time taking the car after that. I would get a different one for sure but best of luck to you either way!

 

I wouldnt ask for free oil changes. There is no way I would ever go back to that dealership for any service. What happens if they forget to put the drain plug back in??