What would you do? (recent car purchase question)

Recently bought a 1995 Lexus LS 400 from a mechanic. He was working on one of my other cars so he let me borrow his for the day which was the LS 400 that I bought from him. Drove the car all day not a problem.

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=955548

So when I went to go pick up my other car we started talking and I said hey I will buy the car from you. He said ok. I got the price down. I said ok. Drove it to work no problems got off work to drive home all the lights got dim. Had the battery tested and I was told it was dead. Cool beans installed a new one.
Next day same problem. So I called PO and told him about it. He says must be the alternator and I agreed. He offers to install it for free. So I get the part and drop it off and he installs it.

Calls me over to his shop to show me the car is still having the same problem lights get dim and it shuts off claims he has tried everything he is now checking all the wires in the electrical system now

This Friday will be 3 weeks he has had the car. Maybe I'm just being impatient? He seems to be very helpful with this whole situation really surprising in this day and age. I have been thinking of just having the car towed to Lexus and let them figure it out
But I planned for this car to be a beater. I paid under KBB blue book for it.

1.Should I cut my losses and just flip it.?
2. Keep letting him try to figure it out.
3. Take it to the stealer

1)how much did you pay?
2) is he charging any labor fees?
3) how much did you pay?

Paid $1700 car is worth $3232
He is not charging any labor fees

I understand getting a beater, but why on earth did you get a 95 lexus as a beater? Ask him if he'll take the car back and give you your money back.

Originally Posted by NOVAbimmer

I understand getting a beater, but why on earth did you get a 95 lexus as a beater? Ask him if he'll take the car back and give you your money back.

I always liked the body style

I already have 2 cars I really don't even need it but of course this is America
land of excess

fair enough

it's "worth" 3232? lol offer a $32 discount and sell it for a bargain price of 3,200! duhhhhh

If he's not charging you labor fees then why are we having this discussion? If it's free then let him keep fvcking with it until he figures it out.

Or do what I recommended and get another alternator!

Originally Posted by Sync Wireless

Or do what I recommended and get another alternator!

Listen to this man, he owns a dealer and probably deals with many used cars.

Originally Posted by Sync Wireless

Or do what I recommended and get another alternator!

He said he tested the alternator and its good. He seems perplexed and I am too.

A problem on these cars is the battery cable/alt cables. They corrode quickly -- especially in a wet state.

Its obvious the problem is that the power the alt is making is not making it into the system. There is either a HUGE current draw somewhere or the power is not making it into the system. Which points towards the alt cable.

EDIT:

But, I think you should flip is ASAP. If you want a beater, get a Jeep or a 4Runner.

I had a similiar situation with a good friend/mechanic. He was basically doing free labor on a beater truck I bought. Should of taken him 2 weeks max to fix everything and ended up being closer to 60 days. I did tell him that his money making projects were fine to work on, but we reached a point where I told him I wanted the truck done, and he made it happen.

Basically, free labor=no bitching about the time it takes, within reason. To me, 60 days was reasonable for something I wasnt missing. To others, 3 days is unreasonable.

Obviously if he is trying to fix it for free he didn't know about the issue before he sold it
Free labour don't complain

battery wiring harness could be shot

my buddys ls400 had the leaky power steering pump. we plugged a useless valve and replaced the alternator (3rd time in as many years). no more leaks, no more drips onto alternator, and new battery wiring harness solved the remaining issues.

Originally Posted by makecopies

He said he tested the alternator and its good. He seems perplexed and I am too.

Tested how? I dont think ive ever seen an indy shop with the computerized machine necessary to spin up the alternator and test its output.

The LS is an awesomely reliable car. I still say alternator, occams razor my friend.

Here is another quick and dirty test, Charge the battery fully (with a stand alone 2amp charger) and then start the car. Disconnect the battery. does it die instantly?

He had a auto electrical guy check the alternator. The brand new battery totally died after the alternator installation. He said he drove the car home tonight to make sure it starts in the morning. I have my fingers crossed. I guess I'm just being impatient. I just ready to add this car to my fleet

What happened OP? You driving the Lex?

I found a '94 near me that needs an alternator. I'm considering selling my SHO to get it.

Also, you could have gotten a bad alternator. I went through three Duralast ones on my SHO.