Strange car ignition

Tiddlypeeps

I'm bad at cars so sorry if I'm using the wrong terminology for anything.

I recently bought a second hand car. The man said he had the ignition replaced with a secure one that won't allow you to turn the car on unless you turn the key in the right way.

I have no idea if this is really a thing or if he just said that so I would ignore the slightly broken ignition.

I haven't gotten the knack of it just yet, I have to fiddle with it for a bit and then it eventually turns.

The man said it had to be pushed at a 45 degree angle or something like that.

I'm wondering does anybody know if this is a real thing and if it is might there be anywhere I can find instructions on how it actually works so I don't take 10 minutes starting my car every day.

Cheers

Anan1

It sounds like there's a problem with either the key or the ignition barrel.

Cee-Jay-Cee

I'd say he's full of crap and there is poor contact in the ignition barrel. Is the key new or does it look worn?

I'd call him and tell him you want money back to pay for a new ignition. He can't deny that he didn't know as he tried to con you with a BS story about a secure ignition. Tell him you will take a case to the small claims court if he doesn't cough up.

If he insists it's a new/secure ignition then ask him where it was fitted and to send you the instructions and certificate that comes with security systems to show they comply with standard regulations.

Sorry you were scammed by a chancer but being honest, if you know very little about cars then you really should have had someone who dies know a bit, along with you.

corktina

Anan1 wrote: »

It sounds like there's a problem with either the key or the ignition barrel.

sounds like a problem with the seller tbh

Tiddlypeeps

I kinda knew at the time he might be full of crap. I desperately needed a car tho and only had the weekend to find one. Got a job offer on Friday and they wanted me to start on the Monday with pretty much no reasonable public transport to get there. It was pretty cheap but runs surprisingly smooth. I just wanted something cheap to tide me over for a few months till I can save up a bit and have a proper amount of time to look for a decent one.

I had looked at a few cars prior and this was the only one that didn't feel like it might collapse in a heap after about 100 kilometers.

I just wanted to ask just incase the ignition thing was real and I could find some instructions on how to actually use it.

The key is pretty scratched and old looking but that doesn't tell me much because he never said when he had this supposed "security" feature installed. Looking at it now it's actually a little bit curved so that's probably the issue.

He said he was selling the car because he was leaving the country so I'd say my chances of successfully chasing him up over it are pretty slim. Apparently a new key is not that expensive so no big deal, just a little annoying that he lied.

Thanks for replying

K.Flyer

Out of curiosity, does the ignition key open the doors as well?

Tiddlypeeps

Yup, they are also sometimes a bit fiddly to open. I feel a little thick for not associating the two things before now

Probably a good sign tho, it makes it very likely that it's an issue with the key and not the ignition.

YbFocus

Wire it to a push button if the car is worth so little, that's what I done with my old golf, off she went.
Push to start like a Ferrari

RandomAccess

Hope you managed to get insurance sorted over the weekend as well!

Tiddlypeeps

Got it sorted first thing monday morning

Del2005

CJC999 wrote: »

I'd say he's full of crap and there is poor contact in the ignition barrel. Is the key new or does it look worn?

I'd call him and tell him you want money back to pay for a new ignition. He can't deny that he didn't know as he tried to con you with a BS story about a secure ignition. Tell him you will take a case to the small claims court if he doesn't cough up.

If he insists it's a new/secure ignition then ask him where it was fitted and to send you the instructions and certificate that comes with security systems to show they comply with standard regulations.

Sorry you were scammed by a chancer but being honest, if you know very little about cars then you really should have had someone who dies know a bit, along with you.

Waste of time, it was a private sale and the seller told the OP about it. The only way you can go after a private sale is if the car is dangerous, a car that doesn't start easily isn't dangerous.