EBay car, 4wd doesn’t work

[TeaVR]

Morning all.

I bought a 4wd car on EBay. A day later it looks like the 4wd isn’t working. I’ve yet to get under the car, but I suspect it’s had a prop shaft delete.

Where do I stand legally? What would you do?

Is it a case of “Tough, you didn’t detect the issue, sold as seen?”

Thanks.

[TeaVR]

Honda CRV, from a private seller

[TeaVR]

I know the 4wd isn’t working as it gets stuck in a field with a gentle slope, just front wheels spin.

As to whether it’s a 4wd version, from the attached pic of rear wheel - I think it is. Also, I don’t think I’m the UK Homda sold a M3 in front wheel drive - or at least all 400 on Autotrader are 4wd.

,

[TeaVR]

Caddyshack said:

Isn’t the crv a bit like a haldex where it is a 4x4 only when it needs to be and even then it will only be 2wd at best as has open diffs.

It would seem odd for someone to actually remove something from a car.

Googling this, and it’s common for people to remove the prop shaft. Something to do with vibration / fuel efficiency. Also they wear out

[TeaVR]

Caddyshack said:

I think maybe you are over expecting what a crv can do, if the front wheels are spinning and you have rear drive shafts (as per pic) then you have 4wd.

Without locking diffs the unladen wheel will still spin - a Landrover defender it is not.

Road tyres are pretty useless on grass.

We had a friends BMW X5 wheel spinning on a gentle slope in our garden…my Rangie goes up it on tickover and my wife’s Mini Cooper goes up it and that is a 2wd road car.

I will do a google, maybe there is a proper 4wd switch?

I dig what you’re saying. I’ll try and get a proper look underneath later.

If it is working and that easily defeated, it’s ste!

It’s a Haldex type system - there isn’t a switch. My S3 has better bloody traction 😂

[TeaVR]

See (slow motion) video. Pretty conclusive prop shaft is in place and turning

https://youtube.com/shorts/DelRt_MXJa0?feature=sha...

[TeaVR]

Evolved said:

The first question should be. Do you ‘need’ 4 wheel drive?. If so, you’ve probably picked one that probably suited to your usage anyway

Definitely need 4wd unfortunately

[TeaVR]

ninjag said:

The CRV AWD system is more of a road driving aid.

Is it less capable than VAG Haldex? As far as I can see, my S3 would do better off road than the Honda in its current form!!!

[TeaVR]

Bobupndown said:

Does it spin its front wheels taking off from a junction on tarmac? If haldex is working properly it shouldn't.
I've got a Freelander 2 which works properly and my wife's VW Tiguan which doesn't, its currently a 2motion!

Just spinning the fronts. Tried it on gravel tonight.

I reckon it needs fluids changing

[TeaVR]

ninjag said:

The CRV probably isn't the best for anything more than assisting in poor weather road conditions. What mileage is it on?

180k