Would you buy this car? Why or why not?

[GearheadTool]

Here is the link, and description. If yes, why.. and, if not, why. Thank you.

Begin:
1998 Buick Century
Runs and drives good

133k miles
It currently has a check engine light on, I had it checked out by a mechanic and it needs a fuel pressure regulator , & fuel line replacement.
replaced: to fix it, a $300 repair.
Other mechanic items to look at: Engine: Power flush, waterpump and intake gasket
Front suspension struts and alignment.
I've had the car registered in MD, where I purchased it in November for a job that I had there,but got laid off.
I even have the carfax from then. Passsed MD emissions in February.

VIN: 2g4ws52m8w15770404
:End

$700

(We are still very interested in the $400 Taurus, which is being held for me, and the $500 Subie is no longer available as the seller decided to keep it. So.. Next week, we will have a car. The Taurus is UGLY but if its not somethign that cant pass inspection, we need to look at that Mass sticker... YES we will buy it but we have OPTIONS.)

 

[Donald]

I love adds where people list (but don't do) what needs to be done. Why does it need a new fuel line, rust on a metal line, then what about metal brake lines?

I'd bet there are other things. With struts, maybe mounts also?

 

[SatinSilver]

Better yet is when they mention the transmission isn't functioning properly. But the part only costs $50 to fix it.

 

[supton]

Probably afraid of what else will break when they go in to replace it.

 

[The_Jeff]

My century had a perpetual EVAP leak. That could have been fuel vent hoses or any number of things.

I'd get that 95 taurus or any other c you won't need to pass any OBDII tests to get a sticker.

On the plus side being a MD car will mean less rust.

None of us were born spinning any wrenches, but you seem to be looking beyond your abilities. No worries, just budget for a bunch of tools and time watching youtube videos on how to do this n that. Both the taurus and century will have plenty of cheap parts for whatever you need.

PS could you just keep all your potential clunkers in one thread or title them with the make of car you're looking at to get the experts on that car involved.

 

[GearheadTool]

Hey.. If anyone wants that pictured $400obo "Ummm... HOLE?" Taurus and is in the Haverhill-MA/NH line area (the car is in Haverhill MA,) PM me and ill send you his #. We will likely pass as we suspect it wont pass inspection.

The Subie seller decides to keep his, too. So now im looking at other ones.

 

[caravanmike]

Originally Posted By: satinsilver
Better yet is when they mention the transmission isn't functioning properly. But the part only costs $50 to fix it.
or how about overheating and needs 7 dollar thermostat LOL.

 

[Donald]

I would take however much you can afford, and get a Camry in the best shape you can for the money you have.

 

[NHGUY]

No.Those older GMs are money pits.The problems wont stop.

 

[GearheadTool]

Well its that TAURUS that MIGHT have something wrong with it. It just occured to us that it says "9" on the inspection sticker. Sooo...

 

[VicVinegar]

Well seeing most people probably require a $100 diagnostic to figure out that it is a $7 thermostat, then pay $50 in labor to install it, I can understand why people cut and run from something they don't understand. Especially with the transmission example. For most car owners, transmission issues = big $$$.

Obviously it works to the advantage of folks who know what they are looking at.

 

[dishdude]

For $700 it looks decent, I'd at least go look at it.

 

[RF Overlord]

My honest answer is NO. Not unless you can do everything it needs yourself (and want to).

"fuel line replacement" uh...what else is rusted under there?

"Engine power flush" what?

"water pump" not familiar with the exact setup, may be easy...may not.

"intake gasket" If it needs the infamous LIM (lower intake manifold), that's not a quick and easy job

I see this car becoming a full-time job.

 

[LargeCarManX2]

Drive it ....if you like it buy it. Offer them 500 cash and repair when it's needed.

 

[GearheadTool]

If anybody around here wants the Taurus, then get $400 out of your pocket, PM me for the guy's number, and offer him $300. I have the first shot at buying it, and im more interested in maybe getting that then this. The question is.. IF it has an issue preventing it to pass State of MA inspection. That one is a 1995.

This ad posted seems that there are other issues, because if a mechanic said its $300 to fix then I wonder what else he said.