tonypai

I had a PPI done on a car. 96 C2. 86K miles. Asking $22,900

Hit for the right price? Or skip.

1. Clutch is catching at the bottom, could be the clutch slave or throw out bearing.
2. Engine is leaking oil onto the exhaust.
3. Rear engine blower, stage 1 is not working.
4. Ride height is way off. It has Bilsteins but it's at SUV height, I think higher than OEM.
5. Third brake light is not working.
6. Passenger seat doesn't move.
7. AC not working
8. Needs new tires.


#1-3 are the deal breakers. I've kind of budgeted for #4-8.

Clutch and friends replacement - $3-4K?
Leaky engine - ?????
Rear engine blower - ?????
PSS10 - $2500-3000
AC - $150 to recharge
Tires - $1K

What are your thoughts?

Allen

IMO...there are enough better cars out there that I would not buy one with issues.

dcdude

At that price, you've got budget for some fix-ups. You need to get real estimates before you make your decision.

1) 86K seems like the right time for a new clutch anyway. Then you'll have a brand new one!
2) I'd want a detailed diagnosis and estimate. Valve cover gaskets is a $500ish job. Chain covers are maybe $1,100?
3) Again, need diagnosis, but maybe a new fan switch is $300-$400 with labor?
7) May invlove repair in addition to re-charge, meaning $1,000+

Someone check me on these $ ball parks...

Falcondrivr

Blower fan could be anything from a relay to the full monty.
AC, if it needs a re-charge, there's a reason. The reason is $1500...

cy7878

Bilstein HDs do allow some height adjustments even with US Spec springs. When I had mine installed, the initial height was way off out of the box. Darren at West End Alignment who did the install, took the time to measure and adjust the height down to where he thought would be apporpriate and that along with the actual alignment actually took longer than the physical install (believe it or not, 3 hours for install, 4 hours for the adjustment and alignment). So if your height is off, it's a matter of getting it re-adjusted by someone experienced. Cost can be relatively low (in my case the whole charge for install and alignment was almost the same as some quotes I got for just alignment) or outrageous.

The leak can be minor or expensive depending on where the leak is and how many leaks you have. Your PPI should have specified the areas, no? I have so far spend $1500 on leaks (lower and upper covers and oil return lines) and wish I have just waited till a major service to get them done to consolidate costs and get new covers installed..... I guess even the most reputable shops are not in the business to help consolidate customer costs.

Like others said, there are plenty of cars out there. Look at a few and decide....

davesnothere

With the possible exception of the passenger seat, I wouldn't classify any of these issues as "annoyances." Instead it sounds like this car has not been well maintained. Who knows what else is lurking.

Unless the luggage compartment is lined with $500 bills, I'd keep on searching.

Good luck!

- Dave

matt777

Given the choice, I'd rather buy a car that has had the maintenance kept up on and has records vs a car that needs $5-$10K of work. $22,900 is not a great price considering what it needs. You also have to allow for some other things that have not been found yet. I think Allen said the same thing with less words in post#2.

dcdude

Agreed. One issue, even a major one, might be OK. But too many small ones is evidence of neglect, which these cars don't tolerate very well.

tonypai

Thanks for everyone's input!