Once you’ve decided on a car to buy and found financing, it’s now time to conduct a final inspection of your chosen vehicle. Bring a notebook or smartphone...
At present, this vehicle typically costs around $3,000 to $5,000 range depending on sub-model, options, mileage, and condition. Inasmuch as used car repair, maintenance, and restoration costs are highly dependent on the actual, as found, condition of the vehicle, the...
Hello - given the number and variety of problem codes you list, I would recommend a pre-purchase inspection by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to the cars location, perform a thorough survey of...
Rami: The areas of immediate concern when it comes to rust are brake and fuel lines and suspension or frame components. Rust on exterior sheet metal (body panels) is somewhat "cosmetic" although of course I understand that nobody wants to...
In evaluating the wisdom of buying a particular model of car (used or new), consult the database of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA. The NHTSA database contains model year specific consumer complaints, official recalls and factory service bulletins...
Hello - the ad appears to be gone, so perhaps you already bought it?! I wouldn't blame you if so. As a long time E39 owner, they are an excellent sport touring car, especially if more than 2 passenger capability...
Hello - as to the starter question, if the starter starts to spin immediately after you turn the key to the "Start" position, spins the motor over briskly without strange noises, hot or cold - the starter is probably fine....
Hello - while it is always good to know (and verify) continuous, appropriate service on any used vehicle you might purchase, it is still a good idea to have an experienced technician look the vehicle over for items that may...
Nothing adverse appears on the Carfax report. There don't appear to be any outstanding recalls. Inasmuch as used car repair, maintenance, and restoration costs are highly dependent on the actual, as found, condition of the vehicle, the only way to...
The rubber boots covering CV axle outer joints can tear and the grease can then leak out and eventually the joint wears excessively and fails. If the tear in the boot is detected early enough the joint can be saved;...
For the 2007 model year, GM replaced the problematic 3.5L engine with the 3.7L. This engine is pretty decent. The transmission is a 4-L60E, which is well known for having all kinds of issues. The GM 10-bolt rear end is...
Hello, and thank you for writing in. Your head is in the right place about inspecting the vehicle and doing some research on it. While we can not advise you to buy the car or not, you should do some...
The threshold issue in entering the inspection business is NOT a "particular" complement of tools but rather whether you have the specific and intensive training that is required to carry out a meaningful inspection AND convey the results in an...
When a vehicle has been totaled out by an insurance company due to damages exceeded to the vehicle exceeded the value of the car. Once totaled the insurance company will sell off the car and whoever purchases it can do...
The mileage is not excessive. If the engine was maintained as required, and the car was not abused, you could get another 100,000 miles out of it if you take care of it. The price is in an acceptable range...
Hello, thank you for writing in. It is nearly impossible to tell what kind of costs you are looking at with this old of a vehicle. 220,000 miles is a lot, but it sounds as if the car was maintained...
A replacement of the alternator should not raise a red flag bu I would recommend getting the vehicle (inspected) [https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/pre-purchase-car-inspection] before you purchase it by a mechanic like one from YourMechanic. This will insure you do not have major problems...
Hello - awesome little car indeed! Despite the usual caveat of high-performance cars for (relatively) new drivers, a small sedan like this is a great choice. The usual cautions about taking care of turbocharged engines apply here - always use...
Hello - awesome little car indeed! Despite the usual caveat of high-performance cars for (relatively) new drivers, a small sedan like this is a great choice. The usual cautions about taking care of turbocharged engines apply here - always use...
The two cars you are referring to are so mechanically similar that there is no meaningful distinction, going forward, as to cost of repair or expected remaining service life. Rather, the costs you may experience will depend on the as...
Hi there. When it comes to buying a pre-owned vehicle, it is best to perform a pre-purchase inspection to make sure that the engine, transmission, drivetrain, and suspension is all in order and working condition. Also it is best to...
