countach71

Newbie, obviously. Yesterday I bought a 99 400, a car that I've wanted for about 6 years. I now have the opportunity to buy a 98 GS 400 with 230000 miles that the female owner claims she can't afford to have further diognostics done on it. It is overheating and she said the mechanic says it needs a new radiator and possibly a head gasket but wanted to check further, she just wants out of it. I can get it cheap,but should I? I will see it this afternoon, says interior is in good shape and the outside looks good too.

countach71

C'mon ladies and gents, looking for a little help here from you experts who know a heck of a lot more about these cars than I do, or probably ever will. Any help would be appreciated. Opinions? Is it worth putting the effort, time and money into one with 230k on it? It is a nice looking car....

Vadim540i

I think you should definitely find something better.

countach71

I appreciate the advice. I was thinking it might be a relatively easy flip. Or keep it and sell the one I just bought.

wise2k

Sounds like it would only be a good deal if she's giving it away for free and just accepting donations/tips. Too many miles and potentially significant problems from overheating make this car only worth something to the current owner. $500 I think that's the most you should offer or be willing to pay, and just go with a mindset of buying a shell with a chance of luck that it's a diamond in the ruff.

repugnante

Get it off your hands quickly.

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

Considering you just purchased a '99, I'd put all of my time and effort into that one.

RamAirRckt

I guess I would find another mechanic...

It is pretty easy to figure out radiator issue.
It is pretty easy to figure out head gasket issue.

Common radiator issue is simply the foam around the radiator allows dirt and debris to collect between the radiator and AC Condenser. It is best to remove the foam so dirt and debris falls to the ground not collects and builds up.

A head gasket is less commonly seen issue. But also not hard to troubleshoot.

Sounds like a cheap car to flip if you are trying to. But if you don't do your own work, then leave it to someone who does.

greenzombi

Well first check the oil does the oil look like coffee with creamer ? Ask if the car was going through radiator fluid. These things would point to headgasket. with the miles its kind of a rough resell. If you are going to keep it like said above buy it as a shell and pay as if its a shell with that many miles either way the motor / trans is at the end of its life.

countach71

thanks for all the advice, I ended up passing. It was in kind of rough shape and coolant was smoking off the sides of the block. She is going to let a junk yard take it for $500. I will just concentrate on the new old one!

RamAirRckt

Shame to see a GS go the boneyard. But sometimes that is what just happens....

GSGenesis

Yea this one calls for a stone for sure. Unless he means cheap as in hes paying for smog, registration, and a tow to I guess your mechanics? Oh and I left out giving the car for free... Then yea man don't even think about it.... Actually forget get you've seen it and ask the mods to delete this thread so you won't be reminded.... Just looking out for you, that's def. A money pit, if interiors black though offer him $100 for the interior... Could use that... lol jk ��

kowala

iTrader: (2)

If it's free or under 1,000 i'd say yes. Anything more then stay away!