So, I’m going to look at this car for potential purchase. The seller informed me that “all warning lights” are on and the speedometer doesnt work. She says it’s just a fuse or a sensor, but of course she hasn’t had it looked at. It’s relatively low mileage, 135K. Appears to be in good condition... I’m wondering what you guys would say a fair price would be, and what are the potential causes of the Speedo issues? Thanks!

 

Impossible to say without knowing the general condition such as paint, maintenance history, interior etc.

 

well of course... Let’s just assume that everything else is good with normal wear. I can judge that for myself when I see it. The main concern is the speedometer and warning lights. It could be a number of things. What’s the worst case? I don’t want to pay $3500 for the car and end up having to spend $1000 to fix the speedometer. It’s a bargaining chip in my favor. If there is an unknown, I want to be able to say, here are the potential causes, speed sensor, instrument cluster, ????, and at worst it could cost $xxx to fix.

 

Hook up a scanner and look for codes. Or, check out a wiring diagram of the instrument cluster. Fuses blow for a reason.

 

Speedometer hasn't work as of last week or for the last 100,000 miles or so? That "low mileage" 135,000 is questionable.

The worst it could cost is unlimited. I've dumped an inordinate amount of money in my '04. Next up, it needs 2 cats which basically totals the car because it will fail emissions inspection here. No cheap eBay cats allowed because I'd need CARB compliant ones here.