2007 S40 do I buy this car?

Craigd2599 · Post by **Craigd2599** » 06 Feb 2014, 09:42

Buddy of mine called me and said he has a 2007 S40. It's in EXQUISITE cosmetic condition. 120,000 miles. It's a 2.4 non turbo 5. The previous owner was a young girl who drove it 3 quarts low and it's "making noise." I haven't heard it myself yet. It will start. They want $800 For that price, it's hard to beat. Do I bite?

Livens · Post by **Livens** » 06 Feb 2014, 10:18

Ohhh, I'm a sucker for deals like that. Love buying cars cheap and fixing them up myself, you get a real sense of pride knowing you saved big $$$ and did all of the work.

But, unless you are comfortable rebuilding the engine, or possibly replacing it all together... or paying someone else to do all that for you, I would pass on it. Low oil + 'engine noise' could mean anything. And if your buddy or another mechanic looked at it, then she decided to sell it that cheap, I would bet the engine needs some major repairs.

Post by **oragex** » 09 Feb 2014, 16:11

Many of those cars look exquisite even at high mileage. When I bought my 10 years old one, I couldn't believe the condition, with one exception there were no scratches, dents or even swirls on the paint, original paint. But the mechanics inside don't age the same.

Basically, if the rod bearings are shot, it needs a new engine, about $1500 at a scrap yard and $500 install. But the car might have other issues as well at that mileage. I have my bud who's parting out cars, and I can get from him a $500 engine, maybe there are guys like that in your area on Craiglist.

It's the car some people get to sell for parts, the transmission alone it's worth $500, add the wheels and you already got your money back.