98 V70 Thinking about buying this car and have questions

[danilouise]

So I found a 1998 V70 online. The guy said there's a new thermostat, new head gasket, new heater core, new battery, new tires, new brakes. He had the heads resurfaced and a compression test showed no leaks, had it scanned and no codes showed up.
That's all fine, but he said it needed coils and spark plugs because it vibrates a lot but that it goes away once you're driving it. The ignition coil needed replaced because his father spilled oil on it. I don't know why the spark plugs need replaced.

My question is actually a bit of confusion and some need of clarification.

If the ignition coil was damaged and needed replaced wouldn't that mean the car wouldn't start?
If the plugs are bad and causing vibration wouldn't that continue while you're driving?
And finally, if you're going to go through all the trouble to fix the other things, why wouldn't you fix the last two issues?

What other causes could make the car have those symptoms?

[abscate]

Topics merged.

Plugs and coil can fail under load yet start and idle fine. Inspect the distributor cap and rotor though.

If rest of car checks out, have a mechanic run a compression test to check the top end of the engine.

Replace plugs and coil while doing the test. If that fixes it, congratulations!!

[rspi]

Sometimes it takes a few miles for the codes to surface. Did you scan it or search just look for a CEL?

[dosbricks]

And finally, if you're going to go through all the trouble to fix the other things, why wouldn't you fix the last two issues?

It would appear that you have posed the key question. Buyer beware.

[rspi]

If the price is RIGHT and you have the ABILITY to fix it, proceed. If you don't do these type of DIY repairs, simply run. We all can use more exercise.

[mika]

Pick up an ignition coil and some plugs from the pick a part (most cars will have bosch for both).

Swap into car without buying it (10 minutes) see if it helps! You can always subtract cost of parts (even if new) from asking price

[shegarty]

New thermostat, head gasket and heads resurfaced all point towards catastrophic failure of the HG leading to severe overheating. An event like this would lead me to question the maintenance regime of the current owner ... well that coupled with the fact that they can't be bothered to change the spark plugs.

+1 on Robert's tip

If the price is RIGHT and you have the ABILITY to fix it, proceed.

but if you're not sure of your abilities or doubt that you have the time or patience to put someone else's mess back together - run for the hills

[jose456891]

We all can use more exercise.

lol

OP: Mate, go for it, go in and be prepared. Buy a compression gage and use it. If the compression is OK, and the gearbox shifts fine, buy it.

We'll help you figure the other issues. Hell I'll personally help you, I'll even help you wrenching.

But yeah, what RASPI said...

[danilouise]

Thank every one of you for responding to my post.

Two days after I wrote this, he posted the same car on the same site at about 9:30 PM, but instead of asking 1000 US he dropped it to $500. I messaged him saying I would come see it the next day, cash in hand and that was fine with him. An hour later he said he sold it.
Perhaps I dodged a bullet or didn't live close enough to pick it up right away. Either way I feel like I could have fixed some things especially with the money saved.

Oh well ... c'est la vie!

[j-dawg]

And finally, if you're going to go through all the trouble to fix the other things, why wouldn't you fix the last two issues?

It would appear that you have posed the key question. Buyer beware.

I've sold cars that needed minor work, and even thrown the parts in the trunk with 'em. Selling a car that needs work can be a fatigue thing - it's not the the road ahead is impassable, but I'm just too tired to keep walking.