CAR QUESTION----im thinking of getting a used car from craiglist....?
(2011-05-19 14:30:12) 1. Says: it has a 'bent valve'...is that serious? also, what is TOO MUCH mileage for a car to have??thanks <32. Says: When you buy a car, everything should be in working condition and ALWAYS take it to a mechanic to inspect it.
Also, for the mileage, the car should average about 15K miles every year since it was made (ie, if its a 2000, it should have a max of 165,000 miles on it, any more than that, then one or more years the owner(s) drove it more than 15K miles and will be "older" than it should be, at least according to the industry standard.) Granted, its all relevant, depending on how reliable the car was in the first place.3. Says: A bent valve is serious. It would mean the head would need to be removed and that valve replaced/re-ground...and possibly all the valves (at least that side) would need to be replaced/re-ground so they are all the same. You are better off to avoid this type of problem.
There is really no good number for too much mileage. A poorly maintained vehicle with a low reliability rating might need serious engine repairs under 150k miles. I have a friend who drive a corolla for 200k miles on the road for an hour commute to work. The husband still drives the car (in town) and it hasn't needed any major engine work. A Honda or Toyota engine will usually last longer than a domestic.
As a rule of thumb, try to look for something under 150k miles if you don't have much money to spend.4. Says: a "bent valve" requires a complete engine overhaul and about $1800 in repair costs.
Unless they are giving this car away really cheap don't even consider buying it.
Over 100K miles is too much unless the car is in perfect condition. Then you can assume the owner knew how to take care of his car and the miles become less relevant.5. Says: The bent valve adds about $800-1000 in repair costs to the car, which may or may not be deal breaker. You can't drive it that way. Mileage is less important than condition on older cars, but huge mileages often mean a lot of stuff is worn out or close to it, so prices should be adjusted accordingly.6. Says: save your money/that stove is toast/engine is shot and you cant return it/99% of the craigs list is junk or ripoff artists/no title /fake papers/speedo roll backs/stolen/etc/on tv the other day camaro stolen 10 years ago/guy in california bought it and then the cops gave it back to nj owner /guy in cal was out 14grand Tag: CAR QUESTION----im thinking of getting a used car from craiglist....?