Should I buy this Vt? (need help deciding)

[mainpath]

Hey all,

I have a question, I called a car dealership about a VT 1998 Executive Commodore they have for sale, apparently they are wanting the trade in price back ($3250) on the car as it has a fault where it isn't sucking in enough air to the motor, it starts and then when driven stalls, Apparently a $300-400 repair.
Car is advertised cheap and I was wondering if it's worth going in to something like this, he told me I can pay $100 to get the car checked out by some mechanic or to bring my own, but the problem is i dont know anyone that would come with me to see the car.

Edit: I'm sure i could get the car down to $3000 if i tried.

So the bottom line is I would like a second car as I have my 00 Vx acclaim and the condition of this one seems good but it seemed to me like as if they weren't exactly sure what is wrong. Would anyone have any idea as to what could be causing this issue and is it common?

Thanks for the replies.

Regards

edit 2: Could the fact that the limitation of air going in to the motor for any amount of time could have caused any permeant motor problems?

[Trevor 062]

If the car yard could make an easy buck they would, I'm sure they would repair the car apparently for a $300-$400 & flog it off for $5000..But I'd say it has more wrong with it.

[lumina01]

stalls everytime its driven?

[mainpath]

hummm i'm starting to think so, he asked me how much I wanted to spend as he had other "better" cars in stock.

[mainpath]

stalls everytime its driven?

yep thats right, he said, after it's turned on (it turns on) and when driven it would randomly stall.

[vsl67]

If it only cost $3-$400 why hasnt the car yard fixed it and jacked the price up ?
I wouldnt buy it unless you at least get some one to check it or the codes it is throwing up
As for the lack of air it should hurt anything especially if it isnt running at the very worst it migth have ran rich,but are you sure thats the promblem and they havnt purposly disable it to hide somthing else like and engine knock or smokey engine for example?

[lumina01]

could just be the crank angle sensor causly it to randomly stall and they dont know whats wrong with it?
most dealers never pick the crank angle sensor.
tell them 2 fix it and ull pay them 400 extra.

[mainpath]

yea i agree seems dodgy to the max, but here it is, 1998 Holden Commodore VT Executive Blue 4sp A Sedan - eBay, Passenger Vehicles, Cars, Cars, Bikes, Boats. (end time 22-Mar-09 14:37:02 AEDST)

they said they wouldn't fix it but a local mechanic they "recommend" could.

[lumina01]

even worse they dont mention it in the add

[mainpath]

exactly don't go for it?

[Astranomical]

I'd stay as far away from it as you can, seems dodgy to me.

Maybe its just me...but to me at least there's something about the blurb under the Sellers Comments that just doesn't feel right:

This listing has been placed by a professional licensed motor dealer. Buying a used vehicle from a licensed dealer is the safest way to buy. Licensed dealers are regulated by state laws that protect consumers, ensuring that the vehicle you buy is safe and comes with clear title (no outstanding finance). Although these laws differ from state to state, many vehicles purchased from a licensed motor dealer will also come with statutory or an optional warranty. Make an enquiry on this vehicle today and ask the dealer about the warranty and consumer protection offered in this state.

[batty_123]

sounds AND looks pretty dodgy place...

[holdenhero]

I wouldn't take it... but in their sellers comments they do mention statutory or optional warranty... My best idea would be to ask them if they are offering a warranty or if it is available with the vehicle. If they say no, then I wouldn't go near the car.

[vsl67]

Nice looking Car ,but use your own Mechanic if you can or look at it this way Ask your self would I get what Im paying for it if I had to sell It? or At wores case senario how much would a replacement Ecotech or computer cost ?