We are looking at buying a 10/1998 Acclaim VT from a dealer but are worried about whether it may have problems. We have looked at a lot of cars and many VT's and in our price range (under $3k) this one is so much better condition and cleaner than anything we have seen. It is a V6 and has around 160,000km on the clock and service history, last serviced 7,000km ago. When we first looked at it the dealer told us that the temp gauge was faulty and read too hot. Suspicious. We took it for a drive but when we got back I had a look at the engine and I saw that it had no coolant showing in the overflow bottle, and oil level was just on the dipstick but below the add mark. I filled it with water (they had no coolant) and left it idling to get to a temp where the fan would come on. After a while a lot of rusty water came out from around the water pump area and we left. We looked at other cars but couldn't find anything in as good ionterior/exterior condition so we called the dealer and they said it has been fixed. Went and had another look and it had what was claimed to be a new water pump. It looked nice and shiny and had lots of sealant come out from around the edges. It still had water, not coolant (I think they changed the pump themselves) and still had very low oil level. Took it for another drive and it still ran well, never saw any smoke or steam come out of it. Coolant (water) did not appear to have any oil contamination. Oil was dirty but didn't appear to have mixed with coolant or have any water droplets in it. Oil cap appeared to have a little dry burnt oil (brownish colour) on it but no significant sludge. My worry is that I believe the dealer was driving it a bit with the bad water pump and no coolant as they said that the gauge went to the high mark. I don't think the gauge is faulty as when it had some coolant in it it always read fine for me. Could it have damaged the engine? The other worry is that the new water pump is wobbly - I don't know if this is normal - but as it is spinning it is wobbling around a little bit, and if i hold it and try and rock I can move it a little back and forwards. Does this mean the pump they put in is bad or not put in right? The oil level is a worry too, but I understand the V6's are prone to leaking. If I could find anything similar condition for near the price I would run from this car but I can't so I am tempted but don't want to face an expensive problem like a head gasket or similar. Any advice greatly appreciated!
I personally would be wary of a car with rusty water instead off coolant, too much chance of corrosion and expensive repairs. The water pump pulley shouldn't wobble, it might be buckled and the water pump really only needs a good gasket not oozing sealant, it sounds a bit dodgy.
I would not at all consider buying a car based on how good the interior/exterior looked. Sure it might be a good looking car but how much do you want to possibly spend repairing it later down the track. Don't take their word on anything either, please if you aren't sure get an independent mechanic to go over the car top to bottom.
I would be running. If the dealer is flogging it for under $3k there must be something wrong with it. Hold out, you should be able to pick up a good one for around the same price privately.
It sounds like the engine has been a bit neglected compared to the body work. I would keep looking myself, a nicer one that is mechanically sound will come up. I'd rather a car with a couple of panels scratched (couple of hundred bucks to repair) rather than $5000 engine rebuild.
Offer them $2k which factors in a new water pump with coolant flush and a new engine down the track if needed You have nothing to lose.
Thanks for all of the advice. We decided against the car. Today we found and bought a near identical car, a '98 Acclaim with 190k, that was in better condition and had longer registration. So far so good.
Good to hear, there's some great cars to be had out there. Patience is key, sounds like this new offering is better, let us know how you go!
