94 sunbird purchasing questions

[Johnboy84]

Hey everyone, Im new to the forums and i was going to buy a 94 pontiac sunbird, as my first car, since im tired of driving around my parents its a 3.1 L V6 engine, and theres only two problems with it, one is, The freeze plugs need to be replaced, and it needs a new turn signal kit, and possibly new bulbs? How easy would that be to replace? Thanks!

[GTP Dad]

Welcome to AF!!

The freeze plug issue would cause me to walk away. If they are just leaking then that isn't too bad but if they were forced out by the block actually freezing then there may be other damage so get an estimate on fixing before you buy as the cost could be substantial.

As for the turn signals, check all the blubs first then the flasher unit. If the flasher is bad then that will cause them to not want to work. Also the switch that works the e flashers may be bad and need replacing. Not hard to change but locating it may require a shop manual.

[Johnboy84]

thanks for replying back, Yeah ive got alot of information from the guy earlier and called him, the transmission, and engine are fine he says, so its just prolly a leak, and he says the turn signal is hooked up to a Jerry Rig, or whatever that might be, i think its just possibly easy to replace the turn signal lever hopefully, he said that the turn signals do work, how easy would it be to replace freeze plugs in the engine? and would the car be possible to drive while it is having the leak? thanks!

[GTP Dad]

The freeze plugs are complicated to change as you need access to the sides of the block. There is a tool that is designed to put the plugs in but I suggest that you have them replaced by a mechanic rather than trying to do them yourself. I don't want to burst your bubble but I would have this car checked by a mechanic before you purchase it. I am afraid you may be throwing your money away due to the problems you state it currently has.

[Madcat455]

I have to agree with GTP... these cars are easy to be had cheap and are not worth anything... A repair like that is likley to cost more than the car.

For example... 6 months ago, I purchased a 94 Sunbird 2.0 with 87K on it... new paint, tires, working AC, no rust or dents... thing looks and drives like new.

I bought the car for $1300... Paint job probably cost that much.... I almost junked it over the Water pump ($350)... as that's close to the "not worth it" point...lol.

If you haven't bought it yet, then I'd check around for better cars. I'm selling my 96 Grand Am GT for $800 right not.. runs & drives great.. interior is great... nothing wrong mechanically... just needs a battery (from sitting the past 6 month..lol), and Paint (hood is all faded).

So better deals are out there, I'd only jump on this car if it was almost free... Freeze plugs are no easy job on any car.

Good Luck wich ever way you go