Possible '98 4 Door 4 cyl Automatic for daughter?

[DOCTORBILL]

My daughter turns 18 in October and I'm looking for an economy car for her to
drive to school.

A '98 LSI 4 door, 4 cylinder Automatic is in the paper with a replaced engine
(guy's wife didn't put oil in it....where have I heard THAT before!?).
He replaced the engine with a Pull-n-Save engine.
Says all new "Seals" ? Says new 13" tires. Cliams excellent condition, interior kept nice - Green Paint. Bent front bumper (?)

He wants $1,550 minimum....

Going to look at it tonight.

Big questions -

1. Were the Automatic Transmissions in these cars worth a damn?

2. Can that engine be fixed easily - can the rings be replaced w/o removing the
engine like I did on my '93 3 cylinder?

3. Is 35 mpg the norm for one of these?

4. Has A/C - were those dependable?

5. What do yous guys think...deal or not?

6. Kelly Blue Book says $2,770 Excellent, $ 2,405 Good, $1,955 Fair condition.

Need some opinions ASAP - bird in the hand is worth two in the bush....!

DoctorBill

[sbiddle]

I've had two 4 cyl automatics, a '96 and now a green '99 we cal 'The Green Monster" (for Red Sox fan's that means something). The gas mileage on both have been 36 in combined driving. The automatic is a 3 speed and it definitely takes a hit on the gas mileage. I have had no troubles with it, but you definitely know when you're going 70 mph by the whine of only having 3 speeds. My 18 yr old son drives my car, and it probably has saved him from getting some speeding tickets.
The engines are very similar to the 3 cyl version, so anything you did with rebuilding the Pheonix, you can do with your Green Monster. It will take you 25% longer.

[citydragon]

Originally Posted by DOCTORBILL

My daughter turns 18 in October and I'm looking for an economy car for her to
drive to school.

A '98 LSI 4 door, 4 cylinder Automatic is in the paper with a replaced engine
(guy's wife didn't put oil in it....where have I heard THAT before!?).
He replaced the engine with a Pull-n-Save engine.
Says all new "Seals" ? Says new 13" tires. Cliams excellent condition, interior kept nice - Green Paint. Bent front bumper (?)

He wants $1,550 minimum....

Going to look at it tonight.

Big questions -

1. Were the Automatic Transmissions in these cars worth a damn?

2. Can that engine be fixed easily - can the rings be replaced w/o removing the
engine like I did on my '93 3 cylinder?

3. Is 35 mpg the norm for one of these?

4. Has A/C - were those dependable?

5. What do yous guys think...deal or not?

6. Kelly Blue Book says $2,770 Excellent, $ 2,405 Good, $1,955 Fair condition.

Need some opinions ASAP - bird in the hand is worth two in the bush....!

DoctorBill

I've owned my 95 since new.

1. Solid automatic transmission, mine has been trouble free, changed the filter and fluid once so far.

2. From the minimum work needed, everything is fairly easy to work on. I can't find anything in my service manual about removing the engine to do the rings.

3. 35-36 mpg is about right.

4. A/C, Mine works but has a slow leak.

5. Check it over good including crash damage. I would also consider it's safety rating and features.