Thinking about buying a '97 SC2

[dbudworth]

I'm going to go look at a '97 SC2, 5 speed with 198k on it.The person is only looking to get $600 for it. The front fender is cracked and the guys says it leaks a little oil. He says he has to put a quart in it about once a week.

Anyone think this is worth taking a look at or not. Also is there any know problems with these cars to look out for.

Going to look at it on Saturday April 5.

Any feed back would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Dan

[RC1488]

Originally Posted by dbudworth

I'm going to go look at a '97 SC2, 5 speed with 198k on it.The person is only looking to get $600 for it. The front fender is cracked and the guys says it leaks a little oil. He says he has to put a quart in it about once a week.

Anyone think this is worth taking a look at or not. Also is there any know problems with these cars to look out for.

Going to look at it on Saturday April 5.

Any feed back would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Dan

Sorry i have not been on :/ For future reference here is a list for saturn buyers

General:
Year ____________
Model ____________
Mileage _______________
Auto or Manual ____________
Color ____________
Been in any accidents Yes No
Receipts of repairs/maintenance Yes No
Price ____________

Engine:
Rough idle Yes No
High idle Yes No
Missing/pinging Yes No
Oil color ____________
Coolant color ____________
Oil leaking around valve color Yes No
Windshield washer fluid level Full Low
Leaves near vents on back side of engine bay Yes No
(Indicates car has been sitting for a while)
Fan on/off with A/C Yes No
Engine mount (visual inspection) Yes No
Battery terminal corrosion Yes No

Wheels:
Tire tread Good Bad
Tire pressure (visual inspection) Good Bad
Steel wheels or Aluminum Steel Aluminum
Brake rotors Clean Rust
Alignment (visual inspection) Good Bad

Interior:
Seat condition Good Fair Bad
Glove compartment Opens Doesn’t open
Radio Operation Yes No
A/C operation Yes No
Heat operation Yes No
Engine temperature High Normal Low
SES Light Yes No
Window operation (all 4 windows) Yes No
Windshield wipers (including spray) Yes No
Window wiper condition Good Fair Bad

Exterior:
Rust Tons Fair New!
Windshield cracks Yes No
Scratches Yes No
Light Operation (hi/low/signals/hazards/brakes) Yes No


Test drive:
Time elapsed to engine operating temperature from cold start High Normal
Smooth shifts Yes No
Drives in straight line Yes No
ABS functionality Yes No
Rattles High Medium New
Power (doesn’t feel lacking or suffocated) Yes No

Automatics:
Reverse slam Yes No
Idle in gear High Normal Low
Smooth shifts through all gears Yes No
Transmission fluid color _________
Transmission fluid level Normal Low

Manuals:
Clutch feel Normal High
No movement with clutch pedal pressed Yes No
Easy shift into each gear (car on) Yes No
Easy shift into each gear (car off) Yes No

I may have missed some things as I did this off the top of my head but it should give you a good place to start

NOTE : The " yes/ no " were originally all the way to the right of the page. The forum would not allow this space.