To buy or not to buy...

[david-b]

My buddy just bought a new car and is selling his old one. It's a 2001 Grand Am SE 4cyl 4-door. I'm really considering buying it, here's the break down of the pros and cons.

Cons...
-Doesn't start. Cranks, just won't turn over. His mechanic said the head gasket is blown and getting low compression
-Needs new O2 sensor
-Coolant leaks somewhere by the firewall (thinking heater hose)
-It's a Pontiac
-125,000 miles on
-Minor flaws
-Broken glove box (thanks to cops)

Pros...
-Oil changed every 3000. I know this for a fact.
-Body is in decent shape. Needs new front bumper.
-$250.00
-Runs great when it worked (know that for a fact)
-Says tranny shift fine each time no problem.
-Did I mention $250.00?
-Has title
-New battery (couple thousand miles)
-New tires (1000 miles)

So I'm thinking of picking it up, dropping a grand in the head gasket, timing belt and components, and fixing up the inside a little and making it a decent DD for the winter, and when I need an extra car. For $250.00, you can't go wrong. My car port only fits one car, so I would need to park it on the street (where I can't see it). Would keep totally stock, just add an alarm. And not exactly sure where I would be able to fix it.

I'm calling my insurance tomorrow and seeing how much another car would be. I need to make a decision by Friday or it's getting crushed at junk yard.

What do you guys think?

[david-b]

Oh I forgot, ABS and brake lights are on too.

[Blackcrow64]

If you can't get it running then just take it to the scrap yard yourself and get your money back. lol

[steviek]

lol cash for clunkers program?

[tfoti]

The C.A.R.S program only works if the car has been registered in your name for 6 or 12 months. Can't remember which. And has to get 18 MPG or less. I tried with my car for fun and supposedly it gets 20 MPG.