Hello,

An attorney I worked with is selling his 2005 MCS convertible with 127,000 miles on it. I know that he has spent a lot of $$ repairing and maintaining the car but I'm hoping most of the repairs are done (for a while). The car does have a new transmission. However, he told me that the rear main seal has a leak and the car may need a new fuel pump. I think that I can get a pretty good price on the car. I've searched the forums and Google and can't find out what the cost of those 2 repairs would be. I realize that the main seal involves a lot (seller is upset that it wasn't fixed w/new transmission). How much do you think those repairs would cost? Should I buy this car?? I know the history and it should be priced low.

Thanks for any advice.

 

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...eplacement.htm

 

Rear main should be similar labour to a clutch I think....so a FULL day of shop time for most...
A new tranny on a S is very Rare.....not unheard of....but they usually don't fail unless abused.(a few have had a TO bearing fail, cracking the bell housing).....different story on the non-s, but for a s...wow. Hopefully a new clutch was installed with it...if not, I would do one when you do the rear main...you are already paying for the labour...so i'm guessing you will need to spend $1000-2000 .......
Fuel pump is an pretty easy diy....about as hard as a filter change....
The "might" need a fuel pump concerns me....it does or it does not....
If it is running poorly...and a pump "might" fix it....might be time to run....

 

Zippy, we're on the same page today.
My concern that it "might" need a new fuel pump is a lame excuse for a more serious issue. I would recommend finding an independent mechanic that is familiar with these cars that can give you an assessment before you buy it. It may be worth the $100 or so you shell out for the technician's time.

 

Thanks for the info. I don't think the car was abused. I'll ask the seller how he knows about the fuel pump. I think a local shop told him. The car is also an automatic. (I prefer manual, but this way my wife could drive also). I'm hoping to get it cheap enough to afford these repairs and still make it worth it.

 

A lawyer's word about the car's upkeep/treatment?
127k miles?
An automatic S?
Potentially more serious issues you already know you'll have to deal with?

With all due respect...and I say this in the friendliest way possible...

**** NO...not even if it was for free.

Anyway, my .02.

 

LOL. That's fairly high mileage. I would ask, will it be a DD or a fun weekend mini?

 

Somewhere in between a DD and weekend ride. I drive a Honda Ridgeline most of the time and need the truck bed, but on days when I don't...I wouldn't mind getting some better mpg and having a little more fun. I've known the "lawyer" for 20 years + I think I might be able to get it for $4500-$5000. I'll test drive this week if the weather improves.