Will be going to look at an 03 with 150,000 miles on it in a couple days. Supposedly the car has had a lot of work done to it, but still needs a bit more. What kind of things should I be looking for on an 03?
The car has an oil leak. the guy says he thinks it is coming from a bolt on the backside of the engine. Maybe a bolt that has to do with the timing chain?(does it have a chain?) Does this sound familiar to anyone? Would this be a major concern or an easy fix?
Then theres a check engine light on. The guy says its because of the 02 sensor. Any problem with that? Easy fix or major problem?
I asked a JCW specific in the JCW subform. Any and all info and tips will be greatly appreciated. THX

 

Hello,

Rust, clutch, wear and tear. Brakes, engine mounts, shifter cables.

Timing chain tensioner maybe ? 11317510801 & 11317562528


https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...tensioner.html










02 sensor : 11780872674

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...placement.html

 

The oil leak from the rear is more then likely the Oil Filter Housing needing a new gasket, Difficulty really depends on you level of wrenching skills and if you have the tools needed for the job. If it the Timing chain Tensioner this is also a easy fix maybe try and just replace the crush washer. Regarding you 02 sensor, i would get the code first to make sure it is an actual O2 sensor and not the p2096 Code which indicates a leak in the exhaust, which may very well be, since the car is so high mileages. I still have this code, i had two leaks from two different spots in my exhaust. I replaced the exhaust headers (flex pipe had a leak) and need to get the other section welded to cover the little hole it has. I still need to put in my chain tensioner. Nothing is wrong, but it so easy/cheap why not I'm working there already.

I would specially check for a Power steering fluid leak anywhere and i would

Check the belt and see if is crank and need to be replace
Check all the bushings.
Check the axles to make sure they are not leaking
Kick the front tire (both sides) to make sure the tie rod ends are good.

I would highly recommend you take it to a local mechanic to put the car on a lift and check and while you are there get a quote from the mechanic and you can use this to negotiate the price with the seller.

Here is my Build thread if you are interested. If you are from anywhere that salt gets put down on the roads. I would also check for rust. I'm the 3rd owner and it seems like one of the last two owners never took this car for a simple car wash to try and get all the salt out of the undercarriage after a snow fall.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4205516

Also there is a common leak from the crank positioning sensor. Its a little o-ring that you should replace.


I personally do the following when i buy a used car

1. -Fix any problem first
2. Oil/filter change
3. Engine Filter change
4. Transmission fluid (if it a manual. I tend to leave AT fluid alone until the AT starts to slip)
5. Coolant Change
6. Brake Fluid Change
7. Power Steering flued change
8. check alignment specially if the car has new tires
9. Only Applies to R53 - Replace does compression clamps with the screw type.
10. Only Applies to R53 - Replace the O-ring on the top of the Power steering Fluid tank
11. Only Applies to R53 - Check power steering fan

 

OK guys thank you. It sounds like this stuff isn't too serious. Now I know what to look for. The guys done a bit of work to the car, as I say, and claims he's selling it cause he's moving back to the snow and wants a 4x. I dunno. Probably a bit of tired of messing with it too. He struck me as a bit honest. Well see.

 

Well, I looked at the car today. It is a pretty used car. I can't figure out where the oil is coming from. I looked, but without pulling the tire and inner fender I just couldn't see enough. It seemed to run good. The clutch was stiff and engaged just a couple inches off the floor. It didn't seem to slip though. Car drove O.K. It is really hard for me to Judge it in between driving my 16. But I think I like it, and I think the reason I want it, which is so my new car doesn't wind up looking like this one, it would work out well for.
Ill have to think on this for a bit.

 

Try not to think too long - they have a way of disappearing.

 

If you have a new one why take on the woes of an old one?

 

Because I don't want my new one to turn into that old one.
I work long hours, my car sits in a dirt lot with trucks driving around stirring up dust. The car is filthy. I want to get something just for driving back and forth to work.
Ive decided against this car. I think I can get something better for about that price.