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Libby10
New User
Feb 21, 2016, 7:02 PM
Post #1 of 6
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Buy or not buy...
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Any thoughts on buying or not buying a 2003 pontiac vibe gt 6 speed. Has 180k, cracked window and small dent in bumper. Clean carfax record. They are asking $3000.
I read that the automatic and 5 speeds had some transmission issues but haven't heard much at all on the 6 speed. Mostly read positive reviews.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 22, 2016, 1:08 AM
Post #2 of 6
(1194 views)
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Re: Buy or not buy...
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It's old now and plenty of miles so I suggest for all purchases not just this exact one be inspected by an uninvolved shop.
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What's with the cracked window? All but windshield shatter to small bits so you must be speaking of windshield and a horribly to disastrous reason can be that rust is involved or body from a weakness torques on this vehicle and breaks it.
For that I suggest seller replace the windshield successfully and in writing that it checked out well or keep looking just for that. It can render vehicle a total loss cost wise,
T
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Libby10
New User
Feb 22, 2016, 8:01 AM
Post #3 of 6
(1181 views)
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Re: Buy or not buy...
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Thanks Tom. Yes, windshield. He said a cinder hit it, cracked it a tiny bit and then the it recently spread due to freezing temps. He lives right off a gravel road with a bunch of those small red cinders... Not sure if I believe him or not. Though it's possible.
Ya, you're right on getting a mechanic to check it out. Just thought I would try this forum before getting too excited about it. Lotta miles but I've read that the engine in this particular model is stellar.
I own a 99 dodge turbo diesel with a Cummins engine. Totally lucked out and never plan on selling. Hoping to get another keeper.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 22, 2016, 8:43 AM
Post #4 of 6
(1178 views)
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Re: Buy or not buy...
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Could be false alarm on windshield or not. I'd want to know for sure.
Just went thru this FOR another with a windshield as I could meet the installer, owner couldn't who just bought a car cheap.
Knew windshield was broken when purchased. OK - fine - just factor that cost in. NOT so lucky. GIANT GLASS now same as another would NOT install the windshield as removing molding revealed (unseen with them on) crunch rust where I think 3 spot welded metal body parts come together. The hold water unseen and rust actually grows not just drops off flakes but stayed soaking wet. Worse this is cold country so that is going to freeze and expand without so much as driving the car and bust it just sitting there!
Called owner of a body shop I use as to what it would take to fix. Said they could try but wouldn't guarantee one minute of it working out! From school time now ages ago knew that the hardest fix can be a whole new roof on a vehicle to get in line for all windows, doors, panels and windshield to be perfect. Fine if a new mega buck vehicle I guess that maybe a tree fell on?
My guess is this is usually a rust issue or perhaps a body fix that didn't make the car strong enough.
Ever (I do/did for ages) just jack up one wheel with a door open that if you tried to close it, it didn't line up right? I sure have as body torqued too much so never hoist one wheel with a door open but rather window open if ignition needed for some reason.
Those were newer cars not rusted at all BTW.
Unless you get real good paperwork assuring you this will not be a lost cause problem from seller I'd pass on that vehicle and look for another of the same if that's what you want or the right papers to cancel the deal which rarely works out for hidden issue like that CarFax wouldn't catch that or a lot things that at that age folks just pay to hack fix stuff but look OK so buyer beware as usual,
T
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Libby10
New User
Feb 23, 2016, 10:58 AM
Post #5 of 6
(1153 views)
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Re: Buy or not buy...
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Thanks. Think you're right. I'm gonna pass and keep looking.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 23, 2016, 11:16 AM
Post #6 of 6
(1150 views)
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Can't hurt, there are others out there for sale.
On personal note and must know I have frequently sought out much older cars for use or restoration and some come so close I choose a non mechanical approach. "When in doubt, don't" has seemed to work. Of course harder if after a very limited # of specific cars/trucks out there.
Perhaps I'm caught up on the windshield and would be as to why is it being sold like that?
From the one I just witnessed not really involved with the glass tech said that the company wouldn't allow or warrant that job but would take it out at a body shop and install it when seen fixed! Of course you could talk some place into it but that was possibly the largest auto glass concern in the US saying that.
Scary biz even for experienced used car dealers take wild hits sometimes even buying wholesale which is a horror show to me personally as I see nothing but junk or in way too much need which is why it's there.
Good luck in the search,
T
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