Chrysler Repair: 1991 Chrysler LeBaron, chrysler lebaron, 1991 chrysler lebaron

Question
I am contemplating the purchase of a 1991 Chrysler LeBaron convertible.  It is presently in a tow yard as it was overheated and removed from the street parking as abandoned.  The owner is a coworker of mine who had just purchased the vehicle and is unaware of its history; he had loaned it to his fathers friend who left it abandoned after the overheating occurred.  The reason for the detail is the fact that he is offering to sell me the vehicle for 400 - with the assumption that it may need a new head gasket.  My main question is - what else may be wrong because of the overheating and how expensive might it be to repair (ballpark) He has offered to have the car repaired and the cost would then be 600.  Help!  I am a female Sr citizen and fear being taken advantage of?  also, I live in Arizona and the car would be used for pleasure only.  Thanking you in advance for your assistance.

Answer
Hi Donna,
You didn't mention if it has the 4 cyl in-line engine or the V6 cyl engine. The reason I would ask that is because the automatic transmission in the former is the less complex/more reliable type than that used in the latter (which is electronically controlled and has a finite mileage before it needs rebuilding, usually around 100-125k miles, at a cost of $1.5k to $2k). So that issue and the condition of the automatic trans in either type of car would be worth evaluating. The changing of the head gasket is going to cost the owner more than $600, I suspect so he may opt out of the deal, if that is what caused the overheating. It could have overheated due to a leak in the radiator, or hoses as an alternative. What other damage was done depends upon how hot the engine got before it was turned off/shut down. It is possible that metal damage which would pretty much end the usefulness of the engine occured, at worst. So without knowing exactly what happened it is hard to say. If he really will take on the overheating repair (whatever it is), and then allow you to drive the car to see how the transmission is working, as well as the other systems of the car, and then decide if you want it for $600, then that would be a good approach. He probably wants to make the car driveable for purposes of sale, so let him do that with the knowledge of your interest but I would not commit to purchasing it until that specific repair is done and you have a chance to drive it and also if you know a reliable reasonable mechanic to have him/her look at the vehicle as well.
Roland
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