Nissan Repair: 1986 Nissan Sentra, nissan sentra, motor mounts

Question
Hi Calvin,

While I was driving home today I passed this Sentra for sale. The owner had a hand written note saying the car runs, had a rebuilt engine at 194K miles and that the radiator was rodded out and cleaned Sept 07. It needs new motor mounts and the carburetor rebuilt. It has been parked since Oct. 07. He isn't asking much for the car. Am I getting in over my head on the repairs he says it needs?

Answer
Hi Melody -

In my opinion, it would be a bad decision to purchase that car. Although I wish I could check it out for you so I can give you a better evaluation, for a car that has been sitting that long, there must be a major problem with it, and even if it is running, would need a lot of work. Save your money, spend a little more, and get a great running car.

Hope this helps Melody -
Aloha
calvin


5/29

Hi Melody -

I am glad. I think that is a good decision to keep looking. No such thing as too good to be true when buying pre-owned vehicles. You are usually buying someone else's problem when purchasing a used car. To help reduce the chance of getting a lemon, look for stuff like "MUST SELL, moving to Hawaii" (lol), or single owners with hardly any use, or mileage.

calvin