QuestionI am contemplating buying a VW Golf GL 1997 from an individual. I am
having the car checked out by a mechanic, and the individual says that it was
recently checked and the only thing it needs is a new muffler. Would this
cause the check engine light to go on? He said it had something to do with
the oxygen sensor. Does this sound right to you? Even though I am having a
mechanic check it out before I buy, this mechanic is the same one the
individual says he has gone to for years- is this a bad idea if the mechanic
may have some sort of friendship/relationship with the person selling?
Also, the exterior of the car looks pretty good, just a few scratches, except
for the hood, which the paint is peeling off and dulled. Is there any way to
have only the hood re-painted so I didn't have to pay for the entire cost of
the car? thanks... .
AnswerHi there Christina;
I would say take the car to another mechanic/technician, in fact I'm still an advocate of taking a car to the local best dealer for oil, and filter changes, and used vehicle inspections. If there is something to look for...the dealer, and the trained factory technicians there will be able to get to the heart of it...right now!
As far as the explanation of the oxygen sensor being related(did I understand that part right) to the muffler that's going, or gone bad...NO WAY!!! Who is this clown? Is he a good friend of yours, and where does he live? I'll have NO reservations telling him he has no conscience, and is trying to take advantage of someone who is ignorant relating to the Volkswagen product. The catalytic converter is the only part in the exhaust system that the oxygen sensors rely on, or have anything to do with. The muffler is just that, a sound reducing device. Tell this individual to find another buyer, or find out just exactly why the "ABA" 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine is running so poorly as to require a check engine light, and a fallacious explanation.
OK, rant complete!
A3 platform, ABA 2.0 liter Golfs are among my favorite Volkswagens, but imbeciles that try to take advantage of the nice people, such as yourself, bother me a lot!
To finish answering your entire question...Yes, there are franchised dent, and ding, and small area body, and paint repair companies...."Same Day," "Dent Wizard,".....etc., etc. Look them up in the Yellow Pages.
By the way Christina, I would already be looking for another car. I feel I need to remind you of something I learned a short time ago, "There will always be another car!" Don't let your emotion run your intellect in this case. Your money is "hard earned." Don't let someone just take it from you. You'll wind up paying 2, or even 3 times for that car. Good luck.
