Tips on Buying Cars: Saab purchase, ball bearing, answer button

Question
Thank you so much for your gracious offer to help!

I'm considering buying a '98 saab convertible 82,000 miles with a salvaged title. The private party and salvaged title blue book price (kbb.com) are the same, which is confusing to me. Do you know why this would be?

The price is $7200 and the seller's asking price is $5450.



The problems with the car that he told me about right off the bat:

1.)The AC only works for 3 minutes and then turns off. He says it needs a relay. He didn't really sound 100% sure. He also said he just had it filled with Freon and maybe there's too much in there???



2.) During the test drive there was a slight clunking sound at times. He had it checked out and said it needs a left front ball bearing which he says would cost a couple hundred dollars.

He says he would take $ off if I would fix these problems myself or he would fix them and the price would be $5450.





Is the AC and bearing problem as simple as he's making it sound? He is an older retired gentleman and seems trustworthy. The car felt good other than the clunking. I've heard mixed things on the salvaged title.



Any advice you can give me is greatly appreciated as this would be a big purchase for me. Thank you so much!


Answer
Hi Daniel, I hit the wrong answer button with my first answer.  You did not mention what state you live in, some do not allow consumers to title cars with a salvage(or flood, or other problem) problems.  I would check with your local DVM office to find about that.  As to the AC and bearing problems I would be very cautious.  I would find me a mechanic I TRUSTED and have him check the car carefully and give you a realistic estimate of what it will take to make the vehicle driveable, safe and resaleable.  If you have further specific questions I would be glad to help.  Bud