Pre Purchase Inspection Results - Do I Run Away???

[GU Duke]

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Hey gurus,

I got an. RACV Pre purchase inspection done today on a MY08 Lib 3.0R-B auto wagon. Then main issues were leaks from both head gaskets (worse on Right than left - pic of Right attached), and hard shifting from 2nd to 3rd on the auto (I didn't notice the hard shifting during test drive on Sun, but they say it's noticeable).

- Is the head gaskets issue a guaranteed $3k - $5k rebuild or is there something else it could be?

- Is a hard shift somewhat normal 2-3 in this car, is there any chance it is in the TCU programming (could it be sorted out with a Kido tune?), or is this likely a new valve body and rebuild requirement at $2k - $4k?

-Is it potentially worth it if the price gets slashed accordingly or should I just run away?

Thanks,

[WIDELOAD]

Run away unless is it stupid cheap... Even then, you have to ask yourself, after it's all fixed are you going to be able to trust it again?

By the sounds of it, it has been neglected and/or beat on like a rental.

[Robbks]

Forget it.

[shav]

Head gaskets are a PITA to get done from what I hear. Lot of work involved to access that area. Im getting my rocker cover gaskets done at my major timing belt service because they are weeping and that in itself is not a cheap thing to do. Can only imagine a head gasket is more work again.

[Robbks]

HG's are engine out
so if it's out then you do the clutch, all seals, etc, etc

[GU Duke]

Thanks guys,

Its actually a one owner country car which hasnt't missed a service... But every single service has been through the same Subaru dealership which originally sold the car. Perhaps we need to chalk this one up as another win for the quality of dealership servicing...

Owner seemed genuinely surprised and has it back into that dealership today to investigate - good luck to him on that one!

[Robbks]

that's the problem with any "scheduled" servicing
12,000km is too far between services to catch any issues that might be starting to creep up.

I feel like i'm always servicing the car,
drivetrain fluids one weekend, brakes and clutch the the next week/ month, coolant a month after that, oil and filters at 5000km, etc etc
So you're always looking at the car and picking up small items as they happen.
i.e split boots, bushes, balljoints, etc

[shav]

that's the problem with any "scheduled" servicing
12,000km is too far between services to catch any issues that might be starting to creep up.

I feel like i'm always servicing the car,
drivetrain fluids one weekend, brakes and clutch the the next week/ month, coolant a month after that, oil and filters at 5000km, etc etc
So you're always looking at the car and picking up small items as they happen.
i.e split boots, bushes, balljoints, etc

Im the same. But its a small price to pay for a up to spec and reliable car. It's all prevention rather than cure.

[Robbks]

ANd it gets me out of the house..

[WIDELOAD]

The stealership probably won't give two shits. They've gotten their money out of the customer.

[shav]

The stealership probably won't give two shits. They've gotten their money out of the customer.

Pretty much the mentality of most dealerships. That's why a reputable private mechanic is the best option. One who can still sign off on the log books and such but actually does their job and checks for signs of leaks etc, instead of treating you as if you were another sheep.

If that dealership was worth their weight in gold, they would have picked up this issue. Problem is, if it's a warranty issue, they will most likely say nothing to avoid actually doing any work.

[WIDELOAD]

The stealership probably won't give two shits. They've gotten their money out of the customer.

Pretty much the mentality of most dealerships. That's why a reputable private mechanic is the best option. One who can still sign off on the log books and such but actually does their job and checks for signs of leaks etc, instead of treating you as if you were another sheep.

If that dealership was worth their weight in gold, they would have picked up this issue. Problem is, if it's a warranty issue, they will most likely say nothing to avoid actually doing any work.

Exactly. I bought mine 2nd hand from a stealership, it was given an all clear by them etc. Get it inspected by my mechanic. It had split bushes, needed the brake & PS fluid changed plus a few other things. I was basically told to nick off & it's not their problem now they sold the car.

[HardwareBoB]

If that dealership was worth their weight in gold, they would have picked up this issue. Problem is, if it's a warranty issue, they will most likely say nothing to avoid actually doing any work.

Doesn't quite work like that on a new car - warranty issues are covered by the manufacturer up the line at a fixed rate.

[shav]

If that dealership was worth their weight in gold, they would have picked up this issue. Problem is, if it's a warranty issue, they will most likely say nothing to avoid actually doing any work.

Doesn't quite work like that on a new car - warranty issues are covered by the manufacturer up the line at a fixed rate.

True, and it's good that service is provided for new vehicles. I was referring to second hand or near new cars at a dealership mainly. You do get the odd dealership that is decent. But for every decent one, there is 20 shonky ones.

[GU Duke]

Update - owner took it to dealership yesterday and said 'head gaskets are leaking, I need them fixed'. They called him back to say that the tiny amount is 'normal' for its age (2008 with 126,000km) and he shouldn't worry about it. He told them to do it as he couldn't ethically sell the car as is without taking a huge hit on price. They called him back twice more (mechanic then mamanagement) to say 'dont waste your money, it could go indefinitely like it is'. He's going in this morning to speak to them face to face as in his words, he wouldn't continue driving it like that if he kept it, with one eye on the temp concerned about cooking the engine, he doesn't feel he can sell it without disclosing the issue now that he knows about it, and he doubts anyone will buy it without expecting a huge $ reduction. FWIW - they apparently quoted him $2,500. He owns a business though, so I suspect maintenance of his car is tax deductible, hence his preference to do pay for the maintenance then sell it for more.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't any sign of coolant leak from the head gasket an issue? (Rocker cover and everything else are clean and dry.)

Cheers,