Flynrider
Phoenix,#2Consumer Comment
Mon, October 24, 2011
If this is how you typically go about buying a used car, be prepared to get hosed in the future.
Since used cars of this vintage are sold "as is" it's up to you, the buyer, to have it inspected by a trusted mechanic and make sure it is everything they say it is. The last place you want to have it inspected is by the place that is selling you the car. Don't you see a possible conflict of interest there?
Additionally, disregard whatever a salesman tells you. You're buying the car "as is" with no implied warranty, so whatever they tell you is not backed up on paper (i.e. it doesn't mean anything). Salesmen know this, so it's extremely unlikely to find one that will tell you anything other than the car is in great condition.
" The reason for the initial check was because I notice a little bit if grayish smoke coming from the tailpipe. I was told that was from road miles that the car was used for business commute and it was normal to do that. I had my cousin use his cheap code reader and got two codes right away one for a bad egr valve one for a bad o2 sensor reading. "
So, you actually believed that it is normal for the car to smoke? It's burning oil, which accounts for the O2 sensor failure. As long as it keeps burning oil, it will continue to damage the sensors.
You really need to up your skepticism a few notches or you will be at the mercy of every used car salesman you ever encounter. They always have a few junkers on the lot which they unload on people who do not perform their due dilligence and are willing to believe their ridiculous patter.