New, question on buying an ls

[tmvfan]

hey guys hows it going, i currently have a 02 rsx type s, but im looking to down grade in order to cut some debt, guy offered to trade me an 1995 integra ls +cash on his part.

Its been slightly modded, guy says it has a swapped motor from a 2001 ls with 64000 miles, due to previous motor being blown by original owner(it was turboed before seller bought it), has a swapped gsr tranny, intake, dc header, dc short shifter, greddy exhaust, dropped about 2 inches, mugen strut bar, and type r side skirts, also has a front lip.

it has a brand new paint job, he said the paint looked old so he got it redone, talked to the guy and he sounded alright when he was telling me about it, he said it has never been in an accident.

Just looking for some advice! thanks guys

 

[Nighthawk]

Step 1: Run a CARFAX report. Get the VIN # for the car, run the report, and that will verify if the car has a clean title/any accidents

Step 2: Request paperwork for the motorwork and paint job. You should get some answers as to where and how the motor was installed and ask some more questions about the original owner. It sounds like the car has been beaten on quite frequently. Also for paperwork on the paint job, make sure that bodywork was also done. Some paintshops like Maaco, etc will literally paint over dirt on your car for cheap paint jobs. There could be rust under the new paint job that you don't know about...3 months down the road you'll be in for a nice surprise.

Also...what is the mileage on your Type-S? That'll help determine how much cash you should get from him. I would only accept his car at a value of about $3500 MAX since it does not have the original motor or transmission, its been modded, and repainted.

Let us know how it goes.

 

[blackedoutteg]

that advice is FTW

 

[tmvfan]

thanks man, ive got 90,600 miles on the rsx, i blue booked his car at 3800 for good condition, im meeting with him tomorrow.

Idk if he blew the transmission or if he just upgraded, but he sent me some pics and the car looks pretty clean, i didnt even think about checking paper work though that was a good call.:thumbup::thumbup:

 

[Nighthawk]

Let us know how the meeting goes. Make sure you drive the hell out of it when testing it out.

- Listen for any clicking from the front end by the wheels when you turn the car...this could mean cv's and/or axles are shot.

- Definitely take it up to redline a few times to make sure it accelerates well across the board.

- Check the engine bay and door jambs...that will tell you how good of a paint job was performed on the car. Cheapest jobs usually do not include painting of the engine bay and door jambs as more parts have to be removed, thus resulting in more labor charges.

- While the car is idling and warming up, get out and waft and look at the exhaust. If you notice any blue smoke, the car is leaking oil somewhere. Any white smoke, its leaking coolant. The point of you changing cars is to cut your expenses...you dont want to pick up someone else's financial nightmare.

 

[tmvfan]

it sounds like you are reading this advice from a book, youre a very intelligent dude, appreciate all of the help!

what are door jambs however?

 

[Nighthawk]

Not reading from a book...it just pays to know what to look out for and what to do in any kind of situation .

The door jams are the open area in which your door shuts into.

Here is a pic of what I'm talking about...not the door itself, but where the door will be closing into. It has the plate on the bottom (just to the right of your seat) and also has the latch that you door closes with and the sticker with your paint code, etc on it.

Hopefully that's clear enough...its a little tricky to explain it but not really....haha.

 

[tmvfan]

went and drove it around, kid didnt know much about buying and selling, it looked good, paint looked good, he said he got it done at maaco, but he has all of the paper work, he said he payed $1000 for the job.

Rode real smooth for being lowered, i like it, interior was good too.