Bought an 01 Buick Regal from Mr. Ricky.. over the next 4 months I'm dealing with $3,000+ worth of repairs on the thing (much more than I bought it for). Rodent chewed wires from day one, bad starter, busted cv axel, all brakes worn completely, throttle air control valve busted, bad MAS, both front wheel bearings needed replacement, both front ball joints busted, fuel pump busted, one oxygen sensor bad, some minor transmission work. This didn't all happen at once but needless to say the car broke down 4 times throughout this. On the bright side I did most of the work myself and now know a LOT more about automobiles than when I stupidly bought it.. and now working on cars is my hobby!
General advice for ANYONE: if buying a used car "as-is," expect there to be problems with it and be ready to put time and money into maintaining it. Either bring a friend who's educated about cars or ask the owner if you can get the car you're looking at inspected at a mechanic you trust... if they refuse the inspection you know somethings wrong. (That did not happen in my case just telling what I've learned).
Ricky was a very nice used car salesman, but there's no way he didn't thoroughly look at the car before listing it and not see the numerous problems.
Important to know his shop DID help with the wheel bearings though.
Bottom line: it was my first car, I was a dumb desperate and broke college student, and I didn't get it inspected.. guy sold another car and went home happy. I'd love for them to see this and get back in contact with me!
Happy used car hunting! read more