What is a Non-Running worth

[jayn]

If I can get a 134000 mile black 2005 GXP that is not running for $1500... Should I?

Newer tires and brakes.

How it "Blew Up" from the seller:

"It was making some lifter noise, stopped and checked the oil. It was 3 qts low. Added the oil, kept driving. Noise got better. Took it to the mechanic. He said it will either blow in 30 miles or run for another 20,000. Well, it went 20. Now it will start, but has no power."

Not sure if I would part it or fix it.

Thanks

[mark a. chew]

Are there any pics available ? also what is the condition of the body, paint, and inside ?
Have you investigated a replacement engine at a salvage yard ?

[CMNTMXR57]

Well, since the N* doesn't have "lifters", if it's got noise, no matter how much "better" it may get, it leads me to believe something more costly is involved.

[jayn]

I do not have the pix available.

It is about an hour away... I could go take some this evening.

Looks like an engine would be $1000-1500. I would probably stud the heads while it was out.... so that is another grand or so.

I would do my own work, a few hundred in tools. Probably have it running for $4000-4500. And know exactly what I had.


Or I could part it out, get nice wheels and brakes for my current 03 for free or even make a few $$.

[CMNTMXR57]

A 130k GXP in running condition is only worth about what you would have invested into it to get it running, so you wouldn't necessarily turn it for a large profit.

[jayn]

Well, since the N* doesn't have "lifters", if it's got noise, no matter how much "better" it may get, it leads me to believe something more costly is involved.

Yes, that was the funniest part of the "Blown Up" part.

[jayn]

A 130k GXP in running condition is only worth about what you would have invested into it to get it running, so you wouldn't necessarily turn it for a large profit.

Flipping it would not be my plan. I would hope to have a nice fairly reliable car for $4500, that I could drive for quite a while, then give to my next teenage boy coming through the ranks.

Am I wrong thinking that if I bought a used 100,000-ish mile motor, then did the head studs, the other "while you are in there" items to the engine, and some basic maintenance to the transmission... I would have a 200,000 mile car? (Other than wheel bearings, suspension parts, etc. which would be needed on any $4500 car.)

[CMNTMXR57]

I would say pass personally. Unless you're going to be doing the work yourself to save labor costs. I think once fixed you will be close to the FMV of the car itself. So for all your hassle, it won't be worth it. If you were planning to keep it and get use out of it, different story though.

Another thing to ponder... It's a 2004/5 car. Which is now 12 - 13 years old on average. Other things start to fail and need love. Not that having a car that old is a bad thing, just trying to put things in perspective.

[00Beast]

A 130k GXP in running condition is only worth about what you would have invested into it to get it running, so you wouldn't necessarily turn it for a large profit.

Flipping it would not be my plan. I would hope to have a nice fairly reliable car for $4500, that I could drive for quite a while, then give to my next teenage boy coming through the ranks.

Am I wrong thinking that if I bought a used 100,000-ish mile motor, then did the head studs, the other "while you are in there" items to the engine, and some basic maintenance to the transmission... I would have a 200,000 mile car? (Other than wheel bearings, suspension parts, etc. which would be needed on any $4500 car.)

No, you're probably right. But, like that mechanic said, it could last 20 miles too. Hopefully not.

[jayn]

Thank you for all of your input.

I think I will wait a few days and see if I can scoop it up for even less.