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Om contemplating purchasing my first car, it is a 1996 mazda mx6 with 200k.
The owner says the only big ussue is it is burning oil, I've heard that
that it could just be replacing the valve seal, any insight?
americana182
Could be, could be more.
Is there smoke coming out of the exhaust?? If so, what color?
newyorker
Not sure, just know that it is burning oil, can you give me the spread?
americana182
Well if the smoke is gray then its a blown headgasket which generally runs
400-600 to replace at a shop
If the smoke is blue then its bad piston rings which almost guarantee an
engine rebuild which is in the thousands.
If there is no smoke there could be a serious problem as well.
The simple things could be a valve cover gasket or spark plug tube seals
which cost 15-30 dollars in parts generally and can be done as a DIY but it
would take a shop about an hour so figure a general $65/hour flat rate and
there you have it.
Advice: look for a different car, you dont know what this could be and you
might get away with a cheap fix or be screwed for some money.
GL
newyorker
He's right. Especially if you need it as a means of transportation and not
a project. Even if the owner tells you what he thinks the problem is,
unless you know for sure don't go for it. Take it from someone who's been
porked before, trust no one. I bought an 89 volvo which "leaked a little
oil out of the pan" Took it home and found it leaked a LOT of oil out of
the rear main. Ended up turning her into an enduro car.
DBain
I've always had a mechanic look at the car prior to purchasing it. In the
end, it really is worth the $$ and it will save you the headache of running
into problems that you might not know to look for. :thumbs:
97Talonchik
