sailfast5

These are the symptoms of a 1999 C2 with 64K miles I'm interested in and need some help with fast:
"When you put the clutch in, the transmission is quiet. When you let it out in neutral there is a whinning sound. Second gear is quiet, but when the car is cold it is hard to get into second without grinding. When warm most of the time you can get it into 2nd fine."

Motor Meister initially said (over phone) it was the {trans] bearing, definitely. Seller claims it was "Pilot. bearing and 2nd synchro". Without getting into the engine, MM now says it could be either the IMS. or the trans bearing, they sound about the same. Really?
Don't mind the cost of a rebuilt trans. (about $3K) but much more for IMS repair ($4700).... true?

Your opinions I trust :
Thanks sailfast5

yasuro

that diagnosis is all over the place. take it to a reputable indy for a 2nd opinion. i haven't heard great things about MM, iirc.

Doug Donsbach

You need to take the car to a reputable shop familiar with the 996.

sailfast5

I think you are both right, this calls for a good second opinion. Attempted to do so but seller (small dealer) won't let car off of the lot.... sounds like its time to walk?

FYI, that diagnosis was a direct quote from the seller, and was indeed all over the place.... a bit odd. The car is on the West coast & I'm on East.
I've done some research on MM (back to 1999) and they definitely get mixed reviews. Can you guys recommend anyone in the LA area? Look in back of Excellence?
Thanks, Bryan

ivangene

buy from a person if you can, someone who loves thier car and has done the best job they can to take care of it. Take your time, its a buyers market, walk on the car with issues, unless you like trouble or it so darn cheap you can put $10k in it and feel good

my .02

gota911

Run Forest, Run!!! There are plenty of other cars out there. Keep looking.

Meister Fahrer

Yeah, I don't get it either.

Is the dealer selling the car for like $10,000?

Or why are you looking at a car that might need major repairs?

Why not tell the dealer, you fix it, then call me....?

sailfast5

I don't really need a problem car, I will excercise patience, remain paranoid, and continue to enjoy the hunt from my priviledged position as a buyer in this strange market.
Appreciate the input very much
Bryan.

sailfast5

It should go for about $12-13K - but he's asking $15, but not interested at that price. Dealer probably bought it for $10K and wants a quick profit.

I'm just trolling near the bottom for a bargain in this market - probably one that will become a DD for my son who recently got badly infected with his first test drive.

Bryan.