I am thinking of getting a '97 Sonata. The body is in alright condition... though I did not look specifically at the internal areas for rust. I am from a snow area, so we get good salted roads 10 months out of the year.

It has 106K miles and power everything; cruise and CD player (added, not in car originally) Rides smoth, not vacuumed, but not stained, so the interior could be ace if I just cleaned it. No physical defects that I noticed. It ran alright; quiet.

Asking price is $1700. The rest of the family is a little hesitant; they say no way. Some folks tell me they have serious engine compartment rust issues. I'm 19, in college.

Should I go on it??

Thanks,
Jon

(I wonder if the dealer is surfing here now... eh?)

 

The price is attactive and the car could be a good buy, but you don't need to be in college and start dropping major money into it if it turns out to be otherwise. See if the dealer will let you take the car to an independent mechanic for an inspection. Have the mechanic run a compression test on the motor, inspect the condition of the brakes and the steering system. A competent mechanic also will inspect the rubber parts under the hood for any pending failures and scan the car's computer for any error codes. Yes, have the car put on rack where you and the mechanic can inspect for rust and corrosion underneath, particulrly around support structures of the engine bay and the flexpipe connector to the catalytic convertor. The motor is approaching the mileage point that the timing belt will need to be replaced, ask the mechanic what he charges for that service. You'll likely pay $100 to 150 for this type of inspection. If the dealer refuses and insist that their people have thoroughly inspected it, I would be cautious. In this case, the dealer will likely pressure you to spend more than the $1,700 purchase price for a third party warrenty.