2005 GT wagon question

[Bertleman]

I'm looking at a 2005 turbo wagon with a 5-speed it has 144k on it. The head gaskets were just done with the water pump and timing belt and cam seals. Should I be worried about the Turbo? any other major issues I should look for or ask about. Thanks for the help!

[N2L]

Is this the black one in VA? Just curious.

 

We're the listed maintenance items replaced per the maintenance schedule? Or was this a necessary repair? Is this a one owner vehicle? A high mileage one owner with timely maintenance is a good bet, but a multi-owner car that only sees a shop when its in trouble can be a lot of financial stress.

 

The turbo should be inspected. If you're serious: pony up the dough for a dealer inspection, and ask them to check the turbo. If the owner would be willing to remove the down pipe: you can inspect it yourself. 144k on one turbo (in an 05) isn't necessarily something that should scare you away, but it doesn't warrant caution. Factor the cost of a new turbo into you're offer if you find it to be in need of replacement.

[Bertleman]

Not in VA...The guy said the work was done as part of a recall. It's at a small used car dealer. He wants 7900 for it, I was going to offer 6k and my 1998 LGT sedan with a blown head gasket

[nm]

Leak it down.

 

These cars can run apparently normal on a blown piston or two for quite a while as long as you keep oil in em. Only way to make sure is a leakdown. I wouldn't buy any EJ257/255 without a leakdown.

 

Also, I worry if the TB was "just done." It was due at 105k and is basically the one thing any owner knows you shouldn't delay. If he waited an extra 30k, I worry about what else was done. There are no "recalls" on the stuff you listed.

 

I wonder when the clutch was last done. If it hasn't been done, it is expensive the first time because you have to buy a new flywheel (switch to single mass).