Found an 2003 SE with 76 miles. Car is black/black with new tires and a complete brake job just completed. Guy and I feel sorry for him bought it for 8500 3 weeks ago, put in new tires and brakes and car overheated. Mechanic advised him that needs new engine.
I talked to my guy who advised me will have to look but could be 6-7k to get the job done. Car is immaculate. He is selling for 2500.
Will sell it to me.
I started the car..idles ok...white smoke and overheats if you drive (i did not).

I am thinking if I buy for 2500 (his final price) and spend the 6k I probably will have a really good car (budgeting regular maintenance at 1500 a year).

Other option is to buy running 03 for between 5-8k but who know what the car will need.
If I get this atleast I am getting the work done and West Coast Rovers has maintained my 02 for 5 years.

any advise..buy no buy....other options....thx

 

Sounds like at a minimum new head gasket, DIY is $300 parts, $200 machine shop average, two cases of refreshment. $1500 - $1700 at indy shop. You'ld need more info on the failed engine, like cracked block vs cracked head ($90 used). Pull spark plugs to find out which one is getting steam cleaned. Usually one in back or front, because water path is there (slot in picture). Ones in the center cylinders could indicate a cracked block, but a more thorough pressure test of the block would be needed.

You might want to get detailed info from mechanic number 1, then have another mechanic look at it. Also use www.statewidelist.com to look for all Rovers in your state, sorted by metro area, indexes craigslist.

But if an HG would do it, why is he selling???

 

I am assuming you meant 76,000 miles.

Sounds like he may be getting bad advice from Mechanic 1 unless the cracked block and blown HG was verified. If it has indeed been verified or you verify with an independent mechanic that the diagnosis is correct, if you really like it have you condsidered a used engine?

Your considering a roughly $10,000 investment in a 2003 SE with 76,000 miles. I think you could find a better deal out there and not have to put all that much money up front.

Just my thought.