My son and I went to look at a 2004 Grand this morning. Just looking for opinions on two issues:

1. Collision damage - will it pass inspection?
2. Exhaust gasket - how bad a job is it?

The collision damage is to the left side rear door area. I'm not really concerned about the door itself, but abouit the underlying body damage. I'm not sure with will pass a safety inspection because I don't htink it will seal. The door operates okay, except for the window (electric). It can't go down until the damage is repaired. (I'd just replace the door if I decide to mess with it.) So, what do you think about being able to pass inspection like this?


The other issue is that it needs an exhaust gasket on the driver side. No question about the diagnosis - it's obvious. This has the V8, and it looks like a nightmare job, frankly. Anybody done this? What's the effort level? It could use a couple of valve cover gaskets, too.

 

I'd run from that one.

 

What gasket does it need exactly? Unless you are sure about the gasket, it could be a cracked manifold. Both jobs could be a nightmare.

I'd buy it if it was super cheap. But if your looking to make it a nice vehicle I would find something else

 

That's what I was thinking....

 

It depends on your body repair skills but that frame, at least in the pictures, doesn't look unfix-able. The exhaust issue would be the determining factor for me. What are they asking for it?

 

I don't have the skills to repair the body damage. It's either live with it or pass on the car. He's asking $900, which is pretty good, but by the time those two items are fixed, you have a lot more into it, and there are a lot of little things..... Needs a muffler, at least, and probably the whole exhaust. Rust isn't bad at all for a Maryland car. It's got a bunch of minor leaks; valve covers, trans, rear axle seals. AC controls are broken, looks like somebody got frustrated and punched it. Driver seat is the usual broken base. Hood is bent.

Oh, yeah, there is no fluid in the power steering reservoir, and no trans fluid on the dipstick.

This is one my son was looking at. Trying to get feedback for him. I"m thinking it's a pass, myself, but thought I'd run it by the crew here.

 

I understand. How much work does your son want to do on whatever he picks up? If he just wants to buy and go then this isn't the one for sure.

 

Yeah, buy and go is his goal. I will show him this thread as grist for his decision mill.

I think it's a project car, at best. Still not sure about the inspection and that damage.