Could someone who knows about cars tell me if this is a good deal?

[punqsux]

1980 Doge Omni that has only been owned by a now 81 year old man with 50k miles on it for $600

the body and inside are in amazing shape. but i dont know anything about engines and whatnot.

but it seems like a good deal to me, i read up on dodge omnis and people say they last a long time, but i dont know if that means timewise or miles wise, because this car has definetly stood up well over the past 25 years.

what do you guys think? im going to test it out a 4, what are things i should look for /ask

[bignick]

Make sure you listen to see if the engine mankes any weird sounds. The hoses and belts may need to be replaced, 25 years is old! Ask if she has service records, oil changes stuff like that. $600 is super cheap though, could be a good deal.

[bignick]

One more thing. mom and pop mechanics love cash. Take the care there and offer them $40 -$50 to check it out.

[punqsux]

thanks nick! anyone else have any opinions or tips?

[RAMSTORIA]

yes, if you know nothing yourself take it to a shop, the 50 bucks to have them check it out is well worth it, much better than 600 bucks on a car that breaks in 6 months

[willardhaven]

I would take it to a mechanic you know first, but it sounds like it wasn't used very much at all... probably just needs a few replacement pieces.

[Trakan]

It's not good for a car to just sit around for long periods of time.... and it sounds like this car did because it only has 50k miles after 25 years.... Do what Big Nick said and have it checked out if you do buy it and it's not like you will be out a whole lot of money if you did have to replace something on the car, seeing as you are buying it for $600. Offer him $500! ;)

[johnnyoski]

Is it a stick or an automatic?

[cag1000]

run
runnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

[Reality's Fringe]

Check for the major problems such as the Transmission, Engine, struts, Brake damage etc. You don't want to pay more in repairs than you paid for the car.

[punqsux]

Check for the major problems such as the Transmission, Engine, struts, Brake damage etc. You don't want to pay more in repairs than you paid for the car.

how does one check for these things?

i found this on a website:
Pros: Reliable, good on gas.
Cons: Ugly

its funny because one of the reasons i want this car is because its so ugly

[cag1000]

if u r strapped for chash and cant get a nice car and need a ride to work then go for it but only pay 500. if none of the above save your $$ and get a honda or acura with like 60-80k miles on it for 4-6 grand. trust me the bitches will thank you and your stress level will thank you and your self confidence will thank u

[punqsux]

cag1k, i appreciate your trying to help, but a car is not a status symbol for me, its a vehicle. this is a VERY dorky looking and ugly car, and thats part of the appeal.

but whats important to me is that this will run well. i currently have a car. a 94 tempo, and it runs ok, but latley alot of stuff has been going on it (in the past 6 months i needed new brakes and a new radiator, along with other minor work.) and i was asking for opinions on how well dodge omnis ran, since i read nothing but good things about them, i was wondering how accurate they were. this car will definetly get a beating from me, since i travel between school and home once or twice a month, not to mention random trips places.

[Cornfedwb]

Honestly... you can get a 89-90 honda or something to that affect for close to the same money and probably be much better off. The Omni/Horizon is just a crap car... they were cheap junk off the assembly line (think Aspire, Metro, Fiesta, Festiva, Pinto, etc).

[punqsux]

Honestly... you can get a 89-90 honda or something to that affect for close to the same money and probably be much better off. The Omni/Horizon is just a crap car... they were cheap junk off the assembly line (think Aspire, Metro, Fiesta, Festiva, Pinto, etc).

normally id agree with that but its just the amazing shape/low milage/low price of this car that has me intrested.

the other car i was looking at is a 97 cav which has a crap body but a rebuilt engine and everything else. but its 1900 which i pretty much dont have

[Snake2715]

My best friend had an 1980's Omni and he beat the living crap out of it.

Yes its cheap like an escort. yes its ugly and yes the gas mileage is great.

I will be quick.

First because hear it runa nd drive it. Check all the things like lights etc.I cant say cruise, power windows etc due to it probably doesnt have them.

Now listen to the motor while at idle and also check inside the tailpipe. This will tell you if its running rich etc. Do the tailpipe check when off and after a short idle. Be quick and run a rag or your finger (DONT get burnt) inside the pipe. If its clean then its probably running decently.

Then to check compression without actually testing it pull the oil cap off while the car is running. Put your hand over the hole and see if you can feel "Blowby". Hopefully you dont get any air out of the crankcase when doing this. If you feel air see if its just a little or a lot. It should not be a lot of air coming from the hole.

Then check the pedals, & carpeting etc for wear. If they are severly worn then most likely it has more than the stated miles.

Also check the wheel wells and hatch for rust it could rust right quick if they have already started rusting.

Other than that make sure it drives straight down the raod and if not check teh tire pressure etc.

Also pop the hood and check for small cracks in the hoses, belts. It most likely will eventually need a few belts and maybe a hose or two due to the age.

Check teh color fo the brake fluid, antifreeze, etc. This will give you an idea of the maintenance and condition of the motor also.

Other than that you can get a better feel for the car than any of us. $600 is cheap I wouldnt go to much lower than that on the offer. Especially if you take it to a small garage and it checks out fine.

[punqsux]

yeah ive definetly decided against this car. thanks for your help guys! im sure ill prolly ask more car stuff in the near future!

[Snake2715]

Why?


$600 for a good low mileage car is not easy to find.

[starman9000]

My first car was an Omni. I loved it... (partially for the camp factor that seems to appeal to you) It was surprisingly roomy too (Im 6'4"). I wouldnt be too worried about old cars. I have my grandmas old 83' Buick Century with low miles, and that thing still runs good, with about 150 put into it, it would be great for at least another hundred thousand.

But it looks like you decided against it anyway, so why I am I giving tips?


BTW are you interested in buying or trading for my copy of Megaman Collection for NGC? Its in mint condition, I just dont like it.

[Cornfedwb]

BTW are you interested in buying or trading for my copy of Megaman Collection for NGC? Its in mint condition, I just dont like it.

How does that randomly get thrown in there?

[starman9000]

BTW are you interested in buying or trading for my copy of Megaman Collection for NGC? Its in mint condition, I just dont like it.

How does that randomly get thrown in there?


I know he was considering buying it....so I figured throw it out there and maybe someone else might be interested too. Hope that helps.

[Indiana]

Why did you rule out the car? Sounds like a steal to me.

[punqsux]

actully i am intrested in megaman collection, PM me

as for the car, it rode fine, but when i would hit a stop, there was a loud rattle and the car shook a little while the car was idling.

the brakes didnt seem very responsive, however maybe brakes sucked in 1980

the steering wheen was insane, it like...dipped in? it was like steering with a salad bowl.

the guy who was selling it seemed kinda sleezy. a couple walked up just as i got there and asked about the car out of the blue. no clue if it was a coincidence or some of his friends but it seemed fishy because when i drove it and got back (10-15 mins) they were gone.

it just didnt feel like it would run good for long and i usually trust my instincts over all. oh and the tail pipe thing was really dirty

[Snake2715]

That just means its burning gas or oil could be an easy spark plug and oxygen sensor change. That most likely would have fixed the idle to.

But go with your instincts also.

[Lancey Howard]

My first car was similar to this one you are thinking about buying. It was in storage for a long time before I bought it and I had nothing but problems with it. I think you should trust your instincts and stay far away - I agree with Cornfedwb - go with a earlier model Honda.