bgalakazam

So I looked at a 2002 C32, drives fine, clean, etc. But my least favorite thing was present in the carfax: failed smog. I know once a car starts failing smog it's a downhill. On top of that he didn't want to bring down the price. Here is the relevant records:

3/22/2010 - 100 176 - vehicle serviced
6/14/2010 - - title issued or updated
7/26/2010 - 100 609 - failed emissions test
8/6/2010 - 100 757 - failed emissions test
5/10/2011 - 101 258 - passed emissions test
7/9/2012 - 112 043 - listed as dealer vehicle

The lack of repair records in-between is strange, considering it had many dealer tuneups prior to the failing. Also, he said 2nd owner got the car repossesed, but to me it looks like he sold it right after he could. There is also no guarantee it will pass in 2 years. He kept trying to convince me that "check engine" will always be on in case the car fails smog.... Car was listed yesterday and there is already another guy looking at it after me in 4 hours if I don't take it. He also said some bs about AMG's not coming with spare tire, is this true?

- What scores should I look for in the smog from today that he hands me?
- Should I get it? He doesn't want to come down on the price.

ddtham

So, is the CEL still on and he is trying to convince you that if it's ever on, it will always be on??

Some C32s don't come with spare tire and comes with tire inflator kit instead.

bgalakazam

No, he said if it doesn't pass smog in future, 100% the CEL will come on before that, so if I maintain the car it will always pass. But I know once a car stars failing smog in CA, it is never gone. Plus this is a 2cat car... and considering the price after the financing since he doesn't want to come down...

Gramma_Benz

DON'T do it....too many issues!
My C32 is highly modified and still passes smog with really clean emissions!

ddtham

Ditto on what Grammabenz said. Even with my mods, the car has never thrown CEL.

91RS

You need to find out WHY it failed. It could have failed for something as simple as a gas cap or maybe the owner was trying to fix it himself and just threw parts at it.

bgalakazam

He absolutely refused to go down on price. Says he has "other buyers lined up" and he has "good mechanics" who do inspections. Too bad. I knew I shouldn't have went to shady immigrant used car lots. In fact, I never EVER look at lots unless it's C36, C43, C32 since they are rare. But lesson learned, I am never looking at lots again.

You can consider this thread closed.

tw2

Good decision. Find a nice example without unknowns and headaches from the moment you get it.

bgalakazam

He didn't sell the car. I see he raised price to $11500 from $9999 so that he has space to drop if future buyers ask for it. Pathetic guy.

tw2

Oh well, I am sure he knows what he is doing..... it will be unfortunate for the final buyer.