ThaboTheWuff

So I'm looking at a 2000 D2 160k for $3200 in immaculate condition BUT noticed that the last receipt 7/16 mentions the coolant leak at oil cooler issues and that it need 4 new 02 sensors and a tranny leak.

The car is in great condition, new shocks and even a tranny refilll at 100k, windshield, control arms, new tires $1200 etc etc ...... I arrive to notice that the coolant was low and the gent who is selling the car said he topped it up but overfilled it and had to get some out ... ??? Hmmmmmmmmmm red flag. I didn't see any physical sign of a leak but I know it a $2000 job and should do the timing belt too at same time. 02 sensors were also listed on the receipt from July 2016. Took it out on highway for 1/2 hour at 80+ seem to be fine. Did notice some slight bubbling in expansion tank while he was warming it up but not after it was warm.

So how bad do these coolant leaks get, it the $5 pipe right and could one drive it for 10k -20k until next TB change. I could offer him $2000 and have it done right away. Tranny leak is pronbably the gasket, I've noticed they have changed the rear main seal and something else .....

To buy or not to buy !! (I swear every D2 I look at has a gotcha, non enthusiast don't know ****e and all the enthusiast kept cars are too far away)

4Driver4

I'd pay no more than $2k for this car given that it needs about $1000 in parts to bring it up to snuff. No way I'd drive it as is.

ThaboTheWuff

I actually just called the previous owner and yes it had a leak! I feel so smug now and a little less positive toward humanity as I'm sure this guy knew it did unless it was somewhat sporadic leak as I did not observe any puddle of coolant. So how much it it to do including the 02 sensors and tranny service. A shop would charge me 2k I'm sure. I must say if I'd not seen the receipt I may of rashly just bought it!

I'm inclined to forget this entire D2 madness it seems impossible to find one that's not going to go supernova on you and put you in a $7k financial hole (tranny & timing belt / oil cooler issues). I've ordered the parts to fix my 99 D2 transmission issue so.

2001 S8

Don't know where you live or what you're looking to spend, but link below is about as safe a bet as you can get on a D2. Considering mileage, condition and one owner, price seems very fair.

https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/WAUML44D12N003053

Good luck.

ThaboTheWuff

Wow that's nice but expensive. I'll be fixing my D2 transmission in a week or so. I now know about that silly little plastic pipe, of course I read about it before but didn't know it was in the D2, oh well, now I know what to look for, timing belt job done WITH that mod.