2007 Cadillac Escalade for sale from a friend for $500 CAD. Should I take it or should I run?
Hi All,
I have a friend of mine who was planning to donate a 2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV AWD. He was going to get a $500 charitable tax receipt for it. I'm in need of an SUV to use as a beater car for hauling tools and such around, so I've offered him $500 cash for it and he said yes. however, I still need to look at it first. It's at 440,000km. It's got some issues (folding mirrors don't work, heated steering wheel doesn't work, cruise control doesn't work, NAV doesn't work, passenger power seat doesn't work, has a coolant leak when using the AUX heat, defroster cable has come off the glass, and the leather is splitting on the driver seat). It also needs a new headlight and a new stack switch (high beams come on when signalling). He had the motor swapped out at 220,000km, and it drives good according to him.
I can still pull out of this deal. Is this a worthwhile purchase for $500, or am I asking for serious trouble?
Thanks,
and a few other problems
What few other problems? If it means it needs $5000 worth of repairs, then no, it’s a bad decision.
It’s best to have the vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic, before purchase, to avoid any nasty surprises from a $500 vehicle.
On the other hand, $500 is nothing for any vehicle these days. If it runs and drives and shifts normally, what the heck..
For $500 if it runs and drives OK you'll be ahead of the game even if it lasts only a few months. However, do what you have to do to make sure it's not a basket case, is basically safe to drive, and that it will pass inspection if required in your area. I would not consider any of the items you mention to be deal-breakers on a $500 beater. However if the frame is rotted or there are serious mechanical problems run away.
If you are mechanically inclined give it a good going over and check with a scan tool. If not, have a mechanic or at least someone knowledgeable look at it. Although you can't be too picky at that price there's no sense buying it if it's going to need thousands in repairs right off the bat. You don't want to dump any big money into something like that, and even if it's OK and you buy it you should dump it the first time it needs expensive repairs.
Sounds like a good plan. I'll give it a test drive and give it a scan also to see if it's throwing any codes, or there's anything else wrong with it. I'll also probably take it to make sure I can get the safety done before I buy it (we only need safety's done when ownership of transfer is done -- I live in Ontario, Canada). Really appreciate your help! Thank you!
What few other problems? If it means it needs $5000 worth of repairs, then no, it’s a bad decision.
It’s best to have the vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic, before purchase, to avoid any nasty surprises from a $500 vehicle.
On the other hand, $500 is nothing for any vehicle these days. If it runs and drives and shifts normally, what the heck..
Thanks for your quick response, here's the full list from my friend:
-Right headlight out
-Tire Pressure Monitors not working
-Rear defroster wire disconnected
-Missing 1 lug nut from each wheel
- Nav doesn't work
- Heater fan works intermittently
-Left Mirror doesn't retract
- Driver seat split
- Front Passenger Power seat dead
-Steering wheel heat not working
- High beams come on with right signal
-Speakers vibrate with volume
-Aux heat causes rear coolant leak
-Dash is cracked
-Cruise control doesn't work
-Intermittent engine pulley squeal
- Rust in 14 spots (---I will be verifying in person if it's superficial or not, definitely won't buy it if the body is shot)
-Driver door trim coming off
- Gas burn rate is 17 litres per 100km
- Mileage is about 440,000kms
More than a few problems.... lol... let me know your thoughts
Other than the pulley squeal and maybe the rust, none of the other items can be considered dealbreakers for a $500 vehicle. Spend the money for an inspection before purchase, and if the engine & tranny is still in decent shape, buy it. Gas mileage is nothing to be proud about in any full size SUV..