Hello!
I'm thinking of buying a used 2011 Toyota Matrix (base, auto) with about 75K miles on it.
The car has been well maintained and service records seem to be in order. However, when I was performing my own inspection and hooked up my OBD2 scanner, I noticed there is a P0328 Knock/Combustion Vibration Sensor code.
I took the car for a test drive and it runs like a clock. No check engine light either. Is this just a faulty sensor or wiring? Should I be concerned?
These cars are in such high demand most private seller don't want to wait for a third party mechanic to check it out.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!
You should show it to a mechanic before buying any car. Do not rush in buying cars.
@yaser
Not rushing at all. I've been looking for 2-3 months now. My experience has been that anytime you ask "hey, can I give you a deposit to hold the car for a couple of days to have my mechanic check it?" is usually met with... "well, I have other buyers coming to see the car and I want to sell it" (or some variation). From a seller's perspective, I can understand that taking a deposit and "holding" the vehicle can be a pain. Especially when you have other prospective buyers. This leaves pragmatic buyers like myself left with few choices when purchasing these types of vehicles (i.e. long lasting and in high demand).
Couple of days?!!!! What do you want to check? Don’t you think it is too much.
I still say that you should check the car with a mechanic before you buying it. You may not realize it’s importance now, but you will definitely understand when you sticker with a junker. Good luck.
If the CEL isn't on and the code is pending, I wouldn't worry too much. Once the CEL comes on, you should address it.
If the check engine light is NOT on, then it is a pending code (ECU logged a few knock events but it didn't happen enough times to confirm it). Those usually go away on their own. If you say it is running great, then it's not a problem. It could be that the knock sensors just need replacing. When they wear out they usually start giving false data. Maybe ask if you can drive it around some more to see if the check engine light comes on or if the pending code goes away...
Take it to a pro pay for an inspection. If it passes, see how much its worth vs what ur willing to pay and go from there
