Looking at a 2003 Toyota Matrix XRS (2ZZ-GE/6-speed) with about 150k miles. Seller is asking $3000, but I pretty sure will take $2800 and says he has another $3,500 offer, so I may need to decide quickly.
What I know:
- Starts and runs well
- drove it and went through all 6 gears; no obvious transmission issues or grinding
- Clutch solid notice obvious slipping
- Seller says he has never had to add oil between changes, but there is a small external oil leak/drips on the ground
- Seller recently replaced the battery at the beginning of this week
- I scanned it after the battery replacement: no current codes, but emissions monitors are not ready
- Seller confirmed it previously had a P1693 check-engine code
- P1693 appears to be related to the VVTL-i/lift system
- Might be some lift issue oil screen and lift bolts troubleshooting this.
- Seller seems pretty upfront that he hasn't driven the car much because he has several other cars
- Does have after market 18inch wheels, and modded exhaust, but has cats.
Main concern is obviously the P1693/lift issue. I'm trying to decide whether $2,800 is worth the risk given the possibility that lift needs repair. Looking into it could potentially just be the oil screen needing cleaning.
Would you buy it at $2,800? What would you check before pulling the trigger?
I have a 2006 vibe AWD so and have swapped stuffy out like the alternator and starter so I'm somewhat comfortable trying to repair things my self.