Update on Car Issue...

Guys!!! What does "rebuilt engine" mean? A dude is selling a Jeep Grand Cherokee for about $500. I told him my situation and took his number. His friend left it with him before leaving. Good opportunity or red flags? Help me guys!!! Thank You. I know the MPGs suck, but I mostly need it for local mommy type travels. It is an automatic and I haven't asked him to see it yet- I don't want to waste his or my time if it sounds really "BS". Ok thanks... let me know.

Depends if it is a rebuild long block or short block. Diffference between the too is what is replaced is all. Rebuilt mean that you have the original block and usually same intake, But they have replaced the rings of the pistons and honed out the walls. They put new crank bearing in if it is a long block. Maybe not so on a short block.  I have have alot of success with factory rebuilds but not so much from a little local shop. But for $ 500 dollars i wouldnt exspect too much since  most factory rebuilts are about 1200-1500 alone. Hope this helps

To paraphrase Bubba...... Rebuilt could be a red flag for "held together with duct tape and baling wire" or it could mean a practically new motor. If he has paperwork from a reputable company to document the rebuild, then you are likely safe.  If you look under the hood and it's scary looking....run like hell. Regardless of what you decide to pursue.....if you are buying from an individual, "test drive" the car to the nearest mechanic shop and ask them just to give a quick look-see under the hood and give you an opinion. Most shops in my area will galdly take a look at it for you especially if you are real nice when you ask them.

Danny's advice is of utmost import - have a mechanic check it out.  It may cost you fifty or a hundred bucks, but it is 100% worth the extra money to do it. Maybe it's that I'm in California, but a Jeep Grand Cherokee for five hundred bucks would make me a bit nervous.

I wouldn't buy it... unless the seller is a family member, a saint, or is out of his mind no decent car will go for $500 - those days are long gone.  IMO, a "cheap" set of wheels like that will cost you mucho dinero in the long (or perhaps short) run. On your previouslt mentioned budget of $2,000 I can only suggest Japanese - preferably Toyota.  My Tacoma has 150 K on it, and has gone thru a radiator, a AC compressor, and a set of front brakes.  I'd buget in a CARFAX report and an hour's worth of time at a good mechanic.  There is NO good excuse as to why an honest car seller wouldn't agree to either of those measures. BTW, I had a JEEP once.  Fun car, but it was a POS mechanically

Ok. Point well taken. My gut feeling went off when he said that too.. maybe its stolen... maybe its not his to sell. Ok. I am back to looking for early toyotas!  Thanks for all the advice and I hope I am not harassing ya!!!

Not at all..... we love talking about cars and / or poontang   Now, if you needed relationship advice, or wanted to trash talk yer ol' man.... that would be a different matter entirely