Alright, I have the chance to get a 1993 Ford Probe GT (aka Mazda MX-6 Clone). 2.5 Dual Overhead Cam v6, automatic, all the options available for that year (I believe). Car runs great, drives great.

Known things that worry me:

Engine leaks oil around the valve covers I believe and the exhaust manifold (!!!, might just be from the covers)

Engine has a ticking noise, the guy owns an automotive shop, and says its normal for the fuel injectors on these engines to make a ticking noise as they open and close.

Might burn antifreeze, it had white smoke coming out of the exhaust, but from what I understand the car hasn't run for months till I looked at it.

Car needs some body work, its got a rust hole through the driver side door, some nasty rust bubble on the passenger door, some under the lip of the hood, and some on the hatch, and a rust bubble line on the moon roof, all the way across.

Thats what I know of for now.

Car has 158,000 miles, interior is in great shape (Other than rattles and stuff), has new tires, new calipers, rotors, struts in the rear, engine mounts, etc. Over $1500 he said in new stuff. I test drove it, and that thing is fast!!! The auto transmission doesn't hold a match to GM trannies, but after that pup shifted it took off like a rocket.

I can get the car for $950 Firm. Is it worth it?

Oh here's the vin for a carfax please:

1ZVCT22B3P5118018

Oh a few other known problems,

check engine light is on, for what he says is for a o2 sensor,
and the air bag light keeps flashing (From what I guess is a common problem, will it still deploy in an accident?)

To add to the top, from what I've read, leaking oil is a common problem on these engines, whats your take?

there a TONNES of those things around here, if you ever need parts let me know! im sure i could find what yer lookin for.. lol

Be careful with this one. The auto trannys are VERY expensive to fix. Most auto owners just junk the cars when they go because of the tranny costs. The 5 speed cars are great, though.

Everything else he told you seems legit, though. The fuel injectors are loud, but the HLA's (hydraulid lash adjusters) can get stuck and clatter, too. The valve covers do leak a bit, especially around the spark plugs. The rust patterns are not common, which suggests this car has not been cared for. They will fade (especially the red) if not washed and waxed regularly, but I have never seen one with the rust you described. I live in the midwes, and don't recall ever seeing a rusted one. Our 96 Probe GT has over 130,000 Massachusetts and Illinois miles on it with no rust at all. Theses cars tend to go through rear motor mounts and shifter bushings (on the 5 speeds) after 100,000 miles. Lots of squeeks (especially in the moonroof) are common inside these cars as they age. Since it's a 94, it's an OBD-I car and you will be able to pull the codes and clear the computer yourself. Be warned, O2 sensors are pricey. Our 96 has 4 sensors that cost over $200 each! There are ways to use cheaper sensors, you just have to search the net. The timing belt tensioners are weak, and are a bite to replace. If it doesn't have a new one, it needs it. The cool part about that, though, is when they go, they sound like a spun rod bearing. Many a great deal has been made on Probes with bad tensioners (owners thinking the engine is toast).

The acceleration rush is the VRIS (Variable Resonance Intake System) kicking in. It has 2 solenoids wich close off ares of the intake plenum to decrease its volume at certain RPM levels. This allows the engine to have more torqu down low, with more power up top. Those DOHC 2.5's will scream, but the HP is only around 170. They handle good, but not like the Fiero. They flex a lot and are pretty heavy, but still fun to drive.

Go to www.probetalk.com and prowl around there. Lots of info (once you get through all of the ricey stereo body mod talk) I don't care much for the attitudes on there, but the info is good. Find out how much a tranny rebuild will cost before you buy. Converting to a 5 speed is just not feasible with these cars. It would be easier to find a 5 speed car.

Hope I didn't ruin your day, but I would hate to see you get burned. If you have any more questions, just ask.

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1986 SE 350 V8

bump, still need a carfax!!!!!

Bump, I've gotten a carfax, and the car checks out clear, anyone have anything they want to add about these cars???