Concerns about buying an overheated car

[RobertinWC]

Hi all, I’m looking to buy an early 350/450SL (1971-1973) and I’ve come across one that had both heads replaced, along with the water pump, radiator recored, and intake manifold resealed. The owner says that what happened is he was driving and white smoke started to pour out the exhaust. I’m assuming that the only reason they had to find a used set of replacement heads is that the original ones warped from the heat.

I’ve heard that buying a car that has severely overheated can be a long term issue from possible damage to the bottom end. This work was done 18 months ago, and the owner has only put on 200 miles since, so I’m concerned.

The car seems to start, run and drive nicely.

Do you think my concerns about long term engine problems are real?

[BWhitmore]

I would avoid this car. Potentially the engine block could also be cracked. Not enough miles have been driven to determine if the fix resolved the problem. The seller may have a reason for driving the car only 200 miles since the repair, but caution is needed.

[Frank Reiner]

There is no inherent reason to avoid any given car just because the engine was overheated. Engines can be and are frequently replaced. Price any potential buy accordingly.

[Sugar Bear]

There is a reasonable chance other damage may have been done due to excess temps. Interesting only 200 miles since that much repair was done but there may be a good reason. I'd ask.

Good luck!!!

[alabbasi]

If it runs fine, don't worry about it. I sold complete 450 for under $1000. For that matter, I have one sitting in my shop that I can't be bothered to sell. If the rest of the car is solid, buy it, you'll get more heartburn dealing with rust on these cars.

[tbomachines]

Id be less concerned about the overheating and more concerned about only driving it 200mi since the fix. Heads and a lot of coolibg components replaced is a significant amount of work. Given the amount of time since, Id expect them to drive it a bit more and enjoy it after dishing out that money or time.

Id also see if the previous owner can give detail about the failure and fix -- i.e. were the heads rebuilt and/or machined flat, or did he just stick a set of used JY heads on and pray that it runs?

[ah-kay]

The bottom line is the price. If it is cheap enough after you factor in the potential repair costs then go for it. I think it's a moot post.

[RobertinWC]

The problem is the price. The car seems to have no rust, but a poor respray, and the seller thinks the $10,000 he spent on used heads, recored radiator, new water pump, hoses, belts, etc should be added to the price of the car. He wants $25K but would “settle” for $20k.

If they had put a couple thousand miles on the car I’d feel more confident of the work, but only 200 miles since Oct of 2020?? And this is in California where we can drive 12 months a year.

[BWhitmore]

Big risk. I would pass on this car.

[carock]

25k is too much for that car. Rust free, no accident damage, and a good interior might make it worth $12k. You don't get extra money for a car because you fixed some problems to keep the car running. You get extra money for refurbishing things to bring the car towards "like new" condition.