Usually caused by sludge gumming up the oil control valve, could be the other usual suspects (MAF sensor, etc). Timing belt could be slightly off too.

I'm sure you know the price should come way down if there's problems to solve. I wouldn't give more than 2k for that one... can't buy one without assuming the worst case scenario and pricing accordingly. If it was easy to fix the seller should have fixed it.

I've bought these with a little more than 100,000 miles on them for $5500-6500.

Don't forget the old Toyota Cressida as well. Really neat car with lots of fun mod potential. Similar engine with RWD.

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1985 500SL Euro w/ AMG bits 130k
1984 300SD Turbodiesel 192k
1980 240D Stick China 188k
2001 CLK55 AMG 101k
2007 S600 Biturbo 149k Overheated Project, IT'S ALIVE!!!