RA and DERVMAN:

Thank you both for the responses, I appreciate them.

RA: regarding the A/C the seller stated : “ The AC pump and condenser have both been replaced about three years ago, it has the new non-freon type coolant in the AC.”

As far as the leather seats go, on the passenger side there's a small rip that appears to be, from the pictures I've seen, about 2 inches long on the seat cushion. Otherwise, everything looks real clean. A friend of mine’s nephew does repair work of this type for car dealerships and I'm going to try and get in touch with him for quote. I would think it would be $100-$200 repair at most. If it were more than that I'd consider replacing the entire leather portion of the seat through a place I saw on the Internet called World Upholstery and Trim.

The dashboard does not have any cracks in it though I did neglect to ask whether it is a cover or whether it is the original dashboard.

As far as pictures go I have some but unfortunately I'm not familiar enough with this computer yet to know how to upload them to make them available for viewing here. As soon as I figure it out I'll try and post some. Might be a few hours.

The mileage on the vehicle is 203,000 miles.

The original ad read:
Starts easy, runs strong, A/C is cold, BRAND NEW tires, shocks, brakes, alternator. This car is clean for its age and mileage. 29-31 MPG highway. Mechanically: This car was serviced less than 3,000 miles ago. Installed were four new tires, rear shocks (front work perfectly) rear rotors and pads (front are in good shape). All gages and idiot lights work. Appearance: Inside; No cracks on the dash, steering wheel or trim, seats are firm and comfortable with a crack on the passenger seat. Outside; Sheet metal is smooth, no dents. Little rust on RR quarter and trunk.

DERVMAN: I, like you, suspected that replacement of the radiator was probably in my future with this vehicle. That's simply something you cannot continue to ignore whether it's a Mercedes Benz or a Chevrolet. Nothing but bad things happen if you do. Good point about changing the hoses and water pump, Thermostat, and the Sepantine drive belt and Tensioner he -- -- -- as long as you're already there.

As far as the alternator goes, as you can see from the listing, it was replaced recently so I'm not really sure why there would be a problem. What would cause a grounding strap to have to be replaced? I'm pleading ignorance here.

As far as the head being cracked or the head gasket leaking is this something that a mechanic can perform a test on to definitively determine before I make a purchase? And if so what what test should I asked mechanic to perform? What do you think the price range of both of these repairs would be, if you know. Or should I simply be considering another vehicle if it comes to this point?

Thanks for advice,

1badav