The A/C is the A/C so far as I know and does not mean you're gonna throw a rod or your tranny will fall out.

Although the price doesn't seem too out of line, you could maybe use the broken A/C as leverage to get a better price. Did the previous owner give any indication as to what is wrong with the A/C? I think you did mention he's a mechanic or something along those lines.

Carfax will only show what was reproted to an insurance co. or the police following an accident. Here in the East we are accoustomed to rust and the body work that follows. Take a magnet with you and go over the car with it to see if it falls off in one or more spots. If it falls, that indicates mud [body filler] and then you KNOW its had rust thats been fixed or been in an accident. A good eye peering lengthwise down each side of the car will clue you into body work as well.

Since you carfaxed it, did the car come from the "rust belt"? The jackpoints are a place to look for rust. The j.p are the holes , two on each side, that you use to jack the car up. They are located on the rocker panels by each door.

The other thing thats a PIA is leaks inside the car. Take a garden hose and go all over the glass and the sunroof [if so equipped] and then look under the carpet, passenger side in the rear. That is the lowest point in the cabin and water will collect there.

Can the you guys think of anything else? I think we covered it. Oh, check and make sure the climate control works properly. A search here will tell you how to operate it as does the owners manual. Thats right pricey to fix when paying a mechanic to fix it.

Cheers,

Bill