[thstone]

First, if the problem was ONLY the AOS, the owner would have spent the $400 and had it repaired. There is a reason why he's selling it "as-is" and whatever the reason is, its not good.

Buying a non-running car is a big risk because you (or a shop) can't check the cooling system, a/c system, heater, power steering, check engine lights, suspension, transmission, and a million other things.

I bought my current Boxster with a failed engine and the seller swore that the engine was the ONLY problem. It cost me $1800 to repair the other things that were wrong with the car that the failed engine hid.

Buyer beware.