I have been looking to pick-up a decent used car to replace my 04 Grand Cherokee (V8) as my daily commuter. About four weeks ago I found a 1998 s70 on GraigsList (private sale). The car was the non turbo sedan, with 104K. The car had been parked for about three weeks, although it was started a couple times over that period. Owner said that car ran great and that he had no problems with it. It was not registered at the time, so I could only drive up and down the street a short distance. Motor sounded good, no evidence of leaking, fluids looked clean, and brakes seemed ok. Body had some minor scuffs and small scratches, typical with ten year old car. The only issue was the AC did not have cold air. He told me he was planning on having it recharged. He said it worked when he bought the car.

The guy was asking $2900, I offered him $2600 cash. I told him that I may have to replace tires to get through the safety inspection and the AC issue was unknown. He accepted offer (helped that I had cash in hand). I got the car home, cleaned it up and changed the oil. I took it for inspection, and it failed! - not the tires, but the rear brakes. Cost me $280 for new rotors and pads. Tires were ok. Around this time, I had the AC checked. They did a die test and found no leaks. AC was ice cold. I thought this was great! About two weeks after that, the AC stopped blowing cold air. I took it back and they looked things over and said the leak was at my evaporator, estimate $1300. I had them recharge it for the time being, even if I was going to only get two weeks ($80.00). I also noticed a fluid leak underneath. I had this looked at the same time, and was told it was a torque converter seal, estimate $1100. This was a decent size leak. The AC recharge only lasted five days this time before compressor started clicking (low Freon), so much for the two weeks!.. So in the four weeks that I have owned this car, I am looking at $2400 in additional repairs. I bought the car private sale (as is), so I have no recourse with seller. There was nothing indicating a leak at the time of sale, or faulty brakes. Yes, I t would have been nice to have it inspected by professional before purchase, but wasn’t feasible at the time.

I'm just frustrated now. Car still runs great, just have to deal with no AC and messy driveway (have drip pan underneath now). I'm sure it could be worse, the car not running! But I'm sure many of you have similar stories. I just need to decide what to do here. Probably do the AC job, since it is only mid July and it’s been 90+ as of late. Thanks for listening to my rant.

personally, i would do the leak first, then the a/c. being, the leak will cause more damage if you forget to top it up while the a/c, being annoying, there is always freon on sale at pepboys, napa, etc. get the gauge and the hose, and top it up yourself until it's not hot anymore. unless you want to shell out the 24 big ones right now. sorry about your prob, but the price was decent. good luck and keep us posted.