I'm probably going to look at an early 2000s 2.0 Jetta this weekend as a possible cheap commuter car. It's advertised as a "mechanics special" because it's had some issues. After paying for some ignition work that didn't fix the issues, the seller says a mechanic has now told them it's an oil pump issue. The people selling it appear to have little or no mechanical know-how or interest in investing anything in it. I've done research and it looks relatively cheap and easy to replace (under $100), IF that's what's actually wrong.
I'd only pay a little money if I were to pull the trigger on this, just because of the potential risk. My worst-case is that the engine has been starved for oil because of a failed pump.
Is there anything I should look for while checking the car out that would give me an idea of 1) if this really is a failed oil pump; and 2) if so, what kind of damage may have been done?
I'd only pay a little money if I were to pull the trigger on this, just because of the potential risk. My worst-case is that the engine has been starved for oil because of a failed pump.
Is there anything I should look for while checking the car out that would give me an idea of 1) if this really is a failed oil pump; and 2) if so, what kind of damage may have been done?