What should I bid to?

BajaSportsmobile · 02-25-2013, 10:21 PM

2005 E350 6.0L Diesel. Two days left. Looks like a "Check Engine Light" is on.

https://mccormackauction.auctionflex...num=15&lang=En

**BroncoHauler** · 02-26-2013, 06:00 AM

Tough call, that CEL is a major wildcard.

Can you get to the vehicle, and would they let you connect a scanning device to check for any codes?

I guess you could recoup some money by removing and selling the wheelchair lift. Or keep it installed and make it really easy to load a keg of beer.

Without knowing anything about the CEL, I personally wouldn't go over $8K-$10K.

Herb

Ford_6L_E350 · 02-26-2013, 09:46 AM

The ad clearly states "SMOGGED", so either the CEL is something minor, or they are lying. The smog test will not run if anything affecting the engine operation is showing a CEL. In CA it is the seller's responsibility to get the vehicle smogged. If I bought it, I would quickly get a smog check and if it failed I would take it back or seek legal help.

Mike

BajaSportsmobile · 02-26-2013, 11:09 AM

I'm going to check it out today. I'll check for codes and see what else is amiss.

jage · 02-26-2013, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford_6L_E350

The ad clearly states "SMOGGED", so either the CEL is something minor, or they are lying. The smog test will not run if anything affecting the engine operation is showing a CEL. In CA it is the seller's responsibility to get the vehicle smogged. If I bought it, I would quickly get a smog check and if it failed I would take it back or seek legal help.

In Colorado it will fail smog if the CEL is on. I can't imagine the Nanny state of nanny states would miss something so obvious, unless they're really just that clueless about diesel.

I'd bit $10,500, but only because I want to beat out Herb.

**BroncoHauler** · 02-26-2013, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jage

...I'd bit $10,500, but only because I want to beat out Herb.

That's OK, I was just a shill running up the bids.

BajaSportsmobile · 02-26-2013, 10:02 PM

Went by today but they were closed to inspections - that happens tomorrow only. I did ask the guy that was there working what he knew about the van. Said it was a bankruptcy sale. I asked about the CEL and he said he had just driven it over to get it smog checked and there was no light on and it passed without problem. I'll go back tomorrow and look it over.

**BroncoHauler** · 02-27-2013, 05:50 AM

During the inspection, make sure the light still works after their fix and smog testing. Wouldn't be the first time a dashboard bulb mysteriously 'burned out' before smog testing and the tester didn't notice it.

Herb

my3kids · 02-27-2013, 06:58 AM

If possible bring a code scanner and see if they'll let you plug it in to read any codes. The codes may still be stored even if the check engine light is off.

If no codes then that's a big relief. Also, take a pict of the driver's door jamb sticker. The sticker will tell you what axle you have .. semi-float, full-float, limited slip and the actual final drive ratio.

And for $20-$25 get a CarFax on it if you're super serious about it. That way you'll know the history, always good to know the history. Here in the SF BayArea I see what I call 'flood cars' that make their way from the other side of the country. Lots of dishonest people out there.

Good Luck,
Ray

charlie56 · 02-27-2013, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jage

I can't imagine the Nanny state of nanny states would miss something so obvious, unless they're really just that clueless about diesel.

LOL
The CA (Nanny State) diesel smog check is a joke. They start it, let it warm up for 5 minutes, lift the hood, say a huh, close the hood and charge you $80. I have watched them do it 2x now. Same exact process. Not one piece of equipment is hooked up. When I asked them what the deal is, they said all they are looking for is vehicle engine mods.