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@len.george you are right. Mechanics have and do buy lemons. However, a mechanic that has had some experience with lemons in the past still stands a better chance of sorting bad lemons or disguised lemons from a buyer who is of less experience. Overall, I don't think @bluerthangreen made such a horrible choice. But, I would have at least informed him of what exactly I seen as potential problem(s). In his case for the most part... I did my absolute best to keep him from feeling the severity of the consequences of maybe I'll just say a not so wise decision. In the end his vehicle is now up and running and considering what has been done for the price... I think he has a fare priced vehicle. It just took a couple weeks to drive it.

I was thinking of some of the dirty tricks that I have seen many years ago,
Bananas in the diff or gearbox to deaden the noise, sawdust as well, eggs in the radiator to hide a leak, a couple of gallons of 100/130 octane fuel to boost performance and many more.
At least bluerthangreen is up and running with something that should suit him for years.
Well done on helping him out, next time I bet you get invited for the inspection.

Sounds like you have seen a few... My all time newest seems to be a favorite is disarming the check engine light... Now I just wonder what in tarnation gave a feller that idea...

in NZ my first car, in 1958, was a 1928 Chev, 4 cylinders, I was lucky, it was sound, only it was a female, only went when it wanted to go,
Being closely associated with 2 - 300 young early car buyers we saw some horrible tricks played on the customer,
Normally he had gone when a group of us would go to visit and ask after his health.
We did catch up a couple and they decided to change their way after our consultation.
Funny how a group[ of 20 to 30 uniformed youths can get someones attention and enforce the message that they trying to get across.
But we had fun, bringing one car about 50 miles through a windy road about midnight with no headlights and no center line marking. But we all god home and could tell the story.
What is the engine check light?

Most of them will say check engine soon or service engine soon but the is a few pics of check engine lights



Maybe that will help.

NZ has mainly Japanese cars, being in the older range of these i haven't come across them much before.
Thanks for taking the time to explain mobile- joat, it is appreciated.