A vehicle listed as a "mechanic's special" on craigslist appears to be, at first glance, a remarkable deal. A mechanic's special is usually a vehicle listed
far below its blue book value, with a few
minor issues outlined that any competent backyard mechanic can easily diagnose and
fix. This problems are usually referred to only in the vaguest of terms, such as a "clunking
sound coming from the transmission" or "hissing
sound from the radiator."
Of course, these problems turn out to be much more severe - such as a blown headgasket, thrashed transmission, detonated cylinder, and the like. The odometer reading is often conspicuously absent from the reading. The owner will often feign
ignorance about vehicles in hopes of getting
rid of it at a good price, but actually are often competent car people themselves.
The only valid use for a mechanic's special is as a parts vehicle, and only then once the owner has been talked down to a reasonable price.
1992 Chevrolet 1500 4x4 $900 OBO - Mechanic's Special!
'92
Chevy half ton, 4x4, 4" suspension lift. Great
truck, 4x4 stopped working about a week ago, slight ticking
sound coming from the engine. Should be an easy fix. Call @ 555 - 5555
