i was checking craigslist and there is a 1997 GSX with 170,xxx miles. Everything looks great but there is a couple of problems with it:
1) it hasn't passed smog for the past 3 months hence its registration is overdue 2months
2) it starts but takes a few cranks, and he suspects the starter is going bad.

he just replaced the catalytic converter recently but because of financial reasons he can no longer keep the car.

now my question is: is it worth buying the car for $2500??? The owner says it runs like a champ and i am going to test drive it this weekend. Except for problems i stated, it's practically in immaculate condition. I live in So. California, so for the smog aspect if it remains to fail with the new cat. converter, what else should i look into to have it pass?

THNX FOR THE HELP
JEFF

2.5 is a steal for a 97. End of story.

test drive it first. if it runs good and the only problem is the starter then that is a sweet deal. even with a bad starter thats a sweet deal ... i just picked up a 98 RS for 3650 i wish i could find a gsx by me

and about the smog part??? if it doesnt pass with the updated/upgraded catalytic converter, what can i fix to make it pass??

i would bet that it passes after the cat. if not look for exhaust leaks

That's a lot of miles.

^ that's what I was thinking too. the EGR could be clogged affecting the smog tests

Or you could pay some shady shop to pass you.

also, a bad o2 sensor will yield crappy gas mileage and emissions.

Where in SOCAL are you? I could go look at it with you and hell, if you don't buy it, I will to use parts off it.