2000 Toyota Camry Struts and/or loose grommit?

2000 TOYOTA CAMRY
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CLGRUZ
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2000 Toyota Camry 4 cyl Wheel Drive Type unknown Automatic 122100 miles
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I am looking to buy the above car from a personal owner. He is asking $6500 and the car looks to be in great condition. I drove the car and noticed a thug sound at the back and first thought there might be something in the trunk. The next day the owner said he crawled under the back of the car and said it was not the struts but a loose grommit which only costs $6.00. How can I be sure it's not the struts or something very expensive? Would I be out of line to ask the owner if I can take the car to my mechanic for an inspection?

Thank you,
Cathy
Jan 10, 2008 at 3:17 PM
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MHPAUTOS
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Hi there,

If the owner refuses to let you have the car inspected, he must be trying to hide something, i advise all my customers, if there is no inspection there is no sale, i have seen too many disasters happen with used cars, caution first.

Mark (mhpautos)
Jan 10, 2008 at 3:29 PM
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LOSTINMARS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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  • ASE Certified Mechanic
99% of the time its the rear stabilizer bar bushings. they run about $20 for both and are easy to install. i've seen many shops misdiagnose this as bad rear struts and/or mounts.
Jan 23, 2008 at 9:54 PM
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