Timing belt....OR.....???
 

I have an opportunity to get a 2000 S80 T6 with 128k miles on it, new tires, and extremely nice--really cheap. The owner says he drove it one night, parked it, went out the next day to go somewhere, and the car wouldn't start---so rather than keep trying to start it, he had it towed to a dealer...who promptly tried to sell him a new $12000 engine (which sounds just like this particular dealer--who also tried to sell the mrs a set of wipers for $600). I realize without tearing into the car it may be very hard to determine if the belt is shot, rods bent, etc., I am just trying at this point to get some pointers as to what to check out tomorrow when I go over in the daylight to look it over really good. I can get the car for $1500 (which may or may not be good), so any input you may have to help me determine if I want to tie any money up in it would be great!

Thanks!!!!

P.S. The owner says it was NOT knocking, smoking, or running erratically at all the last time he drove it....just simply would not start the next morning.

The belt might have broke or the pulley might have come apart. A very limited few have been able to put a belt on and all was good.
But if someone has cranking the car over then the valves are bent.

Eeeks! Well, would you basicly say to stay away from this one then???

Well if you have room to store it then you might want to give it a go. I would try replacing the belt first. Then see from there.

OK....going to check it out a little deeper tomorrow......will let ya know! Thanks again...you guys are the best!!