5 Inspection Red Flags to Walk Away From (Immediately)
CVT slip, AdBlue crystallization, and 'Milky Oil'. Some problems are too expensive to fix—just run.
Quick Answer
Don't negotiate on these. Just leave.
1. Transmission Slip: If a CVT "hesitates" or "judder" when accelerating, it's a $4,000 repair.
2. The "Forbidden Glitter": Metal shavings in the oil or transmission fluid.
3. AdBlue Crystallization: On diesels, white crystals around the injector means the entire $2k emissions system is failing.
4. Airbag Fraud: If the airbag light doesn't turn on when you start the car, someone cut the wire to hide a missing airbag.
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1. Transmission Terror (CVT Focus)
Modern Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) don't "shift" like old cars.
* The Test: From a dead stop, press the gas about 30%.
* Good: Smooth, drone-like acceleration.
* Bad: A "rubber band" feeling, jerking, or a delay before the car moves. This is the "CVT Belt Slip." It cannot be fixed, only replaced.
2. Engine "Milkshake" (Head Gasket)
Pull the oil dipstick and unscrew the oil filler cap.
* Good: Golden or black oil.
* Bad: A creamy, light-brown sludge that looks like a chocolate milkshake. This means coolant is mixing with oil. The engine is toast.
3. Hybrid Battery "Bloat"
On a Prius or Tesla:
* Visual: Look at the battery cooling intake (usually by the rear seat). Is it clogged with dust/hair?
* Smell: A "rotten egg" smell means a battery cell is venting gas. The pack is dying.
4. The "Check Engine Bulb" Trick
Scammers will remove the LED behind the "Check Engine" light so you don't see the error.
* The Check: Turn the key to "On" (engine off). All dashboard lights should glow (Battery, Oil, Check Engine). If the Check Engine Light is dark before you start the car, it's been tampered with.
Summary
You can fix tires. You can fix brakes. You cannot afford to fix a bad CVT or a blown head gasket. If you see these signs, respect your wallet and walk away.
> Protect Yourself
> MotorMigo's checklist reminds you to check if monitors are "Not Ready" on your scanner, which reveals if the computer was recently wiped to hide failures.
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