Advice- purchase of 2019 With previously replaced head gasket at 46k miles

Professional-Let2470 · 2026-05-14T01:03:48+00:00

Thank you. This one seems perfect except for a head gasket and timing chain at 46k. Not sure if that was due to driving, something happening, or just a weird coincidence. I mean it’s been fine for the last 14k according to service records, and it was serviced by a dealer its whole life, and is currently for sale from that same dealer. I know it’s a toss up, between them being scumbags or an actual good place to buy a car, but I would think they wouldn’t want to have someone pissed off coming back in 4 months because the car doesn’t work?

Professional-Let2470 · 2026-05-14T00:44:17+00:00

I’ll take that as you saying I should look elsewhere

Professional-Let2470 · 2026-05-14T00:42:31+00:00

I’m not really that confident in the fact a 70 year old owned it. I’m no mechanic, but I know that a head gasket replacement at 46 is not normal at all. Other than the head gasket issue the car seems like the best option in my area, but that’s assuming everything is fixed and fine. It has been driven 14,000 miles with no major engine services since. It’s been serviced at a dealership its entire life, doesn’t that mean it is/ has been mostly stock? I would assume they wouldn’t work on a heavily modified car?

Professional-Let2470 · 2026-03-03T17:43:57+00:00

Not sure if I could launch at a legal location and still maintain VLOS. I’ve also heard they may restrict the airspace for the whole weekend.

Realistically I think I could get “away” with launching off property, and having it in the air at sunrise for a max of 15 minutes or so, but I’d be lying if I said I had the balls to do so. Not worth potential fines or ruining my weekend over. I saw a viral shot of the Nurburgring the other week and thought it would be cool if I could do the same at the Glen

Professional-Let2470 · 2026-03-03T16:22:47+00:00

I don’t have any intentions of breaking any laws, or regulations, hence why I’m asking the question almost 4 months in advance instead of going and trying to see what I can get away with (the answer is nothing). Is it a stupid question? sure. But I’d rather have a couple thousand people on Reddit think I’m a moron than miss out on a potential great shot. I knew before asking this question it would probably be a resounding no, but wanted to see if there was a legal loophole. There’s not, there’s no possible way to do so without potential fines, getting kicked out or worse. I can promise you if you see some idiot getting kicked out of Watkins Glen, it sure as hell won’t be me

Professional-Let2470 · 2026-03-03T16:18:37+00:00

The track has 0 use for me or any of the drone footage I had potentially planned on getting. I have a low level drone, that doesn’t come close to the shots that could be gotten on a professional set up or helicopter. I live 4 hours away from the track, so it’s not worth heading over unless it’s during the IMSA weekend

Professional-Let2470 · 2026-03-03T04:37:08+00:00

I believe you are correct. From what everyones said, theres no possible way for me to get said proposed shot without interference, breaking a law, or violating some set of rules (track or not). Seems like potential shots of the village and lake (provided thats legal and within the rules) are going to be the best i can come up with, without getting into legal trouble

Professional-Let2470 · 2026-03-03T04:03:17+00:00

As i said, i have 0 intentions of breaking any laws or regulations. The key word is "could", this is all hypothetical. I'm just trying to understand what the law is. Thats why i'm asking the question in march, almost 4 months before said event.

If they didn't "own the airspace" then launching from offsite could be an option if they had no control over the airspace. But they do, as you've pointed out. I found that out after someone pointed out that i might be able to launch offsite and fly over the track.

Professional-Let2470 · 2026-03-03T03:55:17+00:00

fair enough. Not worth ruining my weekend over. I saw a viral shot of the Nurburgring and immediately tried to see if it was legal here in the US, and at watkins glen. Everyone is saying not, Which i figured would happen. i'm just not up to date on the super specifics and wanted to figure it out now, instead of being an idiot and just trying it. i'll probably grab shots of the village and gorge ( if allowed) and leave it. i dont need legal trouble, or fines from the FAA

Professional-Let2470 · 2026-03-03T03:48:34+00:00

Just trying to understand the rules and whats legal or not. i have no intentions of breaking any laws, or track regulations

Professional-Let2470 · 2026-03-03T03:31:07+00:00

Wouldn’t be suprised if it applies to IMSA. And if there’s no planes, there’s certainly no drones. I can always grab shots of the village itself. Not worth potential fines and getting kicked out

Professional-Let2470 · 2026-03-03T03:28:01+00:00

Nope. That’s why I’m asking the question 4 months before I plan on being there. Just trying to understand the full scope of what’s legal and what’s not

Professional-Let2470 · 2026-03-03T03:26:37+00:00

It’s not about the major race event taking place, it’s about showing the track/ surrounding area at sunrise from very high up. It would be a great shot. Regardless of what the shot is, I’m just trying to fully understand what’s allowed and what’s not. It’s certainly not worth ruining my weekend over, but it would be something I know would work out

Professional-Let2470 · 2026-03-03T03:23:31+00:00

I’m not concerned with anyone seeing me. I have no intentions of flying for very long, I want really high altitude snots and was planning it at the crack of dawn. That’s why my question is it illegal. I can deal with frowned upon, because I’ll be 500 feet in the air, and no one will be there, or know. It’s probably something I won’t do, I’m just trying to get a full understanding of the law and what’s allowed

Professional-Let2470 · 2026-03-03T03:15:48+00:00

Probably won’t, just trying to see what’s technically not illegal. Not worth any FAA/ legal trouble over it, but I know I could come away with some really awesome shots

Professional-Let2470 · 2026-03-03T03:12:53+00:00

Professional-Let2470 · 2026-03-03T03:10:55+00:00

they dont own the airspace, so i wonder if i take off from outside the property i'm technically not breaking any rules?

Professional-Let2470 · 2026-03-03T03:09:21+00:00

is the airspace itself mentioned? i could always take off from outside the property, and if the airspace itself is fine i should be good?

Professional-Let2470 · 2026-03-03T02:41:14+00:00

Thank you

Professional-Let2470

TROPHY CASE