Folks, I'm ready to buy the car described below, subject to one last question. It just passed safety and emissions inspections. The problem: a loud clunking/thumping noise on the passenger side over bumps, even minor ones. Mechanic gave it a cursory look, guessed it needs a strut, said it was not a safety concern (but this was a cursory look).

I know it's hard to diagnose a noise without *being there* but I'm wondering if you know of anything major that could be going on. Given the price, and overall condition, I think it's worth buying with the noise....unless we're talking many hundreds to fix it. I can do the basics and more, with the ever helpful FAQ. Details from the earlier post are below, and thanks all.

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Car is for daughter and will be the third brick in my driveway. Wow, I'm already anticipating my brickboard visits.

for $1,200:

-92 240 sedan with 184K, auto
-body looks good. no visible rust except for surface rust along a side gash
-white paint looks good
-exhaust looks ok
-real solid feel on the road, ran well, engine temp looked good
-rear-end noise over bumps ((thought it was rear, but apparently it's front))
-brakes recently done, work great
-a/c cycles on and off, not counting on that being much good
-loose belts and I'm sure I'll be in there cleaning/swapping hoses, flame trap etc
-3 good tires, 1 borderline ((owner replaced it))
-didn't notice any leaks
-power windows work fine.
-some trim missing
-lenses clear
-cloth seats in good shape.
-they've had it for 2 years, from original owner, say they have all records, but I didnt see them tonight.

Thanks .. I'm sure I'll be seeing y'all soon.