Don’t steer away from all “won’t start” cars, sometimes it’s a huge win

Just picked up this 2006 eclipse for $550 that was described as “won’t start, not putting any more money into it to figure it out”. When I went to look at it I checked in the valve cover and it was real clean, in a well maintained way. Checked under the timing belt cover and it definitely looked like it had been changed on schedule. Owner tried to start it and the starter definitely tried but it sounded like a fully seized engine. Right next to the starter I caught a glimpse of what looked like a real small bit unmistakable impact crack on the bell housing. As if something was trying to escape. I asked if I could pull the flex plate cover and he agreed, and there was one bolt loose, one missing just from what I could see. Showed the owner, bought the car, and took it home. Two hours later I had both missing flex plate bolts in my hands, retapped the flex plate and replaced all 4 bolts. Runs great. Don’t be afraid to ask to get intimate with a car before you buy it. Most people don’t mind at all if you’re serious about buying the car. You can always walk away as long as you don’t break anything. I’ve got an eclipse with 121k miles now that was well maintained minus the detailing it so desperately needs. Good luck to the used car hunters out there.