Is it safe to buy a used car if the oil light is on?

It's not a bad sensor, the oil pressure really is low when it's hot and thinner. This is a symptom of worn bearings and sludge damage, a very common problem in Toyotas. Chances are very good the car was traded in for this reason, in fact I would bet if you looked closely you'll find that someone has already tried putting in a new oil pressure sensor. Just stay away.

If you don't trust it, then trust your gut feeling instead.

Make the wrong call and you have a very expensive regret. There are plenty more used cars without any problems, so unless the current car comes with an absolutely rock-solid warranty then look for another car.

If you choose to go ahead then ensure that the oil-pressure light comes on when the ignition is turned on, but before you start the engine. At the same time check that the ABS light comes on and then extinguishes within a few seconds. After starting the only warning light not to extinguish should be the parking brake warning light (you might know it as the E-brake, emergency brake or handbrake). You'd also be very wise to get your own pre-purchase vehicle inspection from a mechanic of your choice. Professional pre-purchase inspection providers include insurance against any major undiagnosed faults as part of the price you pay.

Sensor failure is not unusual but the problem could also be due to a marginally functional oil-pump and if so that's not a cheap fix and can cause serious engine damage: you may even have found the reason that the last owner sold the car. If the dealer is confident about the cause of the fault then there should be no problem in allowing you to see the details of the last owner so that you can phone them to ask if the car had any faults.

This question is what you should ask your mechanic, not the dealer's.

You mean you aren't planning on having a mechanic check it before you buy? Oh well then, just take the dealers word for it. I'm sure he will have your interests well in check!

It's not likely that you could have idled the car for that length of time before you drove it and the light was off if there was a major problem with oil pressure. And if you were able to drive it back to the dealer without blowing the engine up I'd say the mechanic is right. That is if you drove it all the way back with the light on. If it comes on when you are stopped at a traffic light but goes off when driving run away from this car.

Have the mechanic put a pressure gauge on it while the sensor is out. Verify that it has proper oil pressure. Then he can install the new sensor and you can test drive it again. Make sure the oil light (all the warning lights should light up when the key is turned on) comes on like it should before you actually crank it over.

If it just has an idiot light and not an actual gauge, I would want to check the actual hot oil pressure at idle with a gauge threaded into the sensor port.

YOU CAN BUY THREE CARS FOR THAT PRICE ... AT THE AUCTION

Have them replace the oil sensor sender before you consider.

have them replace the sensor and redo the test drive

Tell them to put the sensor in and then take it for a drive again.

trust your gut... get your mechanic (the one you pay) to give you his assessment and not to give it to the saleslot... it is your information... you make the decision 'cause you should trust the mechanic that works for you.........right?

NO

Yep

The dealer could always just set it so the light never comes on. Down the road, only you would suffer.
It really depends on who the dealer is and what they put in writing. I wouldn't hurt to go back and take it for
another test ride. Then find out their diagnosis of the problem and put it in writing that this needs some kind
of guarantee.. You failed to mention how many miles are on this vehicle.

2 SITUATIONS WITH 2 TYPES OF LIGHT. THERE IS A LOW OIL PRESSURE, CHECK AND AD OIL. IF IT IS THE OIL LIFE INDICATOR, GET THE OIL CHANGED AND HAVE THEM RESET THE OIL LIFE INDICATOR. EITHER WAY, CHECKING THE BASICS WHEN BUYING A CAR IS A GOOD IDEA.

RUN AWAY !!!! DONT WALK.......RUN

Have a mechanic check the oil pressure with a mechanical oil pressure gauge. 25-30 PSI is a healthy oil pressure.

Yes

It is cheap for a reason

good call. don't trust those guys.

I wouldn't buy it.

Run away

Get them to fix it, then try it again. If you are not happy with it walk away

One the wheels could fall off and they would say the same thing. " oh ? well that is just normal ,sometimes wheels fall off "