You can drive a vehicle with bad CV joints right up to the point the CV joint breaks and the axle spins in the broken joint. It won't break anything else and is not unsafe. It's just that when the joint finally goes out the car won't move. You're looking at $150 for the complete axle and 2 to 3 hours labor so talk the owner of the car down buy $500 to cover the repair.

The present owner hasn't got enough faith in it to drive it that distance for what can be a fairly cheap repair.

The CV joint probably will last that distance if you drive it slowly (no more than about 20mph) and gently and listen for any deterioration in the noise; if that's on quiet roads then it may be worth the risk if the rest of the car is really good and the price is good and suitably adjusted for the fault. But if you have to do so on fast roads then it's too much of a risk.

In either case, if there is an accident you've now announced to the world that you knew the fault was there before driving it, and that makes you fully liable.

I live somewhere with a high population density, so have the luxury of turning my nose up at any car which isn't right because there are loads more at similar or better prices which aren't faulty. You might not have that choice if you live somewhere remote enough that you have to go that far just to get it fixed.

Clicking means its severely worn. You put the most stress on a worn CV joint when you accelerate during a turn. So drive it gently, coast in turns and you should make it 30kms

CV joints do the most work on full lock and under hard acceleration. If the car is really what you want I would buy it and drive it gently for repair.

it can die at anytime

in 10 yards or 10,000 klm only 1 way to find out drive it or dont up to you

Hi walk away from it as it is not worth it.

Buying a used car tomorrow, needs a CV joint replacement on front right side.

Just wondering, it has about 25-30 Kms for the car to get to the mechanics, the clicking/knocking noise is there, about every 2 seconds I'll hear a noise, not loud but a noticeable vibration. When I turn it didn't affect any steering or anything. No leaks visible.

I know it should be replaced ASAP but can it last 30 kilometres? Should I walk away from this deal due to a high tow truck bill and possibly preventing an accident or do I just wing it... I'm not that guy to risk a life but if you have any recommendations it would be appreciated.

Thank you