Questionlooking to buy a used car.
found a 1990 ford tempo gl.
car sounds great and saw actual photo,
going to see and drive later today.
my concern = car has 186,000 miles.
has 4 cylinder 2.3 liter engine.
same owner for last 13 years, oil and filter changed every 3,000 miles, have all service records, has had timing chain done.
new alternator and battery.
is 186k too many miles for me to consider?
what should i especially ask and check before i decide to buy?
i don't drive many miles. need a basic, dependable car to get around.
they're asking for "$1000. firm".
i just checked kelly blue and suggested private party price is $690/good to $840/excellent.
any advice from you would be appreciated.
thank you for your time.
AnswerJohn,
Any time you are considering buying a used car one of the most important things to do is take it to a mechanic you trust for a serious checkup. He should put it up on a rack and check for oil leaks. A compression check on the engine is also recommended. This will cost you an hour labor but will be money well spent. If the seller will not let you take the car to be checked out I would suggest you look some place else. Remember you are buying this car completely "as is".
This car is 15 years old and with 186,000 miles you should expect some problems, if not now then in the near future. You should plan for some repairs soon.
You may want to think about using your $1,0000 for a down payment on a newer car.
I certainly would try making an offer for less than the asking price using your blue book information as ammunition. Be prepared to lay down the cash when you make the offer. Hundred dollar bills talk louder than words.
Good Luck,
John Tucker
