Tips on Buying Cars: used car we are thinking about purchasing, mercury marquis, second car

Question
Our neighbor passed away and his car which is a 1996 Mercury (marquis)is for sale for $2500.00. It has 96,000 miles on it and my husband is thinking about getting it for a second car.
The body is in nice shape. Do you think the price is fair?
Would appreciate your opinion.

Answer
Hi Lee,
It is a 13 year old car, even in excellent condition i would not pay more the $1500.00, if you knew the neighbor very well and really want the car, and you feel it was well cared for i would only go as high as $1750.00 not a penny more, you can still have some very expensive repairs, ex. A/C, TRANSMISSION, WATER PUMP, ALTERNATOR......Good luck and let me know if you have any further questions.

STEVE