MustangWorks.com : Ford Forums - View Single Post

bjack · 10-25-2005, 01:25 PM

It's hard to tell "sight unseen" but here are a few tips to look for when buying a used car with high mileage.

1. Does the car have a documented history i.e. proof of scheduled maintenance and oil changes etc.? If so this is a good sign and may help you make a sound decision.

2. Usually a car that has been abused in the past will have tell-tell signs. Does it puff smoke while ideling and have a steady blow of smoke while accelerating? Check for any unusual sounds like a knock coming from underneath (this could represent bad crank and/or rod bearings). If you have a trusted local mechanic, take the car to him and have him check it out for you. He can do a number of quick things to either give you a "warm and fuzzy" or caution you from making the purchase. If things are wrong he can also give you a rough estimate of what the repairs may be. Ask him to do a compression check also.

You have to ask yourself if repairs are needed "will the cost out weigh the end value of the car"? Sometimes a good buy equals an extra $500.00 this week and another four or five hundred a few weeks later down the road.......just to keep it rolling out of the driveway. Buyer beware...good luck!

10-25-2005, 01:25 PM	#2
bjack Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 17	Re: 95 Gt It's hard to tell "sight unseen" but here are a few tips to look for when buying a used car with high mileage. 1. Does the car have a documented history i.e. proof of scheduled maintenance and oil changes etc.? If so this is a good sign and may help you make a sound decision. 2. Usually a car that has been abused in the past will have tell-tell signs. Does it puff smoke while ideling and have a steady blow of smoke while accelerating? Check for any unusual sounds like a knock coming from underneath (this could represent bad crank and/or rod bearings). If you have a trusted local mechanic, take the car to him and have him check it out for you. He can do a number of quick things to either give you a "warm and fuzzy" or caution you from making the purchase. If things are wrong he can also give you a rough estimate of what the repairs may be. Ask him to do a compression check also. You have to ask yourself if repairs are needed "will the cost out weigh the end value of the car"? Sometimes a good buy equals an extra $500.00 this week and another four or five hundred a few weeks later down the road.......just to keep it rolling out of the driveway. Buyer beware...good luck!