Going to look at a 97 non LSC have some Q's

[fatboyq]

Never had a mark so this might be my 1st one

1. what should I look for?
2. any issues in particular to 97?
3. other than 10hp and lights what else changed structurally from a 96?
4. car ac doesn't work has 92k and one dash vent is missing due to air freshener being forcefully removed cream/grey combo what should I pay for this?

any othet tips advise would be great.
this will be a Daily driver other than gas milage are these things reliable?

 

[Jibit]

if you want I could go with you since I live in the area

 

[brentalan]

Watch for poor shifting, feels like RR tracks shifting from 3rd to 4th gear. This means they haven't been changing the trans fluid and stay away

Make sure you have warm heat and ice cold A/c. Heat can be a problem in these cars

Watch for suspension problems. Make sure the car doesn't drop when you turn the air ride off

Make sure the HID lights work and the lightbar in back works. both expensive to replace

Make sure the door handles feel nice and tight. They wear out and break off in your hand.

there are more things to look for - most can be found on a search in the Mark VIII section.

 

[formerknown]

Never had a mark so this might be my 1st one

1. what should I look for?

A different car. Try the 96 Impala SS.

2. any issues in particular to 97?

Yeah-

Transmission (1-2 accumulator, etc.)
Coil-On-Plug ($50 each x up to 8)
Neon Tail ($700; discontinued)
HID Bulbs ($250 x 2; discountiued...???)
Lighting Control Module ($700)
Air suspension ($400 coils)

3. other than 10hp and lights what else changed structurally from a 96?

The body, the intake manifold, some interior accents, and better all-around lighting! The lighting is all that matters!

4. car ac doesn't work has 92k and one dash vent is missing due to air freshener being forcefully removed cream/grey combo what should I pay for this?

Offer $2,000

any othet tips advise would be great.
this will be a Daily driver other than gas milage are these things reliable?

It's hit or miss. I've owned two; one was horrible on gas, the other great. As for repairs, bring your wallet. The Gen-II has the best all-around styling and modern looks that were way ahead of its time. If I were you, I'd spend the dough and begin a long quest for a low, low, LOW mileage Gen-II. On a scale from 1-10 (ten being the best), I'd give the Gen-II a 7 in reliability. Gen-I deserves about a 8.9 or so.

 

[Lincolns Own]

make SURE that light bar works. we bought ours and the back light bar doesnt work. we searched everywhere and we cant find a new one anywhere. ebay is even hit and miss.

 

[Jibit]

make SURE that light bar works. we bought ours and the back light bar doesnt work. we searched everywhere and we cant find a new one anywhere. ebay is even hit and miss.

try car-parts.com, there is a lot of them out there (just not new), or there was a thread about fixing it

 

[fatboyq]

Damn man $2k that would piss him off LOL!
I was thinking aroud 3k
has new tires, brakes, tranny flushed 12k ago.
no haze on headlights which is good most Marks have nasty headlights with crud on them.

according to him all lights work everything bu the ac is working

for 2k you cant even get a 93 accord

 

[GMAN]

Damn man $2k that would piss him off LOL!
I was thinking aroud 3k
has new tires, brakes, tranny flushed 12k ago.
no haze on headlights which is good most Marks have nasty headlights with crud on them.

according to him all lights work everything bu the ac is working

for 2k you cant even get a 93 accord

I paid $2500 for my 97. It had a bad air ride system, so I converted it to springs. I would suggest you start the Mark, turn the wheel all the wayto the right and look at the lower control arms, upper control arms, and sway bar link. If any of those parts have the ball joints exposed, It will rattle like crazy. I did all the work myself, $350 in parts alone. To have a mechanic do the job, you are talking over $1000 for the job. I would bet anything that Mark has the same problems.

 

[fatboyq]

how many miles on your car GMAN. Only Marks in the 2-3k range in chicago are from 89-92s lowest Mark 8 I have seen was a 93 for $1999 with 94k miles on it. Hell If I can get it for $2800 I would be happy. where can it depreciate from there, it lost almost 95% of it's value.

 

[my95mark8]

Seems like all Marks have the same problems.
I wonder what mine is worth.

 

[GMAN]

how many miles on your car GMAN. Only Marks in the 2-3k range in chicago are from 89-92s lowest Mark 8 I have seen was a 93 for $1999 with 94k miles on it. Hell If I can get it for $2800 I would be happy. where can it depreciate from there, it lost almost 95% of it's value.

My Mark had 130K miles on it. The price is going to vary depending on the area of the country you are in. I was extremely luck to get my Mark for the price I got it. This is my second Mark, so I knew what to look for this time around.

 

[67Continental]

how many miles on your car GMAN. Only Marks in the 2-3k range in chicago are from 89-92s lowest Mark 8 I have seen was a 93 for $1999 with 94k miles on it. Hell If I can get it for $2800 I would be happy. where can it depreciate from there, it lost almost 95% of it's value.

I paid 2100 for my 94, it's been an amazing car maintenance wise. Bought it in Boston, brought it back to canada.