I'm new,,need everyones advice

[vnyborg]

I'm thinking of purchasing a lincoln continental. I went to look at one today, it was a 97 with 145,000 miles and selling for $2,900.

My first impressions were

Love the room
Surprised by all the features
Drives very nice for a older car
Interior was in good condition(minus a small tear on driver door) Probably from the owner resting their elbow on it.
Paint/body was good
Engine was clean, looked like it was maintained.

Now do you guys think this is a good buy?
Is there anything I should look for on the car?
Do you think this car will last me at least 1-2 years, without spending alot of money?


Thanks everyone

 

[MichiganTeddyBear]

find out the history of the air suspension if possible. the car is going on 10 years old, and thats about when they will start giving trouble. There are rubber components in the system, exposed to the elements, and 10 yrs is about the lifetime of them parts.

Other than that, as long as its been maintained properly, you should be ok!

 

[psungee]

Racks also have a limited life. Changing them at some point is a given. Napa (in the US as well, if I'm correct) offers a rack with a lifetime warranty (but the service portion isn't, of course, lifetime - just the part) but it will require service at some point if it hasn't been done. (I just did the rack and found the garage to be negligent in not doing the pressure hoses at the same time - so while the garage lost me [permanently] I learnt that steering on contis do require maintenance.) Still love the car!

See http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?t=33281

 

[vnyborg]

What I decided to do is get the suspension, transmission, and rack checked out first before I make my decision.

If all checks out I probably will get the conti, but my main concern is the cost of maint. Is it expensive to own this car, especially the miles and year it is?

 

[MRTEMPER323]

its a good car

just make sure who ever ur taking the car to its some one u know cuz this days they wiil tell u lies only for them to make moneytake it to a mechanic u know

 

[pokeeto2]

I think it's risky with those miles. It might just be a great car, but who knows the kind of maintenance that car has seen in the past 10 years.

Check it out though, but after my knowledge with so many of these cars, I would of preferred something under 100K. maybe 110 the most.

145K even if it had proper care isn't the same when it's under 100. 145, before you know it, 175, then 200K.

The engine & air ride isn't what I fear, it's the transmission. Which can cost about $1500 to under $1850 to repair in all. It's not the tranny thats expensive, it's the limited space and that huge engine in the way to remove tranny is what costs the most.

I'm in the used car business and for $2900 it has to be a mint, one owner car I've bought my 2001 with 91K for $3650. My previous 98 with 118k for $2800, my dad bought a 98 with 160k for $950 and sold it for $2100. All are in mint condition.

I don't want to discourage you but If everything legit mechanically go for it, but I would try to bargain a few hundred If I were you. The dealer might knock off over $300.

 

[psungee]

I'm in the used car business and for $2900 it has to be a mint, one owner car I've bought my 2001 with 91K for $3650. My previous 98 with 118k for $2800, my dad bought a 98 with 160k for $950 and sold it for $2100. All are in mint condition.

Of course you know us ordinary people would like your prices but expect, usually, to pay a bit more.

 

[pokeeto2]

I just believe that for a 97 with 145, for $2900 is a bit high. It would have to be a really clean, one owner and properly maintained car for it to stand at that price.

And that I'm warning to be cautious with those miles. The only thing to worry about really is the Tranny.

The Air springs are rather inexpensive and easy to install in that year and above.

Asks $2900, offer $2450 and it might be a done deal.

 

[vnyborg]

I appreciate the advice, thats exactly why I posted on here.

The person thats selling the car is a wholesale dealer(buys from auctions), so he doesn't know the full history of the car. He is willing to have the car checked to make sure everything is ok.

But after the last post I may rethink getting it, Because I don't want something I will have to put that much money into.

I only have $3,000 for a car so my options are very very limited.