friend is looking to purchase a '89 260.

[fz500sel]

I have a friend who is looking to purchase a 1989 260. It has only 110,000 miles on it and she is going to buy it from a friend of hers that is the original owner. The guy supposedly has all of the maintenance records. According to my friend the vehicle is immaculate inside.

She would like me to take a quick look at it. I suggested that she ask the guy if she could take it for a day. Then she could take it to my indy and have him do a PPI.

What are some of the common problems with this model?

[Duke2.6]

Audit the maintenance records to see if the head gasket has been changed. Ask the owner about oil consumption and check to see if the valve seals have ever been changed.

Also check for air conditioning service - how long will it hold a charge. Evaporators on 124s are a problem area.

I would also audit emission test history on any older car, but I don't think you have emission testing in Florida. The M103 engines tend toward high emissions, which can be a problem in areas that require periodic emission tests.

Duke

[lee polowczuk]

oil and transmission fluid changes.

other post hit it on the head-- head gasket and a/c system.

If they say it just needs a charge...it probablyl needs an evaoporator and the whole system replaced... looking at over 2500.

[Jackd]

DUKE 260 has covered it all. If the price is right, go for it.
At 100,000mi, the car is just broken in.
I can vow for the reliability and longevity of a 260E for having owned mine for over 11 years. I now have over 275,000mi on my car and it is still going strong.

[fz500sel]

Thanks fellas.

That's exactly the kind of info I was looking for. I will check out the vehicle for her.