[QUOTE=deanyel].... I wouldn't get enamored with the low miles, there's still plenty of things that will break with age. I personally would rather have 125k mile corrosion free car that has been serviced regularly. And what you want is a western car, not a southern car. [QUOTE]


Agreed, except it depends on how it was driven and serviced... how often was the oil changed? Were the brake lines flushed every two years?... Basically, was the entire maintenance schedule followed?

Southern versus western cars: Southern cars may have mildew problems. As for the west, it depends on which state, and which part of the state. I.e. They use salt on the roads in Idaho, and sometimes in Oregon, never in Washington. But it rains quite a bit on the western side of Oregon and Washington, whereas the eastern halves of these states are very dry. A car from Arizona should be totally rust free, but may be seriously sun damaged. It all depends.

What I really would recommend you do is have a reliable independent mechanic assess the car for you.

I paid over blue book for my '91, but it had EXTREMELY low miles (28K), spent all of its life in eastern Washington in a heated garage, was in PERFECT condition, and the original owner (an engineer) kept absolutely meticulous records of all maintenance and dealer service. The only problems I've had since then weren't problems, just maintenance: Replaced the water pump after it wore out and was rattling (along with belt tensioner, damper, idler pulley, belt and refilled fan clutch oil), and I had the infamous head gasket leak at 85K miles, which prompted me to re-lap the valves, replace the valve seals, all hoses, expansion tank and cap, and the radiator and thermostat cover (original plastic parts).

But, what it really boils down to is this: You like the car, then buy the car. If you aren't sure, then pass. Generally I hate haggling over the price of anything, but out of habit I always offer $1K less than the asking price, even when I know darn well the the car is worth. It is pretty well understood by most that people will offer less than the asking, and there shouldn't be any hard feelings over it. The only time I never offered less was for my Audi, which was already being offered at a good price and the seller stated that the price was solid.

good luck

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