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Old 01-07-2007, 03:25 PM
Randy Randy is offline
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Northern Louisiana
Posts: 481
That is sure a beauty; certainly worth a serious consideration if that's the type of auto you want. Increasingly people seem to want only "new", no matter what it is, it's pedigree, etc. These are fine cars and will stay fine if properly maintained.
That said, I bought mine 3 years ago, from the original owner, and had known it since new. I knew it had not had much serious maintenance in a while; once I changed out the fuel pumps and idle control circuit, and fixed the vacuum leaks, it idled and ran perfect, but I was scared to death of the timing chain. I changed it along with the tensioner and cam oiler tube fittings, in March 2006 at 149,000 miles. My three plastic slides were in better shape than I expected: yellowed and slightly grooved, but not cracked. The chain showed about 8 degrees stretch before I started the replacement. The engine was very clean inside (frequent oil changes?).I bought an OEM tensioner, by the way. I agree: You should change out these parts at least so you don't have to worry: change out belts and hoses, thermostat, replace all the fuses; flush the brake hydraulics (assuming these things have not been done);really get it solid. These cars, as do any car but especially expensive, complex ones, suffer from neglect and will become uneconomic to repair if there is a major mechanical calamity like chain failure. You will love a properly maintained one, and rue the day you bought a neglected one. Good luck (Hint: maintance creates a positive atmosphere in which luck can flourish).
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