To Buy Or Not To Buy... that is the question

rainy_dayz_SD · Post by **rainy_dayz_SD** » 09 Oct 2016, 11:12

I'm looking to possibly purchase this car http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/5819834087.html - but it's got nearly 200,000 miles on it.

Apparently, the guy selling it is the only owner and he's kept up maintenance for the life of the car (I pulled the CarFax to confirm it). Am I walking into a world of expensive repairs, given the lifespan and road life of this car... or could it reasonably be expected to drive on without major problems for another 100K miles?

Obviously, I'll have the car inspected before buying - but I'm wondering if it's even looking at the car when it's got so many miles.

Your help and advice is appreciated.

Post by **matthew1** » 09 Oct 2016, 12:34

Eh, it's a normal 15-year-old car that could end up costing double what you pay for it in a year, or it could give you another 100k with just fluid changes and give its life saving yours in a horrible wreck.

15/200k cars are for people who want to / know how to work on them, and for gamblers. Which are you?

Post by **jonesg** » 09 Oct 2016, 14:13

I paid $2K for 2004 V70 W/ 173k Miles.
I'd say he's a bit high. Maybe offer 2400.

Post by **abscate** » 09 Oct 2016, 14:17

Expect to tun this car at 15-20 cents per mile for maintenance, 1/3 of that if you work on it yourself.

No car runs free from 100-200k

Post by **oragex** » 09 Oct 2016, 14:40

After reading the advertising, it may be a rare find.
A must is to drive it (ask him to meet at some point) until the transmission is fully warmed, and feel for any shifting hesitation. He has replaced it, but you don't know if the replacement is not failing again. Secondly, see if the throttle body was already replaced, hopefully not too long ago - expensive repair.

Drivers seat looks in excellent condition, may mean the car has seen mostly highway miles, which is great news.

"could it reasonably be expected to drive on without major problems for another 100K miles?" Good chance no major problems, but wear items will need replaced. Have $1000+ on the side for repairs in the next 1-2 years.