Is this a good deal???

Question

Alright theres an 00 mustang v6 5 spd with 168k miles on it for $3600. I checked online and insurance will be $500 more per year. Kbb says the mustang will get 20-29 mpg and my stratus gets 20-28 mpg. BUT Kbb says the mustang in GOOD condition is worth $3100 and fair is $2600. I would not pay anything over $2800 for this mustang but i wanna know if I should even look into it here's a link take a look and tell me what you think. http://eastnc.craigslist.org/cto/814543417.html thanks any bit of advice will be helpful!!!! I just wanna know if my $2800 is too much of a low ball offer to be considered or if I should try for $2600 or so is this worth my money??????

Answer 1

Ok First off. Your offer isn't low ball. If you ask me to buy, I won't pay a dime over 2500. Provided the runs absolutely great. The miles worry me. Too many for my liking. I like my cars in 60-75K Mile range.

Second, take it to a mechanic of your choice. If he gives it a Ok certificate then look at body & paint. See if there's any rust (Shudder!) or body damage that's existing or repaired. Especially structural / frame damage. If there's any then that's a No No. Also check to see if the airbag had ever deployed. if it did, walk away. If the owner isn't forthcoming with any part of the information or appears reluctant then walk away.

Lastly Get a CarFax on the car. If there's any surprise there, walk away. Sometimes you can discover maintenance records in there. If it's a single owner, ask for the records anyway.

If all this is ok, & you get a good vibe from the owner, pay no more than $2500. You might as well start from $2000.  

Answer 2

I think the average Mustang is about ready to be retired to pasture at 168,000 miles. There are exceptions of course. You really need to look the gift horse in the mouth. Take buy the car until someone who knows what he's doing has inspected the car inside and out.

Look for leaks, smoke or steam coming from the tail pipe. Does the engine start easily and run smoothly? Does the transmission shift smoothly or does it make funny noises. Does the car brake smoothly without squealing or grinding. Do the accessories like airconditioning work. Are there signs of mismatched paint or body seams that are uneven. Look at the undercarriage, Any seams or welds that don't look like factory work? How about the tires... is there uneven wear across the tread? Are they worn out and due for replacememnt?

If this horse passes inspection, it may carry you for a while, but always have some cash on hand for things that wear out.