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I've kind of fallen in love with the older Avalons. They remind me of the big American cars I drove in HS, but with leather in place of rust.
I've seen some with 110-140K miles for $5000 or so. But I just came across one with 185K, for just $2000.
Normally I wouldn't touch a car with this many miles, but I've heard these are very reliable. Assuming cosmetic condition and mechanicals check out for both, what would you do, wait and pay the five grand for lower mileage, or scoop up this car?
I've kind of fallen in love with the older Avalons. They remind me of the big American cars I drove in HS, but with leather in place of rust.
I've seen some with 110-140K miles for $5000 or so. But I just came across one with 185K, for just $2000.
Normally I wouldn't touch a car with this many miles, but I've heard these are very reliable. Assuming cosmetic condition and mechanicals check out for both, what would you do, wait and pay the five grand for lower mileage, or scoop up this car?
Pay a mechanic to run a compression test on the engine to see how worn it is.
If that is good and the rest of the car is in ok condition buy the car.
A car with that many miles could be in very good condition, or very bad condition. For $2,000, if you want something decently reliable with some good miles left in it, you have to focus on condition more than any other factor, including mileage and make/model.
Bring a savvy friend, and/or pay a mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection to tell you if it's a good bet or not. In my area, the going rate is about $100.
I've kind of fallen in love with the older Avalons. They remind me of the big American cars I drove in HS, but with leather in place of rust.
I've seen some with 110-140K miles for $5000 or so. But I just came across one with 185K, for just $2000.
Normally I wouldn't touch a car with this many miles, but I've heard these are very reliable. Assuming cosmetic condition and mechanicals check out for both, what would you do, wait and pay the five grand for lower mileage, or scoop up this car?
What part of the country are you in, what kind of use/care has the car had, and what are your expectations of the car?
If the car had been run by a guy like me, garaged, had good maintenance, and was in a rural, non-rusting environment it could be just fine. I had the head off my 87 Camry at 160K to do a head gasket, the cylinder bores looked just like new.
If the car accumulated these miles in an urban setting, there would be more mechanical wear and no doubt plenty of "urban rash" on the body.
I don't get too worked up on how many miles are on a car. Actual condition depends on how it was used and where.
Have the car checked. Rust is one potential thing that would keep me away. Also helps to get a better idea why previous owner is selling the car-it usually is not because of lack of need for repairs
Plan to spend $500+ each year on repair, depending on how much you are going to drive the car.
I'll give you $300. for it right now, no questions asked.
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