[danlavilette]

Hey Everyone, I'm looking at a 2003 Merc Sable LS Premium with 144,000 miles. The gentleman selling the car is asking $2,650... I test drove the car and it handles excellent, has great acceleration, shifts smooth, and seems to have no bugs. The interior is in good shape, all accessories work, etc, etc. I'm going to check with the seller to see any and all maintenance records. He is the third owner. I'm a bit concerned with the high miles, but I know nothing about the Taurus/Sable. Does this sound like a good value to you? Please share your thoughts, experiences, ideas.. I appreciate your help!:salute:

 

[JW657]

Hey Everyone, I'm looking at a 2003 Merc Sable LS Premium with 144,000 miles. The gentleman selling the car is asking $2,650... I test drove the car and it handles excellent, has great acceleration, shifts smooth, and seems to have no bugs. The interior is in good shape, all accessories work, etc, etc. I'm going to check with the seller to see any and all maintenance records. He is the third owner. I'm a bit concerned with the high miles, but I know nothing about the Taurus/Sable. Does this sound like a good value to you? Please share your thoughts, experiences, ideas.. I appreciate your help!:salute:

Sounds like a nice car. Personally, I would start at $2,000 and go from there, the car has a few miles on it.

 

[durasel]

Definately check out the transmission and see if he's had it serviced regularly.

 

[danlavilette]

Thank you both for your input. I looked at the car again today and checked the engine compartment and fluids. The seller didn't get any service records when he purchased the car, so I'm a bit nervous. I think the first thing I'm going to do with the car is a thorough transmission flush/filter change and an oil/filter change. I think I'll do plugs & wires, PCV valve, air filter and a fuel filter too. Hopefully, I won't regret this.... :noes:

 

[bull geek]

Don;t be surprised if the car needs or will need lower and upper intake gaskets as well as vacuum lines. The cheapest you can make it, the better. Does the oil pan gasket leak?

 

[danlavilette]

Don;t be surprised if the car needs or will need lower and upper intake gaskets as well as vacuum lines. The cheapest you can make it, the better. Does the oil pan gasket leak?

Thanks for the heads up. I checked the price on the upper and lower intake gaskets, about 27 bucks from Advance . As for the vacuum lines, I'm not sure how much that would cost. I didn't notice any leaking around the oil pan, but I'll keep an eye out for it. That's another 25 bucks. Hopefully I don't get nickle and dimed to death. Thanks again for your insight!

 

[boosted expy]

mileage isn't the tell all. i am the 2nd owner of my 02 sable. original owners put 127k on it. i have had it less than a year, and am at almost 150k now. runs like a top. 150 mile commute every day.