Would You trade???
 

Greetings all,

I am in a semi bind. I currently own a 2002 3.0i with 87k miles, no body work, no tranny or engine problems just the usual maintenance fixes (cv boot, control arm bushings, and all preventative maintenance done). I am being offered a trade for a 2003 4.6is with 117k miles, estoril blue with no previous body work but owner has no records of maintenance. Also it has had a tranny rebuilt at 90k according to owner. I drove it and it feels nice, but it has that dreaded "lurch". Owner wants to trade for my '02 + $6k cash. Here is a blackberry picture of the Estoril. I am going to have my friend, who works on mine to inspect it and tell me what he finds.

What would you do???

Did he tell you why he wants to trade?

I think on the surface that sounds like a great trade for you. However, I would be concerned why he wants to trade. No offense but a 3.0 isn't nearly as desirable as a 4.6 and the fact he's throwing $6k into the deal seems almost crazy. I would think straight across or even asking you for cash would be what most would consider reasonable. I'd be wary of serious potential flaws with the 4.6 with that sort of a deal, but if it checks out, take it and run! (oh and either paint the centers of the wheels black or gunmetal or put 87s on!)

He claims he wants a 3.0i because of the gas consumption between the two, says current gas prices are killing him. Also, he wants ME to give him $6k in the deal. So it will be my 3.0i + $6k. I would also suggest he keeps his rims and I keep my 87's. But I will be taking it to shop on friday, lets see what happens.

It's kinda strange that the owner has NO records at all.... But the dealership can run the VIN for you and pull up all of the records that THEY have on it. Does it have a clean carfax? Can the owner PROVE the trans was rebuilt/repaired, with a repair order? Why was the trans repaired and why is the "lurch" still there?

If he's wanting to part with it because of the fuel consumption, methinks something is a bit screwy.... I believe that excuse is right before... "This vehicle is waaaay to fast for me... If I dont get rid of it, I'm gonna get a speeding ticket..."

While this sounds golden, there's just not enough information to jump on to this deal. Unless you are capable and dont mind buying a "pig in a poke"..caveat emptor.

These are all the things that have me worried. Owner claims that he's moved from PA to NYC and in the process has misplaced all receipts. I honestly think its bullshit, therefore I will be running a car fax and see what this SAV is hiding in its closet.

Good luck, I hope your inspector friend knows all of the sniglets to look for.

As a proud owner of a 4.6, I can tell you the gurl will snap your head with acceleration/braking.... but if it isn't healthy, your wallet is what REALLY gets snapped...

Dan

I would leave it alone. Keep looking for another with less suspicions. I wouldn't even bother with a carfax. I've bought trouble-free rides before with no maintenance receipts. Simply, the owner wrenched it all himself and had this old notebook with the maintenance history.

My personal first rule of cars is to never go older or higher mileage than what you currently have, regardless of how cool the car is. I urge you to think.the same. More mileage = more likeliness to have problems, period.

:iagree: ...the only time that rule might be bent is by someone that has a stable of stuff, and is looking to fill a gap in their 'collection'. But, for a DD, around Gotham City,
I would take a Pasadena.
GL, mD