Possible new car opinions needed

C

CelicaLover

New member
So I'm looking for my first car and I stumbled across this today.



Cars For Sale: Car Details - AutoTrader.com



I gave the gentleman a call and he told me the car has 71000 miles with all service records. Its a single owner car that the owner described to me as immaculatly kept. We all know how that goes :). He sounded like a nice older gentlmen and I went ahead and set up an appointment for 9am tomorrow. I was wondering what everyones thoughts on it were. I know the picture isn't very descriptive. Any thoughts/suggestions whatsoever would be greatly appreciated.



Thanks,

Josh
 
These ideas might help. Look around the Internet for forums for that type of car and goto msn-autos and look at user reviews for problems. Check Edmund's etc for prices. Then look over the car for any big leaks, smells, dents -repairs. Check around the window trim and under it for new paint. I would check the oil, hoses,belts for need of repair. Listen for strange engine noises. The list goes on and on. Have a friend /mechanic look it over if you want. If anything is found, try to get a price adjustment.
 
new tires is a good indication that its maintained believe it or not.

I would do a compression test, or even a leakdown test on the engine to make sure it is healthy. Do a check of all the components that a regular service would include around that amount of miles.

Make sure to read over all the service records, and as pgq said, take it to a mechanic and have it checked out. It would be better if you knew the mechanic so he/she won't tell you lies.
 
Consumers reports, (if you believe them), has the value on a 2000 focus between 3000 and 5500, so you're in line there, and the reliability isn't bad. They're fun to drive cars, and feel more substantial than they should for their size and weight. I thought seriously about a Focus when I was hunting recently.



Get the VIN and run a carfax before you commit. May be a great deal, but it could also be a flood car or something. For 25 bucks it's a pretty good deal.



Good luck, it looks nice!
 
Being a single owner is usually a good sign. If it had many problems he would have traded it.
 
Looks good on the outside. Drive it and see if everything is good. Listen for any clunks or odd noises.



Also as someone else said, check up common problems for Focus'...Get a Carfax too
 
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