Stick has a good point. Probably a good idea to look up a mechanic in the area, ask him if you can bring the car in at a certain time for a quick inspection.....which you will be glad to pay for. Get a mechanic with good reviews. Have to do your homework well in advance.
Well, the truck is finally over the curb, literally when I drove it off the lot :@ There was some drama with the replaced moon roof piece, but they just had to reset the programming. Reset the trip meter after a few miles. Sitting at 23+. We'll see if that lasts. Power tailgate is fun, but if you watch the GM video Marco posted, GM came out with one that's totally over the top.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
good in theory, but IMO does not often happen, on private party sales. Not for mainstream and cheaper cars. Those are cash and carry. And if they are good deals, they will go quick. And owners aren't interested in dealing with all the logistics. I have sold a bunch myself, and have never had anyone ask.
I discussed doing it on a couple that I was looking at, but never got that far. One was a BMW, so really wanted it on that. Otherwise, I just winged it on my own recon!
I’ve always done it on any used car deal, buyer or seller. It only takes an extra hour really. I’d think someone has something to hide if they weren’t amenable to it.
it's a time/hassle thing. can take some days to get set up. Maybe if it is a hard to sell car, or priced on the high side, it could work. But if I get a bunch of calls from interested people (and sometimes I have), I am not holding the car for days, and going out of my way to hold it off the market and take it to a mechanic for you, if the guy the arrived right behind you wants to pay cash and take it on the spot.
then again, I was selling things like a $10K Accord or $3k integra that got snapped up. If I was trying to move a $30K BMW, I would likely have to be more flexible!
The PPI isn't a guarantee of course, but I like to think of it as a "pretty good" filter that might not catch every particle but really improves your odds of not choking to death.
Driver, yep I'll be leaving the sandwiches and sack lunches home on this one. I only break out the heavy artillery as a last resort. ;-)
Little Jip made a good point when I spoke with him about the car, if you're selling a car...why do a transmission flush while the car is for sale? Could be as a good selling point, or because the owner is o.c.d about maintenance...or... something else. And yes, 2 for 2 on Craigslist would be a world record. :-)
ab348 and stick, yeah, I don't mind paying a little more for quality, but it still has to be reasonable. On Craigslist, don't know why you don't see more private sellers. Seems most are wholesalers with rebuilt wrecks
Suydam, I asked owner about option s. All he could come up with is sunroof, power windows, and power drivers seat. Definitely needs the side airbags.
Xwesx yeah, I think the Milan is an upscale Fusion, which is known for good reliability.
Jmonroe, thanks for your comment s. I have a friend who is a shade free mechanic, thought I'd ask him to come along to look at the car. But, yeah, a full-time mechanic probably a better idea. I remember one car I looked at, many many years ago, had sand in the ashtray and under floormats. Had to pass on that one. I haven't researched the car much yet, I think your pricing suggestionsis close to what I was thinking. Car Fax definitely. And you'll be the first to know if the ole jip...got out jipped. :-(
Driver, I hate to admit it too. Jmonroe made some good points. First time for everything? ;-)
J Munro yes that is me a while he’s guy Ha ha ha you can tell I like to cause good trouble even at work ask anyone harmless Ha ha ha let’s all get along children now now ha ha Ha Lol lol lol
Very nice explore glad you got your new truck tonight remember the post pics weather permitting maybe over the weekend when you can for those who see well ha ha Ha
That’s what I would do go on yelp or Google something like that find a close local mechanic with good readings nothings perfect in life with the one with the best readings you gonna find them go to that mechanic
Thanks for all the comments everyone. I have taken all suggestions under consideration. Will try to set up a time to look at the car Saturday morning. I like a good hunt, so I won't be disappointed if it doesn't work out. Really hadn't planned on buying until late May....July at latest. Just surprised to see a decent car on CL.
Thanks for all the comments everyone. I have taken all suggestions under consideration. Will try to set up a time to look at the car Saturday morning. I like a good hunt, so I won't be disappointed if it doesn't work out. Really hadn't planned on buying until late May....July at latest. Just surprised to see a decent car on CL.
Do you think cars on AutoTrader are any better?
I agree Jip...most of the fun is in the hunt....once you have the beast most of the fun is over........guess that is a rule of life (and I ain't saying nothing else).
@mrsandman I think I'd do my shopping for cars to replace. If you're lucky, you'll get a check in a month. If not so much, you'll get a car back that drives just fine, but will never feel the same. In that case you may be wanting to trade, but it'll have a big CarCheck on its record. Probably a straight out sale might find someone wanting a nice car who overlooks the repairs somewhat for value.
Go slow and get the medical problems treated. Even if someone's insurance isn't high enough to pay, they are still responsible. The idea that people can only be responsible for their insurance limits is ridiculous. Sue.
True, a judgement is usually good for 20 years so even if he doesn't have money now you might collect in the future. But actually collecting is the problem. Dead beats are clever at protecting their assets.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
It has been a while since I bought a used car private party. I think the last one was my Integra. Found that one on CL, from a local community college math professor that bought it new. That one had a good vibe to it, so passed the smell test. Before that I think it was 2008 when I got a contour for my son. I think that one was a bit of a hinky situation though. I won't count my TL that I bought from my sister!
at this point, if I get something used, most likely would be from some sort of dealer. Though just nicer to have new (if more expensive).
What do you guys think of this vehicle for my son? It's Craiglist...buyer BEWARE!! See any red flags? Owner emailed me a lengthy response. Says has owned a couple years. Bought from some close friends in Florida, who bought from dealership. Says no wrecks as far as he knows. Planning on doing trans flush this weekend.Tires 1 year old. New plugs, rotors and brakes. Seems to be overpriced by about a grand. Thoughts?
If as advertized that price for that year car is not too bad from others I've seen. If you can get it for a thousand less I'd jump on it. Has anyone mentioned the seats look grey but seller says black?
Only similar one I could find on the west coast of Florida for comparison.
good in theory, but IMO does not often happen, on private party sales. Not for mainstream and cheaper cars. Those are cash and carry. And if they are good deals, they will go quick. And owners aren't interested in dealing with all the logistics. I have sold a bunch myself, and have never had anyone ask.
I discussed doing it on a couple that I was looking at, but never got that far. One was a BMW, so really wanted it on that. Otherwise, I just winged it on my own recon!
You might ask for a mechanics inspection just to gauge the reaction. While not as old as some of the cars I've purchased on CL you have to expect it will need some repairs.
Nobody ever sold a used car because it was TOO perfect.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
it's a time/hassle thing. can take some days to get set up. Maybe if it is a hard to sell car, or priced on the high side, it could work. But if I get a bunch of calls from interested people (and sometimes I have), I am not holding the car for days, and going out of my way to hold it off the market and take it to a mechanic for you, if the guy the arrived right behind you wants to pay cash and take it on the spot.
then again, I was selling things like a $10K Accord or $3k integra that got snapped up. If I was trying to move a $30K BMW, I would likely have to be more flexible!
There are services that will go to the seller's location and do an inspection for about $150. Might give you a second set of eyes. I know I always forget to check a few items.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
one reason I keep all my service records, and love a private sale where the owner has them. Especially if serviced at the dealer, and includes inspection reports. Much better than nothing.
Thanks for all the comments everyone. I have taken all suggestions under consideration. Will try to set up a time to look at the car Saturday morning. I like a good hunt, so I won't be disappointed if it doesn't work out. Really hadn't planned on buying until late May....July at latest. Just surprised to see a decent car on CL.
Do you think cars on AutoTrader are any better?
I agree Jip...most of the fun is in the hunt....once you have the beast most of the fun is over........guess that is a rule of life (and I ain't saying nothing else).
Haven't looked at AutoTrader in a long time. Will check them out.
KBB has that Milan priced at $6,800 private party. Almost $1,500 more compared to Edmunds. Looks like I may need those sack lunches after all. :-(
Thanks for all the comments everyone. I have taken all suggestions under consideration. Will try to set up a time to look at the car Saturday morning. I like a good hunt, so I won't be disappointed if it doesn't work out. Really hadn't planned on buying until late May....July at latest. Just surprised to see a decent car on CL.
Do you think cars on AutoTrader are any better?
I agree Jip...most of the fun is in the hunt....once you have the beast most of the fun is over........guess that is a rule of life (and I ain't saying nothing else).
Haven't looked at AutoTrader in a long time. Will check them out.
KBB has that Milan priced at $6,800 private party. Almost $1,500 more compared to Edmunds. Looks like I may need those sack lunches after all. :-(
On newer cars Edmunds and KBB are usually very close. As cars get older Edmunds tends to give a much lower valuation than KBB. Sometimes as much as 50%.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I remember in the 1980s for a used car and I had a bit of a rule....to get a decent used car you would have to spend a minimum of about $3000. My new 82 Cutlass I believe was about $14000....so 20%. (I am trying to remember prices and yearsas best I can).
So, a good used car was about 20% of the cost of a new car. If a new car costs on average $30000, that would make a minimum price for a good used car about $6000.
Does this make any sense to anyone.....should it be modified? Is there a good rule of thumb?
What do you guys think of this vehicle for my son? It's Craiglist...buyer BEWARE!! See any red flags? Owner emailed me a lengthy response. Says has owned a couple years. Bought from some close friends in Florida, who bought from dealership. Says no wrecks as far as he knows. Planning on doing trans flush this weekend.Tires 1 year old. New plugs, rotors and brakes. Seems to be overpriced by about a grand. Thoughts?
If as advertized that price for that year car is not too bad from others I've seen. If you can get it for a thousand less I'd jump on it. Has anyone mentioned the seats look grey but seller says black?
Only similar one I could find on the west coast of Florida for comparison.
I need some help from my fellow New Englanders (@explorerx4@laurasdada@sb55). I'm supposed to go skiing with my 11 year old (& 4 other people from his Boy Scout Troop) at Pico Mountain in VT (near Killington). The guy from the Scouts who is organizing the trip & has a season pass to ski Killington told me to go a specific way (Taconic Parkway to Route 7 to Route 4) because he swears it is an easier ride than taking the interstate (Merritt Parkway to I-91 to Route 4). Normally I'd be OK with that, but I'll be driving through the middle of a NorEaster when I leave this afternoon. All comments are appreciated. Her'e's a link to the Google directions:
What do you guys think of this vehicle for my son? It's Craiglist...buyer BEWARE!! See any red flags? Owner emailed me a lengthy response. Says has owned a couple years. Bought from some close friends in Florida, who bought from dealership. Says no wrecks as far as he knows. Planning on doing trans flush this weekend.Tires 1 year old. New plugs, rotors and brakes. Seems to be overpriced by about a grand. Thoughts?
I remember in the 1980s for a used car and I had a bit of a rule....to get a decent used car you would have to spend a minimum of about $3000. My new 82 Cutlass I believe was about $14000....so 20%. (I am trying to remember prices and yearsas best I can).
So, a good used car was about 20% of the cost of a new car. If a new car costs on average $30000, that would make a minimum price for a good used car about $6000.
Does this make any sense to anyone.....should it be modified? Is there a good rule of thumb?
It doesn't make any sense to me because you didn't say how old the used car is when you're trying to buy it. As we all know some cars hold their value better than others at any particular year. So, it is even make and model specific too for any given year.
That was not a left-handed knock on what you said. You made a full blast incomplete, confusing statement.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
What do you guys think of this vehicle for my son? It's Craiglist...buyer BEWARE!! See any red flags? Owner emailed me a lengthy response. Says has owned a couple years. Bought from some close friends in Florida, who bought from dealership. Says no wrecks as far as he knows. Planning on doing trans flush this weekend.Tires 1 year old. New plugs, rotors and brakes. Seems to be overpriced by about a grand. Thoughts?
If as advertized that price for that year car is not too bad from others I've seen. If you can get it for a thousand less I'd jump on it. Has anyone mentioned the seats look grey but seller says black?
Only similar one I could find on the west coast of Florida for comparison.
Didn't notice the seats look grey instead of black, but I thought the exterior looked navy blue. Must be the glare of the sun.
Prices from dealerships seem to be all over the place... my head is starting to spin.
Colors rarely come out right on a computer. I think about $6000 for a car of that year, condition, and background in excellent condition makes it worth it.
Of course, you know what will happen as soon as you buy it.......you'll find an even better one. I try not to look at any more ads at that point.
I remember in the 1980s for a used car and I had a bit of a rule....to get a decent used car you would have to spend a minimum of about $3000. My new 82 Cutlass I believe was about $14000....so 20%. (I am trying to remember prices and yearsas best I can).
So, a good used car was about 20% of the cost of a new car. If a new car costs on average $30000, that would make a minimum price for a good used car about $6000.
Does this make any sense to anyone.....should it be modified? Is there a good rule of thumb?
I think $3000 is a bit too low for a really "good" used car in today's market. By "good" I mean no real needs mechanically other than minor cosmetics. After all, a $3000 car that needs 4 new tires and front brakes is a $4000 car.
What do you guys think of this vehicle for my son? It's Craiglist...buyer BEWARE!! See any red flags? Owner emailed me a lengthy response. Says has owned a couple years. Bought from some close friends in Florida, who bought from dealership. Says no wrecks as far as he knows. Planning on doing trans flush this weekend.Tires 1 year old. New plugs, rotors and brakes. Seems to be overpriced by about a grand. Thoughts?
If as advertized that price for that year car is not too bad from others I've seen. If you can get it for a thousand less I'd jump on it. Has anyone mentioned the seats look grey but seller says black?
Only similar one I could find on the west coast of Florida for comparison.
Didn't notice the seats look grey instead of black, but I thought the exterior looked navy blue. Must be the glare of the sun.
Prices from dealerships seem to be all over the place... my head is starting to spin.
Welcome to the world of car buying, new or used, but used is even wackier especially from a new car dealer.
When I was trying to raise my family back in the 70' and 80's I never bought a new car. The first new car I ever bought was a '66 Bonneville then a '68 Old Delta 88 Custom. To be honest, I shouldn't have bought the Olds because there was nothing wrong with the Bonny. I didn't make that mistake again.
I bought a '75 Grand Prix in 1977 for $4000 with about 22K miles on it, private party. I don't know what the MSRP was but the 4 grand I paid was right for me. I never had a problem with that car to the day I sold it in the late 80's with around 70K miles on it.
In my opinion the best car I ever had was my '80 Park Ave. that I bought, private party, in '83 with around 16K miles on it for $7,800. The window sticker for that car was in the glove box and it was just a tick shy of 17 grand, IIRC. There was no way I could have bought that car new without starving my family and living in a tent.
I didn't buy a new car again until the infamous 2005 XG350 and that was long after my Sons were no longer chowing down at my table and I was fully recovered from the bills at Penn State.
That Milan you're looking at seems to be good used car. If you get it for under 6 grand that would be a good deal and you should have a reliable car that might even get your son through MIT. Then he can buy new until he starts to raise a family.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
I need some help from my fellow New Englanders (@explorerx4@laurasdada@sb55). I'm supposed to go skiing with my 11 year old (& 4 other people from his Boy Scout Troop) at Pico Mountain in VT (near Killington). The guy from the Scouts who is organizing the trip & has a season pass to ski Killington told me to go a specific way (Taconic Parkway to Route 7 to Route 4) because he swears it is an easier ride than taking the interstate (Merritt Parkway to I-91 to Route 4). Normally I'd be OK with that, but I'll be driving through the middle of a NorEaster when I leave this afternoon. All comments are appreciated. Her'e's a link to the Google directions:
I need some help from my fellow New Englanders (@explorerx4@laurasdada@sb55). I'm supposed to go skiing with my 11 year old (& 4 other people from his Boy Scout Troop) at Pico Mountain in VT (near Killington). The guy from the Scouts who is organizing the trip & has a season pass to ski Killington told me to go a specific way (Taconic Parkway to Route 7 to Route 4) because he swears it is an easier ride than taking the interstate (Merritt Parkway to I-91 to Route 4). Normally I'd be OK with that, but I'll be driving through the middle of a NorEaster when I leave this afternoon. All comments are appreciated. Her'e's a link to the Google directions:
If you can postpone until tomorrow I'd reccommend it. Weatherman blew it big time and 1-3" is now over a foot. Snow is like shoveling concrete. Roads are bad.
Stick to major highways if you can. Take the blue line up 91 or you'll be going right through the worst hit areas.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I need some help from my fellow New Englanders (@explorerx4@laurasdada@sb55). I'm supposed to go skiing with my 11 year old (& 4 other people from his Boy Scout Troop) at Pico Mountain in VT (near Killington). The guy from the Scouts who is organizing the trip & has a season pass to ski Killington told me to go a specific way (Taconic Parkway to Route 7 to Route 4) because he swears it is an easier ride than taking the interstate (Merritt Parkway to I-91 to Route 4). Normally I'd be OK with that, but I'll be driving through the middle of a NorEaster when I leave this afternoon. All comments are appreciated. Her'e's a link to the Google directions:
Hi, Bradd: When leaving from Stamford/Westport, I always took the 91N route you linked (and this was, gulp, 25-30 years ago! Where has my life gone???). The only traffic I remember encountering would be around New Haven and Hartford. 91 was a nicely maintained road, once you get north of Springfield, a pretty and generally not too heavy traffic ride in N. Mass and Vermont. Our ski house was in the Ludlow area (Okemo was our home base, but Killington was a regular destination when we weren't totally lazy. When ambitious, Sugrabush and Mad River Glen). Unfortunately, I can't comment on the "backroad" route, other than to note it will be quite scenic!
Our scouts ski trip was to Pat's Peak, a small family mountain in New Hampster (much more convenient to us Bostonians). Slept in the lodge, really should have brought an air mattress! Fun outing. Haven't been to Pico in many years, always was drawn in by the siren song of Killington (which now owns Pico). Too bad your boy won't be able to show you the proper way to ski Outer Limits! Of course, he could show me, too...
Have a great time! Don't forget your bindings! Mittens are warmer than gloves. Dress in layers. Watch for crossing traffic. Do not take down any other skiers! See, I was a dad, too...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
JM, my folks also had a '75 Grand Prix, black with a white 1/2 vinyl roof, the rage in Florida back then. Had white and red pin stripes as I recall. It was a demo my dad got from JM Pontiac in Hollywood Florida, the same JM who bought the Toyota franchise for the southern United States. Folks used to comment on that vehicle all the time. With it's red velour interior, made quite a statement. But thought my folks were crazy, buying a coupe when both grandmothers were still alive and four kids in college/grad school who came home for vacations. When we were all home, had to take multiple vehicles wherever we went. Remember my one grandma, my dad's mom, always ribbing him about not having a four door vehicle...I know she meant it but used her humor to get the point across to my poor dad. Luckily, three of us kids had our own vehicles so the problem was solved but think my grandma loved ribbing her son about it all the same!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Took Sentra back to Enterprise after I found out I could get the GLA 250 for the same price. It's black over black fresh from it's oil change. No moonroof sorry to say or Sirius/XM for that matter but does have a cd player and I found some cd's I recorded so all is good. Safeco's adjuster will see my Golf next Tuesday and then we'll know which way things are going. To total or not, that is the question. So either way, a good chance to check out the GLA to see if I really like it enough to purchase. And until the Golf comes home, will test a few others and have a Plan B in effect if Plan A, getting my Golf back all fixed, happen to pan out. Knowledge is power and need some knowledge now about what's out there that could be a possible new vehicle if it's Plan B after all!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
$3000 in the 1980s.........that would be $6000 today, 20% of the price of a new car. Mr. S, did you flunk math too?
Not fair. You didn't give me a starting point for reference! I was just looking at today's market and what's around. I agree with your math--about $6000 for a really decent used car is pretty much the going rate in 2018.
I remember in the 1980s for a used car and I had a bit of a rule....to get a decent used car you would have to spend a minimum of about $3000. My new 82 Cutlass I believe was about $14000....so 20%. (I am trying to remember prices and yearsas best I can).
So, a good used car was about 20% of the cost of a new car. If a new car costs on average $30000, that would make a minimum price for a good used car about $6000.
Does this make any sense to anyone.....should it be modified? Is there a good rule of thumb?
That's a reasonable rule of thumb assuming you expect a car needing few or no repairs. I've paid 9-14% of sticker for my hoopties but there were always a few things that needed attention.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I need some help from my fellow New Englanders (@explorerx4@laurasdada@sb55). I'm supposed to go skiing with my 11 year old (& 4 other people from his Boy Scout Troop) at Pico Mountain in VT (near Killington). The guy from the Scouts who is organizing the trip & has a season pass to ski Killington told me to go a specific way (Taconic Parkway to Route 7 to Route 4) because he swears it is an easier ride than taking the interstate (Merritt Parkway to I-91 to Route 4). Normally I'd be OK with that, but I'll be driving through the middle of a NorEaster when I leave this afternoon. All comments are appreciated. Her'e's a link to the Google directions:
Hi, Bradd: When leaving from Stamford/Westport, I always took the 91N route you linked (and this was, gulp, 25-30 years ago! Where has my life gone???). The only traffic I remember encountering would be around New Haven and Hartford. 91 was a nicely maintained road, once you get north of Springfield, a pretty and generally not too heavy traffic ride in N. Mass and Vermont. Our ski house was in the Ludlow area (Okemo was our home base, but Killington was a regular destination when we weren't totally lazy. When ambitious, Sugrabush and Mad River Glen). Unfortunately, I can't comment on the "backroad" route, other than to note it will be quite scenic!
Our scouts ski trip was to Pat's Peak, a small family mountain in New Hampster (much more convenient to us Bostonians). Slept in the lodge, really should have brought an air mattress! Fun outing. Haven't been to Pico in many years, always was drawn in by the siren song of Killington (which now owns Pico). Too bad your boy won't be able to show you the proper way to ski Outer Limits! Of course, he could show me, too...
Have a great time! Don't forget your bindings! Mittens are warmer than gloves. Dress in layers. Watch for crossing traffic. Do not take down any other skiers! See, I was a dad, too...
I need some help from my fellow New Englanders (@explorerx4@laurasdada@sb55). I'm supposed to go skiing with my 11 year old (& 4 other people from his Boy Scout Troop) at Pico Mountain in VT (near Killington). The guy from the Scouts who is organizing the trip & has a season pass to ski Killington told me to go a specific way (Taconic Parkway to Route 7 to Route 4) because he swears it is an easier ride than taking the interstate (Merritt Parkway to I-91 to Route 4). Normally I'd be OK with that, but I'll be driving through the middle of a NorEaster when I leave this afternoon. All comments are appreciated. Her'e's a link to the Google directions:
I drove route 7 Monday and it was a beautiful drive on a sunny, clear, clean road. Today, I wouldn't touch it without a dog sled. Don't, I repeat Don't take that route.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
JM, my folks also had a '75 Grand Prix, black with a white 1/2 vinyl roof, the rage in Florida back then. Had white and red pin stripes as I recall. It was a demo my dad got from JM Pontiac in Hollywood Florida, the same JM who bought the Toyota franchise for the southern United States. Folks used to comment on that vehicle all the time. With it's red velour interior, made quite a statement. But thought my folks were crazy, buying a coupe when both grandmothers were still alive and four kids in college/grad school who came home for vacations. When we were all home, had to take multiple vehicles wherever we went. Remember my one grandma, my dad's mom, always ribbing him about not having a four door vehicle...I know she meant it but used her humor to get the point across to my poor dad. Luckily, three of us kids had our own vehicles so the problem was solved but think my grandma loved ribbing her son about it all the same!
The Sandman
Sandy, I'm sure your father's Grand Prix in Black with a White Landau roof and Red velour interior was nice but I think mine was pretty nice too. Mine was Burgundy with a White Landau top and mine had White vinyl seats along with factory painted on double White pin stripes. Back then, painted on pin stripes were what you got at least with GM you did. Yes, getting into the back seat would be tough for seniors but at least those HUGE doors opened wide.
GM vinyl tops back then were pebble grain and mine started to show its age in the early 80's, at least as far as I was concerned. I took it to a trim shop and had it replaced but by then no one had the pebble grain. Only smooth leather look with tool graining marks was what was being used then, so my original was replaced with that. It also had a very minimal piece of padding under the new vinyl material. That also seemed to be the only way the replacements were done back then. I remember the guy showing me a top they had just done to assure me it looked good. He was right it did look good. He then showed me a full top on a big Buick sedan that the owner wanted pimped out with triple thick padding. It damn near looked like the top had a mattress on it. Not my taste at all.
A somewhat funny story about when I bought my '75 Grand Prix in '77 from a private seller with around 22K miles on it:
After I had the car for a few weeks I decided it deserved a transmission oil change so off to the auto parts to get the tranny fluid, filter and pan gasket. I climbed under the car that was up on ramps, took out the dozen or so bolts and slowly lowered the pan with almost no spills. Surprise, the fluid looked like it is brand new. I then thought I remembered that the previous owner said he just had it changed along with having new plugs installed right before he put it up for sale. I went into the glove box because I remembered him providing some service records that I put in there. Sure enough, the new fluid didn't even have 150 miles on it. For a second I thought about leaving the filter in place and only replacing the fluid and gasket but since I was this far into it I nixed that thought and changed everything. After I had it all bolted up again and took it for a test drive, I again thought I should have left the filter in place but too late now. I then got a brain storm, I'd keep the old filter for the next time. After some thought about that I figured that since it was now saturated with tranny fluid that it would eventually dry out and probably be cracked and ruined. By then, I just decided to throw away all of the evidence that I screwed up by not listening to what the previous owner told me. :@
I sure hope I was right about not trying to save that old filter with 150 miles on it for the next tranny fluid change I did at about 50K miles. Hey @Mr_Shiftright, please tell me that I didn't blow $6.95 by throwing that filter away.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Comments
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
With comments like that I expect @jmonroe 's next post to be one stating he is tired of the shots he takes here and is going to leave for a while.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
There was some drama with the replaced moon roof piece, but they just had to reset the programming.
Reset the trip meter after a few miles. Sitting at 23+. We'll see if that lasts.
Power tailgate is fun, but if you watch the GM video Marco posted, GM came out with one that's totally over the top.
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
then again, I was selling things like a $10K Accord or $3k integra that got snapped up. If I was trying to move a $30K BMW, I would likely have to be more flexible!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Little Jip made a good point when I spoke with him about the car, if you're selling a car...why do a transmission flush while the car is for sale? Could be as a good selling point, or because the owner is o.c.d about maintenance...or... something else. And yes, 2 for 2 on Craigslist would be a world record. :-)
ab348 and stick, yeah, I don't mind paying a little more for quality, but it still has to be reasonable. On Craigslist, don't know why you don't see more private sellers. Seems most are wholesalers with rebuilt wrecks
Suydam, I asked owner about option s. All he could come up with is sunroof, power windows, and power drivers seat. Definitely needs the side airbags.
Xwesx yeah, I think the Milan is an upscale Fusion, which is known for good reliability.
Jmonroe, thanks for your comment s. I have a friend who is a shade free mechanic, thought I'd ask him to come along to look at the car. But, yeah, a full-time mechanic probably a better idea. I remember one car I looked at, many many years ago, had sand in the ashtray and under floormats. Had to pass on that one. I haven't researched the car much yet, I think your pricing suggestionsis close to what I was thinking. Car Fax definitely. And you'll be the first to know if the ole jip...got out jipped. :-(
Driver, I hate to admit it too. Jmonroe made some good points. First time for everything? ;-)
I agree Jip...most of the fun is in the hunt....once you have the beast most of the fun is over........guess that is a rule of life (and I ain't saying nothing else).
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
at this point, if I get something used, most likely would be from some sort of dealer. Though just nicer to have new (if more expensive).
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Only similar one I could find on the west coast of Florida for comparison.
https://www.woodmotorco.net/inventory.aspx?cursort=asc&mk=Mercury
More nationwide from dealers:
https://www.listingallcars.com/srp/?d=n&co=u&yh=2010&m=Mercury&mo=Milan&mih=80000
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Nobody ever sold a used car because it was TOO perfect.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
KBB has that Milan priced at $6,800 private party. Almost $1,500 more compared to Edmunds. Looks like I may need those sack
lunches after all. :-(
KBB has that Milan priced at $6,800 private party. Almost $1,500 more compared to Edmunds. Looks like I may need those sack
lunches after all. :-(
On newer cars Edmunds and KBB are usually very close. As cars get older Edmunds tends to give a much lower valuation than KBB. Sometimes as much as 50%.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
So, a good used car was about 20% of the cost of a new car. If a new car costs on average $30000, that would make a minimum price for a good used car about $6000.
Does this make any sense to anyone.....should it be modified? Is there a good rule of thumb?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The 2nd one is at JoJo's!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Roxbury+School,+751+W+Hill+Rd,+Stamford,+CT+06902/Pico+Mountain+Ski+Resort,+73+Alpine+Dr,+Mendon,+VT+05701/@42.3756224,-74.2532765,8z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x89c2a3d497a78e63:0x7d71075346c8c104!2m2!1d-73.564248!2d41.089132!1m5!1m1!1s0x89e02bfe72e07899:0x71a0289466d99094!2m2!1d-72.842512!2d43.6621499!3e0
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Prices from dealerships seem to be all over the place... my head is starting to spin.
That was not a left-handed knock on what you said. You made a full blast incomplete, confusing statement.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Prices from dealerships seem to be all over the place... my head is starting to spin.
Colors rarely come out right on a computer.
I think about $6000 for a car of that year, condition, and background in excellent condition makes it worth it.
Of course, you know what will happen as soon as you buy it.......you'll find an even better one. I try not to look at any more ads at that point.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Prices from dealerships seem to be all over the place... my head is starting to spin.
Welcome to the world of car buying, new or used, but used is even wackier especially from a new car dealer.
When I was trying to raise my family back in the 70' and 80's I never bought a new car. The first new car I ever bought was a '66 Bonneville then a '68 Old Delta 88 Custom. To be honest, I shouldn't have bought the Olds because there was nothing wrong with the Bonny. I didn't make that mistake again.
I bought a '75 Grand Prix in 1977 for $4000 with about 22K miles on it, private party. I don't know what the MSRP was but the 4 grand I paid was right for me. I never had a problem with that car to the day I sold it in the late 80's with around 70K miles on it.
In my opinion the best car I ever had was my '80 Park Ave. that I bought, private party, in '83 with around 16K miles on it for $7,800. The window sticker for that car was in the glove box and it was just a tick shy of 17 grand, IIRC. There was no way I could have bought that car new without starving my family and living in a tent.
I didn't buy a new car again until the infamous 2005 XG350 and that was long after my Sons were no longer chowing down at my table and I was fully recovered from the bills at Penn State.
That Milan you're looking at seems to be good used car. If you get it for under 6 grand that would be a good deal and you should have a reliable car that might even get your son through MIT. Then he can buy new until he starts to raise a family.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Stick to major highways if you can. Take the blue line up 91 or you'll be going right through the worst hit areas.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
When leaving from Stamford/Westport, I always took the 91N route you linked (and this was, gulp, 25-30 years ago! Where has my life gone???). The only traffic I remember encountering would be around New Haven and Hartford. 91 was a nicely maintained road, once you get north of Springfield, a pretty and generally not too heavy traffic ride in N. Mass and Vermont. Our ski house was in the Ludlow area (Okemo was our home base, but Killington was a regular destination when we weren't totally lazy. When ambitious, Sugrabush and Mad River Glen). Unfortunately, I can't comment on the "backroad" route, other than to note it will be quite scenic!
Our scouts ski trip was to Pat's Peak, a small family mountain in New Hampster (much more convenient to us Bostonians). Slept in the lodge, really should have brought an air mattress! Fun outing. Haven't been to Pico in many years, always was drawn in by the siren song of Killington (which now owns Pico). Too bad your boy won't be able to show you the proper way to ski Outer Limits! Of course, he could show me, too...
Have a great time! Don't forget your bindings! Mittens are warmer than gloves. Dress in layers. Watch for crossing traffic. Do not take down any other skiers! See, I was a dad, too...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Luckily, three of us kids had our own vehicles so the problem was solved but think my grandma loved ribbing her son about it all the same!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Knowledge is power and need some knowledge now about what's out there that could be a possible new vehicle if it's Plan B after all!
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
GM vinyl tops back then were pebble grain and mine started to show its age in the early 80's, at least as far as I was concerned. I took it to a trim shop and had it replaced but by then no one had the pebble grain. Only smooth leather look with tool graining marks was what was being used then, so my original was replaced with that. It also had a very minimal piece of padding under the new vinyl material. That also seemed to be the only way the replacements were done back then. I remember the guy showing me a top they had just done to assure me it looked good. He was right it did look good. He then showed me a full top on a big Buick sedan that the owner wanted pimped out with triple thick padding. It damn near looked like the top had a mattress on it. Not my taste at all.
A somewhat funny story about when I bought my '75 Grand Prix in '77 from a private seller with around 22K miles on it:
After I had the car for a few weeks I decided it deserved a transmission oil change so off to the auto parts to get the tranny fluid, filter and pan gasket. I climbed under the car that was up on ramps, took out the dozen or so bolts and slowly lowered the pan with almost no spills. Surprise, the fluid looked like it is brand new. I then thought I remembered that the previous owner said he just had it changed along with having new plugs installed right before he put it up for sale. I went into the glove box because I remembered him providing some service records that I put in there. Sure enough, the new fluid didn't even have 150 miles on it. For a second I thought about leaving the filter in place and only replacing the fluid and gasket but since I was this far into it I nixed that thought and changed everything. After I had it all bolted up again and took it for a test drive, I again thought I should have left the filter in place but too late now. I then got a brain storm, I'd keep the old filter for the next time. After some thought about that I figured that since it was now saturated with tranny fluid that it would eventually dry out and probably be cracked and ruined. By then, I just decided to throw away all of the evidence that I screwed up by not listening to what the previous owner told me. :@
I sure hope I was right about not trying to save that old filter with 150 miles on it for the next tranny fluid change I did at about 50K miles. Hey @Mr_Shiftright, please tell me that I didn't blow $6.95 by throwing that filter away.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250