1966 Crown Coupe, 2016 200 S AWD, 1962 Lark Daytona V8.
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17,286 Posts
The 2002 2.7L could still have the dreaded water pump/timing chain failure issue. Quiz the owner about any past repairs and maintenance. Documents like work orders help. If it has had past engine service and it was done competently, then it should no longer be a potential issue.
Of course, anything can happen at anytime on something this old and unknown.
Look under the oil filler cap and check the dipstick for sludge, rust or dirty mayonnaise. Check for soft 'sucked-flat' rubber PCV hoses or hard, cracked rubber hoses. Some Canadian PCV hoses were coolant-heated by an exchanger.
Listen for engine noises. Drive it for shift feel and ride noises.
The aluminum rear upper shock mounts crumbled to oxides in salt belt areas (knocking over bumps). The replacement mounts are now steel.
Generally treat it as any other used car inquiry. If the price and condition are right, consider it.
Almost any 11 year old car needs something done to it and I'm sure that you will need to put some money into it to get it the way you want it.
If something doesn't feel right about the car or the owner, walk away. Usually you can tell right away whether the car was kept-up, cared for or not.
Sebring and Stratus sedans and the Sebring convertible were JR-platforms. These cars were not related to the Sebring/Stratus coupes, which were Mitsubishi/DiamondStar ST-platforms.
Of course, anything can happen at anytime on something this old and unknown.
Look under the oil filler cap and check the dipstick for sludge, rust or dirty mayonnaise. Check for soft 'sucked-flat' rubber PCV hoses or hard, cracked rubber hoses. Some Canadian PCV hoses were coolant-heated by an exchanger.
Listen for engine noises. Drive it for shift feel and ride noises.
The aluminum rear upper shock mounts crumbled to oxides in salt belt areas (knocking over bumps). The replacement mounts are now steel.
Generally treat it as any other used car inquiry. If the price and condition are right, consider it.
Almost any 11 year old car needs something done to it and I'm sure that you will need to put some money into it to get it the way you want it.
If something doesn't feel right about the car or the owner, walk away. Usually you can tell right away whether the car was kept-up, cared for or not.
Sebring and Stratus sedans and the Sebring convertible were JR-platforms. These cars were not related to the Sebring/Stratus coupes, which were Mitsubishi/DiamondStar ST-platforms.