Used car good buy?

HWESTMORE

MEMBER
2003 FORD CROWN VICTORIA
245 MILES

2003 Crown Vic. 245K highway miles. Car was assigned to a deputy from 2003-late 2006 who

served papers only so it was not ran hard. Was purchased with 140K miles from the ford

dealer after it was turned in, and have put 105K on it driving back and forth to Lincoln

everyday. Has new intake manifold, new alternator, new front struts, new rear shocks, new

lower ball joints. Battery is about 2 years old. Tires are about 50%. Car uses about 1/2 qt

of oil in between oil changes. Transmission is solid and doesnt slip. Hwy mpg averages 21-

23, combined city hwy about 20mpg. Is this a good buy?

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

Anytime you are looking to purchase a used vehicle it is important to look at the service history as well as the driving conditions.
Also, it is important to have the vehicle inspected by a reputable mechanic or shop.

Keep in mind that it is difficult to say if it is a 'good buy' or not, as that is sometimes an objective matter.
It will depend on the current vehicle condition and the price.

If you are able to have it checked out and all seems to be in proper working order with no leaks or smoke and the price is fair, it could be a good buy. But then again there are too many variables to call it without taking a look at the vehicle.

As you mentioned the engine uses oil, that could be an expensive fix depending on what causes it to use oil. It could be from piston rings to leaking gasket. That is something you want to check out before purchasing.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-is-leaking-oil

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.