Looking to purchase this car

Good morning,

To make you feel better, take the car to a shop and have them go over it front to back for a complete inspection to be sure it is in good shape.

As far as the year, I would not be concerned.

Roy

I agree with Roy. Take it to an independent mechanic and have them take a look at it. They'll charge you a bit, but it's worth it. As for the age and mileage, the year makes no difference, really, and 129,000 is just getting broken in for most cars these days. I have a 2000 GMC Jimmy with 215,000 that I drive five hours/day and a 2002 Chevrolet Blazer with 211,000 that I drove for five hours/day for 3 years with few mechanical issues. I'm also about to buy a 2001 Chevy Blazer with about 220,000 on it that runs well. All three trucks run well, and the first two have been thoroughly abused as rural mail route vehicles, while the third one is about to be abused on the route.

Yes, that is correct. High line cars are much more expensive to repair than most other models.

Roy

Again, I'm in agreement with Roy, except I'd also say that European makes in general are more expensive than domestic or Japanese cars. Even VW's can be pricey to maintain.

Also to add to it. If the timing belt has not been done you should have it done since it is already passed do. If this is an all wheel drive have a mechanic verify that the all wheel drive is operating properly especially if it is the R model. The coupler on the transmission that drives the bevel gear always strips out.

A quick test would be is trying to turn the driveshaft when in the air and in park. If it does not turn you are good. If it turns then the coupler is stripped out.