Thinking about getting this 97

[1997ThunderbirdLXV6]

Traction Assist. Assist!!!

 

[XR7-4.6]

It does neither well so I’m not giving it the courtesy of proper vernacular

 

[gunn]

Jonathan:
I haven't posted in a while but you asked me to chime in so here are my thoughts.
1) This car is worth whatever you think it is; while fairly low mileage, as a large RWD car there are plenty of other cars that could scratch the same itch for similar money, lots of which may be more more powerful and/or more luxurious ("modern" conveniences like BT, temp-based climate control, etc.). Examples might include a Mercedes/BMW coupe from the 2000s/2010s, Infiniti G35, lots of Lexuses, or even Acura for your honda-side, etc. These other cars will be more expensive to maintain though for more expensive parts, so it is what it is. I would also expect the Lincoln Mark VIII might be similar money as well.

If this is what you want though, its what you want. The heart wants what the heart wants and who am I to stop you from that decision.

2) If i was in your shoes, I think this is a better replacement for both your DD and your other tbird (which IIRC was a v6, right)? Its as cherry as it can be given the age.
- Your Honda is on borrowed time. We've discussed this in the past but past 300K, its not just the wear and tear items to worry about but also the engine/transmission and even shit like the driver's seat start wearing out. I don't think it was a Honda specific issue but older cars also sometimes get stress cracks on the firewall from years driving on bumpy roads (I think this came up with the MN12 as well). Nothing that can't be fixed, but stuff you gotta worry about (I think the E46 strut towers suffered cracks as well, and that's a car ~10 years newer)
- You know how to fix THIS vehicle. Its simple enough and you'd probably know better than me if parts are still readily available.
- With any car this old, all the rubber bushings/bits will need to be swapped out as well. I suspect you factored this into your calculations already. Easy enough work, but still work and parts (you'll probably go Poly from Energy Suspension, which is what I'd do).

3) how do you back out? If its a rando, you say "I thought about it and while I think your price is fair (so they know you aren't just saying this to walk away), I simply cannot do it at this time". Or you blame your wife ("she's risk adverse in me buying this kind of car"). if its a friend/family and you don't want to risk interpersonal conflict over backing out of a deal, blaming your wife is easier (its not me, its Mrs. CDB). Most people know that even if this is the car of your dreams, noone wants to risk $4-5K over their marriage (which could cost you half of their assets in CA). Happy Wife, Happy Life and all that.

Best of luck dude. Call/text me if you want to chat more about it.
-g

 

[dDUBb]

blaming your wife is easier

Best answer.

 

[MadMikeyL]

I feel bad for his wife now! She was all gung-ho, and everyone’s ready to throw her under the bus!

 

[gunn]

It was a pretty long skid, lol. Picture from the seller from earlier today. LMK what you guys think.

View attachment 12909



Thank you for this. It means a lot to me right now.



That one wheel peel will be pretty awesome

Those tires are OLD based on the dryrot in the rain channels. I doubt its you that flatspotted his tires and there's hardly much tread left..

 

[Zep5.0]

Those tires are OLD based on the dryrot in the rain channels. I doubt its you that flatspotted his tires and there's hardly much tread left..

Damnit Gunn, we had him going

 

[CDsDontBurn]

Those tires are OLD based on the dryrot in the rain channels. I doubt its you that flatspotted his tires and there's hardly much tread left..

Regardless, the tires will need to be replaced. The seller knows that already and is a reason why I was able to bring down the price of the car.