Looking At My First Mark VIII!

[Melanie222]

Hey everyone!

I've been reading on these forums for a while now, as I've been considering buying a Mark. I've found one that I'm seriously considering, but haven't taken it for a test drive or to see my mechanic yet. Planning on that next week.

It's a 1997 with 47K miles on it. According to Carfax, it originally came from Florida and its first owner only put 27K miles on it in its first 9 years. The other 20K came from the other 2 owners since 2006.

They're asking for $6900. What are your thoughts on that price? I believe KBB has it at $6,060 in excellent condition.

I've been doing some research, and the main things I'll be looking out for are vibrations in the front end, dark transmission fluid, and inspecting the suspension. Anything else you can tell me would be FANTASTIC!

The dealership that has the Mark now acquired it in March of 08. In my mind that means it has been sitting for nearly a year. Any concerns?

Thanks so much.

Melanie

 

[mespock]

To high... Drop it about $1000 to $1500

 

[XLRVIII]

I agree the price is high for an average car.

That car sounds pretty nice though.

The real question.. does it fit into your budget.
Only you can decide if it's a good deal or not.

If you buy that car.. are you getting the "Deal of the Century"?
NO.

But that doesnt mean it's not the right car for you.

With that said...

Make sure you get heat and cold out of both the floor and the ac panel.
If you dont get both heat and cold..out of both locations then it has what is called "blend door issues" (roughly a 5-800.00 dollar repair)

Make sure both low beam headlights work
( the bulbs are out of production and expensive)

Dont let headlights be a deal breaker, use this information to get the price down to within reason

Just the fact the headlight bulbs are unavailable means you either have to do a 700.00 OEM replacement or a 300ish dollar aftermarket conversion.

Use that information to further drop the price in your favor.

Make sure the panel between the brake lights lights up when someone presses the brake pedal.. the rear neon from ford is quite expensive.

If the neon ballast is failed you can use another 200.00 bargaining chip in your favor.
There is an aftermarket replacement neon available for 100.00 so again, dont let this potential problem be a deal breaker, use it to your advantage.

Those are the most common, most expensive 97-98 mark 8 problems.

I hope some of this ill thought out and un proof-read novel is useful.

Take notes from here, and go inspect the car armed with knowledge.

If you absolutely HAVE to have this car, there is nothing anyone of us can say to change your mind.

With that said.. WELCOME to our Affliction.
haha

 

[XLRVIII]

front end vibrations can be as simple as flat spotted tires, which is common for cars that sit on dealer lots or are parked for a long time.

or could be simply it needs 40.00 brake rotors

could be some worn front end components which are roughly 500-700 dollars in parts {rough estimate)

If it wobbles or vibrates under braking or normal driving, I'd knock atleast a grand off my offering price.

Keep us posted, we look forward to seeing either "this car" or another one that you find.

With that said.
If you check the for sale section there is a 1998 collectors edition for sale.
it comes with a solid reccomendation from a known and trusted user on this board.
If I'm not mistaken it's cheaper or close to the price of car you are looking at.

ALSO.. the 98's were better than the 97's due to the transmission updates that occured in 1998.
I'll see if I can dig up a link to the Collectors Edition for sale.

 

[XLRVIII]

here is the thread, the craigslist posting has been removed..

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?t=50195

 

[kustomizingkid]

If that car was mint with those miles I could pay that price without feeling too bad... but that doesn't' mean I wouldn't try to talk them down.

 

[chicken]

yup i think tommy covered it all, check front end, and all lighting, and heating/cooling operation, uhhh seat track operation tracks can be pricey and kinda hard to find. trans shudder, (kinda feels like running over "rumble strips" when coming to a stop sign)
for the price it better be pristine and good millage
bargain with them over the headlights, tail lights, and the ever feared air suspension system and they will cower in fear

 

[rooster1969]

If you want it buy it. simple as that.

 

[kustomizingkid]

^Unless it has some lurking major issues....