how does it sound

Hello, I was looking at a 1999 excort zx2, It has 163000 miles on it, I was wondering how those held up milage wise. and what kind of problems i should be looking for when checking out the car. The car is automatic, not my first choise, and it is 2900 dollars is that a good deal or not.

Thanks,
Kris

Personally, I think it has a lot of milage for the money. From what I hear, they are "ok" cars(providing they have been properly maintained with timing belt changed and regular maintenance done (you are always able to check the coolant to see if they maintained it - it should not be brown)), but it has a lot of miles on it for the age. Another thing to remember is Ford stopped making these cars for a reason (not sure what the reason is...)

Sorry if it is not what you wanted to hear... but just my personal opinion!

Have a great day!

I'd agree with the first statement that it has quite a few miles on it. that works out to be about 23 or 24k per year. That's a car that's been used a lot. If it hasn't been maintained I'd pass, is another point I'd agree with.

I disagree with the "they stopped making these cars for a reason" statement. This sounds like someone who doesn't know a lot about car models and manufacturers talking out of their hat. Yes they stopped making it for a reason, styles change, models change, public tastes and desires change. Honda stopped making the Prelude, was it for a reason? Yeah, it likely stopped selling as well as it once had and they moved on. Especially when they screwed it up with 4 wheel steering.

Today we're switching from a lot of SUV sales to more compact models. Gas prices have a lot to do with this. I'd pass on this car, and I'd pass on advice from people who can't back up their opinions.

I do agree that maybe I worded it wrong, but my husband is actually a service manager for a Ford Dealership. I had asked him about the question stated and he basically said that, like you said, styles change, and there are many reasons for companies to discontinue cars. I was not saying that it was a bad car... I am basically saying that it is discontinued and you have to look at the whole picture. Parts will be harder to find... etc. And like you said... Honda screwed up on the 4 wheel steering... maybe Ford was not completely happy with something in particular with this model... who knows. I just asked my husband what kind of problems are common with this model and he stated that the powertrain is excellent but unfortunately there are issues with waterleaks and trim components.

As for comments pertaining to me not being able to back up my opinions... there in itself is the reason why I don't have to back them up. They are my opinions. I do not expect anyone to take my opinion as gospel... but as only my personal opinion.

Rudeness and sharp remarks are unnecessary. If you don't agree, that is fine. But try to be a little more mature about it!

Geofrog, whatever your decision is, you have to make it knowing all you can. Look into it and maybe ask your local Ford dealership what problems can and have come about with this particular car. The dealerships service department can be quite helpful when thinking of purchasing a used car.

Good luck!

thank you both for your opinions, i think i am going to keep looking around, but that is why i came to this forum, i am an active member in the tracker forum, which is my current car, and i love to talk about cars.

So thanks
Kris