ball-joint in Marquis '99: asking for advice

[nicks]

I was considering buying a Grand Marquis "99, approx 67 kmi, some minor dents but overall looking and drinvinhg well. The outer tie-rods, front and rear brake rotors and thermostat had been replaced/repaired recently, as well as the thermostat gasket and gatand the deal was good.

However, I took the car to a mercury dealer for inspection, and the conclusion there was that the ball joints were bad (actually the upper ball joint bad and the lower one loose), plus the keyless entry not working and a problem with the power locks.

even in this situation the car runs excellent to me, and it seems to be a at a decent price
It is odd to me, however, that the this problem with ball joints was present 9discovered), in spite of the excelent drive and after having theprevious work done by the owner.
Also, the dealer told me that it would not pass the inspection becasue of the ball-joints. he told me that the cost of the ball-joints would be around $500, (without mentioning the allignment) wich I think would be necessary after ball joints work.


Do you have any opinion? is the ball-joint problem common in '99 marquis the this mileage, and is it a reason fpr failing an inspection?

How much could be the cost for the ball- joints?

Thank you very much.

[Stevo2]

Originally Posted by nicks

I was considering buying a Grand Marquis "99, approx 67 kmi, some minor dents but overall looking and drinvinhg well. The outer tie-rods, front and rear brake rotors and thermostat had been replaced/repaired recently, as well as the thermostat gasket and gatand the deal was good.

However, I took the car to a mercury dealer for inspection, and the conclusion there was that the ball joints were bad (actually the upper ball joint bad and the lower one loose), plus the keyless entry not working and a problem with the power locks.

even in this situation the car runs excellent to me, and it seems to be a at a decent price
It is odd to me, however, that the this problem with ball joints was present 9discovered), in spite of the excelent drive and after having theprevious work done by the owner.
Also, the dealer told me that it would not pass the inspection becasue of the ball-joints. he told me that the cost of the ball-joints would be around $500, (without mentioning the allignment) wich I think would be necessary after ball joints work.


Do you have any opinion? is the ball-joint problem common in '99 marquis the this mileage, and is it a reason fpr failing an inspection?

How much could be the cost for the ball- joints?

Thank you very much.

Get a second or third opinion on the ball joints from some real suspension shops. Is there strange tire wear? Talk to the guys at the State Inspection station to see what they say about ball joint testing at their sites.