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L36 life expectancy

Old 06-08-2005, 07:36 AM
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Default L36 life expectancy

I'm considering buying a car that has very high mileage for its year. This would just be a "spare" car, but still I am kind of concerned about the mileage. It'* a 98 Intrigue with 190,000 miles. Supposedly they're all highway (can't imagine you'd get that high of mileage any other way). The UIM and lower gaskets have been replaced. Tranny is original. I should be able to pick it up for under $2K.

What do you guys think? I know the L27 and LN3 will go well into the 300K mile range...how about the L36s??
Old 06-08-2005, 07:55 AM
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An L36 would easily last well over 200K. I'd just be worried about everything else on that car that is prolly worn out.
Old 06-08-2005, 10:39 AM
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High mileage dosen't mean everything. Its all about age. I'm sure the car is still good. A 30K car from 1988 will be more worn out and less reliable than a 1998 car with 190K. My bosses 2003 GMC Sierra crew cab has 85K on it. It still looks and drives like new. 80% of those miles are towing a trailor that weighs over 2K dry.

I say you're getting one heck of a deal. Buy it!
Old 06-08-2005, 11:23 AM
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Check the suspension.....leaky struts, worn control arms, bad ball joints, etc. Don't buy it without throwing it up on a lift....
Old 06-08-2005, 11:52 AM
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Originally Posted by CFoote
Check the suspension.....leaky struts, worn control arms, bad ball joints, etc. Don't buy it without throwing it up on a lift....
I agree.....
Old 06-08-2005, 12:06 PM
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Originally Posted by driverjohn2005
Originally Posted by CFoote
Check the suspension.....leaky struts, worn control arms, bad ball joints, etc. Don't buy it without throwing it up on a lift....
I agree.....
definite ditto...a shop can give you a close-up view of hidden problems..usually costs from $30-50. Cheap insurance.
Old 06-08-2005, 12:16 PM
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Yes, good idea. Here'* the link to it on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWA%3AIT

I talked to the seller and she'* willing to negotiate.
Old 06-08-2005, 02:49 PM
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make sure it still runs
Old 06-08-2005, 02:55 PM
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Originally Posted by ssesc93
make sure it still runs
Really? Hmm...I didn't know!
Old 06-08-2005, 03:30 PM
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Originally Posted by ssesc93
make sure it still runs
ROFL

good point.

but for under 2K that leaves a lot of funds availbe for repairs.

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