low mileage cars
Thread Starter
Senior Member
True Car Nut
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Granville, Ohio ~NEBF '07 Survivor~
low mileage cars
I've heard from some people that buying a low mileage, yet old, car is sometimes not a good buy. Right now I'm looking at buying a '95 SSEi with 67k miles.
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...=64487&start=0
Do you think this is a good buy? Or do you think I'm gonna be paying out the a$$ to replace rotted seals and gaskets and stuff? I wish I could drive it, but since it'* in AZ, I think I'm gonna have Mr. Stock Bob drive it, and I assume he knows what to look for
http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...=64487&start=0
Do you think this is a good buy? Or do you think I'm gonna be paying out the a$$ to replace rotted seals and gaskets and stuff? I wish I could drive it, but since it'* in AZ, I think I'm gonna have Mr. Stock Bob drive it, and I assume he knows what to look for
DINOSAURUS BOOSTUS
Expert Gearhead
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 41,391
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From: Enfield, CT
Since Cody is going to warranty the vehicle I wouldn't be worried. 
The reasoning behind problematic low mileage cars is if they sit w/o being started or driven at all for long periods of time. The sitting allows bearings and other parts to flat spot from the weight of the vehicle sitting still.
If the car is driven on short trips or at least moved around a bit..then there shouldn't be an issue.
Having talked to Non-Stock Bob about cars in general..AZ heat is harsh and things like wipers and vacuum lines are normal replacement items.
The reasoning behind problematic low mileage cars is if they sit w/o being started or driven at all for long periods of time. The sitting allows bearings and other parts to flat spot from the weight of the vehicle sitting still.
If the car is driven on short trips or at least moved around a bit..then there shouldn't be an issue.
Having talked to Non-Stock Bob about cars in general..AZ heat is harsh and things like wipers and vacuum lines are normal replacement items.
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Posts like a Camaro
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: West Michigan
I had a car that you speak of. My second car was an '84 Thunderbird (10 years old) with 46K miles. I got it from a couple that bought it from an older lady. I got it in August, and in September I went to orientation for college and blew a head gasket on the way home (I don't hot rod or drive fast). It blew another head gasket in the spring, and then another again in the fall I believe. Two of the times it warped the head. And when I sold it in December I think it was on it'* way to a fourth blown head gasket.
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True Car Nut
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Central Florida
Like already said, the worst case for a low-mileage older vehicle is the one that'* never driven and just sits for a long time.
There are still some things to look out for even on the ones that are occassionaly driven just around town. In those cases, besides the expected age realted things like belts, hoses, rubber boots, and lines, review the plugs and cylinders for excess carbon build up.
If carefully tuned and cleaned before driving much, many of these low-mileage cars will be great serviceable vehicles for years to come.
There are still some things to look out for even on the ones that are occassionaly driven just around town. In those cases, besides the expected age realted things like belts, hoses, rubber boots, and lines, review the plugs and cylinders for excess carbon build up.
If carefully tuned and cleaned before driving much, many of these low-mileage cars will be great serviceable vehicles for years to come.
