jw461

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=256876906&dealer_id=65 56759

Price recently dropped to $6995, so even though I really didn't want an automatic and definitely not a '01 high mileage automatic, I looked anyway due to the price. Don't think I'm interested, but here we go....maybe someone else can benefit from my visit:

GOOD:
No windshield cracks or stars.
Sunroof and all windows operate OK.
Owner's manual present.
Stereo sounds fine at high volume.
Arm rest hinge OK.
Dash cup holder OK.
Seat memory/power seats OK.
First Aid Kit present.
Cargo cover/dog net present and OK.
Spare tire tools present.
Spare tire never used (still has hair on tread)
Emergency triangles present.
Rear glass sun shade OK.
Seats and carpet generally in good shape, but needed cleaning (still crumbs/debris in folds in leather)
No strong and/or strange odors
No weird turbo/engine noises
I could not find evidence of paint/body work (but I'm no professional, just a regular ol' car guy)

BAD:
No floor mats
No rear cigarette lighter
Passenger rear door ash tray missing
Some dirty spots on headliner (cargo area passenger C pillar, random other spots minor)
Carpet worn through in one spot in hatch area (smaller than a dime)
Cup holder by E-brake will not close
Rear seat cup holders will not open
Front ash tray under AC will not open
Antenna appears to be damaged, but radio reception was fine
There is a cracked plastic shroud attached to the engine between the engine and radiator. I don't think it's the timing cover, but I'm not that familiar with these cars.
Several scratches and a few door dings on both sides (all pretty minor, but a couple may be large enough as to not buff out)
At full steering lock, there is a resonating noise coming from under the hood. It sounds like a ringing like if you wet your finger and run it on the rim of a wine glass.
Shift +/- buttons on steering wheel loose, but functional
Transmission slips very badly in reverse, but appears to be okay in forward gears even at WOT
Air suspension may have a leak. At level 4, the compressor will run for a little while every 5-6 minutes or so with no outside stimulus (i.e. not touching the car or getting in/out). I did not observe it running unusually at lower settings, but I also didn't systematically test/time every possible variation either.

FACTS (neither good nor bad):
Only 1 switchblade key.
Tires are 225/55/17 Kumho Ecsta ASX with between 40-60% tread all around
Some rust/corrosion on undercarriage (not heavy, but enough to mention it)
Dealership does not know if the timing belt has been replaced.<ul><li><a href="http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&amp;car_id=256876906&amp;dealer_id=65 56759">http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&amp;car_id=256876906&amp;dealer_id=65 56759</a</li></ul>

04 allroad

You'll need a timing belt (1,800), cam chain tensioners (3,000) air suspension work ( 1,000 to 3,000 or more) a torque converter (3,000), and floor mats (100). I may have missed something. Find Paulroads article about first time owners. :-) The car looks pretty tough.

ar5154

Maybe we could all chip in and make it a parts car ;-)

Misplacedyankee

Offer them $5500. Then get the T-belt done and you will have plenty left over to fix the nits and nats you mention.

The air suspension doesn't sound like a leak to me.

The transmission slip would be the only concern out of what you mention given the issues with these transmissions.

girlroad

We've talked about that before, except that we'd be fighting for the same parts

ar5154

True.....True