Which one?

[Siggie]

Re: Which one?

I think I've seen early-mid 90's for 1200-1500. I guess if you only need to drive it for 6 mths, then it doesn't matter as much what you get, but remember that you'll have to sell it later too.

[Sip]

Re: Which one?

The timing belt is typically a maintenance item on such cars. The manual says when it should be replaces (often 60,000 miles). On my dad's camry it's the same. You don't have to replace it but you should.

The CV boots etc I don't know. 98K miles is a lot of miles so it's normal for a few maintenance items.

Jen, the answer to your question is, IMO, that it's almost impossible to tell like this which is the better choice. Used cars with that many miles must be looked at by someone who knows cars up close ... and even then it's hard to tell!

[One-Way]

Re: Which one?

I honestly don't know much about Suzuki's, so I'm giving you opinions based on what I've dealt with and seen.

But, Siggie was also right. Toyota's and Honda's last pretty long and have less problems than a Ford.

[One-Way]

Re: Which one?

The timing belt is typically a maintenance item on such cars. The manual says when it should be replaces (often 60,000 miles). On my dad's camry it's the same. You don't have to replace it but you should.

The CV boots etc I don't know. 98K miles is a lot of miles so it's normal for a few maintenance items.

Jen, the answer to your question is, IMO, that it's almost impossible to tell like this which is the better choice. Used cars with that many miles must be looked at by someone who knows cars up close ... and even then it's hard to tell!

Timing belts usually get replaced around 100K. If it doesn't have any cracks around 60K+, it's fine. But if you've hit 100K, you should change it. It'll probably snap anyway.

CV Boots, that depends on if it's leaking or cracked. That should be checked.

But around these high mileages, Jen, as I said, find out what was done on each car. When was the last time it got a transmission service, coolant service, brake flush, brake job, belt service, etc.

[Jen]

Re: Which one?

Timing belts usually get replaced around 100K. If it doesn't have any cracks around 60K+, it's fine. But if you've hit 100K, you should change it. It'll probably snap anyway.

CV Boots, that depends on if it's leaking or cracked. That should be checked.

But around these high mileages, Jen, as I said, find out what was done on each car. When was the last time it got a transmission service, coolant service, brake flush, brake job, belt service, etc.

All this work was done on the Suzuki, not Explorer. I've decided not to even test drive the Explorer. The owner won't answer my questions through the phone! He wants me to go there first and see the car...moron...I won't waste my time going there if the tune-ups weren't kept up to date...

Now I'm hoping everything will be okay with the Suzuki...

[One-Way]

Re: Which one?

All this work was done on the Suzuki, not Explorer. I've decided not to even test drive the Explorer. The owner won't answer my questions through the phone! He wants me to go there first and see the car...moron...I won't waste my time going there if the tune-ups weren't kept up to date...

Now I'm hoping everything will be okay with the Suzuki...

That's another reason to not get the Ford. Go with the Suzuki.

[Jen]

Re: Which one?

I just knew it...it turns out that the #$!%^&&^*$%^@ already sold the car...

Tomorrow I'll be test driving a Ford Taurus I just found... I already know what you guys are going to say, but anyways...

[One-Way]

Re: Which one?

Smaller Fords seem to be a little better than the SUV's. Or so it seems.

[Jen]

Re: Which one?

I bought a 95 Taurus LX...I love the space in the trunk...it means I can shop a lot!

The car is in pretty good shape...100K, no dents outside, no wear and tear inside, everything is power and I love the moon roof. The only "problem" (not really a problem) is the passenger's side mirror is bent, but the mechanic said it's easily fixable. It's not as economic as I would like because it's V6, but anyways, I can't have everything my way.

To all of you who gave me advices/suggestions, thank you, I really took them into consideration (specially about the Explorer, I was really interested on buying it).

[One-Way]

Re: Which one?

Glad we could help. And congratulations on the car!