scoutts

Im looking to buy an EA as my 2nd car (after i found out it was going to cost $1400 for a reco transmission in my mazda), ive seen one thats done 380,000 km, had its transmission replaced at 200,000, apparantley hasnt had the head replaced. Is this just far too many kms to consider?

mitda001

Drive a few Ea's so you know what they're like to drive. Then drive this one. That should tell you if it is knackered.

Go on condition, buy it cheap, so if something does stuff up you have some money to deal with it.

Look at the buying tips section for hints on what to look for. Also look at balljoints, and the coolant and radiator on a car with this mileage; along with the usual Ea suspects.

David

Troutman

Don't forget to get the car professional checked before making any commitment to buying, too.

But I came close to buying an EA Ghia with 330,000 kays and it seemed OK to me (though admittedly I knew nothing at the time)...

__________________
Jack Travis, E-Series Acting President

1989 Ford Fairmont Ghia turbo/GL replica (underway)
1994 Eunos 800M
1990 Ford Laser S

NemesisEB

i wouldnt buy it with your money :)

Troutman

Don't forget that there is a contrast between "country kays" and "city kays" in terms of wear on components. Only your mechanic can truly know the difference, unless signs of excessive wear are obvious.

__________________
Jack Travis, E-Series Acting President

1989 Ford Fairmont Ghia turbo/GL replica (underway)
1994 Eunos 800M
1990 Ford Laser S

galapogos01

380,000km is still a lot for an EA.

although the 3.9 motors are tough, siginfiicant advances were made through to the 4.0s which allow such high milage (i saw an EF with 800,000KM on it, all original components, bar head gasket i think). my cfi EA has done 330,000, and althoguh i look after, the previous owners lack of care shows on a cold start :) youd be looking at a reco engine pretty soon id say.

how much do you have to spend? id aim for ~200,000

scoutts

Ive got about $3,400 to spend, but i want a duel fuel one preferably, so that narrows down the choice a bit.

mickt

You should get a good car for that with less k's.

jsantas

You can buy mine if you like. I have done a heap of work to it and it's dual fuel. 5Sp Spack. Send me an email if your intrested. jsantas@optushome.com.au

CATman

my Wagen have done a "Cupple of kms" it was a reps car so it did a lot of country k's in out words did a lot of long trips, which isn't as hard on a car that has done less kms around town, i have seen EAs will a HUGE ammount less km's them mine that run SHIT.. i might have been lucky, but i think that most EA's should have had the head done even if they dont seem to b bad but for a matter of course cos we all know they have been know to do them..
Catch ya CATman