98 Navigator Purchase - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

joshpierce19 · 01-11-2010, 21:59

I'm looking at buying a 98 navigator from a dealership. I would like to here some advise on what to look for and test on the vehicle before i make a puchase. The navigator has 150,000 miles and looks clean. just sceptical about buying a vehicle from a dealership with pretty high milage.

**Bert** · 01-12-2010, 08:38

At all the dealers I worked at, they only sold pretty good ones. The ones they didn't trust, they sold to awholesaler or at an auction. As long as they give some kind of warranty with it, I think you'll be alright. Not sure of all dealers though.

**360ci** · 01-16-2010, 09:30

150K. Personally I wouldn't bother. It's one thing to own a vehicle that long and keep it, but to buy one I'd ask for them to show me as much maintenance records as possible. If none, walk away. If no warranty, even if it's a few months, walk away. if they have faith in the vehicle as far as maintenance goes, they'll provide a warranty. If they don't specify one, ask for it and make sure it's at no cost.

If the price is decent, and they cannot prove any maintenance history you can haggle it down more. Say $4K asking price (example), minus 4x4 service ($200) transmission service and oil change ($100), coolant flush with tune up and new plugs ($150). Depending on the condition of the tires; if they're close to the wear bars deduct a few hundred bucks. If you push down on the rear bumper and the vehicle keeps rebounding = new shocks, deduct more money. If they don't want to sell it at a price that's reasonable for you to get this work done because they didn't do their homework, walk away. If the salesperson is willing to deduct some to help you out with the maintenance, or they offer to do the maintenance then it might be worth while.

Also consider if you're not a smoker, to look at the ashtray for signs that it has been smoked in. If the smell lingers or you see air fresheners around the vehicle hidden away, ask about that. If the seat material is ripped or coming apart it's something else to consider haggling with. The options are literally endless on used vehicles and not to make it seem like I'm a used car salesman's nightmare, but rather they get paid the big bucks to sell used vehicles for maximum dollar, and the only one that can get a good deal on any used vehicle, is you.