So, this time I managed to find a manual 3.0L 2002 x-type (some kind of sport trim, due to a black grill?) for 1800 and a discount if I pick it up. Only issues are
1) radiator fan cable needs to be replaced
2)saggy headliner
3) it's on the clear other side of texas from me.
I am interested in the car. VERY good price, decent mileage at 148k miles, black/black color scheme. Only exterior damage I can see is a scratch on the bumper and the leaper hood ornament is missing.
As far as history, I know the rear window was busted and replaced. It's just a 560 mile drive there and that same amount back. I know I should try and see if the owner would take it to a mechanic/jag dealer nearby and have it inspected before I go down and buy it, but do y'all have any more advice?

 

I would take a look at the headlights to make sure that the internals are not busted (cheap repair, but does take some time to accomplish). I would also take it for a drive. I would pose the following question to the seller and their answer will tell you all that you need to know. You ask "I have to drive it 560 miles home, if I have problems, will you cover the repairs?" If the car has not been a complete problem for them, they will probably something about "I think it should" and then stumble around about not wanting to commit to anything. If they are trying to get rid of a lemon, they will flat out refuse to enter into any agreement or even atleast try to come to some sort of compromise.

The other thing I would do is take it out for a test drive and during the test drive, try to make a long sweeping turn at a slow speed. in the middle of the corner, step on the gas like you were going to pass someone. Did the back end want to step out on you? If so, then you know you have a $200ish repair job ahead of you for new upper and lower suspension arms.

Anything beyond those 2 things, I think you will find on a routine drive and a visual of the car body.

 

I don't know if that's the Sport package or if someone went in and painted everything that was chrome with a flat black. I thought the factory black Sport stuff was glossier, someone with a Sport can probably clarify.

It could be the reflection of the clouds but I'm quite certain I see the fairly common dent/ding on the hood right on the crease to the right of the leaper and about halfway back. Common only in that my car has the same one in the same place and a junkyard hood in the correct color I was looking at had it too... It sort of looks like there is another similar one another 10-12" to the right of that one and then also one up front just behind the grille. Of course it's 20yrs old, it's not going to be concourse at that price, just pointing it out.

On another note I don't know that I've ever seen a picture of a parking lot in Texas that shows seven black or very dark vehicles and no light colored ones...

 

I asked if they would cover any issues halfway on the way back and this is what the owner replied.
No, as is ,if you dont want to risk is fine . but the car is use but its reliable and drivable. I can make you a discount if you're really interested.
They've also taken it down to 1700USD now too.

 

turtle, that is about the response I would have thought. All I can say is make a 2 day trip of it, take it for a test drive and see what you have. Oh, one other check I would do is turn on the A/C to the fastest dash fan setting and the temp to the lowest possible temp, then open the hood to see if you are getting a strong blowing of wind as you lean in over the engine. If you are getting jsut a little breeze or no blowing at all, then you know you have a fan controller in your near future. This should be your first check as it is best done with the motor cold.

 

welp, nevermind. Seller sold it after we agreed that I'd look at it after christmas for the full price of 2k if they held onto it. There are more local ones in the 2.5L version, which isn't all that bad.

 

Get yourself an AAA extended towing card and next time go get it!

I flew to JFK and drove home my '03 that had a bad knock sensor from Stain Island. This is across some mountains in PA keeping it under 3,000 RPM. Made it fine. Drove it around town for an hour before driving back home just to get a feel for it.

I bought a truck 4 hours away. "It should make it." It made it about 10 miles before the drive shaft fell out. AAA towed it home at no charge.

Make it an adventure!

 

If you end up buying it and ever need an engine Welsh Enterprises has quite a few new/old stock 3.0 crate engines.

 

. . .and you dodged a bullet!

Don't rush it.

 

Our renewal for AAA+ for 2022 reduced the free tow mileage from 250 miles down to 100 miles.