OK, found a Super V8 w/125k, 1 owner, extra clean highway car but from the rust belt. Question is-what needed doing by that mileage that may have not been done yet that could add 10-15k to the price? And what HAD to have been done to get that far down the road or it would have blown? And how long will other bits last before this one gets added to the 'parting out my...' list in the classifieds? Trans, shox, pulleys, belt.

I'm amazed how cheap I'm being in Jag shopping(no surprise tot hose of you following this saga), trying to short $10 off what I would think wold get a very clean car but I just don't see the value there and saving that amount for inevitable repairs. At least I'm not shopping S class Benz'...

 

A high powered car with high miles is a real crapshoot. The tranny and supercharger could both be on their last legs, about $7000 in repairs. At this mileage, a lot of things could be getting critical if the maintenance was not good. Just as an example, a neglected fuel filter change can cause the fuel pump to overheat and fail at about this point, a $1200+ repair in this car. It goes on and on. The price of the car is just an entrance fee.

 

Ahh, yes, the voice of reason. This was 1 owner hi miler so prob was maintained but even so...later model w/cpo & $10k more...my new mantra...thanks!

Conversely, a non blown 8 would have less to worry about I guess...

 

Yup a few less parts but it's all the same difference. No super charger but you do pick up a variable timing sprocket gear thingy. (seriously can't recall the correct name right now) LOL Suspension parts, timing chains, belts, hoses, etc.

Unless you can sock away a few grand for pop up repairs I would look for a less mileage car. It would still be a good idea to sock a few grand away for those pop up. :-)

 

You should have bought that one in Florida with only 25k miles for $26k

 

Of course, if the price is right..........

After-market and used parts can considerably reduce cost of operation. However you really need to know that the previous owner has looked after the car, neglect is the one thing that can ruin a good car.

 

This 125k super is still kicking around on feebay. 175k and he's turned down 12.5k which I think is the real price on it.

I'm spoilt on a Super-the old once black syndrome...

 

Hmmm.

A car with that sort of mileage demands it be seen before purchase, even if the price is right. Having said that, these cars can run the Marathon, or if you prefer, go to Mars and back, but more repairs are likely as tghe mileage builds, and unless you see the car, (or have somebody else see it for you), you won't be in a position to know if you have to spend money immediately or not. Some early 2003 cars have got to 1/4 million miles, and are still roadworthy and on original engine and transmission.

To get to 125k miles, much is likely to have already been done, (at least it would have been in the UK to pass our annual roadworthiness check). This would include an air suspension compressor, and suspension joints. Brake pads and discs are normal wear items, so if on the limits, these will be up for replacement. A fistful of bills and invoices for work done and a service history is what you want to see.

 

I may be the only one to actually fix cars before selling them. My guess is that this one hit 125k and they said 'enough already' and traded it. I'd rather put fixemup $ into a lower mileage model and have some equity when finished. Too bad I'm suckered in to a Super-so few...