What should I offer ($$) on this DSM?

[jason732]

I found a first gen(?) Eagle Talon TSI (Auto) with AWD in a lot owned by one of my customers. She hasn't driven it in a while because she said it's got some timing/drivability issues. The body has a few substantial dings and deep scratches on it and the front bumper on the drivers' side is bowed out like someone tried to pry it off the car. It has the fixed headlights, so I assume it's a 92-94. It's probably got around 140,000 Miles on it. I looked in the engine compartment and it's got the usual layer of dust and grime, but everything appears to be bone stock, and nothing seems to be missing. No broken glass or missing body parts, but the paint has degraded severely in a couple places, probably from exposure to the elements.

I want to make her an offer on the car, but I don't want to insult her. What problems could I potentially be facing and what would that make the car worth? Kelly Blue Book's web site says in fair condition it's worth $2500, but that's in running condition. This car won't run well enough to pass emissions right now from what she tells me. I was thinking that $1000 would be a good place to start, but I'll wait for feedback from yous guys before I make a decision.

 

[blcknspo0ln]

1000 is fine. i wouldn't pay much more for an effed up automatic 1g good luck, it'd be a nice project car.

btw, dont go storming up to her and demand that she sell it for 1k to you. just kinda nudge into the subject and say "oh, how much is this car worth to you? a grand?" or something along those lines.

 

[jason732]

Thanks for the reply!

Nice FMIC by the way

 

[95WTSI]

I would not go more than $1500

 

[JRichter]

Constantly point out all the problems you notice (giving her rough estimates of the repair costs - even if your not sure of the costs) before making offer. Most people w/ a vehicle that has been sitting on their property a while just want to get rid of it so use this to your advantage.

What does the car do that leads her to believe there is timing problems?

 

[jason732]

What does the car do that leads her to believe there is timing problems?

She said it shakes at idle, lacks power and bogs down all the time. I was thinking that what she had described sounded like a bad head gasket, but I'm no mechanic and I could be wrong.

I also have to sell my Contour before I can buy it, but she said she would hold on to it for me unless someone offered her all cash on the spot.

 

[kraka]

Well, personally I would never buy an auto 1G considering it has a significantly smaller turbo and injectors +...its an AUTO. If you are really serious about buying it, I would not buy it for any more than $1500..

 

[jason732]

OK here are more details about the car:

Mileage: 63359
Manufacture date: March 1992
New tires at 55,000 +/-
Interior in almost perfect condition (2 cigarette burns and smell)

My brother in law said it's likely that it has a small head gasket leak, and it definately has a timing problem. We cranked it up to hear it run and it seemed that it never came off of high idle, even after running for 15-20 minutes.

She is considering a trade for my Contour, since right now she is using the Talon as a loaner car for her grand kids and she wants something safer and more reliable than the Talon in it's current condition. I'm thinking I'll offer her the trade of my car for the Talon +$500.

Any thoughts?

By the way, I need an automatic because I have gout. When it's acting up, I can't work the clutch because of the intense pain it causes.