98 RT - Found 1, but need some answers

[ViperJoe]

Hey guys,
Ran a CarFax on a 98 RT I am looking at (I know, take it with a grain of salt) and here's what showed up (car looks immaculate, at a new car dealer):

Known Owners: Date: Location:
1st owner No data No data
2nd owner 08/01/2001 Texas
3rd owner 11/01/2002 California

Date: Mileage:
12/08/2000 4,377
08/01/2001 4,760
08/24/2001 4,940
11/01/2002 6,280 Reported on 11/01/2002
11/05/2002 6,422

08/17/2000 Texas
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Plano, TX
Title #04333336745151038
Title issued
Title or registration issued


12/08/2000 4,377 Auto Inventory Houston, TX
Offered for sale at dealership


08/01/2001 4,760 Texas Motor Vehicle Dept. Houston, TX
Title #10144737081124631
Title issued
New owner reported
Loan or lien reported


08/24/2001 4,940 Texas Inspection Station Houston, TX
Passed emissions inspection


11/01/2002 6,280 California Motor Vehicle Dept. Palm Desert, CA
Title issued
New owner reported
Loan or lien reported
Registered as lease vehicle
Odometer reading recorded on 11/01/2002


11/05/2002 6,422 California Inspection Station Fresno, CA
Passed emissions inspection

4/2003 Mileage now 8,560

Shoud I run away from this one?
Thanks for the help
Cheers

 

[BADVENOM]

The one thing that bothers me the most is that it was leased car. Usually means that it might have been driven hard and might not have been given the TLC a private owner would give. However have a viper tech check the car, it still might be a good clean car. Make sure you negotiate price as market is soft.

adam

 

[Janni]

Three owners on a 98 is a bit suspect. SHort time for each owner - probably not hte people that take care of carsl ike they are going to keep them. Then, as a used car lease- I never understood that one... My thoughts are that there are too many NICE cars out there that have been very well taken care of to try to save the $2K- $3K and buy one that the history is even remotely questionable. Does this car have original window sticker? Service records? Most likely not - too many unknowns. How about an extended warranty? Nope - then I'd pass.

If you can't pass up the deal, have a local VCA member check the car out - there are things that a truly enthusiastic owner will spot that you won't.....

 

[matt lankford]

..

that is the silver car at ocala lincoln, it has been wacked. i talked to the used car manager a few days ago. the right rear fender has been re-done. just out of curiosity, what did they tell you that you could buy it for?

 

[ViperJoe]

Re: ..

Hey Matt,
Thanks for the info, thats what I needed. I sent you a PM
Joe