Should I buy this car?

[Fordguy3745]

Hi guys, I'm totally new here. I have the chance to buy a 98 SHO for $600. The car for that price obviously has issues. I have test driven it. It has serious oil and coolant leaks, and I'm pretty sure the car has had a hard life. I was just wondering what everyone's thoughts were regarding whether or not I should take a chance and buy the thing. I know it is gonna cost a lot to get it roadworthy, and I am willing to spend a bit. I like these cars and currently drive a 96 with the tec. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[luigisho]

Is this a side car or something you need to be reliable? If it was me I'd pass.

 

[Fordguy3745]

For now it would be a side project. I have another Taurus that I drive every day. My initial thought was to pass, the only reason I'm even thinking about it is because these gen 3s are getting hard to find. I suspect the oil cooler or the Y pipe as potential sources of the leaks based on where the coolant is spilling from.

 

[sperold]

Get a history on cam welding and the automatic transmission in this car.
The alternators are hard to change and the PATS system can disappoint you.

Occasionally you can buy a nice one in the $3000.00 range, so it does not take many repairs to get to that mark.

There are parts that are not transferable through 96 to 99 SHOs model years, usually 96 and 97 group together and 98 and 99 are together, but I think they are mostly electrical and dash parts.

If it is not licensed and on the road, scrap value tops out at $300.00, so look into where the extra money resides, like maybe new tires, battery, whatever.

Good luck with it, just try to determine if the tranny has been refreshed or is sound, and the cam issue.

 

[luigisho]

If the car had a hard life I would pass. I loved my GenIII, other than the stereo, and the tranny starting to go made me get rid of it. I would pass considering the rebuilds for the trans do not last as long as you might expect and it doens't look like it was maintained. There are other cars out there if you really want them and they should all cost about the same to be where you like it.

Agree with above on cam welds too. That thing goes and you have a nice lawn ornament you can grow sunflowers out of if you open the sunroof

 

[Fordguy3745]

I appreciate the responses guys! Basically I believe the price comes from new tires and wheels. I agree, I definitely need to figure out the cam situation. The transmission felt okay when I drove it. I need tires on my daily 96, and I figure if all else fails I got a new set of wheels and tires, and I'll sell the thing or gut it for scrap and cut my loses.

 

[zoomlater]

Offer half of what they are asking, you may be the only offer they get.

 

[luigisho]

Wrenching on those cars is a chore. That little v8 takes up alot of engine bay. good luck

 

[Irish Pride]

Me personally, if I were looking for a Gen3 I would only consider one that has been maintained and could verify it. The SHO specific parts for the Gen3 are gone. You really have to look to find what you need to repair those cars and then if you find it you better expect to pay top dollar. Even simple things like heater hoses are obsolete and then they are a B!+€# to get to and change. There are better ones out there for not much more money.

 

[luigisho]

I forgot about the parts mentioned above. If you like inventing new curse words work on a GenIII. Let your brain over rule your emotion and split. I second everything Irish posted---plus he works in/for Ford parts.

Run away Sir Robin.

 

[Fordguy3745]

Alright, thanks for the feedback everyone! So I made the guy an ofFer of 350 today, and he says he's keeping it because it now holds water as it just needed some hose. Oh well. I'm still looking to find one of these cars in better condition.

 

[luigisho]

With this Generation be a little picky with the cam and trans issue. I miss mine as it was when I bought it. I would not get another one at this age unless it was in great shape. Even then, I hated the can't replace the old stereo without it looking like crap--enough to probably pass.

 

[Fordguy3745]

I know what you're saying, I put a stereo in my 96. It sounds great but looks a bit cheesy. I think you're right, and now I'm only gonna buy if it's REALLY nice.