1999 GP, 35k miles, should I purchase?

[RHM]

Hello All,
I'm a newcomer to this forum and may become a frequent member depending on the advice/ input you all can provide.

I'm in the market for a car currently,
and one just popped down the road from me.
Its a '99 Grand Prix
35,000 miles
looks like its in great condition.
I have yet to take a closer look at the car, as I just noticed it and gave the gentlemen selling a ring.
I'm interested in getting a little more background on the car/ who owned it, and why the miles are so low.
He's asking for 4k on it, but KBB seems to value it lower even with the low mileage.
My biggest concern is how long it was sitting/if it was regularly driven.
Over 16 years only 35k miles equals about 2200 miles/ year.
I recently have gone through 2 cars in a short period of time, and don't want to have to worry that this one is going to cause me a ton of problems.
Id always rather buy a car with cash then get a loan, and if this might be a good investment then I would love to jump on it.
Just want to get some input on if the low mileage over such a long time could be a problem.
Once I get more input from the owner I will update,
but for now that is all I have.

Personally I'm not exceptionally mechanically inclined, and am looking for something reliable that, with regular maintenance, will do me justice.
Any background I can get on the GP is much appreciated, from reading around it seems there's a lot of love for it!

thanks for you responses and time in advance.

-RHM

 

[melsg5]

you dont give enough info to accurately price it but assuming it's an SE model with no options the price is high, the low mileage increases it's value by 1k at www.edmunds.com . The main thing to look for on this car is whether the lower intake manifold gasket is showing signs of leakage. Since it has not been driven much you should also look for leaks from front and rear engine seal and transmission. You may want to take it somewhere for a used car inspection.

 

[RHM]

Thanks for the feedback Melsg5,
When I go and take a closer look I will definitely check for those leaks.
I plan on having it looked at, just wanted to get a sense for what I was diving into, and if it was worth the time.
The price does seem high when comparing it on KBB or Edmunds,
but it seems that when I look at listing for some similar years, they are selling higher than what KBB or Edmunds suggests.
It's a GT, which didn't make much of a difference on Edmunds pricing when I ran through it.
The car does have new tires and a new battery as a plus.

Thanks again for the response,
will update after I get to check it out a bit closer.

-RHM

 

[richardgriese]

x2 with more info on the car. FYI, either engine - the 3100 or 3800 - would be great engines. It would still be advised to replace rubber on the car as it is probably original.

I've had several Grand Prix of various years and I currently have 1 of that generation (a 2002) so ask any questions you might have.

______________________________

 

[RHM]

x2 with more info on the car. FYI, either engine - the 3100 or 3800 - would be great engines. It would still be advised to replace rubber on the car as it is probably original.

I've had several Grand Prix of various years and I currently have 1 of that generation (a 2002) so ask any questions you might have.

Found out some more details on this,
the engine: 3800

The guy who owns this is the chief of police in my town (go figure),
and he's actually looking for $5k on this.

He says he has kept it meticulously, and that the reason for the low mileage is that he owns a company car (obviously).

He won't budge on the price at all thus far, and truly I think that's pretty high.
He swears by it being a great car.

How many miles does your '02 have on the clock? Just curious for comparison.
I just really need something that is going to last.
Since you've owned other generations, how does this one compare?
thanks for your feedback!

-RHM

 

[melsg5]

how long has it been on the market, cars like real estate, start high and then drop when the reality of the market catches up with the asking price.