Mach 1 Possible Mach 1 Purchase

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I AM the random post master...bow down
May 3, 2003
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Daytona Bch, FL
2003 Red 5spd with just over 30k miles showing on the odometer. 6 disk changer, power seat, power windows, power mirrors, leather interrior, mach sound system.

The guy is asking $20,000 for it and seems pretty dead set on that price. Blue book value of the car with "Good" body condition is around $18,600. With further inspection of it today on a lift at work, it looked like the two bolts that hold the pass side A-arm in place have been loosened to move it for some reason, along with the bolts that hold the door and fender on. He claims that the car has never been wrecked (2nd owner) but it looks like the front bumper and that fender have both been repainted. Also, the chin spoiler had been torn off when he tried to pull it onto his trailer, there doesnt seem to be any major damage done to the bumper, but there is a chip about the size of a quarter on the bumper is a somewhat visible place. There is also a little ding on the roof and a little scratch of the spoiler. My dad said the pass front rim may look a little bent, but there was no vibration while driving.

One last thing... there is a ticking coming from the engine, we're not really sure what it is but think its something to do with the valve train. Is this natural for the 32 valved engines to sound like this or does it mean there is a problem just starting to show its face?

With all of that said, I know the car is not worth the $20,000 he's wanting to get for it, and since I don't own one, I'm not sure what I should offer him for the car. I was thinking no more than $17,000 for the car? Does that sound about right, too high/low?

Sorry for the long post, its just a lot of money for me to drop on a car, especially if it's not worth that much.
 
If it was me, I'd pass on it. The head tick is a bug that has cropped up on the Mach 1's and Cobra's. I think you can still have Ford replace the head or heads to cure the tick. To me, sounds like the Mach has had a rough life so far. 20K is too high. You being the 3rd owner would me wonder what up?
 
Thanks for the info guys. I'll call the guy and tell him I'll pass on the deal. I'll check out carmax too. Collector car trader had TONS of Mach 1's, but the clostest ones were in Georgia and South Carolina.
 
There are beaucoup Mach 1s out there. Shop around a little while and don't be afraid to travel. If you're ready to plunk down $20K or so, then don't bitch about a couple of hundred dollars for a plane ticket.
 
$20K for that is wayyyy too much....

I paid 20 for mine and it had 2000 miles on it and it was MINT when i got it. Don't settle for anything less than you want..... thats what I learned. You'll find somethin better out there, just keep lookin