I'm trying to decide between a 2002 Ford Focus with 125,000 miles and a 1996 Dodge Neon with 56,000 miles. They are both priced just below loan value. The Neon has a small crack in the dash, other than that, the interior is in good condition. The exterior is in fair condition, but the passenger door is missing the pin stripping so I'm afraid it has been replaced from a wreck.
The exterior of the Focus is in good condition, the interior shows some use, but not abuse.
I also wonder which one would be safer.
I need some expert advise please. Thanks!
2006-09-16 22:00:24 · 6 answers · asked by ICUsmile 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
I would suggest to you, if you know of a mechanic, take them. Have them jack it up, look underneth. If the Neon has a severe oil leak, leaking transmission, cracked casing, worn rutters, bad front end, etc..... and the other car doesnt, well. When looking at used cars, you need to look at these things. A mechanic can tell you if a car has been taken care of, wrecked, or abused. Miles do play a part in a car, but so do many other factors. The car with 125000 miles, if taken care of could last another 50000+. The Neon, with 56000, if abused, could end up costing you alot of money if not taken care of. The Neon, I would almost bet, was in an accident, with it being a 96, and only 56000 miles. So does it have a twisted frame. If so, you could expect to be buying alot of tires. Get a Mechanic for any used car your looking at!
2006-09-17 02:56:38 · answer #1 · answered by Iam!! 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you have to choose one, get the Neon.
I wonder how the owner of the Focus got 125,000 miles on it in 4 years?
The average miles for a car in the U.S. is 12-15 thousand miles per year.
125K divided by 4 = about 30K twice the average.
The focus has been driven, that's for sure.
2006-09-17 05:06:28 · answer #2 · answered by Prince V 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Higher miles on a car with a four cylinder is worse than a car with lower miles on a four cylinder.
But if I were you, I would keep shopping becuase niether of those sound like something I would buy.
2006-09-17 05:04:28 · answer #3 · answered by Loud Fast Rules 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
dump these cars, look elsewhere
ford focus has very high miles for a car that is approx. 5 years.
dodge neon has high repair rate.
you can find better cars for $5000
ps: do a vin number search, it will tell you who previous owned it and if it had an accident
check sites like autotrader.com, cars.com, autobytel.com, or yahoo
2006-09-17 06:10:07 · answer #4 · answered by buddhaboy 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Get the one with the fewer miles.
2006-09-17 05:08:47 · answer #5 · answered by First Lady 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In eather case you should have a qualified mechanin look them both over and let you know
2006-09-17 06:31:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋