Questions from someone considering a wagon

Oh, I guess a few parting questions:

-is there a timing belt on the 302 engine, that will need to be replaced or risk the engine? Just good to know-- I'll do it asap if it's the case

-has anyone had trouble passing emissions with a similar car? If so, before I wait in line at the DMV, I'll have it checked over with a mechanic first.

-just curious, as there's a parts car in my area to pick up for next to nothing, keep on the side as things are needed... does the 1986 ford ltd wagon share anything with the 1990 merc? Probably not worth it; but wondering.

-and, I LIKE the styling and the large, flat cargo bay; just looking for validation that the 1990 colony is the right car, and I shouldn't feel guilty for choosing it over a yr2000 sable wagon with 90k miles for the same money?

 

Excellent.
Sorry to have obsessed; but after the volvo mistake I wanted to think this one through!

I like the idea of a wagon I can put a block of granite in w/o issue, and indeed, I probably will! And I am glad to hear about maintenance costs from the other thread.

I've called him up-- turns out the transmission was in fact a rebuild (better than a replacement), and I've arranged to send him a smaller deposit by snailmail and pick her up in two weekends!! :-D

 

http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&where1=Mill Hill Rd, Elizabeth, PA 15037&encType=1

 

OK....you are saying, Bernard, that you are sending a SMALL deposit...by SNAIL MAIL....and they are holding the car for you?? For TWO WEEKS? Amazing. I mean...they could wait days for no money to show up if you were a looky-loo that never sent the money. And I would think it would take more than a small deposit to hold the car for TWO WEEKS. Kudos to the seller having a trusting soul.

 

i thought he was pretty cool.

 

Yup....guy sounds like a straight shooter than believes everyone else is. That IS cool. Now, I'm waiting to hear from Bernard here to see if he has followed through with the plan.

 

What!
Of course I've followed through, nothing has changed in the last few hours! :-D

Good to know-- he COULD just walk off with the deposit, too.
I'd offered paypal... other than an $8 wire transfer, there isn't another instant way to do it.
I've actually bought things, from a distance, through craigslist for up to a couple hundred dollars. I've never ripped off anyone else (though I'm slow to ship...), and surprisingly, no one has ripped me off. Among real people --spam and nigerian scammers are another story, and they're so easy to spot-- honesty does seem to prevail.
Well, except for my volvo that I was sold with an already-ruined transmission and outright lied to about.... I will bear that grudge for a very long time I think.

I also plan to write his daughter back as confirmation, along with my name and number just so that he doesn't have the phone call only (I talked to her before, but 2 & 2 might not be put together yet)

 

when are you planning on greyhounding in? if i am not working i may be able to pick you up in downtown Pittsburgh at the greyhound terminal? if its on a saturday..it may work out as i try to go to my moms on saturdays, and this guy lives VERY close to my mom.

 

I might well take you up on that offer! I had no preference (regarding saturday versus sunday) myself, and could do saturday.
Let's get in touch in a week, week and a half? But basically, hmm, Saturday afternoon on the 3rd-- and I don't see too much changing, though I could come earlier as suits you (and him)

I'll be taking the greyhound; I'll insure it a couple days ahead of time, and I have some tags to transfer to it, so I can legally drive back!

 

that may work well as my wife is still off work and can watch our daughter. ill pm my phone#