newbie ... hello everyone.

[husky]

Nebulous,
Thanks for the encouragement ... I need a little more! I've got two vehicles lined up; both MGM GS's BASE models. Both one owner (deceased) with a second individual (family or neighbor) selling the cars.
1) 2004 MGM GS Base model; Light Blue with 24,OOO miles; "very good" KBB condition with 60% tires - 7,000 dollars (advertised at 7,500)
2) 2005 MGM GS Base model; Gold color with 55,000 miles; "very good" KBB condition with 70% tires. - 6,000 dollars (advertised at 6,500)

I'm thinking that both are still too spendy; but realistically they're both garaged cars and lived in the same Georgia climate year round - hard to argue with the price.
Am I nuts even to consider these at those prices?
Please give me your two cents worth asap and kick me over the line one way or the other - I've done a lot of research and I'm still feeling a little guilty about asking the owners to lower the price.

[79lincolnlover]

A car with low miles can still cost you money, if it's been sitting for awhile. Ask for service records.

[husky]

79lincolnlover ... Here's the deal; the 2004 GS was a one owner car that was kept in its garage at an assisted living facility; and it was taken out to do shopping and the occasional trip until such time the owner could no longer drive. After this, her daughter took over the driving duties until the elderly lady passed away last November. The car has been on a 3-4 hour road trip recently too; so I'm encouraged by that.
The "estate" of the deceased is now selling the car but they've lost the title!! No problem because a new can be written at the DOMV office apparently ... ?????? Not sure about that part.
Price is 6,750 firm and the car is definitely in good condition inside and out - my son will be the one doing the test drive etc because I can't make it at present ... This car was purchased from a dealer and has the raised dealership name and location alongside the MGM GS designation on the back of the car. The oil was changed late last year also.
WWLLD (What Would Lincoln Lover Do)?

[sly]

power of attorney for estate + DMV forms + bill of sale = title transfer to new buyer.

I personally think it's a bit much, but if it's in as good of shape as it seems, it may be worth it.

[Nebulous]

power of attorney for estate + DMV forms + bill of sale = title transfer to new buyer.

I personally think it's a bit much, but if it's in as good of shape as it seems, it may be worth it.

I concur. Also unsure if your son will know what to look for when he's test driving. Not the same when the actual buyer test drives the car before purchase. I was in the market to buy a muscle car to restore, but was looking for one with minimal work needed. I found a '70 Camaro, at a great deal but the owner wasn't holding it. First come first serve. I sent my brother to look it over and test drive it as I was out of town and didn't want to miss the deal. Needless to say my brother purchased the car and drove it back home. When I got home I noticed the tranny was slipping, the front end was so loose it was dangerous to drive it at all and part of the chassis was rusted through. Of course the original owner wasn't going to refund my money so i was stuck with a rust bucket that was useless. I made some money back parting it out, but I never let anyone test drive the car I'm buying after that. Good luck!

[husky]

"power of attorney for estate + DMV forms + bill of sale = title transfer to new buyer."
The "power of attorney" part is something that I didn't think about; thanks so much sly ... and you're correct; it IS too much. I've since asked for and received about 9 photos of this car; I wouldn't hesitate (based on the photos alone) that this car is in KBB "good condition" and even with the 24,000 miles (which I think is bonafide) KBB only values this car at 6,000 max. PLUS; it hasn't been detailed at all (still looks good though), no service records produced yet (there is a pile of stuff in the glove box though - as per son-in-law). I had to ask for photos ... I don't think the guy has ever sold a car in his life judging by his super-laid-back attitude ... He lives in a very fine brick home with home wife, down by a golf course in Lakebottom, Comumbus GA; the historic district (house was built in 1934) ... I did some recon on Google maps, based on the street and avenue numbers from one of his photos and even had the house nailed, by the position of the car on the street! These people are not poor and it seems like I'm talking to an old farmer who nonchalantly says things like, "Yeah, that car's a good car, it lived in my mother-in-law's garage at the retirement place (which automatically makes it immaculate); my mother in law was a tough ol' sister and we're lucky to find anything that she left behind when she died ... heck, the only thing we couldn't find was the title to the car." In all honesty, I'm uncomfortable with this; not because the guy wants me to pay more than I should; but because I'm in the unenviable position of being removed from the situation, exactly like Nebulous said ... my son knows how to deal with people better than I do though, (hey, a student should be better than his teacher right?) but I don't want to waste his time. I may just wait and keep an eye open for a MGM so that when I arrive in Atlanta April 1st; I can pick it up myself.
You guys may not appreciate just how helpful you all are ... a sincere "thank you" for that; only in America!

[P72Crazy]

Hi Husky and welcome to the site. No doubt you've hooked up with many of the sites experts on this thread. I've been reading your posts with interest. Here's my take: Dealing with individuals is many times tougher than a dealer. Most dealers (even the crooks) know the real worth of their vehicles. Individuals tend to over-rate the value of their vehicles for many reasons and are clueless as to the actual cash value or retail value (check multiple sources for acv!). Here in NC, every dealer uses the "Black Book" to buy by, and the NADA book to sell buy. Also remember, since dealers have to trade with individuals who generally owe more to the bank than their cars are worth, so they tend to inflate the retail value where they can in an attempt to make trades (makes it look like you're getting a better deal on your trade).
A 2004 model car is 10 years old even if it only has 24k miles on it.

[husky]

P72Crazy ... thanks for the welcome ... you're absolutely correct in stating that dealers are easier to deal with. I canned the purchase of the 2004, simply because after the photos I reauqested revealed that the guy was being a little over optimistic about the value. I mentioned that a premium for low mileage was outweighed in this case by the after purchase service requirements; he basically went ballisitic ... and I walk away feeling good after being given a confidence boost from the advice given right here on the forum. So far (an I'm not surprised), I've dealt with three private sellers and all of them are reluctant to produce any kind of vehicle history and service records; while the cars themselves in two cases looked very nice having 65K and 55K repectively; one LS and the other a GS.
Check out Wagner Ford Lincoln in McCook Nebraska ... their site has two MGM's; one 2005 LS with 43K and the other is a 2007 GS with 68.8K. From the photos I deducted that they are both trade-in's because they have the Wagner dealership logo on them. I requested info by e-mail and will probably try to purchase one ... if I can get some history etc. I much prefer the grill on the 2007; the color kinda fits the car even though it's a little mundane. Nebraska is a better place to purchase for me; since I have relatives there.
What's your take on those cars?
I also have a guy at a dealership on the West side of Nebraska that's going to an auction in Phoenix soon ... he'll have an idea what they're purchasing there; in a couple of days apparently. Personally I think the two from the dealership might be a better purchase if there's a local history to the cars. Price for both the LS and the GS from McCook are exactly the same at the dealership, but the KBB makes the LS (43Kmiles) at a higher value, 8,889 dollars suggested retail as opposed to 7,569 dollars for the GS with 68.8K miles.
Decisions decisions eh!!!!

[miamibob]

Keep looking and don't be in a rush. Be ready to walk away and you will find something you are comfortable with!!

[husky]

You're right miamibob; I'm just trying to get things in order because when April 1st arrives I'll be hitting the ground running, trying to drum up some work. Therefore, I need a car that can road-trip and then after a couple of months my wife and kids will join me - which is a major part of my decision to buy a MGM. Thanks to all the people here; I'm getting schooled quickly and gaining some confidence in navigating around the alligators in the swamp of characters that I encounter trying to sell me a car!!!!

I love it though.

[P72Crazy]

Hi again Husky. I don't feel comfortable trying to evaluate a vehicle 1/2 way across the country from a website. My advice is for you to continue to do your research and don't get discouraged and just settle. All used cars whether trade-ins or reconditioned vehicles bought at a wholesale auction can give you trouble. Many professional dealers offer extended warranties that are indeed worth the money. The sad fact is that you'll have to "shop that warranty" too. I'm almost 57 with 77 cars "under my belt". Some were great, some okay, some average, and one or two "turds". Most of my vehicles are older than 2006 (an Accord I bought the wife for our 25th anniversary). My next newest is a 2003 Mach 1 Mustang. Everything else is older! Wish I had more experience with the 4.6 engine in the MGM but I don't. Best of luck with your purchase!

[79lincolnlover]

Go with your gut! If someone seems shady, don't show them the money.

[husky]

79LL,
Will do ... and again, thanks for the encouragement .... ...

[husky]

Thought I'd posted a reply P7 but apparently not!
"My advice is for you to continue to do your research and don't get discouraged and just settle." - That's solid advice ... and that's what I intend to do. Thanks again.

[visionmercury]

welcome man , enjoy the site