? Buying a 1997 mark viii

M

markviiima

Registered
I just went to a local dealer and they had a 97 mark viii for sale
i may be buying it, i was just wondering if there is anything to look for. I have a 94 so i know about the typical problems but not the 97 any suggestions would be helpful and maybe a way to knock down what they are asking 5000.00 it has 73,000 miles and the body is in good shape.
 
RE: ? Buying a 1997 mark viii

ask for a carfax....ask what has been replaced...what maintecnce has been done to it......check kbb for price........all you have to do is talk to the sales guy and get it lower...
 
RE: ? Buying a 1997 mark viii

Check to make sure the telescopic steering wheel function operates without a problem along with the seat moving when you open and close the door. Not major things, but things that you want to make sure are fixed before you buy the car.
 
RE: ? Buying a 1997 mark viii

Thanks to all that put in a comment, but i went to th place that was selling it and missed it by 1 day. but iam still looking.
 
RE: ? Buying a 1997 mark viii

If you really like them, keep looking. The right one will show up eventually.
 
RE: ? Buying a 1997 mark viii

wow, 5 grand? is that what they are selling now a days? I remember when I was looking, a nice 98LSC was about 14-15K. The 97's were 10-13K. Time flies by...
 
RE: ? Buying a 1997 mark viii

Here is a list of items I put together a while back for both Gen Mark VIIIs.
Mark VIII - Things to look for when buying
1.Driveline vibration over 70-80mph that gets worse with speed. 93-98
possible driveshaft problem
2.HID headlights - make sure low beams burn nice and blue not orangy/yellow. New bulbs = $170 ea. - 96LSC W/HID and all 97/98
3.Climate control operation - cooling and heating - (blend door actuator problem) $35 part but a PITA to replace. Very expensive if you pay a dealer to do it. 97/98
4. Transmission 1-2 shift (was the accumulator upgrade and conversion to Mercon V done... 97 and older) Not a big deal under 50k but plan on doing it. About $70 in parts plus 12Qt of Mercon V ($38 give or take depending on brand)
5. Driver door electrochromatic mirror not yellow or weird looking. $300 for a new one. 93-96 if equipped and all 97/98
6. Does the car stay up with the air ride switch off for a couple days? The message center "Air Ride OK" message doesn't mean everything is perfect. If the bags are leaking it'll still say OK until it gets so bad the compressor can't pump them up in 90 seconds or won't vent properly.
7. Trunk CD changer if so equipped - Does it work? “NO CD” error common and has proven to be a source of great frustration for owners.
8. 10 spoke chrome directional (std on LSC) wheel corrosion in center hub? By the time you see it from the outside its way too late. Pull wheels to inspect. These wheels are difficult to find used and are expensive.
9. All turn signals, 4 ways and lights work (multifunction switch) Seems more of a problem on 93/94s.
0. Clearcoat hazing on roof/trunk. If there is a small spot, it will get bigger. 93-97 Haven't seen any 98s yet like this.
11. Brake pedal pulse from warped front rotors (relatively cheap to repair) 93-98
12. Power tilt/telescopic steering wheel moves in all directions. 97/98 only.
13. Are both PATS (passive anti-theft)keys available, 97/98 only. Extra keys are expensive and becoming a little hard to find.
14. Check operation of neon tail lamp 97/98. $600+ for a new replacement. Used ones aren't cheap either.
15. Check cupholder for broken swing-out tabs. Expensive to buy new. Only sold with console. 97/98
 
RE: ? Buying a 1997 mark viii

I would like to thank you for all the info.
it will help alot when i look for another.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top