Well, I'm thing of selling my '97 LSC, not because there's anything wrong with it, but because I really need something like a van, and also want to keep my '96 T-Bird, which I bought new. But I really have no idea on the amount I should look for.
First things first - this was a salvage vehicle, but repairs were done well, (I think it likely could have been repaired instead of salvage titled, but in CA, if the insurance company buys it back, it has to be licensed as "salvage"). It was hit it the left side, but not enough for any frame damage. Some of the clear-coat on the repairs is starting to turn "milky", but there are no dings on the car at all, though there are some small paint chips here and there, and a partial "punch-through" about 2" dia on the rear bumper that can easily be repaired. It also has an ASC moonroof that works fine.
I bought it at 38K miles, and it now has 98K. It also has a "Ford Quality Renewal" engine in it, so the engine definitely has less mileage than the car. I've only ever used synthetic oil in it, and it's never been raced or even floored. As a matter of fact, I've only had it above 3K rpms less than a dozen times, and never even over 4K rpm. The engine runs absolutely perfect - it really is in mint shape.
There are no serious issues at all with the car. All the electronics work perfectly, and being from CA, there's no rust anywhere on the car. The front end is starting to creak, so it will probably need ball joints before long, though it still drives like it's on rails. Alignment and tire wear is perfect. I also have a spare rebuilt steering rack still in the box, which I picked up because it was such a good deal, and there's a tiny amount of play, (less than 1/4" at the steering wheel), so the new rack is there if eventually needed. No driveshaft vibration at all. The gas tank is a little dented underneath from a piece of wood that bounced up under it on the highway.
The suspension has no leaks at all, (it will stay up for weeks), and it has a Ford factory new compressor, installed last year. Wheels are true Ford SVT 17x7 Cobra R's, with BFG Comp T/A 245/50R17 tires, with about 1/4" tread left.
Other than the latch on one side of the ashtray, ('needs to be re-sprung), the interior is just about perfect, except for normal wear on the driver seat. The cup holder is still perfect, and the 10 CD changer works fine.
I also have 2 spare headlight assemblies, with one HID in one and another HID bulb still new in the box. The neon light works fine, and has been specially sealed against moisture. I have various other parts kicking around also, including a new in the box, reinforced by Mark Darrah, (m_darrah), replacement blend door arm, (the current one is still working fine), and new spare door handles. I also have the complete set of printed factory service manuals, including the EVTM.
Anyway, I could use some honest opinions on what this car should sell for. And if anyone has a decent Chevy Astro van or GMC Safari van they want to trade or sell, I'm definitely interested.
I really wish I could keep everything, but don't have enough space or $$. At least I'll still be in the family with the T-Bird, which I plan on probably keeping forever.
John
[link:www.goldengatemark8.com|Golden Gate Mark VIII Website]
http://mark8.org/users/johnaec/Mark_VIII_s.jpg
'97 Mark VIII LSC (Evergreen, Prairie Tan)
'96 T-Bird 4.6L (Pacific Green, Gray)
First things first - this was a salvage vehicle, but repairs were done well, (I think it likely could have been repaired instead of salvage titled, but in CA, if the insurance company buys it back, it has to be licensed as "salvage"). It was hit it the left side, but not enough for any frame damage. Some of the clear-coat on the repairs is starting to turn "milky", but there are no dings on the car at all, though there are some small paint chips here and there, and a partial "punch-through" about 2" dia on the rear bumper that can easily be repaired. It also has an ASC moonroof that works fine.
I bought it at 38K miles, and it now has 98K. It also has a "Ford Quality Renewal" engine in it, so the engine definitely has less mileage than the car. I've only ever used synthetic oil in it, and it's never been raced or even floored. As a matter of fact, I've only had it above 3K rpms less than a dozen times, and never even over 4K rpm. The engine runs absolutely perfect - it really is in mint shape.
There are no serious issues at all with the car. All the electronics work perfectly, and being from CA, there's no rust anywhere on the car. The front end is starting to creak, so it will probably need ball joints before long, though it still drives like it's on rails. Alignment and tire wear is perfect. I also have a spare rebuilt steering rack still in the box, which I picked up because it was such a good deal, and there's a tiny amount of play, (less than 1/4" at the steering wheel), so the new rack is there if eventually needed. No driveshaft vibration at all. The gas tank is a little dented underneath from a piece of wood that bounced up under it on the highway.
The suspension has no leaks at all, (it will stay up for weeks), and it has a Ford factory new compressor, installed last year. Wheels are true Ford SVT 17x7 Cobra R's, with BFG Comp T/A 245/50R17 tires, with about 1/4" tread left.
Other than the latch on one side of the ashtray, ('needs to be re-sprung), the interior is just about perfect, except for normal wear on the driver seat. The cup holder is still perfect, and the 10 CD changer works fine.
I also have 2 spare headlight assemblies, with one HID in one and another HID bulb still new in the box. The neon light works fine, and has been specially sealed against moisture. I have various other parts kicking around also, including a new in the box, reinforced by Mark Darrah, (m_darrah), replacement blend door arm, (the current one is still working fine), and new spare door handles. I also have the complete set of printed factory service manuals, including the EVTM.
Anyway, I could use some honest opinions on what this car should sell for. And if anyone has a decent Chevy Astro van or GMC Safari van they want to trade or sell, I'm definitely interested.
I really wish I could keep everything, but don't have enough space or $$. At least I'll still be in the family with the T-Bird, which I plan on probably keeping forever.
John
[link:www.goldengatemark8.com|Golden Gate Mark VIII Website]
http://mark8.org/users/johnaec/Mark_VIII_s.jpg
'97 Mark VIII LSC (Evergreen, Prairie Tan)
'96 T-Bird 4.6L (Pacific Green, Gray)
