posted 03-23-2005 06:46 PM                  

New to the forum...I have long admired the Prowler, and finally have decided to scratch the itch, so to say. I have seen the following car on ebay a few times, and wonder if anyone can tell me if this seems like a good car, or if there is something that I am missing, given I am not nearly as familiar with Prowlers as I am with other cars. Obviously not a ton of information can be had from a photograph, but it seems to me that this car is selling for a lot lower than other comparable ones, leading me to think that I am missing something.

posted 03-23-2005 07:12 PM                  

As Bob Hacker stated some of the differences...with regard to the wheels, a fair number of people have had problems with their chrome wheels peeling........and I've not heard of any problem with the painted wheels. It was the original color built........the ride is stiffer than the later models when they changed the suspension for a bit better ride. I have a 99 and an 02 and although the ride of the 97's and 99's are a bit rougher, it's not something that bothers me. I guess it would depend on the price that is set as the reserve.

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CJ - The One and Only
1999 Black - PPROWLR 2002 Deep Candy Red - CJPROWLN

posted 03-23-2005 07:22 PM                  

As stated above, the '97 and '99 cars have a stiffer ride, do not have the dimming mirror with compass, and all '97s had the silver painted wheels. It also had the 214HP engine rather than the 253HP. If none of that matters and you like purple, then this may be a good car for you. The price is fair with his buy it now of $27.9K.

If you look you can get good deals around. I paid less than that for a mint black '99 with only 580 miles a year ago. If you have cash in hand, many buyers may come down from what they say is a firm price. (Money talks, BS walks they say.) I would choose a color you like and look for that car. If you need a softer ride, go for the 2001-02 cars.

I looked for almost 2 years to get mine. The hunt was almost as fun as getting it.

posted 03-23-2005 08:17 PM                  

this is the kind of stuff that most people who never know about until they talk to folks like you.

i'll keep looking.

anyone ever need help with Mustangs, especially gen 1 (64-66) and 2005, let me know.

posted 03-23-2005 08:37 PM                  

I am going to keep looking for something more local, ideally purple or black with less than a 20K miles...and keep checking the classifieds here at prowleronline.com

posted 03-23-2005 08:56 PM                    

Check with the DMV first about any out of state car you plan on bringing into CA. I only mention this as you're likely to find a much better deal on an out of state prowler even if you include the shipping costs.

Narrow down your search to your favorite colors, it would make it easier to find a car. Any specific colors you had in mind? I see you like black, that narrows it down to 1999 prowlers.

Email me if you need more help on buying a car and I will ive you my phone #.

posted 03-23-2005 09:54 PM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by karazuba:
I appreciate the advice on the dealer. The replies were a lot more diplomatic than on other car message boards, which speaks highly for the class of people here!

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karabooza - yes,,,,we are good people here at the POA. After you buy your cat and get 50 posts under your belt,,,,we then start attacking you

Remember - CARFAX the VIN#,,,,,,,look for a cat in warranty or has a extended warranty already in place,,jmo

posted 03-25-2005 11:50 AM                  

When you finally get one, let us know. There are a few things you should do, though there is a good chance that they've already been done (ball joint recall,ceramic break pads, front mud flaps, blank check to Scott if you enjoy mods ).

Good luck. We'd love to see a new Prowler out here.

posted 03-25-2005 12:25 PM                  

Thanks...I'll be checking around for one. Any idea if the 99 passes Cal emmisions? It seems pretty clear from the board that 97's don't and 2000+ do, but there is no cut and dry opinion on the 99...just curious.

As far as the California taxes, I believe that you have to pay CA state tax regardless, even if it is purchased in another state? I have only bought cars in states that I live in...I think another way around it is to purchase the car in another state and keep in registered in that state for 90 days, yes? My grandmother lives in Arizona (yes, she is still alive and still beats my father, with his 8 handicap, at golf every week)--maybe I can buy there, register it at her house...

anyway, your help is appreciated!

-Paul

posted 03-25-2005 01:41 PM                  

In the process, I was told that all Prowlers (if stock) will pass California smog - there was no special California model with unique emissions controls, for any model year.

posted 03-25-2005 06:54 PM                  

I believe that the deal is if you but an in-state vehicle, your "use tax" is based on the sales tax of the buyer’s county of residence. If you buy an out-of-state vehicle, I believe it’s some "state percentage" which is less than your local sales tax.

The easiest way to find out is to call the DMV at 1-800-777-0133 and ask someone. I’d then call again to see if another DMV person tells you the same thing to make sure the first one knew what they were talking about.

The worst part was spending a whole day in the DMV to pay them money.

-Dan

posted 03-26-2005 12:59 AM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by ALLEY CAT:
As I understand it,,,internet sales are not subject to state sales tax. In Az. if you buy from a private owner, you pay NO sales tax.

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Actually, internet sales are subject to sales tax. However, because sales tax can vary from county to county, the govt does not make the retailers collect it, if they do not have a physical presence in that state. It is up to the buyer to report it and pay it (and very few actually go through the trouble of getting the form to report it ).

However, take it from me, when you go into the Cali DMV to register the car and pick up the plate, they will make sure you pay then and there.