posted 04-06-2009 08:14 PM                  

I too recently bought a Prowler.
Condition, modifications, along with mileage were concerns of mine as well.

In my opinion a car with mileage that is to low may become as much of a problem as a car with higher mileage just from non use.

Example: if a car sits for several month's at a time without proper preparation of the fuel in the tank, the fuel can go bad and result in a varnish effect that could cause issues from the pick up in the tank to the fuel injectors. Tires may look perfect but may not perform as well as they did when new.

Belts and hoses will deteriorate and even if the car has low miles, these items will likely need replacement. My car is a 2000 with 14K miles and I am planning on replacing the water pump and timing belt simply due to their age. The '99 and later 3.5 engines are known as interference engines. If the timing belt breaks it can result in the valves hitting the pistons causing significantly more expense.

It is also my opinion that a car with more mileage on it should have any inherent issues worked out by now. Of course cars with higher miles may have other issues. They also may have a lower price allowing you to spend more on whatever is necessary.

Be advised that the run flat tires the cars were delivered with are not easy to locate at this point. Another item to beware of from what I have read on this forum would be window regulators.

posted 04-07-2009 04:16 PM                  

There was a ball joint recall awhile back, and you should make sure that work was done, as it was a safety problem.

The chrome on the wheels is notoriously bad, especially inside the barrels, so check them carefully.

Some folks have had rubbing/wear issues with the soft tops near the rear window, so check to be sure there are no holes or weakened areas of abrasion.

The power window mechanisms are also a weak spot, and the gas gauges tend to malfunction or fail.

Otherwise, in terms of the engine, drivetrain, interior and exterior fit and finish, etc., I have had less trouble in 19K miles with my Prowler than most other ordinary cars.

Earlier comment re: mileage/storage is probably true to some degree, but it seems like the majority of owners on this board take excellent care of their cars during storage, etc., and while it is true that everything deteriorates over time, I would go with a well-documented, low miles car that was conscientiously maintained rather than save a few $$$$ on an higher mileage car that perhaps wasn't so carefully pampered. I have yet to see a neglected Prowler that was owned by anyone who is active in POA.

posted 04-08-2009 12:29 PM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by idive:
Don't be too surprised if the underside of the nose has been scraped.

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posted 04-10-2009 12:45 PM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by jmcant1:
If the bottom of the nose is NOT scraped - it has not been driven...

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Now that is a fact! If you drive one...(not a garage queen) it will have "character" under the chin...