Piston Slap: (Sane) Purchase Advice For (Insane) Panther Love

Philip writes:

Sajeev,

I have been driving a 2002 Chrysler T&C mini-van that is on its 3rd transmission. Based on the mileage, number 4 is right around the corner. I am feeling the Panther Love and I looking into a Lincoln Town Car.

A little background info. We live in The Woodlands Tx and I am the main taxi driver for a tall family of six. Neither my wife nor my teenage children do not what their dad driving an old man’s car. I, on the other hand, could care less.

The Panther I found on Ebaymotors/Autotrader is a 2003 Town Car with 42000 miles for 13800. The car is in Richmond Tx. Could you point me in the right direction on who I could have look at this car and what would be a fair asking price?

P.S.: Wife wants me to get a smaller sedan. She will be getting herself a mini-van for the family.

Sajeev answers:

Interesting predicament, and yes, Panther Love is the answer. I live halfway between you and that car, but I probably don’t have the time to check it out. Plus, I got enough Panther Love around my corner of Houston.

Therefore spending $100-200 for a PPI (pre-purchase inspection) from third party is a good idea for peace of mind. Don’t get fancy with engine compression tests, only the basics: frame damage, major leaks, bad suspension bushings, etc. Panthers have a reputation for durability for a reason. More to the point, you can spend all of 20 minutes reading up on the tricks of the inspection trade on the Internet, and become a Panther expert yourself. Start here.

When it comes to pricing, check what “private party” value is with Edmunds.com. Long story short, I would almost never pay more than private party value, for any car. And while dealerships provide a service that entitles them to a reasonable profit, there’s usually enough margin at private party value (from what I’ve experienced) to keep everyone happy at the negotiating table. Good luck.

Send your queries to mehta@ttac.com. Spare no details and ask for a speedy resolution if you’re in a hurry.