Hard Decisions

[tresola]

I took the green SLE out on Saturday. Nice seats!! I'm assuming the SLE has better seats than the SE, or are they the same and it depends how worn they are? If the SLE has more cushion, then I need to find an SLE. The SE that I'm waiting to hear the mechanic report on has fairly firm seats. Do both trim levels have the trim name written on the side of the car? I guess I haven't taken a very close look at this. The reason I ask is I'm not sure the one I'm checking out tonight (see below) is an SE or SLE. It has all the features but he doesn't mention the auto climate control, and from what I understand, the SLEs were the only ones with that option, correct?

I'm going to see a 2001 v6 automatic tonight. Its white pearl in color. The guy (and he sounds like an older gentleman) is asking around $5900 and it has 145k. High miles but the guy's done all the work it needs for the mileage, and he says he's got a garage that does all his work and has the records. This may be a good car to buy. It looks like the owner drove around 19,000 miles since he bought it in '04. Wow. I'm lucky to top 10k. If this car has been well maintained, should I worry about the high mileage, and especially with an auto tranny?

I didn't mind driving the automatic, I forget how powerful they are when teamed up with the v6. My Camry had lots of pull. I have an H6 that can barely do hills and passing at highway speeds. Its terrible! I don't think I'd be too sad getting another automatic as long as it was well taken care of and comfortable to drive. And it doesn't shudder like crazy like the green car I test drove on Saturday. Ew.

[tresola]

well i found out the gold car had more previous damage than the guy led on, and i cant justify buying the car from someone who cant tell straight stories. and that is the end of the manual cars in my price range.

i went to see the white car, and it was well maintained, minus some squeaking we think may be the alternator bearings. we noticed the belt on the lower righthand side seemed a little loose. any guesses on whats going on? i will be taking it to my nechanic for a final inspection.

the interior is also well used. its an SLE with all options including traction control. hmmm. the guy is retired and only selling because she wanted an suv for their dog. but the guy is very mechanic oriented. so what are your thoughts?