Hello,
Apologies for jumping in, time is tight.
My wife recently totaled her car and we're short on cash and I've seen what looks like a nice '97 RL, 112k.
I'd appreciate much any gotchas to check out/watch for, or if you could point me to any model/year specific buying advice.
Thanks,
Gary

 

Window Regulators, Ball Joints, Wheel Memory, look up carfax with VIN, 96/97 had more problems then the later years in the generation, still great reliable cars just they did not work all the kinks out yet. Check for timing belt + water pump + seals proof, if not knock 700 off the tag. Check for rust.

If you decide to buy I would get an inspection done for 50-80 bucks, to see what is wrong and what needs work before you buy so that way u can knock price down.

If you buy without a carfax, I would get a tune up + all fluids done + filters. Cost you probably 200-400 bucks depending on what they do.

 

Even though it has only 112k on the clock but it is a 97, so you need to check the axles, steering rack and motor/transmission mounts. Those are the only expensive parts on this car and everything else you can save money by going aftermarket part. I have a 96 lowered and it is a very reliable car. I highly suggest you pay for the car to be checked out by a mechanic. Good luck.

 

It's more important how the car was maintained than anything else. Even a reliable car will have problems if neglected. Get a second opinion!

 

Thanks all for the advice. Going to test drive it after work.

 

How was the test drive?

 

Again,thanks all for the advice.
The car seemed good and there wasn't time to have it checked so I rolled the dice.
The seller said the passenger side regulator was bad so he pulled the fuse and has a replacement on order which I may be able to get today. Otherwise everything seems to work. Looks rust-free, good paint, and no evidence of body damage/repair aside from a slightly crumpled 6" area on a quarter panel.
Acceleration from standstill seems a bit stodgy, though I filled it with regular before reading in the manual that it's supposed to have premium. Seemed fine passing on the highway.
Fingers crossed...

 

Ya only use premium only haha, regular is only for emergency situation. They run like horse shit on regular. Lowers torque and hp by a lot, the RL isn't a fast car we have to remember, it has decent speed but its most all in the low RPM range, 0-40 is really quick but after that its pretty slow. Hope everything works out. They are great reliable cars.

 

Thanks!
I do have an emergency situation...my money is disappearing...
Good news is that the seller just gave me a new regulator assembly and suggested I might only need to swap the motors.