What is the general feeling, if there is one, about higher mileage cars. I mean cars with >100,000 miles? Yeah, yeah, some of you don't consider that high. Should there be any concerns about buying a high mileage car if it feels fine? Ball joints, water pumps, wheel bearings are expected to be changed at some point, but what about less serviceable items like certain mounts, bushings, and structural parts? What makes some cars run well into 200k+ miles without showing its age while others struggle to make it to 100k? Surely proper maintenance is only part of the equation.
My 'tour is getting up there (110,000). Although she's been reliable (only missed maybe 3 days of work for repairs in 7 years of daily driving, but never left me stranded), she's a bit rough around the edges now and I feel like I need a change, even if it's to another Contour. She's been so damned reliable I'm reluctant to give her up, as she's probably not going to fetch much. And frankly if I was looking to buy a 100,000 mile car, I would not buy her. Don't get me wrong, she runs fine albeit a little engine noise and suspension noise, but as a neutral 3rd party I would say she's aged. I'm thinking if I can find a cheap car, like ~$3k, that's in better cosmetic condition and doesn't have any glaring mechanical problems, I might be good for another few years.
I'm not looking for a high mileage fixer upper either. I just want a car that somebody babied and is upgrading or forced by the significant other to sell!
You guys want to know that I keep looking at getting another Contour because I would feel sad if I had to leave this site? I'm not a hardcord DIYer, but 7 years day-in day-out I feel so familiar with V6 Contours so I'd hate to give up that knowledge and move to something else.
