[DanielDudley]

So, I have an old friend, and he is now ill. We are hopeful that he may recover, but he has a long road ahead of him at the very least. I get a call a few weeks back, suggesting that maybe I would like to by his 77 S. He had mentioned it in the spring, and at that time I had offered him 12,000 for the car, and I haven't seen it in years.

So I looked at it and drove it, and the car apparently has a 3.0 built up to a 3.2. However, the car also has a lot of deferred maintenance, and CIS issues, particularly at start up. It is also a dripper, and leaks oil from the cam tower gaskets. So I had a PPI done, at my expense of course.

All in all, the car has some good points, the engine being the best feature. However, the compression in the #2 cylinder is down by 30 PSI. There is rust on the back door pillars at the bottom, and presumably under the rocker panel covers. Leaks oil all over. Vacuum leaks, slightly loose head studs. Backfires on start up, and has for years. Won't drive until quite warm, so this car has been idled up to temperature, for 13 years. Front end is slightly loose, tires are shot, and the front struts are tired. One heat exchanger is not so very good. Transmission was low on oil, and drips, but seems about average. Pedal box or clutch cable is very stiff.

There is also a big gash on the front fender going down the passenger side door. Seats are shot. Visors shot. Dash is good, rest of interior is fair. Paint is poor.

The mechanic who looked at this car is pretty adamant that the engine is probably due for a top end job and a reseal. I am not really inclined to disagree, although the car is fast, and in rude health. We sealed up a couple of vacuum leaks, and changed the plugs and the oil. Aside from oil changes, I don't really think the car has had any real maintenance for years.

Anyway, the mechanic suggested several times that I not buy this car, however, I have offered 9,000 dollars for it, and the promise that I will fix this car up, and not let it blow up. They would like more money, but I think they would also like me to have the car. Mostly I think they would like more money.

My friend doesn't really seem to understand that deferred maintenance eventually has to be addressed. His wife just wants more money, and I would like to help them out, but I also have a clear view of this car going upside down, even if I do most of the work myself. I have become somewhat attached to the car, but my rose colored glasses faded years ago. I am somewhat reluctant to offer more money, but if I helped them to sell the car, I would also have to be honest about its condition.

Does anyone have any opinions on this ? Besides MY wife, I mean...