The other thing you have to consider is, is it
really a 54,000 mile car? The early cars only had 5 digit odometers, so it's tough to tell. I see a lot of early cars represented at <100 Miles, but then you look at the pictures and it's obvious that's not the case.
Things to look at:
- What kind of documentation does the seller have? Does he have continuous maintenance receipts for the last 30 years showing repairs, service and mileage?
- Does the odometer work? They frequently break on these cars. If the one on this car does not work, I'd be suspicious.
- What's the condition of the car? Is the dash all cracked up like most early cars? I suppose that could happen on a 54K mile car, but you'd think it's unlikely - if a car's been used that infrequently, you think it would have been garage most of the time. And if it's been garaged, the dash would likely be pristine.
- How is the driver's seat? Both seats should look new. Higher mileage cars usually have scuff marks on the driver's bolsters (at the very least), where the driver drags their ass over, getting in or out. Any loose stitching on the seams, or rips and tears would be an indication it's a higher mileage car.
How are the floor mats?
- What does the nose panel look like? Are there a lot of little rock chip spots? That would be indicative of a higher mileage car.
Then make a thorough inspection of the rest of the car, looking for damage.
Perhaps I'm overly suspicious, but like I said, I've seen a lot of these cars misrepresented as low mileage. Part deliberately, and part by owners who just didn't know. But you gotta watch out, just the same.