How much is too much?

[elhigh]

Hey guys,

There's a 4dr Metro HB for sale not too far from me, 147K on the clock, working AC and AT (not my first choice for MPG but then everyone can drive it).

How many miles on the odo is too much? The seller wants $1100 - the price drops about $50 every three days or so - and I'm really liking this thing for a daily commuter. It'd about double my MPG, but the first time it breaks down the wife is going to want to set it on fire.

Any thoughts?

[SentraSE-R]

Sounds like a decent deal to me, if the price is at or below KBB value. 150k isn't the end for most modern engines. Just check it over well for defects, problems, etc.

[tdibubble]

The thing with those cars is the engine, just see if its in good running condition. Not an oil caked oil fill cap/dipstick is a good sign.
Short of a good high rpm run there's not a whole lot you can tell about a gasser without a compression test or a good ear.

[Old Mechanic]

1992 Nissan Sentra XE

Not sure of the distance from you but something like this Sentra would be a good choice in that price range. Good for about 40 highway without any special driving techniques.

This model does not have a timing belt and they seem to hold up well.

regards
Mech

[Bicycle Bob]

Oh, it has a timing belt, but when it breaks, the valves don't bend. The effect of mileage depends on how it was driven. I ususally keep mine under 60 MPH, and it seems very durable. If the compression is off, you have an extremely easy ring and valve job to do. The real test of value is the front suspension mounts, which are expensive if rusty.

[5EFE]

Unless it's in mint condition, I wouldn't pay more than $500 due to the automatic. No offense to Metro owners, I love them myself, but fuel economy is really their only selling point. An autobox cancels that benefit out, especially with low power engines.