MY daughter is looking for her first vehicle. She found a 2003 Toyota Matrix with 287k miles on it. At 202k the dealership put in a new engine block. Later they replaced the transmission with a newer used one. They changed the front axles and lower control arms. They replaced the brakes and it recently passed smog. I drove it and it runs very smooth for its age. Even though it’s not the prettiest, I told my daughter that usually your first car tends to be a POS. The guy is asking 3k o.b.o., I told her we could probably get it cheaper. Anyway could you give a nervous and worried dad some advice. I would greatly appreciate it.
Make sure they have the documented paperwork, words are meaningless without proof.
Have your mechanic check the car (especially the transmission) and if he gave you a green light, go ahead.
