I have a 1997 Taurus Wagon... It has 130,000 mile on it.. It's been a very good and reliable car. I'm buying a new car and want to get as much as I can to offset the cost of the new car.
So here's the thing. The check engine light has been on and off for almost two years. The mechanics test said it's the Catalytic Converter. About a month ago the light was off, so I got the car inspected and it passed.. Of course the light is back on. I certainly want to be honest when selling it.
I went onto Blue Book and my year and model said Good $2285 Fair $1875
I would be happy to take the fair price..
Other wise the car is in good condition.
I've been told after market converters might fit... costing a lot less.
So I want to sell it but don't want to scare people away.
I'm just not sure how to advertise it.. ?
Of course I wonder if the converter is truly a problem.. could it be a senser ?
All feedback is welcome..
Thanks

 

I would get the code pulled to see what it's actually reporting. Post it here so that we may help resolve your issue. Then clean the vehicle inside and out. Place you price on the vehicle and sell "AS IS". Even though it a 1997, people always think used vehicles should be like new.

A perfect example is when I sold my 1988 Ranger S/C 4x4 after owning it for 14 years (bought new). In 1998, I had it repainted in "Toreador Red Pearl Metalic over black primer to give it a BLACK CHERRY color. I put my price on it "$4,500 AS IS" and I would not budge as it was well worth the money. I mean "JEEPERS", it had a Limted Slip front and rear axle (axle code F62). I had offers of "Would you consider $2,000"? Reply "Sure, just as soon as youhand over the first$2500 to it".



[IMG]local://upfiles/9061/CCB17177E7744984912DE922BB39125B.gif[/IMG]

 

Here is the report

PO430
Catalyst Efficiency
Below threshold
Bank 2

This test was done at a auto parts store

One of my mechanics said after reading the report..
Could be a intake leak
O2 Senser
or the Cat.

He would need maybe an hour to know more..

The auto parts store said the cat would be $500...
So maybe that's what I tell a buyer and price accordingly ??

$1500.00 for a nice driving car, great body,no rust, but need this...

 

You could do that.

Or if you have the timem and want to, you could roll the O2 sensors to see if the problem moves. An O2 sensor is a lot cheaper than a CAT.

You could also try running some type of CAT cleaner thru your engine. Never tried the stuff, but hey, who knows.

http://www.midwayautosupply.com/p-29...icker-rxp.aspx