Hi everyone,

Im new to the forums and also inexperienced with cars. I’ve only leased before but am very interested in the 350’s. I love the styling of this generation(I would go for 2009 since it’s newest) and have read that they are very reliable. My question would be does purchasing a 10+ year old 350 put me at risk for possibly having something big break resulting in an expensive fix? How many miles would be recommended to stay under when looking to buy one. Any general info on these vehicles and the details around it being an older car along with expenses and risks would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and hopefully your guys quarantine is going smooth!

 

Welcome to the board..... After researching & looking around late last yr for a reliable v/6 awd cuv, I went w/ a rx. At first I would of been ok w/ a 3.3 powered one. One of the last places I went to had a few 3.3 & 3.5 equipped ones. A 3.5 was easier to get out, so I drove that one first, came back & said, I'm not interested in driving a 3.3 one. They wouldn't replace the vct as it rattled on start up when cold as I always went to the different dealers w/o mentioning that I'm interested in their rx's. I wanted to hear what the engine sounded like when cold. I looked at the '10-'13 models & figured it'd do the same thing as the earlier '04-'09 would. The next day, I found a '07 w/ 144k for a good price even thou I had to replace the p/s pump & late Dec the alternator. I'd recommend you replace the rear bank vct oil hose as well as the oil cooler hoses w/ metal ones as that's what I had done right after we got it. I took my time & looked around for one that didn't have body damage or busted down seats w/ under 150k. Yeah there are ones w/ lower mileage which you'll have to figure, How much is mileage worth to you? I've found a few w/ higher mileage- 160-180K range that had parts replaced vs lower mileage ones such as 77,000 mile one w/ no major parts replaced, but added $6000. to the price as one of the last places I looked at to see what $6000. more got. So I looked at 100-145,ooo or so miles. Then add the color & if your looking for one w/ nav & 18'' wheels, hid, ect. W/P's & radiator's are what I found that are the main problems for the 3.5 motors. Good luck & happy hunting & take your time to find the right one for you.