Guy is selling a 2001 gen3 xls for 3k. He has owned it for 10 years and says it runs good. no tears in the interior, no body damage, good tires, needs a good cleaning. whatever that means. Anything I should specifically look for when I go test drive?

At that miles all the ball joints most likely need to be looked at closly. Ask if he has replaced any of the control arms and on the drive try to hit some pot holes to make sure its not a rattle box. Ask about what servce has been done on the transnion as well. Also at start up look to see if there is a puff of smoke. Big thing is to find out how he has keep it what fixes has he done.

you can also give the vin to the dealer and they should be able to tell you what work they have done

It's 10 years old with 280K?! Unless you're in serious need of a parts car or a project, and unless the price is an absolute steal, I wouldn't buy anything with 280K miles on it...

As a former Gen3 owner, 2001 Limited, there's no way in HELL you could GIVE it to me. I sold mine with 175K on it and it ran wonderful and had given no trouble...but how long can luck hold out? They are pretty damn bomb-proof, but not exactly cheap to fix. Parts and accessories are normally not "off the shelf" items and most Mitsubishi parts counter guys look at you like an idiot when you tell them what you need parts for.

I'm a Porsche/BMW guy and know what parts price shock is and some of the Gen3 parts floored me!

Your mileage may vary, but I'd invest my money in a Gen1 V6 or Gen2 SR.

Current Gen 3 owner. 82k miles. I would run from one with 280K.

My coworker owns a Gen III with 180k. He said he wouldn't hesitate to buy one at that age at the right price ($3k is in the ball park) so long as you have it thoroughly checked out. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I wouldn't, I would put that money toward a Gen II SR. I looked into a couple Gen III's and I liked them but would just rather have a Gen II. I wouldn't mind looking at a Gen 2.5 though. Now for my wife and kids, I would want them in a Gen III just because it feels safer, and I wouldn't mind driving it every once in awhile. But that's just my 2 cents, I don't own one.

Thanks all for the replies. I have no plans on getting rid of my gen1, so this would be an addition. but I think you all confirmed what I was already thinking which is to wait for one with lower miles.