Went and test drove an 03 today. Engine, transmission, tires, etc. all checked out good. Much better than the 03 I test drove last week. Gave the dealer a small deposit and should pick up car tomorrow, as long as he corrects two defects I found.
1. Shift lever is loose and needs to be tightened.
2. Car has a slight shimmy in the steering wheel. I talked with Service Manager, telling him that the front may need to be balanced. He said that it may be a bad tire, and if so, they will replace the tire.
All four tires look great, and are the correct size, so it just may be one of them has a bad cord.
A couple things I do not understand from the OASIS Report. The Warranty Start Date is 11/29/2002, which I assume is the "In Service Date". What I don't understand is listed under the Extended Coverages section. Reads as follows:
0876 - USA 2005 72/75,000 Ford Quality Certified Warranty
Standard Deductible: 100
Owner Name: Certified Customer
Options:
Expiration Date: 11/29/2008
Distance: 75,000
Rental: 28 up to 5 days
Towing: 0
Contract Sold By: USA 09699
ESP Contract Start Date: 11/29/2002
I don't know if the above means that the original owner purchased an ESP or if the dealer made it a "Certified Vehicle", or both. Any ideas?
Will post more tomorrow after I pick up car (I hope).