Is a 2003 GT Deluxe with 149,058 miles worth $5,700?
I just came across a 2003 GT Deluxe Coupe with 149,058 miles, a manual transmission, a clean title, and hydro boost brakes. The seller mentioned it will need a new power steering pump soon, but there are no CEL codes. The price is firm at $5,700. Although the mileage is a bit higher than I’d prefer, it doesn’t seem too bad compared to other options. Given the current market conditions, where even V6 models are priced similarly or higher, is this car worth considering? I’m currently priced out of S197 GTs, so any insight from this knowledgeable subreddit would be greatly appreciated. I know it’s a 19-year-old vehicle, so I expect some wear and tear, but as long as the engine and transmission are solid, I can handle minor repairs as they come.
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If the clutch has been recently replaced, I’d say it’s worth going for. If not, you might want to negotiate the price down, since replacing the clutch will likely be your next expense.
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The seller mentioned that the clutch hasn’t been replaced recently, but they are firm on the price of $5,700 and aren’t open to negotiation. 
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Stick to your decision and be prepared to walk away. $5,700 is too risky for a New Edge with 149K miles, especially if it hasn’t had a clutch job. Let someone else take on the challenge and invest more money into what’s essentially a $3,500 car.
Additionally, a car being labeled as “clean” is often overrated. A thorough wax and polish don’t cost much and don’t necessarily reflect the vehicle’s mechanical condition.
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I agree with you. The mechanical health of the car is far more important to me than a pristine interior. I’m not willing to spend $5,700 if it’s going to require thousands more in maintenance right away. What I do like is that it has a clear title, a manual transmission, and it doesn’t seem to have been abused though you can never be entirely sure. I plan to use a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) as a bargaining tool.
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I think you might be taking “clean” too literally. When someone says, “Man, that car is clean as hell,” they’re referring to the paint, body, and interior being in good condition, not just that it’s been polished and detailed.
