Never changed coolant, how bad is it?

[DMC04]

Looking at purchasing an 2001 vehicle that's been very well maintained, minus the coolant system. For whatever reason, the owner never had the coolant changed or flushed. The car has 74k miles and is in beautiful condition, with all other maintenance done. The car is from down south too, if that's any plus or minus. The owner offered to have it flushed before me purchasing.
My question - should the car be avoided for this reason? As I said, everything else is in order. My guess is that worse case scenario, the radiator may have some early corrsion. Though not thrilled about it, I don't see it as a showstopper.
Any thoughts appreciated!

[TheMAN]

probably still ok

[concept]

Definitely have the coolant thoroughly flushed, not simply drained. If the car doesn't run hotter than normal, it should be okay, but do check for outward signs of corrosion.

[spotthedogg]

I have a 2002 P5 with 125,000 Km's and have yet to change the coolant. I have the dealer check it yearly and they keep saying it's fine don't bother but I notice now that it is very dark and it has been staining the overflow! I am going to get it flushed asap but should I do anything else?

[concept]

Even long-life coolant should be changed every 5 years or so. You might also want to use a turkey baster bulb to pull out all the power steering fluid from the reservoir and then replace with fresh Dextron III-Mercon fluid. That should be done 2 times within a week or so, and then repeated every 5 years.

[P-Funk!]

I agree. Buy the car - but let them flush it.

[spotthedogg]

even long-life coolant should be changed every 5 years or so. You might also want to use a turkey baster bulb to pull out all the power steering fluid from the reservoir and then replace with fresh dextron iii-mercon fluid. That should be done 2 times within a week or so, and then repeated every 5 years.

atf?

[concept]

atf?

Yes. At least, that's what is called out for my 02 ES.