FrankReynoldsCPA

It's an 03. I'm going to have to figure out where I'm going with the down payment, since the Lexus repaid me by making itself worthless as a trade.

FrankReynoldsCPA

Is it possible that the timing belt has skipped a tooth? I think that may be causing the rough running. It smells like its burning rich, indicating that there might be timing issues. I threw it in the paper for $1000 bucks OBO, we'll see what happens.

GQD_GS4

Do you have a job / career lined up before you get stuck with a car payment? Also, do you have student loans? Loan repayment kicks in typically 6 months after graduation. Right now, i would consider just getting a 90's honda with a clear title to get by IMO.

FrankReynoldsCPA

I don't really have anything lined up. I don't have any student loans.

I'll probably take some regular job while I look for accounting opportunities. My problem is I can probably get $1000 optimistically for my car. Not much around here selling for that cheap that would be reliable. My folks did bring their 91 LS400 to me today, so I can have transportation in the meantime. I have enough in savings to make payments for over a year on a car. They also want me to sell their car for them, so I'll get a commission on that.

MX5

My advice, check with a local Credit Union. Around here they will loan full retail up to 10 years old, and rates are insane like 1.6%

The cool thing is you can buy a decent 9 or 10 year old vehicle for thousands under "retail", and just borrow $500 over purchase price or whatever to cover taxes, plates, tint, etc.

If you are stuck on a GM product go for a 3800 V6, great engines and very reliable.

Check out 2003 Maximas, too.

yowps3

Moral of the story don't buy a used car or a car with a timing belt.

FrankReynoldsCPA

The Impala I looked at has the 3800. Timing chain engine thankfully. Odds are I might not buy it though.

I've got a guy that just test drove my LS. He wanted to have his mechanic look at it, so we went over there today, and he believes that it's the water pump that is the source of the troubles. It's leaking pretty badly, and the bearing is making an awful noise. I would not be surprised if the belt jumped a tooth as well.

I've got it set at $1000, and the mech says it might be around $800 to get it running(pump, belt, pulleys). The buyer seems very interested in it. We'll see what happens. He said he'd call me back this afternoon with his decision. He's a Toyota enthusiast and wants to fix up this car for his son, as well as paint it white.

FrankReynoldsCPA

The LS is sold. Guy is picking it up and paying tomorrow, full $1000 asking price. Same as I would have gotten in trade before the water pump let go.

Och

iTrader: (3)

I wouldn't buy an 03 GM - its going to be a junker, and even more worthless than your LS.

It just smarter to lease a new low cost car. You'll spend less on monthly payment than you'll spend on repairs, and a 10 year old out of tune 3800 is going to be a fuel guzzler.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

i think that's a good idea, although brettjack was concerned about his insurance on a newer vehicle i believe.

but anyway, leases on less expensive cars are CHEAP

FrankReynoldsCPA

Registration, insurance etc.

This car will likely be a stopgap vehicle until I finish my Master's degree and get good work.

FrankReynoldsCPA

The buyer just left. I am now carless.


Well, not completely, I am borrowing my parents' 91 LS 400 while I search for a replacement. Then I will be selling the 91 for them(they replaced it this summer with an 06 Chrylser 300C). We're slowly liquidating our Toyotas, lol.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Well congrats, sad but it had to be done. Just remember paitence is a virture and the right car will come along. Try not to rush into anything

FrankReynoldsCPA

Well, almost 4 months later it's time to say goodbye a second time.

I just sold the 91 LS400 for my parents tonight. As previously mentioned, they didn't need or want it anymore as they have other cars sitting around.

So we are now a Lexus-less family. We're still technically in the family though as my dad still has his 99 Toyota Sienna.

Slvr surfr

iTrader: (1)

My hunch is you'll be back!