2003 Ultra 165K for 3k? good or bad decision
09-02-15, 08:57 AM
#1
Driver
Thread Starter
2003 Ultra 165K for 3k? good or bad decision
I just wanted to get a few opinions on whether I should buy this car. It has 165k miles and the last timing belt was done at 100k 5 years ago, service records are pretty decent. One Major problem is that the driver side strut is shot and it needs a new catalytic converter. Othen than that it is pretty clean.
09-02-15, 09:14 AM
#3
Driver
Thread Starter
Jadu...do u think with what I need to fix it would be worth it? I could convert the suspension to non air now and the cat shouldn't be too expensive to do right?
09-02-15, 09:38 AM
#4
Personally never worked on air suspension nor the cats, and im sure someone else can chime in. You will save a ton of money if youre a diyer. but these engines are bulletproof, and will outlast everything else on the car with proper maintenance
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09-02-15, 10:33 AM
#8
Lexus Test Driver
2003 Ultra 165K for 3k? good or bad decision
Yes you can convert the air suspension into conventional springs. Also, many times a rusted y-pipe is misdiagnosed as a faulty catalytic converter. If it is only the y-pipe then it is a relatively inexpensive repair or replacement with an aftermarket pipe. Even if you do need a new catalytic converter it is not smart to get a factory one due to the cost. Just get an aftermarket catalytic converter.
09-02-15, 10:34 AM
#9
Driver
Thread Starter
I did check it and the water pump and timing was done at 100k 5 years ago and it looks like the regular oil changes were maintained as well, I didn't see too much history on having to repair to much....like the power mirror or other minor things etc....
09-02-15, 10:59 AM
#12
Get it. Chances are they are selling it for that low because of the outrageous price/quote from the dealer to replace the suspension components AND the catalytic converter. Those prices can be scary, and push someone to sell, and sell for cheap. You win. Go get it. Think as if you were getting it for +/-$5k because you will have to have it fixed before you drive it regularly - at least the suspension; otherwise it can mess other things up - like ball joints, control arms, etc.
09-02-15, 08:57 PM
#14
Lead Lap
I just wanted to get a few opinions on whether I should buy this car. It has 165k miles and the last timing belt was done at 100k 5 years ago, service records are pretty decent. One Major problem is that the driver side strut is shot and it needs a new catalytic converter. Othen than that it is pretty clean.
To convert to regular shocks is going to be around around 1200-1500 dollars and an aftermarket cat will probably be around 300-500. Welding up the Y pipe will be cheap - 100-200 probably.
There is the chance that the owner went to the Lexus dealer and got scared but there is also the chance that there is some costly repair, major accident or flood damage that an independent mechanic may spot.
Be advised that CarFax and similar "car history" reporting companies are mostly useless and easy to cheat. I can't count how many times I've had a dealer tell me the "CarFax report is clean" and afterwards finding major damage or repairs lurking on the inspection.
3000 dollars may not be a lot but who wants to **** it down the drain.
Also if this is from a used / wholesale car lot be advised that they will be selling mostly accidented cars or ones needing major repairs. These will be cars no one wanted and cars the dealerships didn't ask any questions about when they were traded in.
Last edited by Arcturus; 09-02-15 at 09:09 PM.
09-02-15, 10:44 PM
#15
I would get that car inspected by an independent mechanic to see what else might need repairing. 3k is abnormally low for these cars, which in reasonable condition can fetch 12-15k.
To convert to regular shocks is going to be around around 1200-1500 dollars and an aftermarket cat will probably be around 300-500. Welding up the Y pipe will be cheap - 100-200 probably.
There is the chance that the owner went to the Lexus dealer and got scared but there is also the chance that there is some costly repair, major accident or flood damage that an independent mechanic may spot.
Be advised that CarFax and similar "car history" reporting companies are mostly useless and easy to cheat. I can't count how many times I've had a dealer tell me the "CarFax report is clean" and afterwards finding major damage or repairs lurking on the inspection.
3000 dollars may not be a lot but who wants to **** it down the drain.
Also if this is from a used / wholesale car lot be advised that they will be selling mostly accidented cars or ones needing major repairs. These will be cars no one wanted and cars the dealerships didn't ask any questions about when they were traded in.
To convert to regular shocks is going to be around around 1200-1500 dollars and an aftermarket cat will probably be around 300-500. Welding up the Y pipe will be cheap - 100-200 probably.
There is the chance that the owner went to the Lexus dealer and got scared but there is also the chance that there is some costly repair, major accident or flood damage that an independent mechanic may spot.
Be advised that CarFax and similar "car history" reporting companies are mostly useless and easy to cheat. I can't count how many times I've had a dealer tell me the "CarFax report is clean" and afterwards finding major damage or repairs lurking on the inspection.
3000 dollars may not be a lot but who wants to **** it down the drain.
Also if this is from a used / wholesale car lot be advised that they will be selling mostly accidented cars or ones needing major repairs. These will be cars no one wanted and cars the dealerships didn't ask any questions about when they were traded in.
Read this ^ several times, let it sink in. $3K is way too low. Would have been bought already at $4k, by a savvy dealer/flipper.
Compression/leak down test, inspect the plugs/oil analysis, lift the carpet (water/moisture damage)
Something ain't right, accepting $1000 less than advertised.
P.S if you do purchase, I may have a good (used) front air strut to replace the fugged up one...on this car. Will check tomorrow.