Assessing imperfections on this 2002 LS430
08-20-16, 01:53 PM
#1
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Assessing imperfections on this 2002 LS430
http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Lexus/LS...PO&orup=4_15_5
https://ca.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-...ting=144727145
FYI, the price shown is in Canadian pesos (CAD$).
I have been looking for a well maintained, one owner LS430 for almost 3 years and finally found one. However, I'm totally fine walking away from it if I don't get to buy it at a fair price. I found a fair price to be around $7000-$8000, but I think it can be further discounted based on my findings. I took these pictures myself when the dealership was closed so I could have all the time I needed without interruption.
The maintenance record shows the owner did scheduled services accordingly (last picture). However, what I'm mostly concerned about is the small damage on the driver's side front fender behind the headlight assembly (pic #7). Though touch up has been done on the area, I'm wondering if I must have it fixed properly at an auto bodyshop to prevent rust forming.
The rear bumper damage is cosmetic and I did not see any bending in the subframe but I think it still can be used for more discount.
Subsequently, the parking sensors are not working and the dealer said they won't fix them.
The tilting motor in the steering wheel works but the telescopic column motor doesn't work. This feature is not critically important to me, but I'll use the information for negotiation.
The tires were manufactured in August 2011 (as shown in the picture), and will need to be replaced immediately.
My first offer was $8400 when the dealer was asking $10,500 last month and I wasn't aware of these issues. The offer wasn't accepted, so I plan to submit a new offer of $6500 incl. tax given my current knowledge about the car.
Do you guys think it's a fair offer?
Your feedback will be much appreciated.
Thanks!
https://ca.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-...ting=144727145
FYI, the price shown is in Canadian pesos (CAD$).
I have been looking for a well maintained, one owner LS430 for almost 3 years and finally found one. However, I'm totally fine walking away from it if I don't get to buy it at a fair price. I found a fair price to be around $7000-$8000, but I think it can be further discounted based on my findings. I took these pictures myself when the dealership was closed so I could have all the time I needed without interruption.
The maintenance record shows the owner did scheduled services accordingly (last picture). However, what I'm mostly concerned about is the small damage on the driver's side front fender behind the headlight assembly (pic #7). Though touch up has been done on the area, I'm wondering if I must have it fixed properly at an auto bodyshop to prevent rust forming.
The rear bumper damage is cosmetic and I did not see any bending in the subframe but I think it still can be used for more discount.
Subsequently, the parking sensors are not working and the dealer said they won't fix them.
The tilting motor in the steering wheel works but the telescopic column motor doesn't work. This feature is not critically important to me, but I'll use the information for negotiation.
The tires were manufactured in August 2011 (as shown in the picture), and will need to be replaced immediately.
My first offer was $8400 when the dealer was asking $10,500 last month and I wasn't aware of these issues. The offer wasn't accepted, so I plan to submit a new offer of $6500 incl. tax given my current knowledge about the car.
Do you guys think it's a fair offer?
Your feedback will be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Last edited by Likelike; 08-20-16 at 01:57 PM.
08-21-16, 06:20 AM
#2
Tiresare fine, keep em. The dent might be dent doctor fixable and a little touchup and watch for rust tail pipe and scuff is hard to see U could paint the bumper for maybe 400$ and they could look at the sensors. I know LS's are higher price in Canada but 7500 US is fair. U been looking for 3 years?
08-21-16, 07:03 PM
#3
Lexus Champion
Yeah, I don't think they'll eat the tax for you. Royal Oak has actually had that thing for sale for quite awhile (I'm in Southern AB too - and I browsed that car for snits and giggles)... 
Nothing wrong with low-balling them on it, but now they'll know you're interested because you are countering again. The rear damage is cosmetic but wtf is up with that shredded tailpipe? And I would not discount the amount of work it's going to take to make the parking sensors work properly, not to mention the telescoping steering. These things are fixable, if you are handy with a wrench and see the diy's on this forum.
What about this higher mileage one in Surrey? You fly over and drive it back:
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Lexus/LS/...O&orup=1_15_12
If not, I think your final price on that Royal Oak one is going to be $7500 firm plus GST. The most you'll get out of a dealership is cosmetic fixes on the bumper and you fix the parking sensors and steering telescope/tilt. It's an older car and they don't want to be spending money on it at this point. Labor costs them money in the shop too, so the basic cosmetic stuff is easier.
Nothing wrong with low-balling them on it, but now they'll know you're interested because you are countering again. The rear damage is cosmetic but wtf is up with that shredded tailpipe? And I would not discount the amount of work it's going to take to make the parking sensors work properly, not to mention the telescoping steering. These things are fixable, if you are handy with a wrench and see the diy's on this forum.
What about this higher mileage one in Surrey? You fly over and drive it back:
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Lexus/LS/...O&orup=1_15_12
If not, I think your final price on that Royal Oak one is going to be $7500 firm plus GST. The most you'll get out of a dealership is cosmetic fixes on the bumper and you fix the parking sensors and steering telescope/tilt. It's an older car and they don't want to be spending money on it at this point. Labor costs them money in the shop too, so the basic cosmetic stuff is easier.
Last edited by MattyG; 08-21-16 at 07:06 PM.
08-21-16, 07:47 PM
#4
Pit Crew
Fair or not, they turned you down at $8400 so now you're going for $6500.... I'm not thinking that'll get you the car, regardless of how justifiable it is. After all, they probably already know all the car's faults. My bet is, they have their price and they're willing to wait til they get it.
There is no official recommended expiration date on tires. Certain conditions indicate replacement needed, but some experts do call for 6-year max usage. That was my limit on semi-truck and bus tires, when that was my job, and I once had a ~6yr old spare tire that had never been out of my trunk explode,
There is no official recommended expiration date on tires. Certain conditions indicate replacement needed, but some experts do call for 6-year max usage. That was my limit on semi-truck and bus tires, when that was my job, and I once had a ~6yr old spare tire that had never been out of my trunk explode,
08-21-16, 08:58 PM
#5
Lexus Champion
Yeah the VMR Canada price on that car wholesale to dealer is just under $6K CAD. They likely took it for $5500 as a favour on a bigger deal on a sale. It's a $10k car to them, they'll sit on it unless they really need to clear some inventory. Dealers actually make more on clean used car trades than on a new unit.
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