wnyjazz

I told owner I wasn't looking for a UL, (because of the potentially huge air suspension repair costs...plus the other complex systems) but this one really caught my eye. It has 163K on it. Northern car.
He just reduced it from $9500 (IIRC) to $8995.

The good news for him was he hasn't had suspension issues, and a largely troublefree 7 years of ownership. Imho though that means the next owner will likely be hit with some big costs.

From the owner...

" Blue Onyx Pearl on Ecru interior. Well maintained. Recent tires on perfect 18" wheels. Recent brake rotors, pads and trans flush. Runs flawlessly. Mercedes luxury with Toyota dependability., A/C ice cold, All scheduled maintenance. Oil changes done religiously. All records, Excellent condition. Looks & drives great, Mostly highway miles. Very clean."
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Talked to him the other day. He's seeing UL's priced higher...I sent him a clean appearing non-UL '05 from Florida with 149K asking price $7800 and a '01 UL that needs moderate exterior cosmetics with 106K miles for $5700.

I asked for undercarriage pics. His response was ok, but first wants to know what I'm thinking price wise.

Thoughts?

Thanks.

wnyjazz

Another one...

LS430FL

what year is it?

wnyjazz

Good point...

It's an '01.

Daspyda

iTrader: (1)

Sounds like a dealer...ask to see the title and check if his name is on it...if it's not, he may be skirting sales laws in his state. If he does that, would you trust him for the rest?

wnyjazz

Based on the info I have, I would say no, he is not a dealer.

But yes, I would look at the title first.

Daspyda

iTrader: (1)

And, of course, get the VIN and go on the Owners site to view dealer service history. In particular, the timing belt/water pump service date.

BradTank

It's around $1,000 - $2,000 over priced over the market price in my area. You will see 2001s go for under $5,000 where I live.

But I'm of the opinion you "over pay" if it's in really nice shape. I would have gladly paid a bit more for mine if I could have had the same exact car in better shape. Mine wasn't bad, but it wasn't some mint condition car. I would probably focus on that before getting the best price. Finding a clean one is getting harder and harder.

Also, I would be wary of the rust. And figure out what you'll do when it comes time to replace the suspension if it hasn't been done.

Legender

For an '01 I'd say that's high with those miles, even for a UL.

Johnhav430

Do our cars rust over time (it's already been 16 years for the oldest specimens)? Example, northeastern 4th gen Maximas have the front subframe drop out at about 9 years of age (lower rad support rusts away/terrible design)....I'm thinking the 3rd gen LS doesn't have anything as predictable and severe as that?

bmore430

Only rust on the body I've seen on these cars is under the rear passenger window chrome trim in small bubbles.

warminwisc

I take it you haven't looked at the car in person. To me it is worth 6 grand but I would not want to take the suspension risks as you will never recoup any repairs in resale. Look for an 04.05 with 100 k miles for your 9500 bucks get a ML or Premium. Air is nice but they ride pretty sweet either way and if you have limited $ as it seems too risky to be getting a UL with 163k miles.

Legender

^^ that makes sense to me.

Johnhav430

That sounds encouraging meaning nothing severe known.....Maxima's also begin to rust out at the rear right 1/4 panel, because a metal T from the power antenna drain rusts away...now, it and the sunroof simply drain into the wheel well, and the paint blisters from the inside out. Some folks hear the sloshing and caught it early, again, poor design.....

wnyjazz

Yes, I am extremely hesitant to buy a UL.

I have been focusing on the '04-'06's...this one really caught my eye though with it's exterior color/new wheels etc.

Owner bought a new Audi 3 years ago; it's in one of the other pics I saw. Still, he couldn't bring himself to sell the UL.

So I think it may be awhile before he gets realistic on the price.