BT3100

Guys any advice or direction would be great.
I have a 1994 LS 400 in Mint Condition. Car has been in my family forever.
I bought it from my grandfather in 2008 for $4000. Car had 128K miles at that point. I put another 63K since then. She now has just over 190,000 and I fell in love with an 03' 430... So much that I put my 94' on Ebay
The dealer offered me $2000 for the 94' and I thought I could get more on Ebay. Again car is mint, really in just about every way. (new TB and water pump at 171K, new tires, brakes all around, rear shocks) everthing works 100%.
I do a lot of driving for work and although I don't see cars as status symbols it is a little hard driving my VP around in a 16 year old car.
The issue is that the 400 is so clean, in fact three guys saw the car on Ebay and asked for a test drive. Two of them offered to buy her on the spot for $3200-$3300. I know I will **** some people on Ebay off if I pull her early but I don't want to make a big mistake here. I can not afford to keep the LS 400 if I buy the 430..The two cars I am looking at are

03 430 with 73,000 miles clean but $17800 .... wont go a penny lower.

02 430 with 112,000 not clean and will need some minor work. $13000

My old man was the my resource on decesions like this, since he passed I really have no one to run this by so any help would be great.
My car is on Ebay if you want to take a look.. Thanks for any feedback even flames for putting her up on Ebay before I was 100%

RAINBOW

You can drive and maintain your older car for lots more miles and years for 10 to 15 grand ! The average Joe doesn't know a 94 from an 04, you know because you think about it and study it. If it was a problem car I'd probably cut it loose, but it seems to be a decent dependable car. If you need to impress someone, go and rent a high end model from Enterprise for 50 bucks and tell your clients that your LEXUS is being detailed or serviced. p.s. Wait for that "cream puff" that's going to show up about a week after you buy someones elses pig. Ask me how I know.

tcbted

I know why you're in love with the LS430.

I went from a really nice 2000 LS to a 2004 LS, and the difference in luxury, ride, and
noise levels was quite noticeable.
I'm sure you test drove the LS430 ... as nice as the 1994 is, the 430 is a whole different
car.

I checked out your ebay ad ... very nice car.
Heck, I'd buy it for $3500 as a fun secondary vehicle.

Rather than the 2003 LS at $17.8 - your $3.5 proceeds of sale, why not buy the
2002 LS for $13k and keep your old car?
You could split the miles between the two cars, and you'll regret giving away a 1 family
owned car.

BT3100

Thanks for the feedback guys!
Good advice, however I need the Sale procedes for the down payment, per the boss (wife )

tcbted

Well,then, that shoots down the 2003.

It costs $4800 more than the 2002, and the sale of your LS400 net you less
than $4k.

I'd probably buy the 2002 if it has a good service history and just needs some
cosmetic attention.

You'll need to act quickly ... lots of interest on your Ebay ad, which ends tomorrow.

uuuuu

I think you can find an '03 LS430 for less. Kelly Blue Book value (private party) on the car with 100k miles and in 'good' condition is around $14k. Quite a few of us waited and waited until we found that perfect car for the right price. The question is, can you afford to wait until then?

Whatever you do, make sure the vehicle checks out (maintenance, carfax, etc)

BT3100

I have been putting this off for the last 6 months and am at a point where I want to make a decesion. I can move on the 03' put $5K down and am looking at about 285 month... of all the cars I have looked at the 03' is the cleanest car out there. 73,000 miles and 100% Lexus serviced. Gonna lose some sleep tonight on this one

BT3100

The 02 is showing on the service record that it was painted
Also is not clean inside... Rims are rusty and it does not look like it was treated well..

RA40

iTrader: (6)

'03...
Sell while the selling is good. IMO

BT3100

My 1994 LS 400 sold for $3750 on ebay tonight...
I am happy with that figure. Would have liked to get $4000
Now I have a choice to make...

uuuuu

Congrats on the sale! And good luck in whatever choice you make

BT3100

Thank You!
I feel good knowing that the new owner is getting a great car!

damon

The need for a loan on this new vehicle will drive up the cost of your insurance coverage.

I still drive a 94 (joke amongst my friends) but it does all I need. My Dad bought my Mother a 2001 LS430 in mint condition for 17K & it is indeed a whole new ball game compared to the 400 series.