Need Advice on Car Purchase
#1
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Need Advice on Car Purchase
I was just recently in a wreck and totaled my 2000 Lexus ES300, so now I need a replacement, but only have a small budget. I found a 1999 Lexus LS400 with 180k mi for $6600. It is on its 3rd owner who purchased in 2004; needs new tires; non-smoker; no accidents; garaged.
I only need the vehicle to last me a couple of years until I am finished with nursing school. Am I crazy for considering a 180k vehicle? I understand if they have been maintained correctly that Lexuses will last well beyond the 200k mi mark.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
I only need the vehicle to last me a couple of years until I am finished with nursing school. Am I crazy for considering a 180k vehicle? I understand if they have been maintained correctly that Lexuses will last well beyond the 200k mi mark.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
#5
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Thanks for all the feedback and advice. My budget was going to be maxed out if I had to buy new tires and perform the necessary timing belt and water pump service and he wouldn't come down to $6k so I had to move on.
I ended up purchasing another ES300 this past weekend:
'98 ES300 - 116k mi; one-owner; all service at local dealership; no major mechanical work; 30k mi left on tires; in great shape inside and out; paid full price at $6k even though I think that it was worth a little less, it was exactly what I was looking for and there are not many in supply at this price point with this mileage and one-owner.
Thanks again for all your help.
I ended up purchasing another ES300 this past weekend:
'98 ES300 - 116k mi; one-owner; all service at local dealership; no major mechanical work; 30k mi left on tires; in great shape inside and out; paid full price at $6k even though I think that it was worth a little less, it was exactly what I was looking for and there are not many in supply at this price point with this mileage and one-owner.
Thanks again for all your help.
#6
Congratts in the purchase!! I agree the price is a lil high but I payed a lil too much for my ls also. like you said they aren't for sale with low miles all that often unless they are heavily neglected or molested.
One thing I can say about the es is that you will likely have the flex pipe on the exhaust rust out if you live near the coast. Not too costly or difficult but I've never seen an es or v6 Camry that didn't need it done around 100k. I live in NY though so it may be different if you don't get snow(salt) in the winter. That and make sure you keep up on I'll changes, pretty sure that year has the "sludge" issues. Other than that maybe an eventual head gasket (all yota v6's) they are great cars!
Enjoy!!
One thing I can say about the es is that you will likely have the flex pipe on the exhaust rust out if you live near the coast. Not too costly or difficult but I've never seen an es or v6 Camry that didn't need it done around 100k. I live in NY though so it may be different if you don't get snow(salt) in the winter. That and make sure you keep up on I'll changes, pretty sure that year has the "sludge" issues. Other than that maybe an eventual head gasket (all yota v6's) they are great cars!
Enjoy!!
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#12
#13
ASk if the water pump, idler arm, and timing belt was done, seems like he took care of it. If so it would be great deal. We have a 1999 with 155K and I wouldnt sell it for that. If it's neglected its not worth 4k.
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