DSMCasey

Hi Everyone,

Here's the story: I have had a company car for a while now and my company has now decided to go to a "car allowance" program instead of providing me with a new car every 70K miles. So, with my monthly allowance I have to buy a reliable car. So, I have decided I would like to purchase a Lexus. I've found several cars I like, but I have gotten advice from many people that buying a salvage car and rebuilding it would be my best bet since I drive 60k miles a year and would like to make out ahead on my car allowance (or at least even on the deal). I don't care about resale value, I will keep the car till it becomes unreliable and needs to go to the junkyard (with a lexus probably way over 200K miles). Anyway. Here's what I've found:
Several IS 300s from '01-'04 with front end damage, one or both fenders dead, hood, front bumper and headlights out. Airbags are usually not deployed. I live in the DFW (Dallas/Ft. Worth Area) and would like to hook up with someone who has experience with this kind of thing or anyone off this board that can provide me with advice. I need the car by May 20th and will be purchasing the vehicle in Early to Mid April (Cash) and can pay for all repairs in cash. I don't have the tools or the expertise to do any of the work myself. But I speak spanish fluently and I'm willing to do all the leg work to locate parts at junkyards or online. I can bankroll the whole thing with cash as long as the final price is between $7-$9k total. I'm willing to use used parts, non-oem parts, etc. So long as they are quality and the finished vehicle looks nice. I've been looking at cars from prestige auto brokers in dallas. Here's some links to the cars I've been eyeing:

This seems like the best option. The damage doesn't appear too extensive and the price for the vehicle is reasonable: http://www.prestigeautobrokers.com/d...?auto_id=12965
I love the fact this is a manual tranny, the price is low, and I love the color, but the collision damage is extensive (airbags are deployed) and there appears to be frame damage:
http://www.prestigeautobrokers.com/d...?auto_id=13641
The price seems high on this one and the damage seems pretty extensive:
http://www.prestigeautobrokers.com/d...?auto_id=12456

Any thoughts, opinions or advice from individuals who have extensive experience doing this would be GREATLY apprecited. I will even offer $$ if someone can refer me to a great body shop on the cheap or give me some solid advice and help. I'm looking for an education in this stuff!!

myemail is: caseyclark@verizon.net

Thank you!

Indyken

Casey,

Read my post here: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=340420

It may help you decide. All I can say is definitely purchase the Experian "Car Fax" service and run the vin numbers of the cars you are considering, first. Hope it helps.

Ken