I have a silver 03 LS with 94k miles on it. I was wondering if it would be worth it to trade it in on an 05 LS UL? I would have between 2-5k on a trade in, but I would end up increasing my debt by 7k or so. I found a black on black 05 with 52k on the odometer. The pros of the UL are: more options, F/L headlights and tails, and black interior vs my light interior. I have an 8 and 4 y/o so the darker interior would hold up better. I have Megan coilovers, LED tails, and badgeless grill waiting install, but I would hold off if I look for a new LS. Also I am getting ready to have the timing belt done, which I would skip if I traded it in.
Thanks in advance.

 

If its doesn't hurt your pocket I would go for it(but maybe not an ul only because more gadgets to fix if broken)but then again that's what a warranty for. . Not saying that your 03 has plenty life left.

 

thats tough. if you give up the 03 you are giving up the coilovers, if you keep the 03 you have to pay $$$ for the timing belt. i would put pros on one half of a piece of paper and cons on the other and see which has more, if they are dead even flip a coin or keep your current one since it sucks going through the process of getting a new car to me with all the paperwork and taxes + plate registration paperwork and fees.

 

I dont understand what you mean by "you would have 2-5k on trade in." Are you saying thats the difference you'd have to pay to upgrade? If so, I'd do it. The 04+ look much better and you get the advantage of the UL

 

What is F/L headlights?

 

F/L = face lifted The newer headlights look so much better then the first style. The 2-5k would be a down payment from my trade in. I owe about 9k on my 03. The coilovers are not on the car yet. I was gonna do all the mod items in the spring.

 

i dont see where you would be in a better position going to a 05 ul.i would keep yours and reduce your debt.put a new timing belt in and drive the dog crap out of it.put the difference a new car would of cost you in the bank.

 

would be nice to have the 05, but not worth going even deeper in debt for.

 

That is what my head is telling me and I just needed fellow owners to help confirm it. You know emotional cars can be for people like us. I think I will probably put on my mods, pay off the car, then get 20's.

 

Think of it this way: you're spending more money for essentially the same car. Another member has considered the same thing, but didn't feel that the facelifted one was that much different than the 01-03s. If I were you, I'd try it out and if you feel that you can justify the extra cost, then go for it.

 

I say get the '05 and sell the coilovers and taillight to me! Seriously though, I do agree that the facelift makes the later models look better but is it worth it to you?

Hey, let me ask you, where did you get the LED taillights for the 01-03 models?

 

You know the history on your current LS and won't know it (and any potential issues) on a new one. I'd recommend anyone looking at a 01 - 06 to look for the 04-06 if they can, but in your situation I'd keep your current ride.

 

I can't get past the concept of owing anything, let alone $9,000, on an 8-year old car let alone going even deeper in debt to buy a 6-year old car. My CPA wife would give me a dope slap.

 

Increasing your debt for a newer car? Pardon me for being blunt but hell NO.

Avoid paying interest on consumer debt. Paying interest for consumer items is a sucker play...pure and simple.

Go into debt only to buy assets that will increase in value over time (smart investments, profitable businesses, bargain real estate, etc). That's investment leverage and can make you wealthy.

Save up and only pay cash for any assets that are consumed or lose value (like a car). That's financial discipline and can make you wealthy.

The alternative financial plan is not a pretty one and does not have a happy ending.