MikeFoxx

iTrader: (8)

^^^^^ 8k miles in the last 2 1/2 almost 3 years that's solid. Worth looking at and test driving. Just don't tell yourself you should buy it because you drove 2 hrs to see it.
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And then I read the rest lol they denied all of that except brake pads? I wouldn't touch it.... I got excited when I saw mileage and posted but I should have kept reading. You can actually update all of that way cheaper than the prices listed... but if you as an owner don't address an oil leak when you know about it then you just don't respect what you have and behind that legendary model stamp could be a beat down roller. Oil leaks are simple to detect and fairly inexpensive to address... so I doubt they considered the cat converters.

BradTank

The service history doesn't bother me, most of that is pretty standard on the LS, it looks pretty close to mine when I purchased. My catalytic converters would sometimes throw a code as well. It's a pretty common issue on this car after 10+ years. There's a very cheap fix for that.

You have to take in consideration, this is a $5,000 car.

Do your due diligence, but if a few drops of oil a month leak out, most people are just going to put a catch pan underneath it and call it a day.

Use whatever you can to bargain, but don't expect a $5,000 car to be perfect. That won't even cover the sales tax on a new LS.

dmmoroney

Here's another I just found, about 75 miles from me. Looks to be in excellent shape, good service history, nothing major.

http://1501.ecarlist.com/web/used/Le...ania/26213317/

2KHarrier

Now that's a whole different animal. 2004-06 have the 6 sp trans, better looking headlights, led tails, among other changes.

That's a lot more money, but it's a lot nicer car too...

dmmoroney

More money, but nicer for sure. Great color combo. Great maintenance history on the Lexus site.

MikeFoxx

iTrader: (8)

That's a better choice

swilli89

Well I have doubts that someone taking pictures of their car on the side of the road also paid 70k for a car.. One little trick I used to do when looking at used cars is only look at cars with pictures taken in a driveway, it just always was a great indicator of the type of care the car received.

At 225k I would ask to see both timing belt change proofs. If it only had the ~100k timing belt change, you are pretty much on the hook for at least $800 right out of the gate. I would be hesitant to run a motor at 225k one its second timing belt.

However I can speak to the high mileage. I got my 02 at 205k miles for $4,500.

New timing belt, one of the rims reshaped by a shop in town, new fuses, new floormats, fixed center console, redone speaker wiring, new battery, replaced a few brake lights, resat rear right door lock cable into mechanism to fix door handle and its like a brand new car! I probably put $1500 into it total and its an insane machine for $6000. People driving around me that paid 2-3x times as much and still my ride is cleaner

I kind of like the high mileage strategy because the transmissions are near bulletproof and a Toyota motor with frequent timing belts and just regular oil will last a lifetime. This way you might be spending the same amount at the end of the day but you KNOW that all those maintenance items were done properly.

warminwisc

NY high commuter car mileage. Nope
Numerous longstanding repairs needed.
Poor pictures.

Why would ya want it!

dmmoroney

So back to this one, which I'm still trying to work a deal on:

http://www.highlineimports.com/web/u...ania/26213317/

I initially got them down to $9,600, but then after reading all your comments I realized that this car probably needs new serpentine/timing/water pump. They said they can do it all for $700. I'm trying to get them to do $10K all said and done.

Also, having read some reviews on the dealership, there have been complaints of them selling cars with water damage. I see that there is a big stain on the carpet in the trunk. Any thoughts on this as well?

Thanks guys!

dmmoroney

Update: Car price $9,975 & Total after txes, fees, etc. - $11,200.

Any thoughts? Is this a good deal?

L8RSk8R

I gave mine away....it's just easier & less hassle for me.
Traded in a 2006 Ultra with 350,000/360,000 miles, and got $5,500 for it.
I've no time for tire kickers & bull crap. I need to move vehicles & get into a fresh vehicle...hassle free, so I can make money.

tallcaguy

Agree. 7-8 will get you a much lower mileage car w/ fewer potential problems. Yes these are great cars. Also expensive to fix.

2KHarrier

If it's the right car for you, then it's a good deal.
When I bought my 05 LS last month, I paid 19,000 for it with 48K on the odo. The car is very clean and I'm pleased as punch.
When I tell people I paid almost 20 thousand dollars for an 11 year old car, they always ask me why I didn't buy something newer.

So, ultimately, the car has to feel good to you and you alone. Do I think that car is a good deal? Doesn't matter. It's important that you feel comfortable with it.

IF it's as clean as it looks, then I say go for it. These cars are built so well that it will give you many years of trouble free service.

The only caution I can offer is make sure to pull Lexus history to see what (if anything) was done at the dealer.

That stain on the trunk carpet could be from any number of things that got spilled in the trunk. You could always rent a carpet cleaner and lay it out in the driveway and clean it...

Just give the underbody a good look for any signs of muddy water stains, grass or other organic material sitting where it shouldn't be, look at the lenses for water damage and as always give the carpet a thorough inspection. (Does it have brand new mats)

.02

charleston

You would be better off buying my 2001 with 52,000 miles, new tires and timing belt for $10,500 LOL

dmmoroney

So....Back to this car:

http://www.highlineimports.com/web/u...ania/26213317/

I've been going back and forth with them for a while now. The car has been for sale for quite some time, which concerns me a little bit. I know that it will need new serpentine/timing/water pump, but I will buy the kit myself and have the work done. They offered to do the work for $700, do you think that is a good price?

He swears there's no water damage, no problems, and that the car is super clean an runs perfect (but would he really tell me otherwise?)

I have gotten them down to $9,250 though. Will submit the app later today.

Anybody have additional thoughts? Your two cents is always welcome!

Thanks!