Excellent tips, I would look at the center console and how many buttons, I wanted to avoid ULs. But I actually would have wanted to avoid CLs as well--don't want the actuators on the doors myself, it seems like driver's actuator needing replacement is a sure thing and the parts are much more costly....

 

Yeah all dealer work done (on both my LS's) shows on Lexus Driver. However, none of the dealer work for the 01 showed up on the $40 Car Fax. Zero. Nada. Nothing. The only work (since new) that did show was a tire purchase, oil changes from local gas stations, smog, owner transfers and one job done at a Toyota dealer. JMO but Car Fax is a waste of money.

 

The wood grain on this one is called Ecru Birds Eye Maple. Only CLs and ULs from '01-'03 had it. My '03 UL had it. Hate that wood. Reminded me of the burnt wood in a fireplace. Or driftwood you would find on a beach. I think they were trying for the illusion of marble. Anyway, agree with everyone else - this is a CL not a UL for the reasons already stated.

 

I hope to finalize a purchase in November and have been thinking about which one to use.

Opinions on Autocheck anyone?

 

In my search, it did seem like CarFax is at least somewhat accurate, and seems to be the most complete, which isn't saying all that much. Obviously, they can be very incomplete. And, they even disclaim that if it says no accidents, there still can be accidents not reported to them. This was the case on a '05 LS430...one owner no accidents, and the paint looked really bad!! But I had to laugh, when pics went online from this Lexus dealer, they showed black paint splashed on the rear right rim!! When I went to see it in person, it would not start. strike 1 lol rear right tailpipe bent, rear right door gouged in plastic, and the internal work order showed both right shocks replaced? This was a car asking $14,600, and the dealer said they would do the timing belt/water pump for that price. 89k. Black onxy with ML, 4 new tires, no name installed by dealer.

 

I think we can give you a list of gotchas....this way, if you're buying from a new car dealer, you can ask them to address (maybe they won't, but I think likely they will). I got burned with a faulty driver door actuator, and luckily, dealer was willing to fix no questions asked....also they addressed the front brakes and replaced with OEM. But I also didn't notice 3rd brake light out (and passed state inspection?), 12v front console not working (fuse), rear sunshade not working (let it go), hood and trunk struts worn (DIY with Monroes), telescope wheel got weak, pulled fuse. But imho, since common issues, I'd try to work water pump/timing belt if at 90k, and then lower control arm bushings and motor mounts (my guess is most will balk at those items but worth mentioning)....good luck on your search.

 

Wow...on that nasty '05!

All good points...thanks.

 

Use Carfax for accidents that may be reported (some accidents are not reported, so it's not a guarantee). Most major accidents are reported. This data comes through Police reports connected with the VIN.

Use Lexus owner website for Lexus dealer maintenance. (Indy or DIY maintenance is not documented.)

 

cl is the way to go imo, who needs air ride and what owner rides in the back seat now a days?? stock suspension is just as good as air ride suspension, but still i say it's overpriced by a few grand.

 

that car seems like an amazing deal. I think thats the first time ive ever seen that exterior/ interior combination. Very nice.

 

Although the car seems clean, am I the only one who thinks the price is a little on the high side? Of course I don't know the condition of some other cars, but there are 04-06s with over 100K in the 9-14,000 price range. Both models are going to require repairs... why not go for the refreshed model? If this car was under 8K I guess You might give it a shot, but bottom line, everything you are going to do to upkeep this 03 you will have to do for the refreshed model with more appeal and options. Yes, it sounds like a nice car, but 10K is a bit excessive to me when many of these cars are now 4-6,000 dollars. Might not be in this condition, but they have bottomed out with depreciation and anyway, all of these cars a very old.

 

Yes, I'd strongly prefer a '04-'06, but I believe I should be somewhat open minded too. So I have some interest, tempered against the distance and the (current) price. Just learning about these cars and was curious what model it was.

Plus, someone else here may want it, so why not post it?

 

Agree this is too high for an 03 (from a broker) especially if it doesn't have any owner or service history. Spend 12-13 for a nice private (or quality dealer) 04-06 w/ 100k. Locally there's an 06 ML one owner dealer service w/ 102 for 12.9

 

There would also be the rear vanity mirrors on the headliner, I don't see them.

 

Not an Ultra. No side shades on rear passenger windows. I have a UL, and I would have preferred a CL. The toys are nice on the UL, but not worth the suspension headaches.