TriC

Have been seriously shopping and narrowed possible candidates for purchase to 3:

A) 2006 Silver Ultra Luxury with 80K miles and very minor damage history with an asking price of $15,500 (timing belt not done);
B) 2004 Black Cherry Modern Luxury with 30K miles and no damage history for $13,000 or perhaps a bit less (timing belt not done); and
C) 2003 White Ultra Luxury with 100K miles and minor damage history for $8500 or maybe less (timing belt done prematurely long ago and due again by age).

None are local and the travel hassle/expense would be about the same for each. I don't really want an Ultra (a Custom Luxury would be ideal) - it's just worked out that way. Only the '06 has had any real exposure to salted roads.

Which one would be the best bet and/or offer the greatest value?

SCbarber

I prefer an '06, however always loved the black cherry so that would be my pick and the price is not to bad for the miles. I found one, also and '04 with about 27k on it and he wanted around $16,5 for it and timing belt was not done. I called him and he yelled at me saying its only got 27k miles on it!! I said yes and it is also 13 years old! There is a nice silver one with about 58k on it for $13,8 on auto trader but again the timing belt has not been done. That one was tempting as well (if the timing belt was done).

5t341th

iTrader: (16)

06 ultra luxury please. Can't beat the 6 speed transmission and UL features

warminwisc

Timing belt is 700 bucks if ya look around. I would due a heck of alot of due diligence, negotiate a price, before I flew anywhere. All seem reasonable good luck

05ls430518

iTrader: (1)

Get the 2004 it has super low miles and is a really good price around were I live that cars nada value (dealership price) would be like $18,000-$20,000. Also the 04-06 are the same transmission the 6 speed.

Kira X

iTrader: (24)

I would take the 2004 just for the miles. The Ultra Luxury models are appealing though.

If the 2006 was a little bit cheaper then I would consider it.

rkw77080

If you decide to go with the 2004, please make sure that the ECM calibration has been done on the transmission (see attached). Look for the sticker under the hood.

Romanova

The 2004. Bring it up to date with maintenance and you'll have a car that will last forever. With that low mileage, make sure the tires aren't original. You can check the DOT date code on the tires...

Legender

2004 is my vote also. The Black Cherry cleans up/polishes up really well and looks awesome.

onthelo

2004 ... i would stay away from the vehicles that show damage history. Just because they are the UL I don't think it can justify them but that's my opinion. I would lean towards which ever one feels right but an 04 with 30k miles like others stated that should last along time with proper maintenance. I just recently found my 04 ML with 69k original owner miles. Just saying here in California you would expect to pay between $14k on the low end upwards of $20k for these, one with 30k miles for sure 20k its just the market over here. Good luck and the TB/WP service and your travel time and cost is something to factor in also location if due to snow/salt roads or extreme weather. Happy hunting!

tallcaguy

2004. That's a good price anywhere considering the mileage. Also a distinctive color.

Johnhav430

Since you are in the $15k range, I saw two UL '06's last night with mileage in the 40's, prolly worth a look....they were on cars.com....if memory serves me one was briarwood and the other moonlight pearls....

TriC

Thanks to all of you for your thoughtful comments. Things have moved quickly over the past 2 days.

The '03 UL was eliminated from consideration when it was discovered that some of the ad photos were not of the car for sale, but rather taken off the internet and so were misleading as to the vehicle's condition. And then the seller couldn't understand why I was no longer interested!

The '06 UL went by the boards when the seller failed to respond to a request for the VIN.

Was then ready to move on the '04 ML when an '03 GS300 with 70K surfaced locally at a fair price. It's no garage queen, but has an excellent service history through one family ownership. So, it now in the garage. It may go to my son or son-in-law, in which case I'll target the '04 ML. However, it drives nice enough that I'll be happy to keep it if neither of them wants it and wait on getting an LS430.

Again, my thanks to you all.