Help - Buying; 28 options around me.
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: NC
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 18,096
Likes: 1,740
From: Ohio
Be very wary of mechanics cars, most of us have 3-5 and there is a trend that at least one of them is the beater that barely gets fixed and with cheap parts only. One is the fast one, and one is the pretty one, and some have a car that is fast, comfortable, and very shiny.
I doubt an LS would be that car but it's not impossible, my Jeep is the one I kinda just limp along but I wouldn't sell it in its current state.
I doubt an LS would be that car but it's not impossible, my Jeep is the one I kinda just limp along but I wouldn't sell it in its current state.
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,682
Likes: 304
Hey, I'm the guy that posted the crazy excel list of 20+ cars two weeks ago and asked for help picking one
One car that just popped up looks like a really good deal.
160k for 4k in light blue(my fav color)
timing belt done at 90.
it has some scuffs on the rear and drying leather on the drivers side but that just looks like age
belonged to a mechanic
only is issue is door actuator not working.
I'm waiting for the vin to see if its premium or ML.
When I test drive and inspect the car, what should I check for ?
One car that just popped up looks like a really good deal.
160k for 4k in light blue(my fav color)
timing belt done at 90.
it has some scuffs on the rear and drying leather on the drivers side but that just looks like age
belonged to a mechanic
only is issue is door actuator not working.
I'm waiting for the vin to see if its premium or ML.
When I test drive and inspect the car, what should I check for ?
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 965
Likes: 299
From: WA
An absolutely filthy engine bay says a lot about how an owner takes care of the car. Look at the color of the brake fluid - dark brown. Obvious neglect speaks volumes and tends to indicate other areas will be problematic too.
In my mind, the only reason to shop for, let alone buy, an LS430 is to experience, as best you can, the supreme quality and reliability of one of the best cars ever made. Unless it checks all the boxes in terms of cosmetic and mechanical condition and no signs of neglect anywhere, pass on it. Many cars WILL pass this test, they have been valued and obviously cared for their entire life, but you have to pay for them. If you are even willing to consider one that has obvious signs of neglect, save $$$ and buy a Corolla or Civic. My 2 cents.
In my mind, the only reason to shop for, let alone buy, an LS430 is to experience, as best you can, the supreme quality and reliability of one of the best cars ever made. Unless it checks all the boxes in terms of cosmetic and mechanical condition and no signs of neglect anywhere, pass on it. Many cars WILL pass this test, they have been valued and obviously cared for their entire life, but you have to pay for them. If you are even willing to consider one that has obvious signs of neglect, save $$$ and buy a Corolla or Civic. My 2 cents.
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 18,096
Likes: 1,740
From: Ohio
Hard pass. I would be walking as soon as I saw the rust under that silver door seal trim, to say nothing of the trashed interior
Engine bay is sad, you can tell they never check or clean it properly and that very likely extended to the rest of the car.
Engine bay is sad, you can tell they never check or clean it properly and that very likely extended to the rest of the car.
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: NC
An absolutely filthy engine bay says a lot about how an owner takes care of the car. Look at the color of the brake fluid - dark brown. Obvious neglect speaks volumes and tends to indicate other areas will be problematic too.
In my mind, the only reason to shop for, let alone buy, an LS430 is to experience, as best you can, the supreme quality and reliability of one of the best cars ever made. Unless it checks all the boxes in terms of cosmetic and mechanical condition and no signs of neglect anywhere, pass on it. Many cars WILL pass this test, they have been valued and obviously cared for their entire life, but you have to pay for them. If you are even willing to consider one that has obvious signs of neglect, save $$$ and buy a Corolla or Civic. My 2 cents.
In my mind, the only reason to shop for, let alone buy, an LS430 is to experience, as best you can, the supreme quality and reliability of one of the best cars ever made. Unless it checks all the boxes in terms of cosmetic and mechanical condition and no signs of neglect anywhere, pass on it. Many cars WILL pass this test, they have been valued and obviously cared for their entire life, but you have to pay for them. If you are even willing to consider one that has obvious signs of neglect, save $$$ and buy a Corolla or Civic. My 2 cents.
