Hello , long time lurker first post. I got my first Lexus several years ago I bought a used 2003 ES 300 and it was a bargain at $3200 with 140,000 miles on the clock. I drove it till well into 200,000 miles before selling it and buying a 2017 ES 350 ultra luxury which I just loved.

Unfortunately there was an accident which totaled that car out recently and I bought a low mileage approximately 15,000 miles 2024 ES 250 AWD base. it’s nice but I just don’t connect with it like I did my 2017 for several reasons.

One the interior is black and it is basic not leather.
Two the stereos is a little bit lacking from the Mark Levinson that I had in my 2017
three it just doesn’t have the power that I would like in the the smaller engine.

A very nice car just a little things keep me from falling in love with it. I’ve had it for two months.

I recently found someone selling a 2003 SC 430 with less than 15,000 miles on it. It looks pretty cherry. They’re asking $30,000 for it though I could get a little more than I paid for my current car if I sell it to a place like Carmax or Carvana and get pretty close to that if I traded at the dealership, I paid just under $40,000 for my ES but it’s financed. Is it crazy to think to trade for the 2003 SC 430 talk me off the ledge or am I making a right decision?

 

I think it would be a no brainer at $15-17k. It’s the 30k price tag on a 2003 that scares me considering my last 03 only cost $3200. But I did put on a new timing belt and suspension into it. A 2003 car with such low miles makes me concerned about dry rot of the rubber parts although I’m told it was the owner of the dealerships personal Sunday driver…who knows if that’s true.

 

I would take a pass. I remember in 2018 I bought my 06 with 59,xxx and some change on the clock for $15,000. I could have bought a low milage 2010 for $30K.

Dennis

 

Agree with the others. That price is at least $10k strong for that car.

 

+ 1 with agreeing with others — it’s not a straight trade to me.

Personally, I would buy one that has been driven as these cars beg to be driven — Your concerns are valid.

Go for one with some mileage on the clock has all service/maintenance in order and for $10-15k less.

We did and so happy we did — No regrets — we Love our SC