EcruLvr

Hi everyone... new to the forum, although I have been lurking for about a year until I felt ready to purchase an SC430.

After much online searching, I have finally found my dream car... a 2007 Pebble Beach edition... starfire pearl w/pimento red seats.

One is a private party for sale in CA (where I live) 104,819 miles - 2 owners and a title that has "Not Actual Mileage" (it was registered in another state, passed emissions inspections but was issued NAM title)... they are asking for $20,000 (I would offer $18k)

The second is a dealership in Wichita, KS (not even a direct flight - would have to get it shipped if I purchased) 80,684 miles - 4 owners w one accident reported in 2007 at 66 miles. The dealership is asking $18,220

I don't know much about cars, so any advice is appreciated. Which is the better PB to go for? One with 2 owners and higher mileage or the 4 owner PB/ 1 accident but lower mileage?

thanks so much for your help

JohnnyCake

I purchased my SC from a dealer and the CarFax indicated that it had been in a prior accident. With a little detective work, I was able to find a police report that described the accident. It also had the original owner's name, so I contacted her also to discuss the car. Bottom line, I was convinced that the accident truly was a "nothing much" incident.

Long way of saying that it is difficult to give an opinion not knowing anything about the accident the dealer car you are look at was in. If it was a frame bending major accident, it could disqualify the car from consideration.

A 20,000 mile (maybe significantly more since the car is NAM) is a pretty big difference -- like a year of actual use (or a decade for Mister Blister). More miles also usually mean more cosmetic wear/tear on the interior. OTOH, these cars wear well, at least mechancially.

So, my final answer is "it depends."

EcruLvr

Thanks JohnnyCake I will see if I can find a police report!

GmanSC

For that price and mileage I would not buy neither. I don't care much for PB. There are many better out there. Keep looking.

Moonstruck

I purchased my 07. Not a PB. From Auction Direct. They found the car for me in Ohio, I live in upstate NY.The car had several owners but no accidents. When I purchased the car it hab 56,000 miles on it. I have now had it for 4 years and it has just over 73,000 on it. I do not drive it in the winter months as it is brutal here on the shores of Lake Ontario. I am always scared of cars with extremely low mileage, as cars do better if they are driven on a regular basis. Just my opplnion. I paid $27,000 for mine and have never had a single problem with it other than having to replace a tire pressure sensor. Annoying because it is unrealistic expensive for what it does exactly. You probably can't go wrong with either car depending on how severe the accdent was. Hopefully you can do some investigating.

Poqman

Definitely check to see if the 9 year/ 90000 mile maintenance was done. That's the big one with timing belt and waterpump. If maintenance records are not available, you better figure another $900 to $1200 for service.