ZGadson

Ok, so here's what I'm considering:

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/2131142545.html


I want this one. It's been calling to me in my sleep since I saw the ad. It's identical to the one I used to have but in better condition. And although I don't want a piece of **** that's going to need a ton more work than the ad is leading me to believe, I am willing to fix it if the repairs are reasonable. I don't want to spend more than $1500 total if possible. (I nead a cheap car, but I still want something nice.)

It says it needs a new cylinder head but its not overheating. It supposedly has a "strong transmission and engine" as well. For a gorgeous looking ES at less than $800, what are your thoughts? How much would it cost to get it fixed? Is it worth the repair at 200+k miles? (To me, "needs a new cylinder head" sounds like there might be damage to the cylinder walls, which I'm hoping isn't the case here.)


Your thoughts are very important to me. Thanks in advance!

-Zach

Coulter

I would pass on this car, even at a cheap price. it's just clapped out.

It has a rebuilt title (which means it was likely involved in a bad accident), it has 260,000 miles, and it needs a new cylinder head to run (hopefully that's not all). It also sounds like there's a lot wrong with the cosmetics.

Even if everything goes perfect, the savings are just not worth the risk. These cars are extremely reliable, but at nearly 300,000 miles, you're going to be near a new transmission and motor anyway, which is more than the car is worth.

I would pay more for a nicer one, it's nothing but a "parts car" in my opinion.

ZGadson

Well, damn. I was hoping I wouldn't get an answer like that, but in the back of my mind I was expecting it. I can deal with the cosmetic issues like tears in the seats, but the body looks excellent. Having just totaled my Infiniti with a $20,000+ remaining car note (and my insurance company fighting the claim because they're going out of business) my budget is $1500 MAX. I'm pretty much limited to a high mileage 2nd gen ES.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

that's a fair price IMO for something that is 14 years old, but the cylinder head alone suggests it was beaten the **** out of, or worse, not maintained. There's no reason it shouldn't be running at that mileage.

With that said keep looking!

Coulter

That sucks the situation you're in, I would call your state's attorney generals office or whoever regulates insurance companies in your area if you haven't already, that's essentially fraud.

Regarding your $1,500 budget, I think you're just asking for trouble. Usually a $1,500 car is really a $3,000 car, it just needs $1,500 worth of repairs. The car in question sounds like in needs a minimum of $1,500 in repairs. Often times "going cheap" can actually be expensive. You can find nice Lexus Es300s of this vintage for around $3,000 all day that will be reliable transportation and running, don't have salvage titles, and only have half the mileage.

If you can't find a short term way to get more money for a better ES, I would go in a different direction and find a different car. Volvo 240's make great "beater" cars that you can get for cheap, and they run forever. I had one not to long ago I bought for around $2,000 that was in stellar shape. Finding one for $1,500 shouldn't be too hard.

ZGadson

Dammit. Dammit. Dammit.

ZGadson

Just put a starting bid in on this. As cheap as I'm being, I can get a new set of headlights on ebay for $120, and worry about the tail gate and bumpers later. Shouldn't be more than $400ish for both bumpers from ebay (unpainted for now) and maybe another $300-400 for the tailgate and I've got an 01 Lex with 70k miles for cheap (assuming the bidding doesn't get crazy).

ASG14

iTrader: (1)

Looks liek the Right Rear has frame damage.

ZGadson

What about this ES? It says it's got damage to the front end, and other than looking like the hood is popped open I don't see anything wrong with it. There may be a scuffed spot near the front passenger wheel, but the whole car looks damn near perfect. Though this one has a salvage title, too, it does have a runs/drives verification.

HERE

Coulter

You can get a good deal on a car with a salvage history, I've seen cars SEVERELY discounted that were properly repaired and were essentially perfect. But just know you're playing with fire, and you can't really tell what you're getting into by just a picture.

I know I wouldn't buy any car with a salvage title unless I had an expert put it up on a lift and thoroughly check it out to make sure the frame was straight and the repairs were properly made. Many insurance companies won't even insure a car with a salvage title, you you should look into that.

Be careful, and I would have someone that's really knowledgeable inspect the car.

ASG14

iTrader: (1)

^ Perfectly said!