jgmcs

What do you guys think, Is it a fair trade, I have a all brown inside and out 1991 Lexus ls400 with 138k miles on it. The rack and pinion needs to be replaced, the head gasket seals are leaking and need to be raplaced, the temperature gauge is not working, nor is the gas one, the driver seat is ripped and its got a couple of nicks and scratches, the antena is not working the digital clock is out, the seats are missing a couple of the power *****, a seatbelt buckle in the back seat is missing.

A mechanic I know will trade me his 1990 ls400 white, it has 186k it is in imaculate condition in and out. The only issue is that it didnt pass smog when I took it for a pre test, he said he will fix it to pass and give me the smog certificate so I can complete the registration. He also wants $1000 for the trade. The only thing he is aware that is wrong on my car is the rack and pinion and the gaugaes.

Is it a good trade or is he hiding a problem with the car? I know he can probably fix the car for much less and since he has his shop in a salvage yard I know he can get any part he needs for the car, they even have 2 1991 ls 400s at the salvage yard.

The 2 cars are not salvage, I looked at his title, so hes not trying to trade me a lemon.

litesoarer

swap the engines and sure.

EastWind

that's a hard choice. Find out how much to fix your rack and pinion, and head gasket seals. If under $1,000. Do that, then slowly fix the minor things that need repairs. Not that the 90's mileage matters, but if you were trading from high mileage to low mileage, I do say okay. But from low to high, "newer" to older, plus $1,000. I personally wouldn't do it. I have a 91 now with 189k miles, and I wouldn't trade it for that 90 plus cash, cuz I have been fixing it up really good since I got it, and I wouldn't know what work the new car would require.

TJW98LS

iTrader: (1)

I agree, but I went from a Lincoln LS to a Lexus 58K-63K '02-99...I guess that's a different story though I say keep yours!

B.Diddy

iTrader: (1)

mileage and age have nothing to do with the car at this point. I would look to see what car was taken care of better. I would look at cleanliness, interior wear, exterior wear and other things. Both are are even in my eyes at 16-17yrs old

olddog

iTrader: (2)

how are we supposed to know if he is hiding a problem with the car? are we magicians
he probably thinks he will get more for your car by fixing the mechanical aspects (since he is a mechanic) and sell it for more.
"the devil you know is better than the angel you don't know"
you know your car. you know all that is wrong with it.
you know nothing about his car except all he claims. it is risky.
IMO, calculate how much it is going to cost to fix all those things on your car and if its less than 2000, i say fix yours and enjoy it.remember most used cars are sold As-IS with no return.
but either way, good luck.

Mar

Hhhmmm the only question i would have is...why would a guy that works or owns a shop want to trade his car that is in decent condition for one that isn't..why go out of the way to get a car you know you're gonna have to work on ??? One of the previous guys pretty much hit it on the head though both cars are 16 17 years old so either way i don't think you're in a bad spot...