CelsiorAUS

Hi all,

I need everyones advice asap as everything will happen today if i go through with it.

I bought a 2001 LS430 Black on black 120000kms for 24990 plus 900 loan setup fee so 26k all up. Immac condition and a pleasure to drive. (no nav).

I just found a 2004 LS430 at a repo auction black on black, 120000kms and unsure of condition but seems ok. It has one dent but i can get that fixed for free.

I just found out they want $28000 for the 2004 ls430 and they usually retail for between 36 and 60k.

All i ever wanted was the 2004 and ive settled for the 2001 and now im stuck with it.

So do i buy the 2004 ls430, get a new finance (if i can pretend i didnt go through with the other one) and sell the 2001?

I might lose 3k on the deal and owe an extra 2k plus the risk of buying sight unseen, and all the hassle of flying up and driving it back and getting inspections and stuff. I dont mind doing it but should i?

or should i just be happy and stop being 2004 obsessed like the rest of the forum members here.

HiloDB1

iTrader: (3)

You paid $24990 for an 01? Was that USD?

CelsiorAUS

sorry in australia!

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

There's too many IF's on the 04, esp. if you haven't seen it yourself.
If you can absolutely verify that it has good history, then it might make the decision easier.
Plus, you're going to be $5k in the hole, sight unseen=kind of a gamble.

Personally, I think you shouldn't rush when buying a car.
I'm not sure if there's a shortage of LS in your area which is why the 04 may get ****** up quicker in the market???

Why don't you drive it the 2001 for awhile? There's really not that much of a difference from the 04. With the extra money you saved, you can make it look better than a stock 04

when I went looking for an 05, I saw alot of nice looking. So close to buying it until I got a carfax--------->SALVAGE TITLE!!! Owner lied and said it was clean

CelsiorAUS

Thanks your kind of right. the 2001 i have no is beautiful and i can make it look really nice for the money and risk id spend on the 04.

Jabberwock

Drive and enjoy the 2001 but also save and work as hard as possible to pay off that loan ahead of time. Once you own the 2001 free and clear keep saving till you have enough to pay cash (added to sale of the 2001) for a 04-06 if you still want one. A major reason to buy used cars is to get off the car loan treadmill and quit paying interest. Except for a house or investing in your own business if you can't pay cash don't buy it. That's my suggestion.

GLIDESUL

That seems high for an 01 with no nav. You can always give the 01 a facelift but its gonna cost ya. Or you can just upgrade the tail end pay it off some then try an trade for newer one. Either way u have a nice car won't really tell the difference inside any way good luck and welcome.

CelsiorAUS

thanks for the help all.

I am sticking with the 2000 model lol. pics are enroute in a new thread

DDLexus

Since pricing is driven by a regional market, speculating good value vs poor value in Australia is simply speculation

I agree with the other people so far. Save you cash and keep with the car you bought. Drive it for a few years and then go looking again. Hard to do when you see others coming on the market, but i'd venture to say the newer car probably has some other problems.

CelsiorAUS

the guy never got back to me but just to let you know, 04 ls430s go anywhere from 40k to 60k

01 ls430 go from 20k to 40k

the 04 represented extreme value but the car i have is just too immaculate for me to risk a tired car. i actually passed up 2 tired looking 04s already and i wasnt proud to sit in the like i am my car.

peace lexus brothers

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

see, that's a sign for you to keep your 01

usermel

Keep the 2001 LS! WHY? It's just a car and never lose money on a car. Its a Lexus as is the 2004! Yes, there are minor differences in the 2001-2003 LS430 and the 2004-2006 LS430 but, not enough to lose money over. After a while the 2007-2010 LS460's will be priced low enough for you to get one of those used in 2-3 years so just wait on that year range if anything.

That said, its your decision. If you just cant get over the 2004 and wont feel good without having a 2004 LS430 then do what makes you happy. L.G.N.M