01' LS430- 101k... trade my 97 vette for????
05-24-12, 10:19 AM
#1
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01' LS430- 101k... trade my 97 vette for????
I owned a is300 for 4 years and never had an issue... Looking into a LS430 for reliablility. I currently own a 97 vette with only 53k but a gentlemen wants to trade me even up for a 2001 ls430. 1 owner, up to date maint., besides for timing belt which I was quoted 550 for.... and will have done if I purchase/trade. Interior is excellent, exterior has a few scratches/nicks that I will have fixed. 101k. Should I do it???? LOVe the vette, but need something practical and reliable... I know these machines are bulletproof as far as luxury auto's go but I'm on the fence.
Base model, no ML system. What do you gents think??? Called lexus and ran the vin which showed service at least once a year. Drives smmmmooooothhh, runs great.
Base model, no ML system. What do you gents think??? Called lexus and ran the vin which showed service at least once a year. Drives smmmmooooothhh, runs great.
05-24-12, 10:36 AM
#2
As a past C5 owner (02 targa), you are certainly comparing apples & oranges. I loved the power and handling of the vette, but winced every time I had to lower / raise myself when entering / exiting the car. (Getting old, ya know.)
05-24-12, 11:00 AM
#5
I don't have a clue about the relative values of the two cars, but your quote for a timing belt replacement caught my attention. I haven't priced it myself, but have read quite a few posts and the consensus seems to be about $600 for parts plus some hundreds for labor. I understand that the dealer service departments charge about $1400 total. Your quote is far below that (if it includes labor - or were you going to do it yourself?). Do you have a very good friend mechanic, or are prices that different in FL ?
Thanks for the information.
Thanks for the information.
05-24-12, 11:29 AM
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The vette needs all new weather stripping (500 for parts alone), idle is fluttering when shifting into park, targa top needs replaced and a few other random issues (not major). He knows all of this... i think its a fair trade for the most part. Trade in value on his car is more than mine.
I was quoted 5 hundred ish for the timing belt service through Lexus of Tampa Bay, and 139.00 I believe for the fuel induction which hasn't been done as well.
I was quoted 5 hundred ish for the timing belt service through Lexus of Tampa Bay, and 139.00 I believe for the fuel induction which hasn't been done as well.
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05-24-12, 12:02 PM
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it is bizarre 
and I'm a 29 year old. I love the vette but it's hard as hell for me to get in and out of (I compete in bodybuilding and powerlifting) and I just have always wanted an LS. Seems like a pretty even trade to me, both need maintanance, the c5 maybe more. It runs great but it's almost a sixteen year old car now. Little things are starting to add up. Also, I'm looking into starting another business and I need someting more practical.
I just talked to the guy and he said he'd pay for the paint to be fixed in certain areas (front and rear bumper have some nicks and scraps, and a few rock chips here and there) to sweeten the deal. I am a perfectionist and thats the only thing I did not like about the ls430. Like I said, its a one owner that's been maintained through the dealership, just never had the timing belt done.
and I'm a 29 year old. I love the vette but it's hard as hell for me to get in and out of (I compete in bodybuilding and powerlifting) and I just have always wanted an LS. Seems like a pretty even trade to me, both need maintanance, the c5 maybe more. It runs great but it's almost a sixteen year old car now. Little things are starting to add up. Also, I'm looking into starting another business and I need someting more practical.I just talked to the guy and he said he'd pay for the paint to be fixed in certain areas (front and rear bumper have some nicks and scraps, and a few rock chips here and there) to sweeten the deal. I am a perfectionist and thats the only thing I did not like about the ls430. Like I said, its a one owner that's been maintained through the dealership, just never had the timing belt done.
05-24-12, 03:46 PM
#10
as a former owner of a 77 and a 04 vette,i loved them when i had them but the ls is in a class of its own as the vette is,you will not miss the vette after the first long drive in the ls.the ls still gets a lot of looks.i say go for it!
02-22-13, 09:09 AM
#12
id do it in a heart beat, C5 is great performance car thats it. I cannot get over how poor put together it is. Everything is just cheap ,hold on to your chair when you hear how much it cost to change a clutch in one lmao. I would not recommend doing a timing belt without water pump and 500 is def cheap to do both, Either way good luck to whatever you decide to do.
02-22-13, 10:16 AM
#14
As bad as the C5's interior is, I'd still hang onto it. 5he only LS worth trading for would be an 04-06 model in mint condition.
On another note, I noticed the C5's interior is very similar to the Chevy Cavalier's. Take out the seats and stick shift and they're almost the same. It's the only downfall of the C5 in my opinion.
On another note, I noticed the C5's interior is very similar to the Chevy Cavalier's. Take out the seats and stick shift and they're almost the same. It's the only downfall of the C5 in my opinion.
