2003 Ultra 165K for 3k? good or bad decision
#31
Thread Starter
Driver
Thats what i thought tom57....she told me it was chipping when she bought it...but never garaged it so the sun ate it up...no dents on hood and i know its original cause theres some rusting under the hood....i also check all panels same vin numbers..
#32
unlike many of you I really wouldn't say this car is that good of a deal. It sounds rough but assume it really does only need say 3k worth of work to make it drivable. I haven't seen it, but keep in mind there are always surprises with used cars and this one has certainly been around the block. But even with 3k in fixes, that makes it a 6k car. You might get lucky but it would take some time and effort to sell a 165k '03 it probably wouldn't bring more than 7-8k...if that.
#33
Totally agree above, still it may be a good deal, but yur telling me you have not really driven it. Cars in NY get pounded and spend alot of time in traffic crummy roads. I would look for a meticulous owner and if it is yur dream car ya always wanted plan on driving for a while does your budget allow 10-12-14k$ as you can prolly get an 04 with under or around 100k from a meticulous owner if ya look and aren't afraid to drive to get it. I have done a few of these too good to be true cars and it backfired.
#34
Thread Starter
Driver
Even a well kept one could give u a surprise i guess...you just never know with cars....even though i think most of it is cosmetic you never know....that's why I'm gonna drive it for a bit before i buy. And im actully from Chicago...all 60 lexus service records show that the car has been maintained near chicago suburbs all its life...
Last edited by inrisls400; 09-06-15 at 08:27 AM.
#38
If your plan is to "restore" the car, then no, I don't think you should buy it. I could easily see it costing you more than simply buying a nicer one.
If it's just for a cheap form of transportation that you just want to do the bare minimum to get from point a to point B, then I think you can make a good case for it as a "beater." At least here, an economy car that can move under it's own power and has working AC usually starts pretty close to $2,000. So an LS for $3k is not bad at all.
But for me personally, it's not something I would really want to fool with for my main transportation.
If it's just for a cheap form of transportation that you just want to do the bare minimum to get from point a to point B, then I think you can make a good case for it as a "beater." At least here, an economy car that can move under it's own power and has working AC usually starts pretty close to $2,000. So an LS for $3k is not bad at all.
But for me personally, it's not something I would really want to fool with for my main transportation.
#40
#41
If your plan is to "restore" the car, then no, I don't think you should buy it. I could easily see it costing you more than simply buying a nicer one.
If it's just for a cheap form of transportation that you just want to do the bare minimum to get from point a to point B, then I think you can make a good case for it as a "beater." At least here, an economy car that can move under it's own power and has working AC usually starts pretty close to $2,000. So an LS for $3k is not bad at all.
But for me personally, it's not something I would really want to fool with for my main transportation.
If it's just for a cheap form of transportation that you just want to do the bare minimum to get from point a to point B, then I think you can make a good case for it as a "beater." At least here, an economy car that can move under it's own power and has working AC usually starts pretty close to $2,000. So an LS for $3k is not bad at all.
But for me personally, it's not something I would really want to fool with for my main transportation.
#42
Thread Starter
Driver
I actually bought the car....pics coming soon....very pleased with thr purchse...trans shifts like butter...can even feel it shift and quietest engine ive ever heard. Only problem is exhaust leak and strut...plus cosmetics...glad i didnt pass on this and i actaully got it for 2700 since it was missing gps dvd.
#43
I actually bought the car....pics coming soon....very pleased with thr purchse...trans shifts like butter...can even feel it shift and quietest engine ive ever heard. Only problem is exhaust leak and strut...plus cosmetics...glad i didnt pass on this and i actaully got it for 2700 since it was missing gps dvd.
#44
Thread Starter
Driver
Here's the first pic...fixed the exhaust leaks and it took away the check engine light problem, total cost 90 dollars but the cat converter gaskets are still slightly leaking so im going to fix that next...ordered used oem complete struts for the rear and am currently searching for the front.
#45
Consider picking up a door skin (~$300) plus installation and paint. If you intend to keep the car, especially in Chicago weather, you'll be glad you did.
http://www.lexussouthatlantaparts.co...711250030.html
http://www.lexussouthatlantaparts.co...711250030.html