200k+ Experience? Keep going or trade it in?
#17
Pole Position
Honestly the debate of sell it, keep it, is always an interesting one. Truthfully it's cheaper to keep them - by the time you factor in everything else...the cost of the new/newer vehicle, the higher insurance, the higher tax, the BS document preparation fees, a car loan and interest...tax title and registration...on and on.
Having said that, sometimes you just want that new vehicle...life is short, enjoy it.
#18
Amen. I talk to a lot of people about car buying who are trying to make some justification for a new car; financial, cargo, needs etc., when the real reason is they just want a new car. But saying it that way makes it feel irresponsible. If you’re trying to make a financial case for getting rid of your LS there isn’t one. If you want a new car just go get it, no approval from anyone needed. The only thing any of us commuters really “need” is a Nissan Versa!
#19
Lexus Test Driver
if you are worried about depreciation then dump your 07 now as its already only worth $7-8k on a good day. seems like historically, once an LS hits 15 years and 160k miles, they nosedive completely into $2500 craigslist hooptie status. ive been following these cars for a long time and that really does seem to be the magic age for when the fully depreciate.
1. if your car is in good shape but dont want to put a bunch of money in it, just drive it and repair nothing till it blows up then get that clean '14. you should still get a few years out of it. these are tough cars and can take ALOT of abuse and neglect before they finally give up.
2. put the $ into it and drive it forever. if you take care of it, it can last another 200k easy maybe even further. will still look good for years to come due to timeless styling.
3. get the 14 and use as secondary car for trips and weekend drives. and keep the 07 as your work commute battle axe or beater car. thats what i did.
1. if your car is in good shape but dont want to put a bunch of money in it, just drive it and repair nothing till it blows up then get that clean '14. you should still get a few years out of it. these are tough cars and can take ALOT of abuse and neglect before they finally give up.
2. put the $ into it and drive it forever. if you take care of it, it can last another 200k easy maybe even further. will still look good for years to come due to timeless styling.
3. get the 14 and use as secondary car for trips and weekend drives. and keep the 07 as your work commute battle axe or beater car. thats what i did.
#20
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
The verdict is in. Keeping it. I brought it to a great indy mechanic (Charlie's Automotive north of Houston in The Woodlands) and did the whole front end with Moog control arms (x8) plus alignment plus some other work it needed for $3.6k, a fraction of the dealer. Drives great again. Here is a photo of my '08 LS.
2007 LS 460, 208k miles, May 2019
2007 LS 460, 208k miles, May 2019
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#22
Advanced
You saved about 2/3 of the cost of what a dealer would have charged you in addition to what else extra was done beside the suspension work. Good deal. If you trust the mechanic, great.
Someone mentioned a new transmission, I know a gal who had a 2005 LS, had to replace her transmission.Cost her $3500 or more.
Since you are committed to keep your vehicle, change ALL fluids, especially the transmission fluid (my wife's SC has the sealed transmission fluid) , we had it flushed at 100k miles at a Toyota dealer. We intend to keep the car for more years. Many ignore the power steering fluid, I also change it every couple of years with fresh synthetic. I need new ball joints and am gonna replace most front suspension parts while the mechanic is in there. "Its cheaper to keep her".
Someone mentioned a new transmission, I know a gal who had a 2005 LS, had to replace her transmission.Cost her $3500 or more.
Since you are committed to keep your vehicle, change ALL fluids, especially the transmission fluid (my wife's SC has the sealed transmission fluid) , we had it flushed at 100k miles at a Toyota dealer. We intend to keep the car for more years. Many ignore the power steering fluid, I also change it every couple of years with fresh synthetic. I need new ball joints and am gonna replace most front suspension parts while the mechanic is in there. "Its cheaper to keep her".
#23
I think you did ok and substantially better than the dealer. 👍
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Soldier76 (05-25-19)
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Soldier76 (05-25-19)
#26
I enjoy the road manners of base SWB 08 to stock up on future upgrades. Did our Sc first. Mostly done.
if I stiffen the sway bars from a 010 sport and replace all shocks and add 4 oem 19’s and new primacy tours it should square the corners better and add to the high speed maneuvering abilities.
found an unworn complete steering wheel and bought a new center console cover both for future needs as are a set of 19’s I have coming.just put new tires on the 18’s.
Car is a “keeper.” I was a car guy. Needed a “driver.” Something good enough to run lots of miles up on it.
bet I get to 300k miles..,l Nine years at my current rate.
Only thing I wish I had was the ML stereo.
i think if I put an amp in it It might kick it up enough at lower volumes. Just needs more amp I think.
bought a new drivers seat foam. May buy two. Future not available wear parts IMO.
adding an new oem windshield at 100k miles. It’s at 80k now.
My favorite old car was my dads 61 sedan de ville Cadillac. Boat.
fantastic road car. Like driving your sofa.
this is close enough to improve its overall ride.
the old caddy had the best drivers position and comfort of any car I have ever driven,
nice car
if I stiffen the sway bars from a 010 sport and replace all shocks and add 4 oem 19’s and new primacy tours it should square the corners better and add to the high speed maneuvering abilities.
found an unworn complete steering wheel and bought a new center console cover both for future needs as are a set of 19’s I have coming.just put new tires on the 18’s.
Car is a “keeper.” I was a car guy. Needed a “driver.” Something good enough to run lots of miles up on it.
bet I get to 300k miles..,l Nine years at my current rate.
Only thing I wish I had was the ML stereo.
i think if I put an amp in it It might kick it up enough at lower volumes. Just needs more amp I think.
bought a new drivers seat foam. May buy two. Future not available wear parts IMO.
adding an new oem windshield at 100k miles. It’s at 80k now.
My favorite old car was my dads 61 sedan de ville Cadillac. Boat.
fantastic road car. Like driving your sofa.
this is close enough to improve its overall ride.
the old caddy had the best drivers position and comfort of any car I have ever driven,
nice car
#27
Curious what other things could have added the $2k onto the price?
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SupraTurbo (10-16-23)
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