Prestige77

I have been in car sales for years, and tend to keep my cars a couple of years. Right now on the lot we have two black SCs, both stock with just aftermarket wheels, an 03 with 44,000 miles, and an 08 with 40,000 miles. Both cars are pristine, we bought the 03 at auction for 17 and the 08 for 29. The cars feel too close to call when driving them, the 03 has more recent work, timing belt, brakes and the tail lights have been updated. Do you guys think it is worth the extra 12,000?

coach1

Personally.....I have an 03.....having the same basic car and 12 grand in my pocket would feel better....but you are in a very different situation. I don't plan to turn my car over every couple of years. The 08 will be an easier resale.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Seems like the 2003 is a good deal if it has updated features. The major difference between the two is the transmission: 5spd auto vs 6spd auto. If driving the two feels that close to you, then the 2003 would probably suffice. If I had to choose, I'd grab the 2008. In 3 years, the 03 will be a decade old while the 08 will still be somewhat fresh. We've seen what the resale value is like on the SC already. You won't lose too much in a few years.

scorpio74

How do you get the 08 for less than $30K? That's unbelievable! The 08 is still worth over $40K right now, maybe in the low $50K. I would choose the 08.

TooCoolSC

You stated what was paid for the cars at auction, but didn't say what YOU could buy the cars for. Or, are you saying you could get them for what was paid?

In any event, I'd get the '08, sell it for what should be a very significant profit, and then buy a CPO SC 430 of your choice. You should be able to have a car that's paid for, plus money in your pocket.

Prestige77

Remember, we have to sell them. Right now the local Lexus dealer is heavy on stock, so without him bidding prices are a bit better. We would sell the 08 with high miles for about 37, and try to get 24 out of the 03.

I think I am going to go with the 08. Putting it on the lot next to the 03 should help sell the 03 quick. I figure in a couple years I can flip it and get my money back.

Thanks for the comments, great board!!

thelopez

If you are asking which to keep for yourslef, drive it over bumps, train tracks, the braille bumps, this will tell if if there is a difference in suspension. Drive it at speeds on the freeway, go from fast to faster, see if you can tell a difference in transmission. I already posted earlier that I went with the 04 versus 06 for 12k difference. If you get 37 for the 08 then it pays for 1/3 of the 03 or 10k, if you get 24 for the for the 03 then you sill have 22k on the 08 to work off. Considering that the 03 already have the light upgrades, it looks like the 08 just without the bluetooth.

scdroptop

iTrader: (1)

Trying not to repeat any good advice others gave you...but if you are looking to turn the car in a couple of years then the 08 would be easier to turn if you can buy for $29k. A four year old SC430 right now is selling for low to mid $30's retail so buying it right would always be a good choice.

If you were going to keep longer term the 03 would be an inexpensive classic that doesn't need much modification or service it sounds like. You already have two of the most popular mods done on it-wheels and lights. Now just ipod and you're all set! I would say if you are keeping more than two years the 03 should be considered. I don't see the value diminishing much more, whereas you still have the second wave of depreciation still to hit the 08's.

Yes

The '08 probably has a few years left on the warranty, so that's about $2000 worth of protection there. The only hesitation I would have with the '08 is the milage. If it was regularly serviced with oil changes, etc., then I'd be ok with it. But if they were going 10,000 miles between oil changes, I'd have second thoughts.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

Same thoughts here, 29k for the 08' is way low! And I have been at the auction, those prices are usually only 5%~10% lower then retail!

Which one to get is all depends on what everyone have said already, all depends on what you want to do with it.

HVisone

2008 for softer ride on bumps and the warranty....otherwise I prefer the 2002-05....