2003 realistic purchase prices

2melow · 06-24-09, 11:34 AM

Hi Guys,

What started off as searching for a clean 1996-1997 FZJ80 or LX450 has turned into a 100 search. After my wife drove a 100 the prospect of an 80 was history. What went from a 2001-2002 search is now looking like 2003 but I really don't want to pay over $20K or so.

What are you guys paying recently for a 2003? Edmonds TMV price is coming up at $21-23K depending on mileage in the Denver metro area, but lurking here it looks like some of you guys are getting really good deals sub-20K. Dealers are asking anywhere from $23-28K for 65-90K mileage or so in Denver.

I do like the 2001-2002 (and $5-8K lower price) but the 5 speed is nice and super comfy doing 80 on the highway...plus the 2001/2002's seem to all have 100K+ on them.

TIA, Brett

jesterb · 06-24-09, 12:25 PM

I just (1 hour ago) bought my 2003 with 97k for WAY under $20k. It needed front rotors, 4 tires, a door actuator and has a few scratches but is in great shape other than that. It also needs the 90k maintenance.

After a good detail and doing all things it needed I will still be under loan value. This economy has presented some deals. This individual couldn't make another payment and the end of the month is nearing.

Happy hunting.

mtnracer · 06-24-09, 02:13 PM

What does "WAY under 20K mean"? I am sure a specific price will be helpful.

I paid 27K for my 2003 with 63K miles 18 months ago. It was in MINT condition - not a single scratch.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jesterb

I just (1 hour ago) bought my 2003 with 97k for WAY under $20k. It needed front rotors, 4 tires, a door actuator and has a few scratches but is in great shape other than that. It also needs the 90k maintenance.

After a good detail and doing all things it needed I will still be under loan value. This economy has presented some deals. This individual couldn't make another payment and the end of the month is nearing.

Happy hunting.

REDrum · 06-24-09, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2melow

Edmonds TMV price is coming up at $21-23K in the Denver metro area, but lurking here it looks like some of you guys are getting really good deals sub-20K

Edmonds, Kelly, NADA are benchmarks to what has already sold, not bad starting points (if you average them). But, with gas costs going up, and the SUV craze winding down good values are to be us 4x4 nuts.

Plus, IMO, light at the end of the recession tunnel can been seen in many parts of the country. So, as consumers gain more confidence over the next 6 to 12 months, pent up demand for new cars/trucks will push more used everything on the market. Thus the longer you can wait the better deals can be had, YMMV...

jesterb · 06-24-09, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtnracer

What does "WAY under 20K mean"? I am sure a specific price will be helpful.

$15,500

Kernal · 06-25-09, 04:00 PM

jesterb; was your new rig owned by an attorney? I looked at one like you described, he was asking $16K, it needed at least $5-6K in service and repairs: tires, brakes all around, timing belt, scratch and dent repairs, new windshield, leaky CV joint, tune up, etc. I passed.

jesterb · 06-26-09, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kernal

jesterb; was your new rig owned by an attorney? I looked at one like you described, he was asking $16K, it needed at least $5-6K in service and repairs: tires, brakes all around, timing belt, scratch and dent repairs, new windshield, leaky CV joint, tune up, etc. I passed.

Yeah, he came off a little on price and I was able to source most of the stuff cheaply and do a lot of the reapirs myself.

I took it to my buddies shop and did a once over on the rack. Only the front brakes needed attention and found some BFG's for $200. There are some scratches that don't bother us as most are on the front bumper that will soon be replaced with something aftermarket. There is only one ding on the tailgate. Windsheild is cracked on passenger side so it passes inspection. I didn't see a leaky CV joint while it was on the rack but I did see a lot of fresh engine oil that was spilled on the CV from a very sloppy oil change. The tune up and timing will set me back about a grand if I decide to farm it out.

It was dirty as hell but now its not

.

5-6k at least of service and repairs? Maybe, if the dealer is your only source for parts and only option for repairs. I'm glad this wasn't the truck for you. Thanks for passing.

BTW, here is a link to a great source for Cruisers that may be more your speed.

2009 Toyota Land Cruiser

2melow · 06-26-09, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jesterb

2009 Toyota Land Cruiser

HAHA...maybe in 6 years I can afford one...I saw an all white one with all black tinted windows the other day and it was PIMP for sure.

But seriously guys, 220 views and a couple replies? All you guys buying these things new or something?

What do you think a dealer would offer someone a 2003 w/ 80K trade in for a new Lexus? 14k? 16k? It's end of the month and I'm going to make an offer on one if the dealer will come down a few grand. How much do these guys typically make off a trade in and resell?

TIA, B

REDrum · 06-26-09, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2melow

What do you think a dealer would offer someone a 2003 w/ 80K trade in for a new Lexus? 14k? 16k?

$10K to 12K off full retail of new Lexi or 8K to 10K off a haggled retail price. Dealers make more on trade-ins than new. Check NADA/Kelly/Edmonds for benchmark regional data.

2melow · 06-26-09, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REDrum

$10K to 12K off full retail of new Lexi or 8K to 10K off a haggled retail price. Dealers make more on trade-ins than new. Check NADA/Kelly/Edmonds for benchmark regional data.

Thanks...and thanks for the PM - that was great!

2melow · 07-04-09, 01:00 AM

Well guys, I'm the proud owner of a pristine white 2003 LC with nav/dvd/etc/etc. I'm in CO and picked it up for $20K with 72K miles for those looking. Dealer put brand new tires on it too. Book value was $25K, Edmonds true market value for this vehicle in my zip code was $23K. So I think I got a good deal but I'm sure he still made a few $$$. He was originally asking $24K.

I was recently looking at 2001/2002's but the 5 speed and redesigned interior (and finally DVD) won my wife over with this one. We also ended up getting $5300 for a WELL used 1998 Subaru Forester via Craigslist (I was thinking $3900) so that helped add to our down payment quite a bit. Coloradoans love their subies apparently...I probably could have gotten 6k if I wasn't in a hurry to snag this cruiser!

I went from looking at 1996/1997 FZJ80's and LX's and now own a 2003. I drove a lot of stuff the last 2 years looking and you really can't compare the FZJ's to UZJ's. The FZJ Cruisers might off road slightly better - if that is what you are looking for but damn these UZJ's are phenomenally solid and comfortable luxury cruisers for 95% of the daily driving. I figure it's a family vehicle for the next 3-4 years, but then the mods will start. Plus, I'm about 50 minutes from Slee and just passed it for the first time on Thursday on my way mountain biking at White Ranch in Golden.

Thanks for the help,

Brett

4Peanut · 07-04-09, 06:18 AM

Congrats!

Tom B · 07-05-09, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2melow

I went from looking at 1996/1997 FZJ80's and LX's and now own a 2003. I drove a lot of stuff the last 2 years looking and you really can't compare the FZJ's to UZJ's. The FZJ Cruisers might off road slightly better - if that is what you are looking for but damn these UZJ's are phenomenally solid and comfortable luxury cruisers for 95% of the daily driving. I figure it's a family vehicle for the next 3-4 years, but then the mods will start. Plus, I'm about 50 minutes from Slee and just passed it for the first time on Thursday on my way mountain biking at White Ranch in Golden.

Thanks for the help,

Brett

Congratulations on the purchase. There have been quite a few days where I have combined a visit to Slee's with mountain biking at White Ranch - makes for a great day! I'm in Fort Collins as well. If you need/want an extra set of front and rear bumpers in the grey/white color combo, PM me, I was going to throw mine in the trash soon. That way, if you bash your rear bumper on a rock, you could have an easy replacement.

BManning` · 07-05-09, 12:30 PM

Congrats! I'm weird and I like the older dash style a bit better, but I must admit I'm jealous of the 5-speed tranny.

And hats off to Subaru for building a great little runabout (Forester) that still had some value after 10+ years of front line duty. I had an 02 Forester and if a small AWD sedan or wagon is what a person is looking for, Subys are the only choice in my book. Great snow machines that break about as often as LCs do-- rarely, even with abuse.

Enjoy it!