New member looking to buy, looking for advice.

[Backcast]

I'm looking at a number of possible LC100 2003-2005 to buy at the moment. One in particular is an '04 with 140,000 miles, what appears to be a clean autocheck, 4.8 auto inspection score, and from what I can tell from the photos is very clean. It is far from local, being sold at auction, and I would have to commit to it sight unseen.
It would appear it has spent almost all of it's life in Holly, Michigan; not far outside of Detroit.
Should I be weary of this vehicle?
Is rust a big issue in this area?
Has anyone had good experience with auction cars?
Any help would be appreciated.

 

[BigSwede]

Is rust a big issue in this area?

Yes.

 

[Ali FJ80]

Be careful with manheim ratings. Their checkup is not that thorough especially for rust under the truck and not sure if you saw these items for that vehicle that are on the condition report.

Cosmetic Conventional Paint and Body Not Required-[2 Items]
IMAGEDESCRIPTIONCONDITIONSEVERITY
Front Bumper CoverPrev RepairAcceptable
Rear Bumper CoverPrev RepairAcceptable

Paint and Body Requires Conventional Repair-[1 Items]
IMAGEDESCRIPTIONCONDITIONSEVERITY
Rear Bumper CoverScratch Heavy1" to 2"

Previous Repair-[1 Items]
IMAGEDESCRIPTIONCONDITIONSEVERITY
RF DoorPrev RepairAcceptable

The bumper resprays would not be too concerning but I would want to know the extent of the hit on the right front door and that it was fixed properly as manheims bar for what is acceptable does not always line up with what you may consider a good repair. If you or the broker buying it for you can get them to take pics of the under belly and door area then maybe but without looking at it I would be careful.

 

[Backcast]

Thank you!
Exactly the input I was looking for.
I'm new to all of this and would like to know I'm buying an LX that's in sound condition.

 

[Backcast]

error: LC

 

[Ali FJ80]

No problem, I would probably hold off till you can find one locally, quite a few 100's live in Colorado and pop up for sale pretty often. Nothing like being able to check out a truck in person or at least be allowed to take it into a trusted shop for a once over. Buying sight unseen is ok for newer vehicles which come with a warranty etc but with a 10 year old car its quite a roll of the dice.

 

[Brian Anderson]

Id buy local in your case.

 

[Ali FJ80]

hey Backcast, here a local one that popped up. looks clean, hes asking a bit more that its worth but probably is negotiable.

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/4732587266.html

 

[Backcast]

hey Backcast, here a local one that popped up. looks clean, hes asking a bit more that its worth but probably is negotiable.

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/4732587266.html

 

[Backcast]

Thanks, saw that one.
Might have to contact seller....

 

[Backcast]

hey Backcast, here a local one that popped up. looks clean, hes asking a bit more that its worth but probably is negotiable.

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/4732587266.html

I dug into the history a bit. Lots of Grease Monkey service over the past 50k miles.
You seem knowledgeable; should this be considered a strike against this LC?

 

[Ali FJ80]

It would just make me check into it or have it checked out a little more diligently. If it just oil changes etc its probably fine but it they did the timing belt I would be more concerned. If you need a pair of eyes on it down in Denver and he is willing to meet me somewhere close to cherry creek mall area I would be happy to give it quick once over and report back to you.