stock 2000 lexus w/ 174k for 12k...reasonable?

[sweet trav]

what do you guys think?

it's at a dealership...I'd try to get them closer to 10k for our budget but would just like your thoughts...also going to look through the faq section.

thanks!

 

[hankinid]

Take your vin number to a Lexus dealer and have them print out service history, for a start.

 

[92LXAZ]

^This. Impossible to say not knowing condition, service history, pics, etc. Keep us posted.

 

[sweet trav]

I already talked to toyota service dept and got service report...talked with slee as well...and got carfax.

black and grey ext tan int. one owner for last 10 yrs. but leased originally. service seems good but cant find timing belt or water pump being replaced.

I'll take a look at it tomorrow.

 

[patrickfinley]

There could easily be 5-6k of necessary repairs right off the start. It's going to be much more than just a timing belt and water pump at 174k unless all preventative maintenance was performed. AHC issues, power steering leaks, shocks, brakes, tires, etc. Check out the repairs very closely. Take it to a different shop and spend $150 on a look over.

Don't buy the vehicle if you don't have access to an extra 5k to put into the car over the next 2 years. If you're lucky you can have some of that money left over at the end of the 2 years.

Unless of course you can do all the work yourself. That's a different story.

 

[TXLX100]

^ Pretty sound advice. I walked away from a really clean 2000 the other day that was listed at a good price... Needed about $5k in maintenance and repair from what I could see walking around it.

 

[RhinoFZJ80]

Being able to turn major wrenches yourself makes a world of difference

 

[RDM303]

That's not a bad price, but it's not a "once in a lifetime deal" either. For reference, I just paid 13.5k for a super clean one owner 01 LX with 128k mi and complete and up to date service history. When I say "super clean" I mean it. The seats show almost no wear and it still has the factory Land Cruiser smell.

Keep in mind that this truck was in the country in Texas and had been babied by its owner. Both my 80 and my 100 came from rural areas and both were/are in above average shape for their age and miles. The California market is different, so 12k may be good.

My only major concern with this truck was the AHC, but the wife and I are willing to lift it if we have any issues... Sacrifices, right? I do my own wrenching on the fleet, and even with that in mind I am fully prepared (but not expecting) to spend 2k-3k per year per truck in maintenance, so I agree with Patrick's estimation. I expect less than that, but we will see...