Hi all... newbie here looking for some wisdom. Narrowed choices to invest in either a 2007 LX with 196,000 miles that is in "decent" shape or a 2003 LX with 100,000 miles that is in like-new shape. All things equal, would you recommend older/ better maintained vehicle with less miles, or newer model that has been "lived in" with more miles. My goal is to purchase whichever car would give me the least amount of repair risk. Thank you much for any input!
Used LX Purchase Advice (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter lcc
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what is the price?
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- #3
Sorry - both are the same price
2003 LX sounds nice, just would suck if paying 20k for it so would be nice to know exact price.
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- #5
Yes... looking at ballpark $15.5k
ramangain
Clarksonian disciple
How does each stack up when following this advise?
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- #7
Thank you - yes, that will be super helpful!!! My inclination is to go with the 2003 being that it shows "pride of ownership" in everything I've seen already and just less wear/tear... I think I just need some outside confirmation that I'm not overlooking anything obvious in choosing a car that's 4 years older.
Yeah not bad, you paying premium for low mileage for sure. Any info on what maintenance each has had at this point? Like does one have more upfront baseline then the other. The 196K one was it a dealer queen and did every service up to that point? You might have new timing belts, radiators, drivetrain items that the 2003 LX hasn't yet had.
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- #10
the 2003 is completely up to date on all maintenance, new tires. the 2007 just had timing belt/ water pump replace last week. It has an incomplete carfax - first 30k miles had regular maintenance every 5k miles... after that it doesn't show anything until 194k. Drove it at the dealership last week - AC didn't work (he added coolant over the weekend) and the car overall shows the wear of being a "family cruiser". Not sure how much of an issue that would be since these cars are built to last. On the other hand, the 2003 needs nothing and looks like it came out of the showroom inside and out and solid underneath.
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- #11
Right - that's what's making me over-analyze this decision - the whole reason I'm buying an LX is that it's built to last, so in theory they're probably both good options. Just trying to make the best choice and avoid setting myself up for excessive repair bills. Thank you!Yeah no doubt, but don't be fooled by low mileage city mileage vs. highway mileage has a lot less wear and tear not sure if 100K worth though
ramangain
Clarksonian disciple
Look to see which one has newer heater hose tees. Clamps should not be reinstalled in factory (read: hard to get to) positions. If either has newer heater hose tees, chances are it received proper attention from previous owners imho
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- #13
Great! Will do. Thank you... much appreciated!
If they're the same price, I'd go with the 2003 everyday of the week and twice on Sundays.
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- #15
OK thank you... good to know... basing that on mileage & condition, or do you like that model year better for any particular reason?
Changes by year - IMO the biggies are the 5 speed trans and VVTi, but I wouldn't let either stop me from buying whatever is in the best condition.
Based on what you have said thus far, I would be leaning towards the 03. Test everything prior to purchase, and take off the engine cover to look for leaks (4 10mm). Crawl around under it and look for rust and leaks. Check fluid levels/colors. Test the AHC and note graduations. If you are not confident in your PPI abilities, pay for one at an unaffiliated specialist or dealer. Hell even if I had no intention of doing it, I normally ask the seller if I they would mind if I did one just to see their reaction.
Based on what you have said thus far, I would be leaning towards the 03. Test everything prior to purchase, and take off the engine cover to look for leaks (4 10mm). Crawl around under it and look for rust and leaks. Check fluid levels/colors. Test the AHC and note graduations. If you are not confident in your PPI abilities, pay for one at an unaffiliated specialist or dealer. Hell even if I had no intention of doing it, I normally ask the seller if I they would mind if I did one just to see their reaction.
sammybones
Study in Moppishness
I’d buy the 03. It has the 5 speed but no VTTI.
I have an 04 and 06. You can tell the difference in power with the 06. Especially now that my 04 is armored up.
I have an 04 and 06. You can tell the difference in power with the 06. Especially now that my 04 is armored up.
Another vote for the 03. 100k is worth losing a couple hp over. Pride of ownership and maintenance records are important. And you skip the idle air pump.
Even I get along with the other traffic just fine. The way people talk about things around here I feel like my cruiser must be a 4 speed horse drawn buggy.
Even I get along with the other traffic just fine. The way people talk about things around here I feel like my cruiser must be a 4 speed horse drawn buggy.
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- #20
Ok thank you... good to know from someone who has both!
