What's too many miles when looking at used 200? (1 Viewer)

[sPaulp]

I just paid 37,500 for an 11 one owner with 76k miles and all records a few weeks ago. Drove 4 hours to pick it up. I purchased from a private party. You could probably do better if you are patient, but 37.5 is not bad. If you'd consider an LX570, you can find decent deals too...

Wow, that's a great deal, and yes a private party deal is usually substantially cheaper than a dealer. I have been looking for a while now, and I am trying to be patient. But, finding one with low miles and 1 owner is a tough proposition. However, your deal has given me inspiration.

 

[Markuson]

I wish 13+ was in my price point. I was not aware the '09 didn't have bluetooth. Heck, my '07 LX 470 has bluetooth.

Playing bluetooth music via your phone is a piece of cake to add. I have a little $40 unit that works great. Pairs automatically, and works seamlessly. So...I wouldn't let that stop you from a 2009. I'm in a 2008.

 

[40Man]

Wow, that's a great deal, and yes a private party deal is usually substantially cheaper than a dealer. I have been looking for a while now, and I am trying to be patient. But, finding one with low miles and 1 owner is a tough proposition. However, your deal has given me inspiration.

Saw a 13 in(craiglist) today for 45k. Has 70k miles and all records supposedly Not sure how far you would want to travel. Message me if you want the details.

 

[jhgnag]

Hello, I'm also looking for some advice. I'm considering a one owner '08 with 150K for $25K. No rust and maintenance looks good. Am I crazy? I do not want to invest in a problem as I will be selling my car if I buy this.

I'm also considering another '08 with 50K miles from private party, but price is $39K. More than I really wanted to spend.

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[Reckless]

I had same issue last year, my car has 155k miles now and feels like it has 30k. I would buy $25k LC in a heart beat if its right color and has no rust. No point in spending $40k on a 50k mile one. I am holding out til I find one for $20k with 150-180k miles and no/little rust so I can make my 35" rig. Engine and drivetrain feel strong enough to easily go to 400k miles, most likely more. Miles ahead of the 100.

 

[TonyP]

Hello, I'm also looking for some advice. I'm considering a one owner '08 with 150K for $25K. No rust and maintenance looks good. Am I crazy? I do not want to invest in a problem as I will be selling my car if I buy this.

I'm also considering another '08 with 50K miles from private party, but price is $39K. More than I really wanted to spend.

Thanks for your thoughts.

The 50k unit is a bit overpriced.

Depending on what the service records are on the 150k I wouldn't hesitate, $25k for one of these things is a great buy regardless of miles assuming it's well care for. There are beat to hell 30k cars and perfectly maintained 200k cars.

 

[jhgnag]

Thank you for the responses. I drove a different one with 155K on it this weekend locally. It felt like a new car. I was blown away. If it wasn't for it being from NJ with some significant rust, I probably would have just bought it. I reached out to the guy with the 50K mileage and told him KBB shows $35K for private party, so maybe he'll be interested...maybe not.

I'm actually surprised at the suggestion to go with the 150K. It would certainly be more doable for me. One owner, good maintenance records, no rust.

 

[TonyP]

Thank you for the responses. I drove a different one with 155K on it this weekend locally. It felt like a new car. I was blown away. If it wasn't for it being from NJ with some significant rust, I probably would have just bought it. I reached out to the guy with the 50K mileage and told him KBB shows $35K for private party, so maybe he'll be interested...maybe not.

I'm actually surprised at the suggestion to go with the 150K. It would certainly be more doable for me. One owner, good maintenance records, no rust.

Shop maintenance and condition, not miles. You'll never regret buying the right vehicle. It's like buying tools; no one has ever said "man, I really wish I didn't buy that fancy, unbreakable, Makita/Dewalt/Milwaukee" They do say "Man, I wish I didn't buy that Harbor Freight piece of garbage". Buy once, cry once.

Welcome to the 200 forum. It's a disease.

 

[ckkone]

Check for cam tower leak on any you want to buy, time consuming to fix yourself and very expensive if a shop does it. Be patient, I got a 2013 with 81k for $39,900 about a month ago.

 

[lcgeek]

I bought a 2008 with 205k recently for $18.5K -- Lovin' every minute of it! Miles are nothing if everything else is in good shape and to your liking.

 

[jhgnag]

I ended up flying to Dallas last week to check out the the 2008 with 152K. I had another mechanic check it out, bought it and drove it back to Colorado. I honestly can't believe how great it drives with those kind of miles (even without those kind of miles). One owner, regular maintenance records from the original dealer and dealer I purchased from. I had it checked out by my local Toyota guys as well and it's in really good shape with no rust. I had them change the differential fluids and transfer case fluid. The transfer case has a slight seep, so I'm having the seal changed.

I do think I've lost my mind buying a vehicle with the kind of mileage, but it seems to be rather incredible. I just can't believe how quiet and smooth the ride is. I had a 2003 for a few years that I bought used in PA, but there were some rust spots that had me concerned.

My Toyota mechanic said not to bother changing the transmission fluid. Any thoughts?

The only other issues I'm still working through is "No Signal" on the satellite, and I think the dealer shined up the headlight lenses. The lenses look great (except for the top), but I think it may make sense to just replace them and be done with it.

 

[TonyP]

I think the dealer shined up the headlight lenses. The lenses look great (except for the top), but I think it may make sense to just replace them and be done with it.

A headlight restore kit (sandpaper type) and an hour of your time is all you need.

 

[jhgnag]

Thanks for the suggestion. Do you have a kit you would recommend?

 

[TonyP]

Thanks for the suggestion. Do you have a kit you would recommend?

I used this on a 2000 Lexus LS400 that was in really bad shape. When I was done they looked like brand new headlights.

Amazon.com: 3M 39008 Headlight Lens Restoration System: Automotive

 

[jhgnag]

I used this on a 2000 Lexus LS400 that was in really bad shape. When I was done they looked like brand new headlights.

Amazon.com: 3M 39008 Headlight Lens Restoration System: Automotive

Does it need to be redone after a while? I see there is wax involved, so I'm wondering if it has to be reapplied.

 

[TonyP]

I believe there's a sealant. I sold the Lexus before having to do it again (if I needed to)

 

[marketShark]

@jhgnag Cross post from my handiwork a few months ago.

I finally got around to cleaning the haze off the top of my headlights:

View attachment 1464848

View attachment 1464851

@lcgeek I used the SYLVANIA Headlight Restoration Kit from amazon. Was about $16. I read all the reviews and tips first before my attempt. They grossly underestimate how long it takes to complete the job correctly. I wet sanded for every step by hand (no drill attachment) and it took me about 90 mins total. Hence, why the background lighting is so different between when I started and when I finished. I was VERY happy with the results.