Here is a little back story on my situation. I currently drive a 99 3.0CL,about to push past 150k. It has been rock solid reliable since I bought it with about 80k on it. Graduated college about 2 years ago, bought a town home right after graduation, and got married last October. I started looking at newer used cars, namely the new TL and Regal GS. Really want MT (my first), something I will be happy with for a long time, and practical for the foreseeable future. I shortly realized I will not be able to afford something that expensive for at least another year or two. So it’s time for option number two. I have decided to try and get one last cheaper/slightly less practical car before it is not an option any more (kids, etc.). This way I will be able to pay it off in the next year and a half or so and be able to get a SUV or something down the road.
Sorry, wanted to get that out to see if anyone else had any other options for someone in this situation, or has gone through this before. The CL-S 6MT seems perfect being something I am familiar with and much better than the 3.0 autotragic I have now. Even though I personally think the 1G CL looks better than the 2G. I found a black on black 03 6MT with less than50K, but they are asking $12k and it is quite a drive to go see it. Which brings me to my main question, do I try and go for this or wait to find something closer and cheaper with more miles? Just looking for some opinions,thanks for any help. (I had to type this quick during lunch, sorry for grammar/readability)

 

patrick; because these cars are only getting older; you'll have a hard time finding a clean un-abused CL-S 6MT.

exactly what is your budget?

 

True that , I settled with a clean car , salvage title.

 

depending on the story of the $12k one; i'd take a look at that one.
but that might exceed your budget and it would be better to keep your 3.0 for a while until you can afford what you want.

 

if you're only needing it for a year or two, look for a cheaper CL6. that said, I have 1.99 kids (second due any moment) And still have my CL. we have an SUV when we need it.

 

im about to pick up mine today, 80k miles for $9k plus tax and license. I would've paid more for less mileage personally. these cars are a hot commodity so if you're willing to wait longer for something cheaper it may be a longer time before you find another one.

one thing i recommend is if you find something with more miles, specifically over 90k make sure the timing belt was changed.

 

$12k is about my max budget. A little more about the car: 2 owner, 1 minor accident on carfax, standard wear and tear as far as interior and paint goes. Looks clean from the pictures and they are going to send me a few closeups of the paint. My car now is black and beat to hell, so this is one of my main concerns. Also they say they don't have any service history. I am planning on having to do the timing belt due to the age alone and will use that in my negotiations if it goes that far. My buddy is a mechanic and did it on my 3.0 when I got it, so not too big of a deal for me.

 

i would go for it , but haggle dude, haggle.
never pay asking price, negotiate.

 

I wouldn't pay that much unless it was immaculate and they provide at least some service history. Did the mileage history match from owner to owner on the carfax? The seller is asking the top of the market price for a car that doesn't measure up. Personally I would take a pass unless you can get a much better deal. Btw I also owned a 1st gen before I moved on to 2nd gen and its looks will grow on you the more you drive it.

 

I am going to try and talk them down obviously. The mileage does match on the carfax, it's been regestered and through emmissions throughout the history and also had some dealer maintenence through 2007. I wont be able to check it out till this weekend, but hoping for the best seeing as it's about a three hour drive. I'm going to get as much information and try and get a feel for how much wiggle room they have in the price before I go.

 

Sent you a PM.

 

So... I am glad that I had them send me pictures. Turns out there is a nice big spider crack in the front right corner of the front bumper. Probably where the "minor" accident occurred. From what I read, the only way to fix this is a repaint of the whole bumper, is this right? Obviously this is a pretty big flaw that I was hoping I wouldn't have to deal with. Trying decide if it is worth the 3+ hour drive to check it out. Anybody have any experience trying to haggle a little over the phone? I think the price would have to come down quite a bit seeing this issue as well as needing a timing belt. Also shows the last owner didn't care about the car much. Opinions?

 

Its a dealer right? Most don't want to haggle over the phone unless they know how serious you are about purchasing and qualified. Like I said before its an imperfect car and when it comes time to sell it that accident will haunt you on resale value.

 

I know those are low miles but it is way overpriced. I would say 9 tops.