Okay so the local Lexus dealer recently got a 2004 Base TL Aspec Kit w/ Navi, 6MT. I went to see it without knowing the asking price. After a smooth test drive, the salesman told me the asking price was $6,990 USD plus dealer fees and tax. I made it clear to the salesmanger that i wouldn't pay more than $7000 with the taxes and fees included because of the following problems:
- speedometer didn't work
- dash cracking
- 157,000 miles
- Small rip on drivers seat
- CEL is on

He agreed that he could get me into the car for that price. It seems like a no brainer but I wonder how big of a task is it to fix the speedometer. Also the CEL code could be anything? just looking for advice.

 

The dash is almost $2k to replace after parts and labor. That's almost a quarter of how much they are asking for the car.

It sounds like you're trying to get into a TL for cheap and it can't be done unless you are willing to make some (serious) sacrifices. I would walk away from that unless you want a challenge.

 

The miles and seat seem normal. The speedometer could be an easy fix. Might just be the speed sensor on tranny or the cluster guage itself. May even just be a fuse??

The CEL, I would have them pull the codes and tell you what it is logging.

The dash - depending on how bad it is you may be able to live with it or find a wrecked car and do the work yourself. That would be a project I would not want to do but could be done.

Its your money. Could be the best thing you did or could turn into a money pit really quick.

I would keep looking around and see if there was something in better condition for maybe a couple thousand more and just pay the extra for less headache.

Good luck

 

Agree here...you're potentially walking into a money pit.

 

I want to walk into a pit of money

 

Agreed.

 

Nope, that's a cold deal. No other way of putting it. I would sit tight and wait for something better. Don't expect to pay less than 8K for one of these unless it has issues/super high miles like the one you saw.

Good luck.

 

I just bought one in amazing condition, 6 speed yada yada with exhaust/springs/etc from a dealer with 70k on it for 12000, look elsewhere bro, or buy a car you can afford

 

nope I would say keep looking for another clean TL, seem like the previous owner treat the car like crap.

 

Sounds like a TL that needs to go on a diet.

 

Doesn't seem bad too me.

Basically buying the car for only $6k. Get something to cover the cracks like one of those dash covers. Fix the speedometer. Stitch the leather. That is like maybe $200 there... if that.

Check the CEL engine light.

 

I agree with truonghthe, if the car has numerous issues that you can see, it probably has a lot more that you can't and hasn't been well maintained.

 

What kind of dealer sells a car with a broken speedo anyway? Don't modern cars still use the speedo to calculate the odometer?

 

Sounds like a used car dealership

 

My point is it wouldn't pass inspection anywhere, so why show it that way?

 

Pass on it... Who knows what the CEL could be for.(I'm sure they do)

With all of those things wrong, I don't know if you would enjoy the car for what it is. Plus it would cost a good chunk of cash to fix.

I would say save up until you can buy one that isn't broken, or buy a 2g.