Looking for purchase advice

G

Grimm

New LVC Member
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May 9, 2006
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West Michigan
Hi, new guy here. I found this site doing research on the LS, and looks like a great place to inquire. I'm looking to purchase a car in the next few months, and the LS is one of the cars at the top of my short list. I'm looking to spend around $18K or less, which looks like it puts me into a 2003 V8, or possibly a V6 or higher mileage 2004, or possilby a 2002. From what I've read, a 2003 or newer would be the best choice. Anything I should know about these cars that could influence my decision for the good or bad? The view of the car so far is that I love the look, and don't see that many on the road. It's rear wheel drive, with some nice power. On the downside, it's not cheap, not the largest inside, and may be a little worse for gas mileage than some other sedans. I really love the LS, but the Dutch in me is having a hard time justifying the extra $$ over others out there. When looking at an LS, what are some things I need to watch out for? And how do repair costs compare to other basic domestics like GM, Ford, etc? Any comments are appreciated. Thanks
 
I did see that one. Not sure about the color though, and I don't really want to go that far for a car. My top choice is black or silver. There is a nice autumn red one for $19995 near me that I'm keeping an eye on.
 
I am in the market for one too, and in NY. 18,500 should get you an 03 V8 with about 35-40K miles.

As for maintenance cost, it seems to be on the higher cost end when things are needed however most cars seem to not need a lot outside of the regular maintenance.

I ran a check on my fathers repair system too, and 02 LS's had in the vicinty of 60 TSB's issued whereas 03's had less than a dozen I think. Seems most of the issues were ironed out by then.

Good luck with your search. Autumn Red is a real nice color, particularly if the car is an LSE model.
 
Hey Grimm-

I too live in W MI...work in GR and living in Kzoo. I just recently bought my LS...spent a lot of time looking. The market's pretty thin here, not a lot of competition. I would strongly suggest looking around Detroit. That's where I ended up buying mine from, saved a few Gs in the end. It was pretty easy since I was born and raised there and worked for FoMoCo for a while. I used a couple of connections to find a fair deal.

I got an 04 V8 with 20K miles and all the usual options for just over $20K. BTW mine is Autumn Red and I was also looking for a black or silver...I absolutely love the color. Way more rare than Black or Silver and even Cashmere or French Silk...I've only seen one other in Autumn Red

Good Luck!
 
I live in Muskegon, and work in Marne. You're right about a thin market, only a couple in the Muskegon area. I hate it when I look on ebay. I always see good deals on cars that are on the other side of the country. I haven't even driven one yet. I hope to get out and test one nearby soon to be sure it's what I would want. If it is, then I'll keep an eye out throughout the Great Lakes area.
 
Wow, no opinions offered up on the LS? I guess no one here really loves their LS very much. Must be just another Taurus...:confused:
 
I have an 02 ls v8 dark navy blue. I am thinking about selling it for $18k. If there's anyone who lives in New York I would be willing to set up a time and place. Oh by the way it has only 30k it just turned. The tan interior is immaculate and does not get as hot as my friends ls that has black. My ls has every option except the chrome wheels, but besides that it is perfect. And the best thing about this car is that you don't see a lot of the dark blues around. I have the only one in the area. Everyone else that I see has silver or black.
 
hmmm... you're looking to get an '03 for $18k? for a car with a trade-in value of $17,500 (according to KBB)? That's pretty optimistic.

but since I'm selling one right now, I guess you shouldn't trust my word. ;)
 
Well I did say "around $18K". There are 3 nearby at one dealer for $20K, so I see no reason why not to be optomistic about getting somewhere close to that. :)
 
I looked at a couple of those....some of those have been around for several months. Wasn't too thrilled about the black 03 with the "vogue" tires. I would avoid it for the tires alone, unless you're into that sort of thing. If you are looking at the silver 04 in Plainfield, that's a resounding "NO." Per Carfax, It's a former rental car, and looks like it too. Seriously, look in the Detroit area, I spent a grand more for a year newer with half the miles compared to the ones you're looking at. Check Varsity in Wixom...they're on Auto Trader. Stu Evans in Westland and Lakeside and also Hines Park in Plymouth. All pretty good dealers...as far as dealers go.

As far as the car goes, I love it. It's my favorite car out of all that I have owned. It's a blast to drive, looks cool and understated and very comfortable. I would really go 03 and newer. The later in the production run of 03 the better.
 
Thanks for the heads up Birch. I definitely was not looking at the black one. They have another Black '03 along with a silver one that have been around at least a couple months. They also just listed the autumn red one I mentioned last week. I'll check out the dealers you mentioned. I do a search up to 100 miles every so often, and there definitely are better deals farther out.
 
I love my ls, but dam its expensive

I paid 17 for mine with 4 yr 50 thousand. drive train and engine only:confused: :confused: :confused: stupid stupid. if you buy one get the full warranty. my door lock assembly broke and it was cheaper to go to the junk yard and buy a whole door, then it was to buy the locking assembly (latch) from the dealer. great looks, comfort, small, but im mexican 5' 4", no not illegal:shifty: :shifty: if you buy one you are in for a treat, and if anything ever breaks not covered under warranty, you can always come here for advice. best buy for the buck
 
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