This isn't a good deal.... is it?

DragonDesign

DragonDesign

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Calgary, AB, Canada
Hey everyone, I'm newly registered but i've read most of the threads on the site - so forgive me if I missed something and repeat it here. So here's the deal, I've been obsessed with the LS since they came out, and I want to buy one very badly. I came across this 2002 LSE, and it seemed like a low price.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4626338079&rd=1&sspagename=STRK:MEWA:IT&rd=1

Now that's because the mileage is at 101k. I know that's really high, but I almost pressed the buy it now button, but thought of coming here first. I'm pretty leery about buying a high mileage car, and even moreso after reading some of the stuff on here. The seller seems legit, and it looks like it's in really good shape. My question is this: Is this even remotely a good deal? If I got it and then did the valve gaskets etc. right away would it help anything in the long run? My guess is the maintenance to get this up to par wouldn't be worth it.

Now here's the deal: I live in Canada (Calgary, AB to be specific) and the LSE is pretty hard to come by up here. I am torn on whether I want an 02 or an 03 (I like the all red tails on the 02, but the extra power/features on the 03+). I figgure my budget can be as high as $20,000 CAD (so $17,500-18,000 USD) including shipping (or flying/driving) and taxes etc. But cheaper would be better. I want a car that will last me a while, which I don't think this one will do. Any comments for a newbie with an unhealthy obsession with these cars?
 
I'll sell you mine for 16.5K USD.

2002 LSE 61K Silver w/ chrome wheels. Minor cosmetic damage. Could fix in a weekend.
 
Post pictures!! I am looking for a different color, I love black but hell it is just so hard to keep clean.
 
Well here i specifically what i'm looking for - keeping in mind that a)this is being picky and b) I will make some modifications too....

LSV8 (LSE would be nice but not necessary)
Sport package incl. SST and sport suspension
Audiophile or THX sound system
Moonroof

Colors:
Exterior: (In order of preference) Charcoal/grey; Black; Dark Green; White; Silver; Blue; Red
Interior: Black; Cream; Grey

Mileage: Doesn't really matter as long as it's going to work well for some time (typical fixes already done), good tranny etc.

Is that eBay one even remotely a good deal? What price should I expect to pay for something with high miles like this? I would prefer something from the south/west with no rust problems. I can still get this eBay one, but I just don't know if i should. Thanks for all your help guys.
 
You know the old saying, if its too good to be true, it usually is. The ebay car maybe priced to sell but if you are truely interested give them a call and ask all whats been done to the car. Ask if all of the known issues with these cars have been fixed, VC, Ball Joints, etc. If they sound like they have no idea what you are talking about then go on to the next one. If they have then it may not be a bad deal.
I found this one in the autos for sale forum. Its a 2004 with everything you want(non-LSE though). He may go down in price as well. Never hurts to ask.
Looks pretty sweet!!
http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?t=20473
 
Well I've emailed the guy a couple times and talked to him on the phone. He doesn't really answer questions specifically, he just says "really nice car, good shape, you'll be happy with it." He seems really friendly and his customer service is good, but I dont think he'll know the repair history on it. I'll try another email and see. Keep in mind I will have to drive it 1,600miles back up to Canada right after getting it - so I don't want anything going wrong in that time. Anyone in the Chicago area that can give me info on how much salt is used on the roads in winter? I would probably feel comfortable buying it if i could test-drive it but of course that's a long way to go if I decide I don't want it.

That '04 in the for sale section looks awesome. I wish I could afford that, but by the time it's converted to Canadian funds etc. it might be out of my price range. I'll ask him about it though. As for Ken's LSE I'm always open to suggestions, maybe if I made him an offer.....

What i'm looking for is your input on the eBay one: buy or pass? I don't want to get it and then find out that it needs a bunch more work before it'll run smoothly
 
PASS!

That buy it now price is almost $3k above wholesale value. You can do much better. I only paid $2k over wholesale on a CERTIFIED LS.
 
I haven't looked into this, but don't you have to make the car conform to Canadian standards? For example, daytime running lights are a requirement for Canada but not here in the US. This would need to be added to the car before it would pass inspection. What about duty?

Something to check into and consider.
 
as for the ebay one. PASS..


check out offleaseonly.com


they have great pricess... its really far.. but u can use them as a standard...
 
Ok guys, i'll pass on the eBay one, unless he can lower his price that is.

As for importing vehicles (in case anyone else is wondering) here's the deal: The boarder crossing needs copies of the bill of sale and recall list at least 48hrs before the car goes across. When crossing the boarder, the owner has to pay a GST (govt. sales tax) of 7% on the total selling price. In addition there is a $100 excise tax for a vehicle that has air conditioning. You have to pay the 7% tax on that as well. There is no duty. Beyond that point you have 45 days in order to conform to Canadian driving laws - which does include daytime running lights by the way. That being said there is a master-list of vehicles that can and can't come into Canada on the Can. customs website. They don't even have Lincoln listed on their list and nothing under ford - which I'm interpreting as me not having any problems. As far as I know if it's not on the list then I'm free and clear. Beyond that the owner is responsible for all the typical registration and potentially another provincial sales tax if it's brought into a province that has sales tax (which Alberta doesn't so I'm clear). Then that's the end of story and you enjoy your vehicle. I have a friend whose parents import all the time and they don't have problems. I'm still nervous about it though.

I've been looking at all the ones you guys have been sending me - good work so far. Get me a good deal so I can spend the rest of my money trying to come up with innovative custom work. I can't thank you guys enough for all your help! I can feel it, the time is drawing near - i'll have one soon....
 
http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/d...927&first_record=76&pager.offset=75&cardist=0


that offlease only site has a lot of stuff! I'm trying to see how much shipping would be because that's a bit farther of a drive than I have time for. The one in the link above might be a bit pricey for me but it looks like a fair deal doesn't it? Sorry to keep bugging you all with these - I just trust everyone's oppinion here more than the average person who isn't around these cars every day.
 
BanginLS said:
as for the ebay one. PASS..


check out offleaseonly.com


they have great pricess... its really far.. but u can use them as a standard...
Click to expand...


I live in south Florada, and thats where I bought my LS from. I love it, no problems- BUT they spot finainced me and I had to go back and give them an extra grand down.
 
Yeah it looks like a good place. I can't get financing because i'm not in the state. So now I have to check with the bank on monday and see what I can get approved for. I have a feeling shipping is going to be horrendous and I don't have time to drive it back up here. Can anybody suggest cheap yet reliable shipping allll the way up to Canada? (or I could take a quick trip down to montana/idaho and get it at the boarder. Alternatively.... anybody wanna take a road trip up to Alberta???
 
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