Hey Scotty I have a 2005 Celica GT with the 1zz (Corolla motor) it has about 206,000km. Runs good but some rust and needs a cat converter.
I saw a 2001 Lexus is300 for sale with only 59,000km! One owner. He wants 14,000$ Canadian.
Is this a good deal or would you keep the Celica ?
keep the celica and save yourself $14000
Would you be financing the purchase? Fixing up the Celica and doing a trade-in? Fixing up and selling the Celica privately or doing a part-out? Do you have savings to pay cash for the Lexus? That would be your first set of questions for affordability.
Assuming you can afford it:
1. That is a 20 yr old car. Get it inspected and make sure everything is in good working condition (engine, transmission, electronics). No significant oil burning, A/C & heating works, No coolant leaks, damage on the plastic and rubber hoses in the engine bay. Parts for Lexus are expensive.
2. Check the frame for rust underneath and hoe solid it is. We have plenty of road salt (fellow Canadian here), and all cars are fighting the war against rust.
3. Confirm that the mileage is true and/or it hasn't been in any wrecks. That is some seriously low mileage for a 20 yr old car, < 3000 km/year. If it's been sitting around a lot, brakes, tires and shocks are worth checking.
If it is the owner's spare car or toy and they've been protecting it, it could be a good deal. Do a good road test.
