I currently drive a 2000 Volvo S40, but it has been giving me a ton of problems over the past 2 years since my parents bought it for me when I turned 16. We own some property in Florida with a dealership on it and my dad has had the owner keep a look out at the auctions for an LS. Last week he gave us a call and said he bought a 2005 LS with 36K miles on it. Silver exterior, tan interior with a V6. We will be driving down this friday to trade mine in on the LS. WHen we test drive it and check it out what kind of things should we look and listen for? We will have it checked out by a mechanic to make sure its mechanically sound. The 05 has 36L miles and he is asking 13.5K which is just about 5oo over what he paid at auction. Good deal?
Buying an LS
- Thread starter dawozman1
- Start date
d-i-s-t-o-r-t-e-d
Active LVC Member
Seems like a pretty good deal to me. The first thing I would check is under the hood coolant level oil level etc etc. That way ya know if the car was cared of or to see if it could have a leak in the cooling system somewhere. Then I would drive it. Alot of Ls's we get in our lot need the tie rod end replaced including mine. It sounds like the wheel is bouncing around on the studs of the hub but, it really is the tie rod end in most cases. Also roll the windows down and see if all of them roll down properly to make sure the regulators are in good shape. Also if it has the steering wheel controls which it should make sure the radio volume turns up and down correctly if it doesn't it could be due to a bad clock spring. That's about all I can really think of right now at the moment but, I am sure someone has a few more opinions.
NYC LS8
Dedicated LVC Member
Check for one with a V8.
Thanks for the heads up. Since my parents are paying and they still pay my insurance they are "encouraging" my choice of the V6 rather than the V8. THis will keep my rate down and will use less gas, so I'm fine with that. Any other tips?
He sent me a few pictures of the car ill post those later.
He sent me a few pictures of the car ill post those later.
EmpireSix
Well-Known LVC Member
the difference in gas mileage will be minimal from the 6 to 8 believe it or not. when you drive it, turn the stereo down to listen for noises. oh yeah.. kick the tires, thats uber important.
Everything is ready for our truip down to Florida to trade in the S40 for the LS. It is a V6 and we decided to go with that mostly because of the difference in insurance. We found out it has a warranty until Feb 09 and has 14K miles left on that. Here is a picture:
bbrase
Active LVC Member
I second that, it is a common misconception that V8's get worse rates.
ToddG
Dedicated LVC Member
The kid is 18 year old male -- meaning young and dumb (no offense, and you certainly may not be, but that's how insurance companies see it).
PatrickSimmons
Photographer
My insurance is actually cheaper on this car than my 01 Olds Alero that I had. Age plays a big role in that too.
Right, with this new car my insurance will only go up $84 a year but that is with my good student discount which my dad pushed for. Without that discount it would go up $400 a year and our agent emphasized that that is with the V6 and said the V8 would be higher. I know a ton of it has to do with my young age and being "dumb", what a shame because i have been driving over two years and had no accidents or tickets...knock on wood, but unfortunately no lower rates for me.
Thanks for your input, once we pick it up ill take some pictures and be sure to post, and then it will be on to the mods.
Thanks for your input, once we pick it up ill take some pictures and be sure to post, and then it will be on to the mods.
EmpireSix
Well-Known LVC Member
looks beautiful. hummina hummina
still doubt it would go up that much. You're paying the hefty tag based on the value of the car and the age; difference between the V6 and V8 in reality would not be enough to break the bank... I'm not in my 80's... I can remember when I was car hunting with my parents; in the long run what mattered was the type and value of the vehicle, not so much the engine.
Now, being over the age of 25 (where the big break in insurance here in MI starts), insurance is relatively cheap; I pay about $800 every 6mo for full coverage on both my car and truck with $100 deductibles (broadened and comprehensive). And that isn't too bad because Michigan taxes your premium to pay for medical coverage of uninsured drivers; something like $75 per car).
Now, being over the age of 25 (where the big break in insurance here in MI starts), insurance is relatively cheap; I pay about $800 every 6mo for full coverage on both my car and truck with $100 deductibles (broadened and comprehensive). And that isn't too bad because Michigan taxes your premium to pay for medical coverage of uninsured drivers; something like $75 per car).
NYC LS8
Dedicated LVC Member
Nice lookin' ride. Good luck with it.
I noticed in the picture the chrome trim, lip or whatever you call it, under the lights. I have noticed Lincoln put that on older models, but didn't know it was still used in 05'. I have 05 LS V8 sport. Is that the difference? I don't have the trim on my car.
glanga
Dedicated LVC Member
Why does it have an LSE grille, but not the rest of the LSE package? Previous owner do that you guys think? Or is that stock?
Judging by the chromed B pillars and the tint... I'd guess that was an add on. Either from choice, or accident...
It's not stock...
Im not sure what besides the chromed B pillars and the tint, once I see it in person tomorrow Ill be able to find out more. What are the different options included in the LSE versus standard? Is it normal to have the blacked out headlights on an 05? Anything else u guys notice?
glanga
Dedicated LVC Member
I think in FLA it's common for dealers to put tint on. The grille of the car has chrome waterfall part and chrome B-pillars which were likely aftermarket. Your car would have a different front bumper and I think side skirts if it were an LSE and I think LSE only came in V8. Never heard of blacked out headlights either being stock.
eastcoastLS
Dedicated LVC Member
i thought 02 and 04 were the only year for the LSE? and v6 was available as well as v8? i don't think 05 LS came with the LSE grille..
HyeLifeLS
Dedicated LVC Member
Yea, I think they added it and they also added the chrome pillars, but some non LSEs did have that grill.
The 05 V6 with appearance package had LSE grill, 16" chrome wheels, HIDs, and I think sunroof.