I used Lightstream to purchase my latest ‘04 Lexus SC430, and the APR was only 1% more (5%) than the 4% that Bank of America was going to give me, but there’s no way they would have given me the $10k that I wanted.  I do have a 740 credit rating, which helps, but they were stellar to work with, and I know I’ll have…

Good to know - I recently bought an ‘04 SC430 with the VVTi system in it, and am only running the premium stuff in her.  My old ‘96 LS400 has been running mid-grade for 11 years (since I’ve owned her) with zero issue whatsoever.

This was an interesting choice - have driven a first-generation quite a bit, and always thought them to be cool, but fairly quirky trucks. Hello from Chicago, and I have a line in on the best muffler (and other) shop in the city if you ever need its resources.  Looking forward to reading more about this project, and…

Lexus SC430.  It’s a dreamboat, fast as shit, and will re-sell for the same price 5 years later.  https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/843102581/overview/

So, uh, how’s that cushy Lexus looking now, and have you kept her for the return journey at least?

This was the most honorable way for this fine machine to go out.

Just remember that this is one of the few vehicles out there that can truly retain their value, especially if you maintain it.  I say find one in your price range, and buy it, even if it’s got 250-300k on her.

Glad you’re enjoying it during the time you do have it.  My question for you is are you putting in the premium fuel that Lexus calls for?

Jesus. All I can say is good for your mom for standing her ground, dude, and keeping a level head. A lot of people would have come back with a couple gallons of hi-test, soaked down the front five on the lot, flicked a lit cigarette at it from a few feet away, and walked off with a smile.

One of these things would be perfect here in Chicago - when it’s not snowing, that is.  I probably didn’t need to hear this, but this is very cool.

Engineering never fails to absolutely amaze me, especially at this scale.

All I had to see were those hideous wheels, and “Youngstown, OH” to know that this truck has been hooned to shit, and meth has been smoked in this thing too many times.

I think this is super-cool, but I’m a Midwestern geek about things, I suppose.

I cannot wait until AG Schiff or AG Harris absolutely eviscerates this corrupt, grifting klan with investigations starting next year.

$5500 was a much more princely sum in ‘93 though, too.

Wait, wait....what 80's movie did I miss where this happened?

Hate the slushbox, but love this car otherwise.  Great design!

So long as Val Demings is his Veep, I really don’t care.

24 years old with 300k for SEVEN GRAND??  Hell no.  I love these trucks, but you’ve got to be kidding me.

Based solely on the way I drive my rental cars, I strongly recommend not buying one of these.  And yes, I know, I need to be more of an adult about these things.