Hey guys, I have a 2003 is300, it’s a great looking car! Lowered on coilovers, it has the nice stock 5 spoke chrome wheels. I have a nice cat back exhaust, the exterior is 8/10 little scratches and scuffs here and there. Interior is 10/10 perfect!
So this guy hit me up on Facebook marketplace, he has the same IS except for the wheels and transmission, same mileage and color. His is just beat up a lil more: both bumpers missing. Interior could use some work. BUT he’s kept up with maintenance very well, he just did the timing belt and water pump, all new spark plugs, coils, wires, ALL new gaskets on top and bottom end, AND ITS A MANUAL. What do you guys think? Is it work the trade just to have a manual?
So this guy hit me up on Facebook marketplace, he has the same IS except for the wheels and transmission, same mileage and color. His is just beat up a lil more: both bumpers missing. Interior could use some work. BUT he’s kept up with maintenance very well, he just did the timing belt and water pump, all new spark plugs, coils, wires, ALL new gaskets on top and bottom end, AND ITS A MANUAL. What do you guys think? Is it work the trade just to have a manual?
Really, it's your call, they are more rare, only 10% of the production fleet. If you don't care about any of the damage, I'd probably go for it.
However, unless you're 100% sure this guy has done due diligence with the car, and has kept up like you've stated, it can be a risk unless you know for sure. For example, when I bought my IS, one of the previous owners removed the CEL light for the dash, not showing any issues, which could happen here. This can be mitigated by using a scan tool if you have access to one.
Hey guys, I have a 2003 is300, it’s a great looking car! Lowered on coilovers, it has the nice stock 5 spoke chrome wheels. I have a nice cat back exhaust, the exterior is 8/10 little scratches and scuffs here and there. Interior is 10/10 perfect!
So this guy hit me up on Facebook marketplace, he has the same IS except for the wheels and transmission, same mileage and color. His is just beat up a lil more: both bumpers missing. Interior could use some work. BUT he’s kept up with maintenance very well, he just did the timing belt and water pump, all new spark plugs, coils, wires, ALL new gaskets on top and bottom end, AND ITS A MANUAL. What do you guys think? Is it work the trade just to have a manual?
I would investigate more of why the bumpers are missing. Plus why he would trade for an auto. When stick car get more money in sale prices. Seems very odd.
Honestly I'd rather have a clean car with an auto than a beat up car with a manual. Regardless of the recent maintenance, if no one has kept up with the cosmetics, chances are not much else has been looked after, either. I'd walk away.
I would look into why he would want to trade a manual, seems sketchy but I would keep the auto and wait for a clean 5 speed if you really want a manual, hard to come by but worth it in the end. I sold my 01 auto for a 5 speed, however this one was owned by someone I knew well for years and he had proof of maintenance done
I could not imagine going from my stick to a slush box, with that said, how can he have maintained it, when its missing bumpers, interior aint great, etc. Math doesnt add up. Your car is clean, Just cruise man!
Clean cars are harder than ever to come by, so if you're feeling confident about the overall condition and service history of yours I would be fairly hesitant to trade. If you know a LOT about the other car, that would change my recommendation a bit.
That does not reflect REAL racer mentality. If you are willing to part with your manual for an auto you are neither fast nor furious nor do you belong in our streetz racingz ranks. Plus, you have unicornz status too.
Harsh words. Considering the fastest car even on the street end up being automatic. You reach a point that you can not shift it fast enough. So I would watch that statement. At the level of some stuff. You being a stick are to slow.
What is speed racer boy, 12? Been watchin to many movies!
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