That is the question:

I have been in the market for a brand new L for a few months, but is it actually worth the extra money to get a brand new one VS. a used one without a lot of miles? I would be able to use the extra money for mods or a better downpayment if I get a used Lightning. So what would you do? NEW or USED

 

I'd go new. I certainly wouldn't buy one from anyone on this board. Most have been "used" on the track!

 

I'd go with new. Better assurance that nothing will go wrong. Peace of mind, or something. The term 'used' with this kind of vehicle in most cases will mean abused. Unless you know where/who it came from. I buy most material goods new most of the time, because I don't feel like buying other people's problems. Especially when it comes to vehicles. Just my $0.02. Good luck.

 

If you plan on modding it, I'd go for used... if you want a daily driver, go new. That's my completely uneducatated opinion. I don't think I'd ever buy a used "performance" or "sports" vehicle... if it's used, chances are it was used pretty hard.

 

thanks for the help you guys, anybody else want to comment on this?

 

I would consider used. Yes new is nice, no one else has ever touched your soon to be truck. But used....

*Someone already paid the cost of depriciation
*Mod money left to start
***Ford Factory Warranty, so if it is gonna break, opps, warranty
*You can get a general impression of how the vehicle has been driven in the past.(ie. tire tread, signs of former mods (buttons, switches, missing factory parts))

*People seem to be forgeting, resale value of these trucks and any used car for that mater after Sep. 11th have gone down.

Just somethings to seriously consider.

 

Have you seen what some salesmen do to new performance rides at the dealer?If there is even 1 mile on it,it was probably at WOT.

 

personally, i would never buy another brand new vehicle again. you just lose too much money. i bought my 2000 L 2 months ago with only 5169 miles on it for 25,500. i have had absolutely no problems with it. if you shop around, you should be able to find a truck at or below this price. if you decide to go used, please dont get ripped off. i guy i hang out with here, has a 2000 that he bought 3 months ago. it only had 1800 miles on it, but it had been in a front end collision. he paid $31,000. i think that was way high, especially when you can get one at sticker for $33,000.
this was from a dealer. i highly suggest buying one from a private party, if you decide to buy used.

my $.02

 

I'd go with a used one if I were you. In fact......

 

I personally would not buy a new Lightning because Im a perfectionist.I agree,MOST people who buy these really are pretty hard on them.Im on my 3rd and wouldnt take back either of my old ones.My new one will be a garage queen and sunday driver with no chip or anything.I would buy a used one if it was proven to have no chip/intake/burnt rubbber undernieth,and was from old man.,.......for $25k or less.BELIEVE ME the 01 and 02 is worth the extra money on new or used.

 

Well LQ:

At least I qualified on your last list of important things even though a dealer is selling mine, not me.

Darin is due to return Moby to the Lincoln dealer tonight. Wonder if he decided to buy her.
Bill: Former owner of Moby, '99 L with chipnfilter, exhaust and totally clean wheel wells.

 

"used" not always the case. i have an 01 with all of the usual mods,and only 700 miles on it,and never have seen the track. this thing is awsome on a weekend stroll around town.

 

I purchased my 01 used with 5400 miles on the clock for 24000 and have no problems. The man that traded it in worked for ford and bought and traded cars in every year. New trucks are great but the payment is a whole lot more over used.

 

Thanks for all the comments!! From what most of you said, I will probably get a "newer used" Lightning, like maybe an 01'(sound good), i'll make sure it is stock though, and i'll look around for a while untill I find the right one, I really don't care what color it is, an L is an L. i'll be sure I won't buy a fake L either. Thanks again for helping me out here, all of you on this board are really cool

 

jimmy, did you happen to get my emaiL?