Hi Everyone,

Just registered and I'm hoping to get some information about a 2000 Lightning I'm looking at.

It's been on a dealer's lot for about a month now. It's got 19,800 miles. Chrome wheels, Leed bed cap, tow package. Not sure what's standard on the 00s.

I started it up and it sounded ok. Engine compartment is clean and no signs of leaks anywhere. The rear looks ok. No signs of leakage around the pumpkin (and it doesn't look like anyone got under there and tried cleaning off any fluid residue, if there was any). I shifted into R & D and it went in smooth. All electrical accessories work with the exception of the passenger-side mirror (which I would have them fix). Tires are about 75% tread. It's a little dirty. Looks like the guy was a car wash king. I think I can take care of that with some clay and Zaino.

According to the dealer, the L was his buddy's. He ordered it new and was the only owner. I was a little leary of the tow package. The guy said he never used it to tow anything. Kinda begs the question..then why did he order the package? Oh..were the tow packages available from the factory?

I'm going to take it for a test drive on Thursday after work. I'm going to check for shim in the front end. Smooth shifting (no clunking, anyway). Check for warped rotors. Air tightness.

Anyone have any suggestions on obvious things to look for? I ran a free carfax and it came back with 2 items. The guy is going to run a real one this week, so we'll see what they are.

He is asking 24,900, which I think is a good price? According to KBB, Edmunds and NADA, it is. Kinda makes me wonder why he's asking so little.

OK. Sorry so long, just wanted to try and educate myself a little.

Thanks in advance.

Dan

 

The Tow package you speak of comes standard on ALL Lightnings. Its a class 3 tow hitch.

As for price i cant help you there I never really priced a used L before. I'm sure someone else here will chime in on that.

The trucks are a blast to own... I use my truck as a daily driver and I must say it is the best part of my day, coming and going from work.

Check out that carfax and look for signs of mods. You can also take the vin to a service department and see what kind of work has been done to the truck to warenty.

 

Dan
Take a look under the passenger kick panel, thats where the processor is. There should be a black cover on the processor, pry the cover off and see if there is any sticky stuff on the terminals. That will tell you if it had a chip in it.

Where in NJ are you if you are close to Freehold, get a hold of Jim at JDM and see if he will inspect it for you.
his # is 732-780-0770 http://www.teamjdm.com

He knows more about Lightnings than anyone else in NJ

 

I have a 2000 Lightning that is absolutely famous the world over and Ill sell it to ya for 24k....

It has chrome wheels... Been garaged... Etc etc..

Seriously 24k is a bit high for a 2000.
DO check to see if it had a chip as mentioned above...
Also drive it slow in a parking lot and back into and out of a couple tight spots, turning the wheel from lock to lock to see if it has the CLUNK.. If so there is a TSB on it...
Have the dealer check to see if it has had the intercooler changed .. If not that is a recall....
Check the fogs for cracks,
check the drivers seat for a bar that you can feel thru the cushion below your left leg....
Check the pass side front catalytic converter for evidence of oil dripping = head gasket leak,

That should be a good start..

Doug

 

Thanks for all the feedback folks! I'll check out the things you mentioned and let you know how I make out.

Regards,

Dan

 

i bought a used 2000 L about 3 months ago (ohh where does the time go?) and i paid 25,500 but it only had 5169 miles on it. i spent 6 months looking for one, and i am extremely happy with what i have. if this is the first one you have looked at, i would suggest looking around a little more. it isnt too hard to find a 2000 with under 10,000 miles. then just follow the steps that everyone else told you about. be real sure to check if it has been chipped, that is a good way to tell if the driver liked to get on it a lot. he!!, its a lightning, how could you not get on it a lot?!

 

Dan,

Where in NJ are you? I'm also from NJ. I have been looking at Lightnings around here for a while and $25K is abit high for a 2000 with 19K. What dealership is it? All the dealers I have been have their prices pretty high on there used L's but hey that is how they make a living. If you like the truck and you think it is in good shape I would try to work him on the price a bit...just to save yourself some cash for gas and mods down the road. I also agree with Don, if you were on Rt.9 at a dealer I would swing but JDM in Freehold. It is really simple to get too and I am sure if you call ahead Jim would help you out. I think everyone has covered just about everything already so good luck and keep us posted!

 

Scott,

I'm in Woodbridge. The car is in Linden. That's about 40 miles from Freehold, so I'm not sure the dealer would go for that.

I'm definitely going to check out the things that everyone suggested. As far as the price, I don't plan to pay what he's asking. Actually, if all goes ok and everything checks out, I'm going to offer him a trade-in on a '99 Beetle (average 8K trade-in value) and 12-13K cash. We'll see what happens.

I'll be back in touch in a day or two.

Thanks everyone!!

Dan

 

Spend $10 call consumer Reports used car service. They ask a number of specific questions including your zip code to reflect local market conditions. IMHO the price seems a little high, but he might be willing to deal since he's had it for a month. Many good suggestions from previous posts to follow. good Luck!