Just learned that the car needs new struts at $125 each and new control arms at $875 each! Plus labor! What a learning experience this is becoming. In addition, the car would still need the A/C pressure regulator replaced ($475 from lexusoemparts.com) and a R12 freon recharge to make it a relatively comfortable car. Oh, and then there are the ripped leather seats that could be recovered by Trimline for $1200. In summary so far:
Car purchase plus maintenance & items listed in first post: $5300
Add suspension repair: $2500
Add A/C repair: $600
Add new leather: $1200
Total: $9600
KBB in "good" condition (private party value): $4965
KBB in "fair" condition (private party value): $4290
Arguably, the car is in fair condition, so I am already down $1,000. The best likely conclusion is to drive it for a year and do just basic maintenance, by which I mean oil changes and any other minimal services needed, then sell it for the fair condition value next summer. The plan then would be to do MUCH better research on the next beater, e.g. have it looked at by at trusted mechanic. I vow to do a better job on the next beater adventure!
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