I agree. The fact that the vehicle was leased out twice leads me to believe it may not have received the same TLC as if it were "owned." Did I miss why the current owner was trading in after 1 year? Any way you look at it, $12K is a premium price and better come as such-good condition and detailed service records. Maybe talk the dealer into come maintenance extras if you feel lucky.
The first one I looked at was leased, the second one I looked at today (2001) is a one owner.
It does have some service history that I found in the glove box, but just maint stuff like diff services, cooling system flush,brakes, tires, etc.
Its weird as the leased one looks cleaner than the 1 owner. Both are pretty clean though, I didnt see any evidence of rust or paint work on either. However the 2001 had a rub mark down to the primer on the drivers fender from the damn bug gaurd.
I called around on the 2002 (the initial one) and no delears have replaced the timing belt so that is still questionable. Apparantaly the owner did have it replaced, but where is ???
I believe the 2002 was traded in due to the prior owner wanted one a little bigger and traded into a 4th gen. She did only have it for a year, however she put 20k on it.
I dont know, both have there pros and cons:
2002 - 110k, Slightly better condition but doesnt have fender flares, leather, 3 owners (2 lease's), timing belt not done, may be less expensive and getting better trade-in
2001 - 107k, Anntena issues, pwr lock issues, drivers seat tear but does have flares, leather, one local owner, some maint history, but so far is more expensive and trade in is less
The deck is definately stacked against me as with the Nissan trade. Granted I only paid $22,200 new but I put new tires on it right after I bought it as well as a leveling kit and tow pkg. Basically into the truck $23,200 but I have had it for a year so I realize depreciation is a factor.
. Would have been a bonus to find out I did.
