Sell 2005 LGT, buy spec B? Thoughts?

[jcole05]

Hi guys. Interested in some input about the idea of swapping into a spec B with similar mileage to my own car. It is for sale about 150 miles from me with ~75K miles and is an '08.

 

Mine is an '05, stage III and on E85 with most of the common mods done to get a car to stage III. Only 66K miles and, aside from needing a new clutch, in excellent shape.

 

All of this started because I've decided I want to do a spec B 6MT swap into my car. Started wondering what my car is worth as if I could get into a spec B with similar mileage that is 3 years newer than my car and not have to pay for the tranny swap...I think you all can see where I am heading.

 

What I don't know is what my car may be worth. In general, obviously, all the mods are as likely to DECREASE the value of the car as increase it.

 

So...1) anyone have experience selling a modded 05-09 leggy and how did the mods you've done affect the sale?

 

2) Am I really stupid to be thinking about this spec B deal. This particular car is at an autonation and they are asking just under 22K for it. Now, I got a GREAT deal on my 2005 by flying 1000 miles and buying a year old car sitting on the lot but only paid 23,500 for it back in January, 2006. So it is a bit hard to even imagine paying almost 22K plus tax for a spec B that is nearly 6 years old itself. But to get that 6MT tranny will cost me around 6-6.5K anyway and maybe I can swap out most of my stage III parts and sell my current car essentially as stock.

 

TIA for any thoughts.

[Connor]

You already know your car, I'd keep it. Who knows what could be wrong, or go wrong with this car. You've had your car since it was about brand new so you know everything thats been done to it. The 08 doesn't have much your car doesn't have. By the time you swap over all your stage 3 stuff, pay tax, and other fees, a 6mt would be cheaper. If you really want a 6mt, just swap one in.

[jcole05]

Thanks a lot for your (very rational) thoughts. It's a bit of the boredom thing creeping in with my car but you're right, it's not like the spec B is *that* different. And then there is the tax issue you mention, which is not trivial in Washington.

 

My main worry is to spend 6+ K on a tranny swap means I don't really know if that piece is any good either, so I at least started considering the idea of a spec B. But that one at 22K almost has GOT to be overpriced and, yeah, I bought my car with 13 miles on it (it was a leftover '05 as these were not popular in the Southeast where I lived so it truly was bought new).

 

Just the kind of sane advice I was looking for. Now, if someone who was known on the forum as being a bit sedate like me (40 year old professional, two kids and all, just like HP but not a track / drag / race guy) had a nicely modded spec B for sale, maybe a different issue.

 

Thanks again.

[Holla]

The only way I'd recommend buying a used lgt is if it's a well documented car in a private sale. People trade these cars in for a reason.

 

IMO, you'd be better off doing the swap to your own car.

 

I bought a used lgt at a dealer and blew the motor up promptly. Luckily I got it replaced under a 30 day warranty.

[BarManBean]

If you're willing to spend $6k on a 6mt swap, you'll be able to get good parts from a reputable source--just FYI.

[.Catalyst.]

The only way I'd recommend buying a used lgt is if it's a well documented car in a private sale. People trade these cars in for a reason.

 

IMO, you'd be better off doing the swap to your own car.

 

I bought a used lgt at a dealer and blew the motor up promptly. Luckily I got it replaced under a 30 day warranty.

Either situation (private or dealer), with a turbo Subaru you should always get a pre purchase inspection. Not all dealer trade ins are flawed like your logic suggests. My car was proof of this, but I also had an independent Subaru performance shop do my PPI with compression/leakdown. Finding one bone stock is getting tougher and tougher, but they do exist.

 

If it were me I'd get the spec.B and move all your aftermarket stuff you can to it and sell the 05 LGT privately. An OEM 6MT car is going to have more value than a modded earlier model that's been swapped to a 6MT. I'd never buy a swapped vehicle unless I knew it's full history and owner. Plus with the newer spec.B you also get NAV and aux in ability, fold down rear seats, Alcantra suede inserts with two tone interior, aluminum LCAs, lateral links and trailing arms, underbody air diverters, Bilstein inverted struts, and 18" wheels - and if it's your thing you also have the facelift exterior changes front and rear. The spec.B also hold book value longer than their LGT counterpart of same year/mileage/condition.

[Max Capacity]

Why sell the 05. Just buy the Spec as a second car. It's not like you'd be the first to do that.

[jcole05]

Like the concept but may cause enough strife at home to make it definitely not worth it lol.

[Max Capacity]

If it helps, my wagon with the Koni's and Epic springs handles better then my Spec B. The Spec rides better, they both have the same tires.

 

The Spec has lots of nice features I'm glad I have it.

[rob-2]

Doesn't seem worth the trouble.

[nouse4aname]

It is for sale about 150 miles from me with ~75K miles and is an '08.

This particular car is at an autonation and they are asking just under 22K for it.

 

 

I paid $16k for my 07 spec b with similar mileage a couple months ago. $6k more just for a model year newer is crazy. Nada puts an 08 with 75k for $17k clean retail. If you can get it closer to a fair price, I would do it.

[tDoug60]

I want to sale my 07 LGTcwith 80k mileage and I still owe 15K

For a

2007 spec B with 160k with one owner and all repairs down at a good shop in Md and never modded. He wants 10k

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk 2

[Xplosivo1]

Am I really stupid to be thinking about this spec B deal.

 

Yes.

You have spent many $ and a whole lot of time getting your car where it is now, not to mention the extra 1000 miles you had to go to get it.

It's really not worth it, you will be dissapointed in the power compared to what your car is putting down now. Lets say you get lucky and you get 12K for your current car, you'll still be in the whole ~$10K and that's only for the price they are asking. Throw in tax, title, license, and that ridiculous documentation fee and it only gets worse. Spend around 5-6.5K and get the 6mt and maybe upgrade the suspension and you've got a spec b worthy car with more power.

 

Don't get emotianally hooked on the 08, think rationally about what you have and what you've done. It's really not worth it....good luck!

[Xplosivo1]

The only way I'd recommend buying a used lgt is if it's a well documented car in a private sale. People trade these cars in for a reason.

 

IMO, you'd be better off doing the swap to your own car.

 

I bought a used lgt at a dealer and blew the motor up promptly. Luckily I got it replaced under a 30 day warranty.

 

Same exact thing happened to me, less than 2k miles and I had a spun bearing with NO warranty. 10k later and I still have the wrong heads for an 08 with a leaking valve cover...beacause it's got forged internals it has "no warranty expressed or implied." I paid 24K w/ 75k miles...yeah, I know it was a stupid compulsive buy! I love my car though

[Connor]

Thanks a lot for your (very rational) thoughts. It's a bit of the boredom thing creeping in with my car but you're right, it's not like the spec B is *that* different. And then there is the tax issue you mention, which is not trivial in Washington.

 

My main worry is to spend 6+ K on a tranny swap means I don't really know if that piece is any good either, so I at least started considering the idea of a spec B. But that one at 22K almost has GOT to be overpriced and, yeah, I bought my car with 13 miles on it (it was a leftover '05 as these were not popular in the Southeast where I lived so it truly was bought new).

 

Just the kind of sane advice I was looking for. Now, if someone who was known on the forum as being a bit sedate like me (40 year old professional, two kids and all, just like HP but not a track / drag / race guy) had a nicely modded spec B for sale, maybe a different issue.

 

Thanks again.

 

I'd rather buy a transmission with history I wasn't sure of, than an entire car (+the transmission) that I wasn't sure of.

 

And with 6k you can find quite the nice 6mt.

[SupraJay]

Yes.

You have spent many $ and a whole lot of time getting your car where it is now, not to mention the extra 1000 miles you had to go to get it.

It's really not worth it, you will be dissapointed in the power compared to what your car is putting down now. Lets say you get lucky and you get 12K for your current car, you'll still be in the whole ~$10K and that's only for the price they are asking. Throw in tax, title, license, and that ridiculous documentation fee and it only gets worse. Spend around 5-6.5K and get the 6mt and maybe upgrade the suspension and you've got a spec b worthy car with more power.

 

Don't get emotianally hooked on the 08, think rationally about what you have and what you've done. It's really not worth it....good luck!

 

I agree with Xplosivo1. You already have Stage III and Just to get a Spec B you are just going to put yourself in a hole specially with that price and Fees and taxes. I would keep your car and just save up for the 6k tranny swap. You will save yourself more money down the road.