bcfromfl

BTW -- I find that AutoBlog has about the most complete listing of Murcis for sale you'll find in one place, and gives you a pretty good indication of where prices are currently sitting.

Wow -- that definitely is much higher than the trend I see in the various places I watch... Unusual color, maybe?

This past year, I have seen a handful of manual LP640s, with less than 10k miles, one or two-owner and otherwise "mint," offered in the $195-220k range. I haven't seen any offered for more than that.

Believe me, I have all the love for Murcis! I'm just going by what I'm seeing in sales, and what a smart offer should be in this case. Yes, this kind of purchase is a "luxury" purchase by a Lambo-lover (and therefore perhaps is a little impulsive), but there is no reason to allow the seller to get away with a high asking price. There was recently a three-pedal 2007 LP640 for sale with 8,500 miles, granted a retitled, repaired salvage, but probably not a bad car given the limited damage -- that went for less than $150k. Took the seller I think eight months to sell it, dropping the price in $5k increments every couple months. Good deals are out there. If someone was looking for a driver, and not concerned with resale value, this particular car probably fit the bill. Negotiation, negotiation, negotiation...

They are minor issues...among them is the curb-lift motor. The LP640 is just a better-built car, and newer. Buying a 2003 (or any base model, for that matter) has risks just in normal component wear by virtue of being an older vehicle. In order to justify $150k for a 2003, I'd want to see less than 5k miles. I know...probably not likely -- but I have seen a few. As we all know, even minor repairs on these cars can be substantial, especially if you have to order factory parts, or try to maintain a solid maintenance book by utilizing authorized mechanics. The car I mentioned was sold before I began taking more detailed records. I think it was a 2005 base model that had been used as a daily driver. In the past nine months, out of all the Murcis available for sale, I've seen precious few change hands, and no takers at current price offerings. Certainly not the interest that other Lambos generate. Maybe the insane Diablo sales are temporarily pulling the Murcis higher?

You're right -- but based upon the lack of good info on this one, questionable minor damage (?), mileage on the higher side, possible poor choice with oversized wheels (?), and an older model...I'd counsel on the low side. If you've got the extra dollars, save the trigger for one that truly justifies the premium. Don't blow it on an older car with some miles on it. A car in this stage of the game can easily bankrupt a new owner thinking they've guaranteed a trouble-free driver. There are known issues with base models that make a wise purchase more difficult than with an LP640. In December, I saw a base model with 50k miles sell for ~$80k. I think base models and LP640s will stabilize at some point, but I don't think we're there yet. I definitely don't anticipate rampant appreciation like with Diablos and the Countach, and I wouldn't be surprised to see more downside. Just my two cents...

I've been watching both base model and LP640 prices for quite some time. There is considerable softening going on for this model, and cars are NOT selling for what owners think they are worth. For those enthusiasts who have the money, and want a performance car, there are too many choices available, and many buyers opt for newer vehicles. This particular car you're interested in is way overpriced for a 2003 with this kind of mileage. I've seen base models with 20k fewer miles going for this price. I don't know the details about the aftermarket wheels with this car, but I have heard of issues on LP640s and additional wear on the differential with oversized wheels. The way the market is heading, I wouldn't go over 110k, unless you have the money burning a hole in your pocket. The owner is almost guaranteed not to go for it, but he's still in dreamland -- either that or there's a broker involved here who's trying to jack up his cut. I just watched an auction for a beautiful 2007 LP640 with 2k miles fail...highest bid was 150k. I would follow the same rule when shopping for a Lambo that I'd follow for buying a house -- never fall in love with a car before it's in your driveway. Stay objective and smart...