I was thinking of purchasing a new 01 Lightning but when the dealer would not discount the price of a new one I had no incentive to drive off then and there and walked away.
Then 2 days later the salesman called me back and told me they just recieved a used 00 one with 23,000 mi. and would sell it for $6000.00 less than a new one.

Should I buy?

 

No, I'd get on the net and find a dealer that will discount. Any '01's left over should be discounted. Go to edmunds to get invoice and deal from there. The '01's have a lower rear gear ratio and a few tweaks that added 25 horses. Stick to your guns IMHO!!

 

Are the lower gear ratio and 25 extra horses worth $6000.00?
Invoice amount according to Edmunds is $28938.00, bluebook trade
in value of a 1999 is $29300.00 (bluebook does not have enouge info to report on 2000).
If I can get the used truck for $26000.00 that would seem to make more financial sense.
Also the used one has an ARE shell I could sell as I do not like
the appearence of a shell on a Lightning.

 

Yes but consider the used one is just that, USED. You don't know who drove it before or how they drove it. They may have beat on that thing like you'll never know. Plus yes, the $6000 is worth it for 25 more horses and lower gears, plus the fact that it's new, not used, and a 2001, not a 2000. Who cares about a shell...you won't get more than $250 for it, especially since it's for a shortbox flareside, which may not be all that common in your area, thus no-one will need one. Personally, I'd go new all the way, wait the 2 or 3 months for the 2002 to become available.

 

How your money is spent is up to you. I bought a 2000 L in March with 5,000 miles on it for $27,900 plus tax. The manager of the Lincoln Dealership was driving it. If you can get below sticker for a new one then go for it. But if they don't sell it to you, they will sell it to someone else.

 

EXACTLY!!!!!! YOU have to decide what it's worth to you. $6000? $5000? $3000?????? I personally think since it's officially 2002 in the car biz that any dealer that has a new '01 left should sell it for under sticker. $500-$1000 over invoice would be acceptable to me. 30K for a new L vs. 26K for a used.

In '97 I bought my Cobra for $500 off sticker(they still made over a $1000 off me!!) in Aug of '97. The car had an addendum for $5000 OVER sticker through out the year. Their greed cost them lots in flooring. PLUS I got 5.9% for 60 months.

My last point (thank God) is the financing. I believe Ford has low rates right now on new which could easily make up a couple $1000 in interest over the loan.

It's whatever it's worth to YOU!!!