Buying a 98 ES300... advice?

phlsteve · Posted: Sat Aug 13, 2005 9:28 am Post subject: Buying a 98 ES300... advice?

Hi Everyone-

My partner's best friend is looking at used cars and found an ES300 in pretty nice shape both inside and out. Seems to ride nicely and a mechanic is checking it out tomorrow - 99,000 miles. Asking is $9995, but the dealer will prob take $9500 or so.

Any thoughts? Anything to look out for? Do these cars have timing belts or any other critical replacement schedule items that should be done right off the bat?

Also, noticed that the display on the radio is munged- that's pretty much the only thing we noticed that wasn't great. Is this common? Are those easy to get or wildly expensive?

Thanks

Steve
Philly, PA

back2mayberry · Lexus Owner Joined: Aug 12, 2005 Posts: 2

Yes, check timing belt, motor mounts and typicals like oil leaks, alignment, etc. DO YOU HAVE FULL HISTORY on maint? Watch out if not! That's why I bought my 95 ES300 w/129000 from an individual that owned it since it was new. He had all work done at Lexus auth shops and logs of when all work was done. Mine's a beauty but I didn't check all the "options" like security system, fog lights, keyless entry and found a few issues but nothing big. Be sure all functional switches work and you'll not regret it. Timing belt per mechanic is to be changed by 110000 so you have one on the boarder line-- your mechanic must know toyota/lexus workings to give full report. These babies can go 300,000 if well cared for, so good luck and happy Lex-itius!

back2mayberry · Lexus Owner Joined: Aug 12, 2005 Posts: 2

Oh, yes... get that price dropped too! My 95 was less than 5900 from individual... you won't get that with your newer model, but check www.kbb.com and keep 'em close to that number (between individual sales price and retail price-- don't go full retail price! There are too many good deals out there)

See www.ebaymotors.com looking at completed sales for your year/model Lexas and you'll get another view of prices.