ih8fizzix

Hi,
Yesterday my family purchased a 1995 es 300. Its a nice car, but being 11 years old it does have its issues. The car has 155k miles on it, runs and drives smooth. My only concern is that the previous owner, who bought the car back in 1997 with 29k on it, never changed the timing belt nor even ever got a tune-up. You can tell the car needs a tuneup real bad, it just doent have the pep a 6 cylinder should have, nonetheless a nice car.

Another thing I've noticed is that after I drove it, when I got out I smelled radiator fluid. You know the smell when radiator fluid leaks, and burns. However, the scent was very minimal, and only lasted for about a minute or two. This happend a second time as well.

Any thoughts, or comments are welcome.

P.S.
We paid 3500, is that a good deal?

Thanks for reading my very long post.

3rdelement

iTrader: (1)

yeah get the timing belt and water pump changed.
while they are in there get the spark plugs replaced(have them look at the wires to make sure none are damaged) (my #5 was)

get some fluids changed out.....and find where that leak is for radiator fluid. (cross your fingers its not a main gasket somewhere.


but have all that done by a local trusted mechanic from an independant shop. otherwise dealership will end up charging you what you paid for the car in just repairs.


GOOD LUCK!
`R

ih8fizzix

Yeah I was going to have the water pump. and timing belt doen this week, and I.m also going to have a full tune-up done (plugs,wires,cap and rotor) as well.

I think the slight leak might be the water pump.....thats what some one said to me.

Thanks for the reply.

3rdelement

iTrader: (1)

yeah most likely its the water pump but check the rest of the engine though. Im also at the same mileage in my 96 and have had to replace 2 alternators. but thats just cause i keep pulling to much off of them with my audio system. So just keep an eye on that as well if you start having issues with power.

*note: also with the age of the car you probably have some dimm headlights, replace them with silverstars....and polish the outside of the headlight with McGuires Plastics found at checkers auto..... good luck

ih8fizzix

Funny that you mention the headligts....I went to Autozone on Tuesday and bought plexiglass cleaner to clean off the haze on the headlights. They look better, but not totally brand new, Im happy with the result though.

Thanks for your help.

3rdelement

iTrader: (1)

as long as that works for you. most of those cleaners dont do much....Plastix works great for me though.

ih8fizzix

Another thing that Ive noticed is that the car doesnt start as smoothly as it should, it just doesnt fire up when u turn the key. It hesitates awhile and actually drags on before starting, is this a common problem in es300's or is mine just having trouble?