Things to look out for in buying a Gen2
#1
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I'm about to buy my first car and with around a 10k AUD budget, I've decided to go with a Gen2 ES300. My highest priority is safety, so nothing in this price range beat it's airbags and ABS (I can't get anything under 10k with airbags and ABS). Other things that attracted me to it were it's supreme build quality (so I know it should still be good now after 10+ years) and enough power to get my on the freeway.
So anyway, my question is...what are the things to look out for when I'm buying a Gen2 ES300?
So anyway, my question is...what are the things to look out for when I'm buying a Gen2 ES300?
#2
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First, what are you actually looking at.
Most people are grossly confused because a second generation ES is a 92-996. Which a second generation ES 300 would be a 97-01. And a second generation Camry platform would be 87-91.
All ES/Windoms have always had ABS standard.
92-93's had a single SRS airbag, 94+ had dual.
Buying wise, previous posts answer it fine.
Flush out all the fluids & check all wearable items like CV boots, etc.
At around 10 years, 100,000 miles on any vehicle. Expect anything that even resembles a rubber mount (drivetrain, or suspension) to be in poor condition. Just a fact of life. Time > rubber.
Most people are grossly confused because a second generation ES is a 92-996. Which a second generation ES 300 would be a 97-01. And a second generation Camry platform would be 87-91.
All ES/Windoms have always had ABS standard.
92-93's had a single SRS airbag, 94+ had dual.
Buying wise, previous posts answer it fine.
Flush out all the fluids & check all wearable items like CV boots, etc.
At around 10 years, 100,000 miles on any vehicle. Expect anything that even resembles a rubber mount (drivetrain, or suspension) to be in poor condition. Just a fact of life. Time > rubber.
#3
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Sludge is a factor so be careful. Lexus also suggests that you sertvice the car ever 5000 miles. Quite rediculous if you don't have the money to maintain it. Im beginning to learn that lexus parts are not cheap either.
#5
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First, what are you actually looking at.
Most people are grossly confused because a second generation ES is a 92-996. Which a second generation ES 300 would be a 97-01. And a second generation Camry platform would be 87-91.
All ES/Windoms have always had ABS standard.
92-93's had a single SRS airbag, 94+ had dual.
Buying wise, previous posts answer it fine.
Flush out all the fluids & check all wearable items like CV boots, etc.
At around 10 years, 100,000 miles on any vehicle. Expect anything that even resembles a rubber mount (drivetrain, or suspension) to be in poor condition. Just a fact of life. Time > rubber.
Most people are grossly confused because a second generation ES is a 92-996. Which a second generation ES 300 would be a 97-01. And a second generation Camry platform would be 87-91.
All ES/Windoms have always had ABS standard.
92-93's had a single SRS airbag, 94+ had dual.
Buying wise, previous posts answer it fine.
Flush out all the fluids & check all wearable items like CV boots, etc.
At around 10 years, 100,000 miles on any vehicle. Expect anything that even resembles a rubber mount (drivetrain, or suspension) to be in poor condition. Just a fact of life. Time > rubber.
#7
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Warm the enigne & do a compression check. Write down the psi for the cylidners & bring them back here.
Flush out any fluid you possibly can the day after you get it. Coolant, transmission, engine oil, powersteering.
For Australia u have the 3vz-fe until 97. Nice. Same as anything else... Check all the normal things.
Mechanical parts, get from a Toyota Camry v6. Alot cheaper than Lexus parts.
92-93 have a driver's side SRS bag, 94+ have both sides. ABA is standard.
Flush out any fluid you possibly can the day after you get it. Coolant, transmission, engine oil, powersteering.
For Australia u have the 3vz-fe until 97. Nice. Same as anything else... Check all the normal things.
Mechanical parts, get from a Toyota Camry v6. Alot cheaper than Lexus parts.
92-93 have a driver's side SRS bag, 94+ have both sides. ABA is standard.
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#8
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Sorry guys, I'm a car enthusiast, but unfortunately no mechanic. So I've just got some questions:
Pheonix: Do I "Flush out all the fluids" after/before I buy? And what are the "CV boots, etc."?
Two bit: Where will I find the sludge?
Pheonix again: How do I do a compression check and get the psi nimbers?
Edit: Photos below:
Pheonix: Do I "Flush out all the fluids" after/before I buy? And what are the "CV boots, etc."?
Two bit: Where will I find the sludge?
Pheonix again: How do I do a compression check and get the psi nimbers?
Edit: Photos below:
Last edited by that_guy; 02-16-07 at 05:18 AM.