JoshMac

I know im new here,but I figured this place could help me the most. I have my eye on a CLEAN 1998 Lexus ES300. The price is $5900 obo. Only hold back is the car has 187k. miles,keep in mind this car would pass for 87k. miles. Is this car still worth buying considering the condition and price? Anyone have any high miles ES300's to compare this to? Whats the most miles anyone knows about? Sorry for all the questions just curious. Thanks Ahead.

Josh

JoshMac

Hope I am subscribed now!

tuan92129

At this mileage, you would expect to rebuild the transmission anywhere from 200-250 k miles, and not to mention the timing belt and water pump.
I think it would be better to invest in a lower mileage es, about 100-130 K miles so you don't have to worry about most problems.

JoshMac

The ones with those miles cost alot more it seems.I was wanted to go in fairly inexpensively.

Lexucan

My ES has 422,000 kilometers on the odo which equates to about 261K miles. It's still running strong. So, at 187K miles, that '98 should have lots of life left in it. Can't help you determine if the price is right though. I live in Canada so our car prices are way higher than in the U.S.
But if I saw a '98 ES here for $5900 I'd be all over it...that's because on this side of the border the price for the same car would be at least $12-13K

JSM1284

Lexucan

Not necessarily. My '93 ES has the original tranny with 261k miles and no issues.

Kusay76

Maybe you should do some more looking around, these aren't rare cars so there are alot of good deals out there. I just did a quick search in GA and found a mint 98 w/147k black for $5,999. With that being said my friend has a 97 with almost 230k and it runs fine.

Choas

I have 205k on mine and its worth about that. Also the camry platform has a strong drive train so tranny issues are not a certainty. I would try the get him down a lil and ask for service records to see if it was well taken care of.

NovaRacer

Josh

When I started looking, (1st of December) I was looking to put in no more than $5500, but quickly found out I couldn't find anything less than 150K miles for that. I searched for 5 weeks straight within 150 miles of the house, and narrowed it down to 4 cars, 2 under 100K but around $9000 and above in price, and 2 around 118K for $8000. All were 99's, and I ended up going with one that had 120K and he had all the receipts for the PM's. Nice car, orig. owner and got him down to $7000 with a set of tires from Sam's.

My deciding factor(after reading this site for 6 nights straight) was the cost of the 90K mile mantainance on the 2 I really wanted, Lexus wanting $1400 - $1700. So I steered clear of anything that didn't have the 90-120K PM done on it, and saved myself a couple grand in the process.

That is real close to the KBB of what they sale for around here, so price-wise it is a decent buy.

Just my .02 cents, spend a little more now, if you have it, and drive it for a while before you have to drop a big chunk on it.

These cars are great, I didn't know how my wife was going to act going from a MDX to a car, but she absolutely loves that Lexus, and the fact she can get 2 weeks out of a tank of gas is a bonus.

WB

Lexusfreak

Welcome Josh,

Sounds like a nice car with higher mileage. If you can get the car inspected by a good mechanic before you buy & perhaps pick it up around the $5,000 range, I think your golden! Good luck & keep us posted.

cliffud

iTrader: (3)

if i remember correctly the 1998 ES engine had oil sludge issues.

Yep- just checked it out.

Read this man.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=194378

Save yourself the hassle and pick up an old school LS400 - those things are TANKS!

Found another link for you to read: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...300+oil+sludge

Choas

^If you have the service records showing that the oil was changed regularly it has been said that the oil sludge should not be a problem

JoshMac

I know you cant judge a book by the cover..But this car has one clean cover. I dont think I can get my hands on the service records. But I feel good about it anyways. I may just purchase it. BTW Thanks for the warm welcome and all the help!!!

-Josh