revheck

This is my first time, so please be gentle.

I am trying to figure out minimum work/cost I need to do to keep my ES300 going a little while longer, or if I should just sell right now and get another car.

I bought my 1997 ES300 2 years ago, with 115,000 miles. I had never bought this old of a car before, but previous owner had done everything according to schedule at the Lexus or Toyota dealer, and had all paperwork. I had read that Lexus can easily last to 200,000 miles if well cared, so at $7000 I thought this was a good deal for a second family car.

Well, I took to the Toyota dealer to fix the blower that went out on the heater. (Kind of hard to drive, when there is frost on the inside of the car.) I also asked him to fix the seatbelt in the back that won't retract, and take a look at that funny noise coming from the front right wheel.

Estimate came back: In addition to blower and seat belt, I need to replace front struts and tie rod "right away." I also need new brake pads, and two new back tires. Stuff that should be replaced soon include new timing belt, back struts, oil pan and a whole list of things that I cant remember.

It all adds up to $1800 "right away" and $2500 more "soon." (how can a new seatbelt cost $250!) This is all for a car with a KBB private party value of about $4500. I don't want to spend that kind of money, so I think I should probably sell and get something else. I am not afraid to change oil, or maybe replace the blower myself, but I am not up to replacing struts or tie rod.

Problem is, we are totally broke from remodeling our kitchen and basement, and don't really have the $$ to go out and buy anything else but another junker. So that means trying to keep it running long enough for us to get our credit card bills under control again, maybe late spring or summer.

So I am trying to understand of the minimum work I need to do to make it safe to run around town for a while, and but then eventually after we find a replacement.

So I am looking for advice. What would you do in my situation, given that I can do minor but not major repairs myself?

Any advice greatly appreciated.

pbbnxiltae

im sorry to hear that

i have 98 es300 with 265,000+ miles on it and it runs strong.

i think you should check out other auto shops n see how mu ch they charge. cuz some places try to rip u off just because its lexus.
esp when they say oh its lexus not honda civic i cant do anything cheaper blah blah

good luck man

92ES5sp

115K miles ?!?!!! Thats nothing. You said all work was done on time but the dealer said you need a new timing belt? That should have been done at 90K. If it was mine and wanted to spend a minimal amount, id do the brakes, tie-rods and the timing belt AND water pump. The oil pan can wait, but dont run it low on oil, and do all 4 struts and mounts at a later time if you can live with a sloppy ride for now. But dont put that stuff off indefinitely. BTW all of those recommendations sound legit granted the mileage.

92ES5sp

Well its your decision but id go to the dealer only because youre getting OE parts, plus the techs there know what they are doing. If you can find a private mechanic that works on Toyotas, i would go that route. I recommened you have the dealer at least do the t-belt.

1993ES300x

i agree shouldn't the time belt be done at 90K??? i also agree with the above statement. Get the brakes pads, tie-rods and timing belt AND water pump done now. if i am to guess , all three should be somewhat of around 1000 bucks. then put out about 150 for a pair of wal mart tires that can last you about 2 years. then save up a little more of about 500bucks and get yourself a set of KYB suspensions. good luck my friend. these cars does run forever. My 93 Es300 had 230K on it before i blow the Head gasket...

e7liu

Hi,
I don't know where do you live in NJ, Called Jim Lodato at J&B, they are honest and very good. Have he give you a honest estimate. He is locate at 301 Edinburg Road, Mercerville,NJ 08619, 609-890-1441. They are very busy, Although $90/hour, they don't over charge. They will give a honest estimate before repair. They are very very good with Lexus,Mercedes and BMW. But they also repair American and other European and Japanes cars.
Tell them Ernie Liu send you
God bless

OceanView

Your car should last longer.
My 98 ES300 has 242K miles and it still as many miles more to go.