Hi all,

I am looking to be a first time Lexus owner and would like a 3rd generation es 300. I'm looking to spend ~ 6500. What are the big issues I should be looking out for when purchasing one with ~100K or more miles? Here is one which I liked: http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...0854&aff=wpost
Is it a good deal?

Thanks for any input!

Dan

 

I would say keep shopping around. Look for a 2000 or 2001 model if possible. The 00-01 models have alot of amenities that the 97-99 model lack. You should be able to find a 00-01 in good condition in your price range. As far as any problems, I'm not too sure of. I had a 2000 ES300 with 180k miles on it and the only thing I had to do maintenance wise was the 100k tune up. It drove like new until the day it got totalled. Best of luck to you.

 

How many miles should I expect to get from an es 300 that is well kept up?

Dan

 

Like what exactly??

I just bought 2 ES300's ,
One 97 with 67K on it for $7500 - I gave to my mother 2 months ago.
One 98 with 55K on it for $9000 bought at a Lexus dealership today.
Both are CarFax verified vehicles with no damages, or tinkering with the odometer.
Months of patience paid off in my searches.

I'm in the Chicago suburbs, so my market is pretty saturated, but I didn't
notice any real differences between a 97-01 at all besides the taillights
and a wood grain steering wheel.

From what I have heard they easily go over 200K with the proper maintenance done.
I'm not an expert though, just what I heard that compelled me to buy 2 of them.

 

ill sell u mine with 67k miles, platinum edition for 14k lol

no problems at all, regular maintenance has been done and never in an accident.

 

Get at least a 99.

Why?
-210hp VVT-i compared to 200hp pre-99
-Dual-stage front airbags
-Minor update/tweak/improvement(s)

Get a 01 if you want:
-HID option
-16" wheel
-Auto dimming mirror
-Nicer front-end.
-Nicer tail lights.
-Improved sound system with auto-leveling.
-Better design rear head-rests
-More wood trim.

I have a '99 and a '01.

See brochures http://picasaweb.google.com/lexusreference for more info.

 

The '99 model -
The extra 10hp you probably won't even feel, so that's really not even a consideration IMHO.
THe other 2 aren't "all that" either , but it's obviously about perception.

The 01's
They do have some features that are nicer though now that I see the list.
HID's being the best one, but realistically you can get an older model cheaper and
upgrade to HID's much cheaper in the end. The tail lights are obviously nicer as well
but you WILL pay a premium for less depreciation on an '01 VS a '97 or '98, trust me.

Wood trim upgrades can be done for cheap ($120) or Hydro Immersion.

I got my mothers for half that, same mileage.
That's what most Lexus dealerships are charging for older low mileage models.