Super Blue

Hi guys, I'm thinking of getting a ES300, and there is a 97 ES that I'm am checking out tmw.

Can you guys advise what sort of things I should look out for when I test drive the car.

The car in question has 270K kms (170K miles) on it. What sort of maintenance questions should I be asking for?

I am doing additional research on the net, but figured I'd come to the source for first hand info.

Thanks, I really appreciate any info you guys can provide.

ralfuller

Oil Changes, Oil Changes, Oil Changes, oh, and don't forget to ask about/see records for OIL CHANGES!!! lol. Seriously that's the most important maintenance item on these engines because of how easily they can sludge up. 300K miles is very realistic in these cars with proper maintenance.

PDXLex

If you can get the VIN, you can bring it to any Lexus dealership and get all the service record history on it (that is, if it has been serviced at a Lexus dealership).

Nunyabiz

as everybody else said OIL CHANGES and preferably with 100% synthetic.

have them pop the valve covers and make sure its clean, no sludge.

Super Blue

Checked out the car, looked good from far, but far from good. I got the vibe that the guy had not really taken good care of the car, and the car was just getting by on the Toyota/Lexus build quality, and who knows how it was going to hold up in the future.

Ended up walking away, plenty of fish/cars out there.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

Yessir, such as much newer cars with less miles for cheap.

To be honest, i have no idea why you wasted your time on this car with 170k on it and a '97. Of course if he was selling it for <1 grand [even then i wouldn't bother, get newer for a couple of more g's]

BDSL

My Lexus ES300 has more than 330k km (200k mile).

Things that I have changed so far
- fluids (i.e. engine oil, tranny fluid, coolant)
- struts and strut mounts
- rear sway bar bushings
- EGR position sensor
- rear wheel bearing
- new flex pipe and mid pipe (exhaust)
- tires
- cam seals, crank seals, timing belt, water pump, valve cover gaskets, spark plugs, thermostat, tensioner, idlers

Thats about it. Other than that, it drives better (and has less problems) than most of the cars that I own / owned / worked on with lower mileage. I would say the 97 ES300 is pretty reliable.

lexus559

Watch out for dead hooker parts under the trunk liner. Kinda awkward explaining that to my old lady....


















LOL JK JK he he he merry halloween! I had to do the struts right off the bat because the suspension was hella weak. Also, the starter seems to go at about this time.