rapamatic

I just bought a 1994 ES 300 from a carmax in Chicago. The car has 42,500 miles and I paid $13,000 for the car. I don't know what was optional equipment on the car in '94, but it has a CD changer, sunroof, leather, and so on. I have several questions that I can hopefully get answered here:

-Did I pay a decent price for the car? (I can return it within 5 days)

-Is it worth paying $1000 for a 3yr/36K mile powertrain warranty. Given the low miles are things likely to go wrong with the engine/tranny?

-Is it worth getting the car serviced at a lexus dealer, carmax, or just any local shop?

-Any things I should look for to make sure my car doesn't have any problems?

-Any general comments or feedback on the 94 ES300?

Thanks!

-Ray Kramer

Nabeel

Hi, welcome to the board!

Ok, I'll try to answer your questions.....

I think $13,500 is a little high for a '94, but since it has only 42.5K miles, and I'm guessing it was in excellent condition, then the price was not that bad. Especially if you plan to keep this car for a while, say more than a few years.

I wouldn't pay $1000 for an extended warranty that only buys 3 years/36K. Maybe you should shop around a bit with different warranty companies to get a better deal. I remember I was quoted the above price for a BMW, so taking that into account I would expect a Lexus to be cheaper maintain, and thus command a lower warranty price.

Try to find an independant shop in your area that services Lexus/Toyota exclusively. This would most likely be cheaper than the $tealer. I wouldn't take it to just any local shop.

Dunno about the engine in the '94- ES, but the '92 and '93 had some problems with the valve gaskets leaking. Also check the axle boots and motor mounts. Make sure all the electrical equipment is working, and also a lot of cars have been having their guage needles burn out.....

By the Way, options on the car in '94 were the moonroof, leather, cd changer, heated seats, and a car phone. Looks like your car was pretty loaded. Just wondering, what color was it?

Congrats on the car, the '94 was the first year with the all-aluminium engine, passenger airbag, and other detail stuff likie the qutside temp button, etc.

rapamatic

biege exterior, tan interior.

Also has heated seats, so I guess has everything but the car phone.

I'm gonna take it to a Lexus dealer on Tuesday to have them check it out. Anything specifically I should have them check, other than what you mentioned?

Does the manual break out the maintenance schedule? Any suggestions on how frequently to change oil, etc? I want to do everything I can to take care of the car and keep it running great.

meZoom!

welcome. i guess u can get it serviced at any fairly reputable shop. tranny stuff shouldnt be done by domestic car specialists though. actually, nothing should be serviced by domestic car specialists. oil change at least every 3,000, try and get a quality toyota filter, good oil (like mobil1), etc etc. like nabeel said, i wouldnt get a warranty that expires in 3 yrs either. if the car had a good chance of falling apart by the time 3 yrs is up, then maybe, but i dont anticipate on it.