ZGadson

Hey guys - not exactly new to the forum, as my first car was a 92 ES300. I've since wrecked the Infiniti I35 I traded the Lex in for, and am now looking for another ES (because I loved it and should have just gotten a newer ES).

This is what I'm interested in. Same colors as my old one, but the ad says it needs new valve seals. It "appears" to be in great shape, but I wanted a second, third, fourth opinion before I drove 2 hours to go see it.

Has anyone had this valve seal issue before? How much was it to have it fixed? Is it a DIY project? What do ya'll think for $3900 with under 100k miles?

(Here's my Cardomain page with my old ES on it if anyone is interested... LINK)

MikeLex

I'd stay away from that car. Valve seals replacement is a major job as it requires head removal ($1000-1500). Also, a 1MZ-FE with only 100K miles burning oil (blue smoke on start up due to valve seals leak) is a sign of poor maintenance. What else? Timing belt and spark plug jobs ($500-800), due at 100Kmiles according to the owner's manual.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

hahahaha! What a clown. He's trying to scam 3900$ for a 13 year old non-running car?!

'mechanic special' more like "special" mechanic trying to peddle something old for a premium

check eBay, there's a ton of 00-01's with over 100-125k going for 5K and less. But you get a much newer car [nicer in my opinion], same mileage.

ZGadson

Well crap! I was thinking it wasn't such a serious problem. Thanks for the heads up! really appreciate it! I'll continue my search on eBay. Can't wait to have an ES again, so I was willing to overlook this one's issues.

WAES300

A well maintained car shouldn't have such a problem. Look for maintenance records, or ask for them. That car isn't worth nearly that much money!!

Coulter

I know I've made the mistake of buying a "bargain" car that needed work, and I would have come out far ahead had I just bought the same model in better shape.
I would never recommend buying a "mechanic's special" unless you're a mechanic or have some sort of in with someone who can work on it.

This era of Lexus cars are so inexpensive anyway, that I think it makes sense to buy a really nice one, even if you "overpay" what the going rate is. It seems the difference between a REALLY nice one and a clapped out beater is $700-$800, you could easily spend that in a shop if a car has been neglected.

KLF

That is waaaaay too much for that car, I'd stay away from it. The only "cheap" part about replacing those seals is buying the seals themselves. LOTS of work.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

Respectively there is one on eBay for 3K right now, the motor leaks oil apparently, but it is a fully loaded '01 and looks very clean; outside of the motor problem.

Its posted for just over 3K, OP, if you want a 'deal' car maybe get that? Source an engine for 800$ and swap it in.