Hey everyone. Just registered. I am in the market for a used ES300 and my budget is in the 5-6k range. I see a few for around 5500. Obviously the mileage is around 120-140k. I plan on bringing a mechanic to look at the cars. My question is at that milage is there anything specific that I should have him look at? Thanks in advance

 

Forgot to mention looking at 1999-2000

 

Timing belt / Water pump - these two things should have been done around 90k miles.
When the struts were last replaced.
How new the brake pads and rotors are.
Check tire wear condition.

 

First, Welcome to Club Lexus.
Second, Im no expert on Lexus cars, but as you can see I do own a 98 ES300
Third, IMO I would get a 2000 or 2001, this year came with the nicer taillights and wood steering wheel and other upgrade options. I also like the look of the front bumper vs the one on the 97-99. As mentioned above, make sure the timing belt and water pump got changed around 90K. I would also try to find an ES with a single owner or two owner owned, but also get one that the owner(s) have records for all the services and that it had all its major services done. The only real big issue with the 3rd Gen ES was sludge, but if it was serviced or had the oil changed every 5K then that issue wouldnt be an issue. Your mechanic will check all the other basic issues. Lastly, try and find one with low mileage. Good luck in your search and once you find her, make sure and post pics. You'll soon find out we all love pics.

 

5-6k gets you an '01. on eBay of all places too... locally you should be able to find something just as cheap if not cheaper.

Don't look at anything other than an 00-01.

MAINTENANCE! MAke sure it was done! Otherwise would be prone to sludge, make sure trans. fluid was done at the right intervals. And of course T-Belt/waterpump. Tuneup. etc.

 

Yup ^^^ I bought a 99 simply because it had super low mileage, 1 owner with all service records and a good price. I def would have bought a 00 - 01 if I was able to find one that was comparable.

 

http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/cto/2315784329.html
good luck with ur buy!

 

Timing belt...
go to www.mylexus.com and enter the vin to see if there was any service done at the Lexus dealership. If there was it would be there.