AntzCro

Hey guys, Just joined this site because it is awesome and it has so many great tips and discussions

I just wanted to know what you guys think on the ES300 that I recently bought.

It's a 1999 ES300

- Tinted windows
- Electric sunroof
- 17'' Rims ( refer to picture )
- 242,000 km ( 150,000 mi )
- I will put up some pics once I get the engine in and a roadworthy.

I bought this car for $2,500 off a friend of my uncles.
Now the only problem with the car is the rear main seal which keeps leaking oil...
So we ordered a new engine ( 55 900 mi ) as it only costs a few hundred more dollars than repairing the seal.

I just wanted your guys opinions on if that's a good deal ?

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

oh yeah that is a wicked deal! I see the odd 92-96 cars with high miles fetch that much!

hypervish

It's a good deal. BUT, I don't think it was necessary to put another engine in it, just because the other one had lower miles. These engines are great, aside from the oil gelling issue (which is easily avoidable by doing oil changes on time). The 1MZ-FE motor is one of the smoothest V6's I've seen.

AntzCro

See, this is the problem, the engine would smoke after driving it for a fair bit.
I was quoted $800 for replacing the main seal, where as a new engine was only $1100
I'm planning to lower it about 2" as well.

hypervish

I suppose that's not a bad deal then. Check the "new" engine for sludge before installing it.

BTW: Welcome to Club Lexus!

AntzCro

I will check ever inch of it !
And thanks

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

I think he made the right decision, as long as the new engine is better.

Btw, how do you mount those wheels? They look like they have too many holes.

AntzCro

They are held on with nuts that have an allen key fitting.
You have to use an allen key to take off/ put on these ones.. which i found quite odd..
But you just have to align it then screw them on.

EEngineer

why replace the engine just because of the rear main seal problem?
just pop open the transmission and fix the seal!

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

Sorry I meant the actual wheel, not the Lexus center cap. Are the wheels meant to be universal?

AntzCro

I believe they are meant to be universal yes, but I do know that the fitting is a little smaller than usual.
The seal to fix it is about $20 but the labour to take do the job is around $800

hypervish

Your welcome, and let us know how it goes. Snap a few pictures of the ES when it's all done, and post em' up here.

AntzCro

I'll put up a few pics soon
Can't wait.

EEngineer

whoever quoted you that is ....just...

should not take $800 to open up the tranny.

AntzCro

In Australia, Everything is expensive...
These mechanics can charge whatever they like when it comes to people who don't know their cars " mechanical " wise.