So my 2003 ES300 is rated at $7-6000 on KBB but thats with 160,000 miles on it.
But about 3-4 years ago the engine blew with 94,000 miles and I was still covered under warranty and got Lexus to completely replace the engine, so in reality the car only has about 66k miles on it. I have all of the paperwork from the replacement and it was done BY Lexus so would this change the price for me?

 

It does, but considering that it was done by "factory trained" technicians, it should help retain most of the value. In fact, if the car is 100%, I would consider it a steal to pay so little for an ES with a brand new engine.

 

can go both ways my friend...

Some, if not most will run or ask 'why' it was changed since anyone is quick to assume lack of maintenance will cause a motor to blow, right?

Others, as above will think its a better deal... one of these scenarios will occur more than the other.

 

I think you could probably get a little more based on the motor mileage. If its been regularly serviced by Lexus then definitely.
Wait and it was covered at 94k?

 

your body still has 160,000 miles on it. newer engine has no positive effect on the price IMO if anything - it will scare a lot of people away from the HIGH MILEAGE car with replaced engine. Who wants to gamble these days with money? i personally would buy it only if it was priced attractively lower than typical es from that year. Others will have other opinions. Heck, people gamble with salvaged cars so there is a buyer out there for everything. lol

 

it's a negative IMO.
if the original owner abused the motor, the rest of the car was probably poorly maintained as well.

 

another vote for this

 

Like others said, if I was looking to buy this car I would be a little worried as to why the original engine failed so soon, and how the rest of the car was taken care of. BUT if the rest of the car was in nice condition, then for me the new engine would be a plus (as long as it has been properly maintained since replaced) because it was brand new and not just taken from another old car.

 

Generally, "new engine" seems to be a selling point in a used car description... but personally, I prefer cars with the original engines.

I might be a bit more forgiving of an ES with a new motor having known about the sludge issue, granted that the rest of the vehicle was in good condition. I am assuming sludge took out of the first motor... otherwise, that does seem extremely soon for the demise of a 1MZ.

 

mine has 305,000 original motor. hands down anyday a new motor doesnt change the value of the car. its like putting new tires. It part of maintaining the car. a new engine doesnt mean that the inside of the car is nice, or the paint is clean. its just means you ponied up money to make the car runnable.

 

yeah, sure.

its like a man with a new heart - the same idea!

on a second thought - with lexus i think you'll get away with it. There is a lot of kids out there who'll trade in a liver to drive a lexus lol so i think you'll sell it just fine when time comes.