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2003 ES 300 35K miles

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Old 02-13-18, 04:48 PM
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heidihidin
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Default 2003 ES 300 35K miles

2003 ES 300 35K miles
driven by an old lady and sat for the last 3 years
oil changed once a year prior to 2014
no other maintenance
would you buy this car and how much would you pay?
what will it need simply because it is 15 years old? tires, hoses? timing belt?

thanks
Old 02-13-18, 08:06 PM
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RXGS
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People are going to **** all over this car without ever having seen it, but but assuming the car hasn’t been truly neglected since 2003, realistically you should do the timing belt, flush all the fluids, and I don’t see why this car would be any less reliable than any other Lexus ES. I know you said oil hasn’t been changed since 2014, but if it really hasn’t been run since then, while not ideal, it isn’t a death sentence. Hopefully the cosmetics and condition reflect the mileage. People say low mileage cars that sit are nothing but trouble, but I’m not sure if that’s from reading online, or actual personal experience.

In my personal experience, the troubles are overblown. I acquired a 1991 Mercedes with 15k miles a few years ago, and same thing on the forums. People said it would be nothing but trouble, have changed the fluids, valve cover gaskets, and one hose, and that is it.

As for price, hard to say, but I’ve seen with this mileage around 7.5-10k. Not saying that’s what they are worth, or that’s what people are buying them for, but that’s what they are being advertised as.
Old 02-19-18, 05:12 AM
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shortstop
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I owned this car with 85k until sold, it required replacing a alternator, two rear torque arms, and some sway bar links and bushings. Other than that just brakes tires, and general maintenance. these cars are know to be very reliable. The book value is 2600 - 4600 without body damage. The question with a car like this with so little mileage, is how much over book value you might have to pay, and how quick you can get there and buy it. The timing belt replacement is going to be the big question if you choose to replace it right a way, and if you can negotiate that into the price? Also check to see if it will need brake work, and new tires with the tire date code . Good luck and don`t hesitate.
Old 02-20-18, 06:56 PM
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speedkar9
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These cars are fairly reliable and tend to hold up well even as they age. The amount you pay for that lower mileage isn't worth it in my opinion.

I'd rather spend that on maintenance and mods on a higher mileage vehicle.
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