HouseOfToy

Lot has one locally, it's in immaculate shape. Asking price is $10k, but I'm sure I'll be able to talk them down.

Good cars overall? Will I run into any issues being that this car is almost 20 years old even though the mileage is low? what kind of problems can I expect with this year of ES? How long do they typically last mileage wise? Good buy? Thanks!

pramod109

I bought my 02 ES300 5 months ago with 115K. I'm really happy with the vehicle so far and the forum members here mentioned a lot of times that it will go 200K miles easily with regular maintenance.
With your case, if the car is sitting for a while, make sure you check for leaking seals.

Richardsr

Be ready to overhaul brakes... wheel cylinders and master cylinder. Find out when last oil and filter change happened. Check tires for cracking sidewalls. When was it last driven? I don’t know the shelf life of used 18yo trans fluid and the same goes for power steering fluid, but it is something to think about. Ask questions.

$10K is a lot for an ES that old no matter what shape it’s in. If you had an accident, expect a huge loss for repairs.

I looove my ‘05 Lexus and know it’s a great car with lots of miles left and you should expect the same, but if it’s been sitting forever there will be problems you should consider.

HomerJay

Opinions will vary, but I believe that is too much of a price premium for a low mileage ES. Depending on the maintenance history, you may need to replace many wear items that are past their recommend replacement time intervals. Also if the tires are original, they should be replaced. Good Luck!

80es300

Also, check for Engine sludge since it has been driven that less (that engine had sludge issues if not maintained properly). Ask for oil change history.

14RX350

I honestly think a car with 100k freeway miles and regular maintenance would be better than this car. It has obviously sat and been driven only short trips, and likely still needs the same, (if not more), maintenance/ repairs that a car that age needs. I would definitely recommend having a private mechanic check it out... NOT the one at that dealership. Dealer priced it super high to try and act like it's "basically brand new", which it isn't. The worst thing you can do to a car is let it sit. Second worst is drive city miles.

AmanES300

Not worth 10k, especially with the good chance its been sitting for a while. I wouldn't pay more than 5k for it and that's at the top end. Like others have said, you'd put a good chunk of money into getting it into running shape if it's been sitting for too long.

hypervish

Wouldn't pay $10k. These cars will run forever, and with mileage that low you're still due for age related maintenance. I'm coming up on 298,000 miles and still running like a charm.

Richardsr

Offer them $4.5K and stop at $5K MAX. Period. Remind them and yourself that you’re probably into a $2.5K+ “restoration” project to make your mechanical items on par with the eye-candy stuff.

Take notes from the comments here as you will be facing many of the problems brought out.

Lots and lots of old fluids w/moisture and settlings, pumps, various filters hardened and useless from age, old battery, tires, lots of bushings and seals to consider.

I’d need to speak with the previous owner and asking $10K allows for that.

fortitude

Used car value link
http://www.vmrintl.com/used-car/pric...xus-es300.html

As mentioned above, the low mileage does not command such a high premium in price ($10K - that takes some stones).....

Steelfan

Timing belt needs changed, if they haven't done it already, just based on the cars age.

Is the car you are looking at in IA?

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

^What book says and what cars go for are two different things. I'm not saying 10k is right or wrong, but the ES' around me of similar vintage selling for 4800 are anywhere from 80-110K+. As for the low mileage thing, people make these low mileage cars out to be nightmares, but I think few have actual experience with old low mileage cars, and instead base their opinions on what they've read. The most extreme being a 1991 560SEL with 15k miles. Besides changing all the fluids, the car has been perfect for the past 3 years.

The owner is optimistic at 10k, but the people who say it should be $4-5k are almost as bad. If you don't buy it, someone else will. Low mileage lexus/toyota vehicles always sell, and if you don't buy it, and the owner isn't ridiculous, it will likely sell around 6-8k depending on the market. While a lot of people see it as an old car, a lot of people will also see it as a Lexus with 31k miles for less than $10k.

Oro

That's about what I think at this point. Five/six years ago, that might have made sense ($10k).

I do also agree low mileage cars are not so problematic as long as they didn't sit for continuous years not being used.

FromFL

Nebraska. Unless it has zero rust as in never been driven on salty roads, not worth 10K; has to be absolutely pristine at that price, but it's still an old and dated vehicle. When I was shopping for mine, I saw many high mile ones between costing 7K-9K with rust bubbles.
Do you have a link showing the car?

Coldax

As with any used car purchase you should ask for as much maintenance history as possible, and of course thoroughly examine the car. Bring a mechanic or second set of eyes if possible. Even a Carfax will have some service indicators and clues. Just because a car is 17 years old and low mileage does not mean it was not taken care of. IMHO for 10K you really need to love and want this car. Think of what else 10K could buy. Otherwise you can find plenty of these cars for less money.