ryanSC300lover

iTrader: (1)

HI there,

My neighbor has a 1999 ES300 for sale, asking $5500. It has 130K miles. Fully dealer maintained, with all paperwork. No paintwork, original owner. The timing belt/water pump major service was done at 92K miles.

1) Is it a good deal

2) What are the problem areas or things to look out for specifically in this model?

3) Is this effected with the V6 oil sludge issues with Toyotas?

4) I saw some having transmission problems-is that to be expected?

With reasonable maintenance (what would be upcoming things to change?) is it reasonable to drive it 5 years and 100K more miles?


Thanks for your help.

Limen

Yeah, I would say that is an alright deal. Not an awesome deal, but not a rip-off. These cars don't really have any "major" problems that you need to worry about. The whole sludge thing is not really that bad/commen. As long as the car has been maintained well, your fine. The auto transmision in our 97 ES300 is still very strong with hardley any hicups, and we have got about 167,000 miles on her. We bought the ES with 94,000 miles and have had NO major problems what so ever, just the wear and tear stuff (tires, brakes...)

ryanSC300lover

iTrader: (1)

Appreciate the info Limen!

Limen

Your welcome

ryanSC300lover

iTrader: (1)

I am looking at that, vs a 2000 with 68K miles asking 7700.

Also what kinda real world MPG are you guys seeing?

Limen

With the way the 99 has been maintained so well, the mileage difference between the two wouldnt really bother me. But I know a lot of people do get werry about higher mileage cars. If it were me, I'd go for the 99 to save a little cash, exspecialy since the timing belt/water pump has already been done, that can get pretty expensive.

frohboy33

I have a 2001 with 73000 miles. I bought it last year for $9000. I think i prob paid to much for it. I am seeing around 17mpg in city (very short trips to work and gym) and around 26-28 on long highway trips.

ryanSC300lover

iTrader: (1)

Thanks I was getting about 25MPG in the LS400, so probably get a bit more with the ES, if we buy it.

Need to do about 100 miles a day. 80 of them at 75mph, and the 20other miles in bumper to bumper traffic.

Maxx941

iTrader: (1)

Sounds like descent price. I would probably go with the 99 since all services are detailed.

ryanSC300lover

iTrader: (1)

I am looking at it tomorrow morning. Will post back if we pick it up. Too bad it is the same horrendously ugly color my LS was. I was trying to get away from that, but seems to me all decent colored ones with good maintenance history are all that horrendous, "Hi I am 94 years old and belong to the AARP" color.

lumpy85

what did you find out?

QuachmanES

iTrader: (4)

That's a pretty good deal. If you have the money, I would go for the 2001 depending on the condition/maintenance because I like the newer body style better. The '99 is still a good year because that is the first year the 1MZ-FE came with VVT-i, so you get a little extra power.

I have a '99 with 98K miles on it, and haven't run into any problems. These cars have very few (all minor) problems with no huge issues.

As long as it has been maintained well and taken care of (it sounds like it has ) you should definitely go for it.

Also, I get about 19mpg with a mix of about 50/50 city/highway driving.