Lombarb

Thinking about buying a 2002 ES300 with 39K miles. I have read about engine problems with this year. Does anyone know how extensive this problem (oil geling) was, or has there been a fix for the problem??

hypervish

Welcome to Club Lexus!

Mid-year 2002 the 1MZ-FE engine received an update for larger oil return holes.

However, these engines are only prone to sludging if they are not maintained. Meaning as long as you are looking at a car which has had it's oil changed on time, you have absolutely nothing to worry about in regards to sludge.

brucelee1

iTrader: (2)

I had an 02 with 110K miles on it. Ran like a dream!

Lombarb

Thanks, sounds promising. They are asking around $11K.

speedkar9

Wow for a 12 year old car?

brucelee1

iTrader: (2)

Too much for that year car.

You can get into a ES330 for that. Shop more IMHO.

PS-I paid $9000 for an 06 ES330 with 129K on the clock. It can be done.

bboatman

I just bought a 2002 ES300 two weeks ago. Mine had 67k miles on it. I paid $8,800.00. If the car is in great shape and runs well, buy it. Where else can you find a Lexus quality vehicle with that low of miles...anywhere? Buy it! I doubt you'll be sorry.

Megafast13

Despite its miles, you are going to have quite a bit of maintenance done anyway due to its age.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

lol, there's an 05 in my city for sale right now... 155k mi for 4500$

Can't believe anyone would be sane enough to remotely consider a 12 year old ES for 11k!

AZJoe

Wife drives 2002 ES 300 with 175,000 trouble free miles.
Low mileage 02 ES in great shape go for $10-11K from commercial lots.
Check what maintenance items will need to be soon. Could be time for timing belts or some other expensive work. How old are tires. Some work may be more time dependent than mileage dependent

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

That seems to be the going price for that car where I am as well. I paid a little over 10k if i remember correctly for a fully loaded 04 with 55k, can't believe I can't really remember.

PDXLex

Yeah, in my city ES 300's really hold their value. I was looking at a 2003 with 130k and the seller was asking $8000. It's hard to find an 02'+ here for under $7000, unless it has a salvage title. Other parts of the US may bear different markets.