ES - 1st to 4th Gen (1990-2006) Forum for all 1990 - 2006 ES300 and ES330 models. ES250 topics go here as well.

Need Advice On Purchasing Used 98 es300

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 09-06-13, 01:07 PM
  #1  
mat15
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
mat15's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: CA
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Need Advice On Purchasing Used 98 es300

Greetings everyone. I was excited to come across this board as I'm researching used Lexus.

I found a 1998 es300 with 98,000 miles. It comes with a 5 year 100,000 warranty on the powertrain. They are asking $6000.

The car looks very clean so I'm ready to go test drive it.

I was going to offer $5000 cash. Is that a fair price? Also, what should I be looking for in the car so I know it will be reliable.

Any other advice would be much appreciated. I'm looking forward to becoming an official Lexus owner!

Matt
Old 09-06-13, 02:25 PM
  #2  
hypervish
Lexus Test Driver
 
hypervish's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: NJ
Posts: 5,698
Received 88 Likes on 75 Posts
Default

Welcome to Club Lexus!

Has the timing belt been changed yet?

I'd look at 1999 and newer.
Old 09-06-13, 02:33 PM
  #3  
mat15
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
mat15's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: CA
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Thanks Hypervish, I'll ask them about the timing belt. Why should I look for 1999 and newer? Were there issues with the 98 es300?

Last edited by mat15; 09-06-13 at 02:44 PM.
Old 09-06-13, 03:16 PM
  #4  
hypervish
Lexus Test Driver
 
hypervish's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: NJ
Posts: 5,698
Received 88 Likes on 75 Posts
Default

You're welcome!

No issues with the 98 ES300.

I say 1999 and newer, because that is when the MY refresh occurred. This brought VVT-I which means more power! Also, new tail lights, tweaked front end grill, etc. Small things but they add up.
Old 09-06-13, 10:31 PM
  #5  
Hayk
Lead Lap
iTrader: (1)
 
Hayk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: NJ
Posts: 4,101
Received 291 Likes on 230 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by hypervish
You're welcome!

No issues with the 98 ES300.

I say 1999 and newer, because that is when the MY refresh occurred. This brought VVT-I which means more power! Also, new tail lights, tweaked front end grill, etc. Small things but they add up.
VVT-i in 99, but the exterior refresh came in 2000.

OP, the car shouldn't have any issues at that mileage. The only thing you would want to make sure is that all the maintenance is up to date, so that you don't have to invest anything. Timing belt, spark plugs, coolant, and other fluids should be new. Lastly, check for any suspension noises on a test drive.

Last edited by Hayk; 09-07-13 at 03:26 AM.
Old 09-07-13, 04:37 AM
  #6  
hypervish
Lexus Test Driver
 
hypervish's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: NJ
Posts: 5,698
Received 88 Likes on 75 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by MrBooby
VVT-i in 99, but the exterior refresh came in 2000.

OP, the car shouldn't have any issues at that mileage. The only thing you would want to make sure is that all the maintenance is up to date, so that you don't have to invest anything. Timing belt, spark plugs, coolant, and other fluids should be new. Lastly, check for any suspension noises on a test drive.
Yes, that is correct. The exterior changes took place in 1999, but they appeared in the 2000 model.
Old 09-07-13, 04:48 AM
  #7  
Natey2
Intermediate
 
Natey2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: CA
Posts: 353
Received 8 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

If you're looking at a 2000 ES300, keep an eye open for the Platinum Edition/Series.
I bought a pre-owned one around 2003, and had it until 2013.
Other than the turning radius (maybe all front-wheel drive cars are like that?), it was a great car.
Old 09-07-13, 06:45 AM
  #8  
brucelee1
Racer
iTrader: (2)
 
brucelee1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: MA
Posts: 1,335
Received 87 Likes on 74 Posts
Default

The value is very much tied to condition. Whatever car, check for quality service records, evidence of abuse or accidents. If you buy the right Lexus, you will not be sorry.

Good luck.

PS-6K is clearly too much for that car unless it is pristine. I just bought an 06 ES330 for $8900.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Peligroso
ES - 1st to 4th Gen (1990-2006)
9
01-19-15 04:35 AM
Michael86
Lexus Audio, Video, Security & Electronics
0
09-21-12 04:50 AM
kennedy759
ES - 1st to 4th Gen (1990-2006)
2
08-26-08 07:28 PM
steph88
ES - 1st to 4th Gen (1990-2006)
36
04-04-08 10:26 AM



Quick Reply: Need Advice On Purchasing Used 98 es300



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 10:00 AM.