bartsitars

I am shopping for a new second car and stumbled across a 2002 ES300 with 166k on the odo. The condition is a 7/10 with some minor scratches here and there and bumper scuffs (its a Chicago car). Interior is clean. The guy is asking $5500. The car has a spotless (every 5k miles) service history from one dealership from the 5 mile pre-delivery inspection to its last oil change/coolant flush/allignment and new tires at 165000. Is this a good price? Would you go for it?

jgreen0877

Depends. is this a car at a dealership? from the sound of it.. it is. since you are talking about a car fax with maintenance all done and records of. Me personally. If i was in the market for specifically an es300. I would go for it. Miles aren't too bad. Heck I have a 92 with 200k on it and still running strong. If this car is at a dealership it is priced fairly. if it's a person of the street. it's a bit over priced. But then again it all comes down to what will make YOU happy. So think about it.

bartsitars

The car is at a small mom and pop dealership. I ordered a carfax and you can pull maintenance history from the Lexus web site. All you need is the VIN. It pulls all the records. Thanks for the reply and you make some good points.

jgreen0877

No problem. I also used to sell cars, and I would be that one salesperson that would tell you to keep ur car if you didn't NEED a new one. lol

bartsitars

I'm with ya. You were one of the good guys. In this case, we need a second car. We went down to one from 2 a couple years ago since Chicago has great public transport and work/home is off a train line. Well, life has thrown a curve ball and 2 cars would be nice. We don't want a payment (already have a 2012 Jeep GC) but want something nice and reliable. The ES makes that cut.

PIONEER

iTrader: (2)

check for rust on the car, other then that, if all service records check out, It should be allright. Check for damage/previous accidents that may not show up on carfax if fixed by mom/pop dealership. LIft the carpet in the trunk, Check radiator support brackets on the front.

bartsitars

Went to look at it and test drive. It looks clean for it's age. One rust bubble on the door frame and some random chips/scratches. Drives really well. He will replace the valve cover gasket before I buy it. Is 55 a good price? Out the door, btw with tags, title, tax, etc.

PIONEER

iTrader: (2)

usually in the upper Midwest, the cars are sprayed with a rubber compound on the chassis to prevent rust. I say get the car up in the air and see if any rust is on the framerails. if the door is rusted, wonder where else the rust is hiding.

bartsitars

Thanks for all the help. I decided to go with a GS300 that I found. Got a good deal, the car is in great shape, and has an acceptable service history.