Screwdriva

Hey CL,

I'm a new member but have been a fan of the ES 300 for a decade now. I graduate soon and was looking to pick up a 2001 ES 300 Coach Edition for a year now but....

...I just can't find one!

I'm picky and that's probably why its been hard to find one that fits my bill. The "must have's" include:

1) Clean CARFAX 1 owner car
2) Black interior only
3) Less than 100000 miles

The I'd like to have's include:

4) CARFAX Dealer service history
5) CARFAX No Accident history

Before you tell me that my chances of finding one are low, let me just say that I know this. I thought I'd ask on CL to see if anyone knew anyone with a car that fits this description. If so, know that I'm very interested!

Cheers!

PDXLex

I think the tough part is going to be finding one under 100K. You gotta realize, these cars are already 13+ years old, so unless it's some old lady that drove it 5000 miles a year, it's gonna have over 100K on it. Good luck on the search though! It may involve having to fly one-way to a far-off location and then driving it back.

Screwdriva

And that I'm okay with. Its a one time inconvenience for a well kept car.

And old lady vehicles are exactly what I'm looking for!

PuReChaos

Not sure how far you're willing to travel but my friend has an 01 silver exterior and black interior ES coach edition. Its just over 98k. Located in California. Unfortunately its a 2 car owner. However he picked it up 7 years ago and its been babied since. The upside is literally every piece that has been replaced has been OEM since he is a Toyota Technician. The only recent history I know of about the car is that we did the timing belt, seals, water pump about 2k miles ago, however, this is the second belt this car has seen as he replaced it when he first bought the car. Fluids (ATF, power steering, brake, and coolant) were changed within the last year. Not sure what he would ask for it. Unfortunately I think he's considering trading it in, however, it'll still be for sale in the area... Just thought I would throw this out there.

Screwdriva

Much appreciated. PM sent

Screwdriva

Found a great car in mint condition (the dealer event installed a new timing belt and water pump) and only 77,000 miles. But he wants $10,000 for it - I got him down from $11,000/- by offering him $8000.

I feel like $9000/ is alot for a 13 year old car but wanted to ask your opinions?

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

It's a tough question to answer. If you're willing to shell out that kind of cash, for what you want, then the price is reasonable. Market Price = Demand

Screwdriva

I'm willing to do $10,000 out the door but not happy about it. Given that he's come down a grand, I wonder how much more I can push him.

Thoughts?

speedkar9

$10K is approaching 5th Gen ES category...

I'd keep looking.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

Seriously, get an 07+. They can be had for 13-15k at a used car dealer, or cheaper private party...

Screwdriva

Not a big fan of the 07+. I'd much rather get a 04+ LS 430 (which I may end up doing a year from now).

I seem to have got the dealer to agree on the $9000 offer I made. While I agree that its an ageing car, there are still examples that command a higher price than any rationale would suggest.

For instance, there's an 01 with 66K miles that's being listed at $13,000 at a Lexus dealership. While I'd never pay more than what I have offered, I guess it comes down to what makes the most sense to the buyer. To me, a single owner, dealer maintained car is worth a premium.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

While that is true, you also have to consider that listings are just bait, and are not a true representation of the car's worth. If nobody is willing to pay that kind of price, the car gets relisted with a lowered value, until the right buyer comes along. Lastly, Lexus, and other premium dealerships, are not interested in used car sales, unless they know they can make a decent profit on the inventory AND can offer financing. That's why you'll rarely find cars older than 6 years on their lots. It's harder to sell cars in lump sums, than small monthly payments.

The ones you found were probably traded in by their original owners for something newer, and the dealer saw an opportunity in their current state.

Anyway, good luck on your quest to finding the perfect ES. Let us know if you get it.

Screwdriva

The dealer sold the car to someone else today for $250 more. Its amazing that there's a 5 digit market for these cars still.

The search goes on!

Stereorob

ES coach edition is a rare car, good luck with the hunt!

Dtwillis5

Check carfax they could help you with that