Looking at 2001ES 300 need advice
10-18-14, 10:06 PM
#1
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Looking at 2001ES 300 need advice
Hello all,
I am looking at a 2001 es 300. It has 143k on it. The dealer once 3950 for it after I took it to a mechanic and found out it needed a new radiator, alternator, in front engine mount. The estimated cost of repair is 900.should I ask him to go a little bit lower on the price since I will have to shell out an extra 900 for repair? or is the car even worth buying? It does ride nice and cosmetically it seems in fair condition. any ideas from anyone would be great. Thanks in advance.
I am looking at a 2001 es 300. It has 143k on it. The dealer once 3950 for it after I took it to a mechanic and found out it needed a new radiator, alternator, in front engine mount. The estimated cost of repair is 900.should I ask him to go a little bit lower on the price since I will have to shell out an extra 900 for repair? or is the car even worth buying? It does ride nice and cosmetically it seems in fair condition. any ideas from anyone would be great. Thanks in advance.
10-19-14, 01:55 PM
#3
Make sure the suspension is quiet and makes no clunks over bumps because that can be a costly repair between all of the mounts and struts. Other than that, as long as the engine isn't leaking oil around the oil pan or valve covers, you should be just fine. As for the price, it isn't all that bad for an 01, but I would mention the repair costs without a doubt to drive the price down.
10-19-14, 04:12 PM
#5
Yep, definitely negotiate it in.
As mentioned, key things are verifying timing belt service or adding that cost, too, and checking for sludge.
As to parts cost, I don't know how handy you are, but I could do all those repairs for about $150/$160 myself total, plus cost of new coolant.
I would also point out that car is supposed to use "Toyota Red" coolant. So it is good to flush it out and put that in if it's not using it now. You have three optoins non that; it can be hard to find. You can use pre-mix Zerex Asian, buy the Toyota brand at a dealership or CARQUEST (cheaper a little bit there), or use PentoFrost A1 - can get that at many stores on request and it is slightly cheaper than the Toyota brand. If you have the radiator out it would be good to replace the upper and lower hoses, too.
I would also verify the last transmission fluid change or at least drain it and refill to get about 1/2 new fluid in there. Ditto w/psf (not to hard to flush it all out, not just drain/fill).
I don't know if an 01 has an upper torque strut/engine brace like on our 2002, but those crack frequently after this age/mileage. Can't tell till you take them out because there is a dust shield on the rubber grommet that hides it. They are $100 at NAPA/dealer, but $20 on ebay, etc., and very easy to replace.
As mentioned, key things are verifying timing belt service or adding that cost, too, and checking for sludge.
As to parts cost, I don't know how handy you are, but I could do all those repairs for about $150/$160 myself total, plus cost of new coolant.
I would also point out that car is supposed to use "Toyota Red" coolant. So it is good to flush it out and put that in if it's not using it now. You have three optoins non that; it can be hard to find. You can use pre-mix Zerex Asian, buy the Toyota brand at a dealership or CARQUEST (cheaper a little bit there), or use PentoFrost A1 - can get that at many stores on request and it is slightly cheaper than the Toyota brand. If you have the radiator out it would be good to replace the upper and lower hoses, too.
I would also verify the last transmission fluid change or at least drain it and refill to get about 1/2 new fluid in there. Ditto w/psf (not to hard to flush it all out, not just drain/fill).
I don't know if an 01 has an upper torque strut/engine brace like on our 2002, but those crack frequently after this age/mileage. Can't tell till you take them out because there is a dust shield on the rubber grommet that hides it. They are $100 at NAPA/dealer, but $20 on ebay, etc., and very easy to replace.
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