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Hey everybody!..I am new here and I just want some feedback..I'm about to purchase a 2001 Lexus ES 300 coach edition black in color with 102,560 miles for $3,700..car is in good condition.. the only thing is the check engine light is on..I took it to the local part store and had them to do a code search but couldn't find anything..so do you all think it would be a good buy??
Hey everybody!..I am new here and I just want some feedback..I'm about to purchase a 2001 Lexus ES 300 coach edition black in color with 102,560 miles for $3,700..car is in good condition.. the only thing is the check engine light is on..I took it to the local part store and had them to do a code search but couldn't find anything..so do you all think it would be a good buy??
Hey everybody!..I am new here and I just want some feedback..I'm about to purchase a 2001 Lexus ES 300 coach edition black in color with 102,560 miles for $3,700..car is in good condition.. the only thing is the check engine light is on..I took it to the local part store and had them to do a code search but couldn't find anything..so do you all think it would be a good buy??
Check the service history. If that has been kept up regularly, good price for that kind of mileage. Sludge is a problem for these models if oil changes not done regularly.
Also, dirve and make sure the transmission is okay.
If the check engine light is ON than you have a code in Memory. The place you took it to may not have had a good scanner, or one that does not read all codes. Take it to someone that has a scanner that reads ALL codes.
Don't buy the car until you know why the check engine light is on. Not a wise move. It's just looking for trouble.
I I also have a 2001 ES300, and it's been an exceptional trouble free car, BUT you need to deal with the cause of the Check engine light before proceeding.
Appreciate the advice..the car runs really good though..I had one of these cars previously and sometimes the check engine light would come on due to the gas cap..when he did the code scan he said that the only thing he could find was a history of codes that were not cleared from the computer but no current codes
So if some codes do pop up do you think it is still worth buying..I also have to get timing belt and transmission fluid changed because that hasn't been done..
Car does look clean, and is the year and model that I like. Black interior is nice, but like the exterior unless it was properly cared for can show more wear than other colors.
The check engine light does bother me if I were buying, but the price is pretty good. I would try haggle a bit more because the issue you need to address is unknown.
If I had to guess, the common issues on these cars were:
1)EGR issues
2)O2 sensor issues
3)Knock sensors
4)Oil Control Valves
Sludge and transmission problems is another big headache. I would definitely run some Marvel Mystery Oil through it (maybe an engine flush). Change the ATF as soon as it comes home.
Other issue I've seen common on these cars, are leaky power steering, cam/crank seals, and the infamous Valve Cover gasket leaks.
A complete timing belt job by a competent mechanic will run you 800-1500 be sure to factor that in your purchase price, I would make sure the Cam/Crank seals are changed too as they will come back to haunt you if they leak profusely later.
These are good cars and maintenance is do-able by an amateur mechanic/DIY'er, as long as there isn't major issues they will run for a very long time!
Looks like we scared you too much. These are very good cars. Just get that code checked out and then decide.
Timing belt & seals is all one job.
valve covers if leaking, maybe another 300-400.
Other than that.. these cars are rock solid
I had the same car and the CEL popped on for literally no reason and no matter how many times I got it cleared it kept coming on, until I gave up and accepted my fate. I put black tape over it. The car had zero issues. I probably wouldn't sweat it, just get a second opinion. Looks like a great car.
07-23-16, 11:24 AM
2001 Lexus ES 300 coach edition
Looks like we scared you too much. These are very good cars. Just get that code checked out and then decide.
