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1995 ES300: general advice on buying

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Old 08-02-16, 04:46 AM
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OMAHA
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Default 1995 ES300: general advice on buying

I found a ES300 that has a hundred and eighty-two thousand miles on it it is in great shape body wise interior is clean and the only concerns I guess I have are the engine and the transmission. My question to you guys are what do I need to look for as far as repairs go generally?
Old 08-02-16, 08:28 AM
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mdbrown
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You need to know if the water pump and timing belt were replaced at 180k, if not you need to do it asap. They are duie at 180k and it's a major interference motor so you can't put it off. You also need to know if the oil changes have been kept up on a regular basis as this is a known sludge motor, extended periods between oil changes can be a redlight. A quick visual check with a flashlight can tell you much as well since this engine is a notorious valve cover leaker. When properly maintained this engine is reliable, smooth and powerful. A lack of maintenance makes it a ticking time bomb.
Old 08-02-16, 09:13 AM
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OMAHA
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Originally Posted by mdbrown
You need to know if the water pump and timing belt were replaced at 180k, if not you need to do it asap. They are duie at 180k and it's a major interference motor so you can't put it off. You also need to know if the oil changes have been kept up on a regular basis as this is a known sludge motor, extended periods between oil changes can be a redlight. A quick visual check with a flashlight can tell you much as well since this engine is a notorious valve cover leaker. When properly maintained this engine is reliable, smooth and powerful. A lack of maintenance makes it a ticking time bomb.
thank you!
Old 08-02-16, 10:32 AM
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The general condition of all fluids and and cleanliness of the engine bay should tell you how much the owner cared. Judging by the condition of the car, it sounds promising.
Old 08-02-16, 03:18 PM
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LeX2K
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The engine in a '95 is NON interference and is not susceptible to sludge.
Old 08-02-16, 03:22 PM
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OMAHA
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Originally Posted by Lexus2000
The engine in a '95 is NON interference and is not susceptible to sludge.
ok, I see....I was wondering about that
Old 08-02-16, 04:05 PM
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80es300
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Are you getting a very good price? I ask because 97+ model looks a little nicer/newer and recently someone posted a 2001 es300 purchase with 102K miles for $3750
Old 08-02-16, 09:56 PM
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OMAHA
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Originally Posted by 80es300
Are you getting a very good price? I ask because 97+ model looks a little nicer/newer and recently someone posted a 2001 es300 purchase with 102K miles for $3750
it's listed at $1500
Old 08-02-16, 09:59 PM
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OMAHA
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it looks straight, dont like the wheels tho
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Old 08-02-16, 10:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Lexus2000
The engine in a '95 is NON interference and is not susceptible to sludge.
Yup, you are right. I have a 2000 and that's just burned into my brain...
Old 08-05-16, 07:02 AM
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mmatheny
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Originally Posted by OMAHA
it looks straight, dont like the wheels tho
That's the stock wheels!
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