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Hey all, so I'm interested in purchasing a 2001 Lexus Es 300, with only 76500 miles on the odometer. The only downside to this car is that it contains a salvage title (it was involved in an accident and fully repaired by a dealer) and is now for sale. I went in to take a look at it and the guy showed me the pictures of what it looked like before the accident and now how it is. All the cars on the lot have passed state inspection and essentially are ready to go. So I went and test drove the vehicle. It seemed that the car had been sitting for a while due to the battery needing a jump start. But once it got started and I drove it, the car was extremely quiet and smooth. I took it on the highway and it drove perfectly and also tried hearing for squeaks and anything under the hood, I could not. I also did a u turn and it made no squeaks or any noise whatsoever. So I took it back to the lot and asked him if the price is negotiable on it. The price listed is $4950, and I want to offer about $4000-4200, which he didn't seem to consider at all. So I got up and left and it's been a few weeks, and the car is still on the lot. I called earlier today and he seemed to not want to go lower still. I'm wondering what your take is on this and what strategies I could use to get him to bump his price down a bit. I also mentioned to him that the tires are wearing out, and he didn't seem to budge on that point either.
buying any car with a branded title is going to be a problem down the line when you want to sell it or trade it off,
I'm surprised that the dealer won't grab your $4200 and run.
I own a "Re-built"(salvage) too, and it was a lot of hoops to jump through and extra inspections to get it insured and licensed.
First, The dealer should have the history and details of the accident and be able to prove that the damage was repaired with all new parts and not a 5 gal bucket of Bondo and a paint job. I have owned mine now for about 5 years and it's basically worthless to sell privately and worth even less or not even acceptable as a trade in.
If I were you, I would keep shopping as you are in the right price range for an es 300 without all the drama and uncertainty.
I have decided to veer away from the salvage vehicle and put my focuses towards another Lexus that is for sale. It is a 2000 Lexus Es 300 in absolutely mint condition.
45000 miles, at a Toyota dealer, asking price is $8900.
I'm looking to pay about 6k for it, does that seem fair?
I have decided to veer away from the salvage vehicle and put my focuses towards another Lexus that is for sale. It is a 2000 Lexus Es 300 in absolutely mint condition.
45000 miles, at a Toyota dealer, asking price is $8900.
I'm looking to pay about 6k for it, does that seem fair?
Both cars smell like scams to me given the low mileage. 45K miles is way too low for a 2000 model car. The later model has a better tranny IMO, but the 2000 model has my preferred body style. As always you should get a car inspected by a competent mechanic and body shop before purchase.
lsiberian, imo the tranny on the 02-06 ES is way worse, I drive my parent's 05 practically everyday and there's so much lag in acceleration and jerkiness if I don't make a full stop at a light or stop sign.
And I checked the history of the 2000 and the odometer does seem to be accurate, so not sure. Mileage for both is accurate, but I get the point being made about the salvage one which is why I'm veering away from it. The clean title with 45k though sounds amazing. I'm willing to dish out about $6200 for it with taxes.
If you scour the internet car ads in your area (Texas) you will find they are listed for anywhere from $2900. for ones with more miles to $ 10,000. for ones in better shape. EEEK! there's a loong list of criteria (as i found out on this forum) when looking for a great ES 300 ..suspension issues, engine sludging history, frequent CEL's for 02 sensors, radio and dash light problems etc etc. It took me about 6 months of serious looking to find my beautiful 2000 ES300 last month for $5500..
To save you from covering all the. same ground, search "ES300 shopper"
lsiberian, imo the tranny on the 02-06 ES is way worse, I drive my parent's 05 practically everyday and there's so much lag in acceleration and jerkiness if I don't make a full stop at a light or stop sign.
The issue there is nothing to do with the transmission itself. It's the DBW throttle system regulated via the PCU. It's slower in response by nature and geared towards efficiency and not response.
It's also highly adaptable via the PCU and switching drivers will alter the response (we have two drivers and I've noticed this very strongly). Once a single driver lets it "learn" the pattern, it smooths out. But it's never lead-foot friendly like the cable system in earlier years.
04-07-15, 07:23 PM
How much should I pay for this 2001 Lexus Es 300?
