jaredmac11

I own a 97 ES300, 138k miles. No big issues, minus a potentially failing instrument cluster and very poor paint (red car, resprayed from accident)

The service records, outside oil changes are limited. But from what I can tell it has been on time with the timing belt.

I found a garage Queen 97, 150k miles. Purchased by the previous owners shop, impeccable records. They have done quite a bit of work past few years including motor mounts, alternator, new AC compressor, anything need done to it has been done.

Part of me wants to Jump on this car, the other part of me is saying hold. I spent $1500 on mine and they are firm at $3000. I'd have to sell mine, obviously, as well.

Does it make sense to double down on a 97?

Corkman

There's a lot to love about garage Queens. They still look shine and new. From what repairs you listed done on 97 with 12k more miles it kinda make me think those might issues you be look at in the future with your. Trading actually be a good financial decision.
Mike

DRACO A5OG

I say no but it depends if you want to deal with a higher mileage car.

If I may, The instrument cluster issue, is the tach and or the speedo act like it has a mind of it's own?

The fix is to remove the cluster, take the cluster board off and clean the 4 pins and contacts on the tach and speedo. Over time those get corroded and contact gets loose.

Take your car to Mexico and get it painted for 1/3rd the price. Red will always oxidize faster, but a good clear coat will help.

My 2 cents.

808mcv20l

If it were me I'd hold out for another car.

idk how hard it is to find lower mileage cars in your area but anything over 100k I would avoid if I wasn't in a rush to find a car.

These cars are pretty easy to work on I've done all the work myself on my mom's 99 camry which is basically the same car.

the only thing I can't do myself is bodywork so, if possible a clean body and strong mechanically is what I'd want.

Small wear and tear stuff, maintenance jobs I'd tackle those myself.

HomerJay

Ultimately it's your decision, but IMO I would not from a dollar perspective. BTW I consider a Garage Queen a rarely driven car that is in mint condition only driven in fair weather (no rain/snow), and is kept in the garage.

jaredmac11

That's more accurate. Garage queen was a bit too strong. it is a two owner car. Originally the car was driven less.

Oro

To me it seems a good trade. A car in excellent mechanical shape and very, very good cosmetics like you make that out to be is worth a lot around here, more than $3k. The residual value of yours is probably strong and it sounds cosmetically and mechanically challenged. The alternative is, can you make yours as good or better than that one for the estimated price difference and title/tax fees?

And do you like the platform enough to want to "double" down on the year/make? There are things I really like about the 4es, but the looks on those are superior and I'd not say "no" to one were it in good enough shape and well maintained.