farklspark

Car I just test drove makes a Wawa sound when you advance to see forward or back. The dealership knows about it so the car is priced very well and I'm curious as to what it could be. To be honest I thought it just needed grease on the rails but if it were a motor would that be as expensive as just replacing the unit?

PoorES

If it's low, then it's a normal sound when the motor is moving. It basically works on a giant screw. Otherwise, get the seat replaced before you buy it. Look for sign that the seat may have been removed previously, such as loose, broken, or missing seat bolt covers. Remember, seats are expensive to replace (~4,000 for a new one) and it's hard to find a good used one without a blown airbag.

My one advice for buying a used car, is to look for reasons not to buy the car rather than reasons to buy it. Think about what options the car is missing. Look for gaps in body panel, broken covers, any form of damage.

Also, it's an 09. Avoid the 07-09 because they had serious engine problems. Get a 10-12. Then, wait for the airbag to be replaced and apply to have the dashboard replaced as well. Also, ES350s commonly have an smell during humid and hot weather because of faulty evaporator cores that Lexus never really fixed.

farklspark

It's a definite squeak. Not the smooth motor sound