Buying a used 2011 Lexus ES 350
 

Hi Guys,

I am in the market for a new sedan as my previous vehicle got totaled due to water damage. I found a 2011 Lexus ES 350 (Matador Red Mica) with 70000 miles asking $16000. It is a one owner car. All brakes new but tires need replacement sooner. This car has the preferred package and not ultra-luxury package and no Mark-Levinson system too. Checked the maintenance history through drivers lexus . The service records were okay meaning not too much happened in terms of maintenance except recalls, oil/fluid changes. However ,there was a complaint mentioned about the car's brakes being spongy and going too much in when pressed. Coming from a toyota and an ex owner of a 2013 RX 350, i can totally relate to it. Is this normal in 2011 ES too?

What are the other things i should check/be aware of before pulling the trigger on this one? What would be the right price (approx) for this car? Appreciate your inputs.

Note : There is a 2013 Acura TL (SH-AWD) with 56000 miles on sale too asking $19000. Yet to check on this.

Have you had a SH-AWD Acura before? The 3.7L engine and AWD system is high maintenance and not the most reliable so be aware. But it is a very fun car, might be worth it to you. Definitely not as lux on the inside as the Lexus - but still has plenty of tech.

I hate how expensive cars are right now :(

Haven't owned an Acura before. But heard it is fun to drive . Thank you.

Both my 2007 and 2002 ES have spongy brakes. 2007 is actually a little worse than the 2002. Changed brake fluid, rotors, pads, etc....didn't change much. I got use to it

Just bought a 2011 after some drunk totaled our 2007. I love these cars.

Drive it.

Then have the current owner remove all the plastic engine covers and look for oil leaks. Both our 2007 and this 2001 were spotless. That's the reason I'm sticking with Lexus. I've never owned a car that didn't leak oil. Never, ever, ever.

If it drives fine with no noises and there are no dash warning lights and the engine is clean then pull the trigger.

My wife has 90k trouble free miles on her 2010 Matador Red Ultra. That’s the best color!

its definitely more sporty and exciting to drive. Es350 is an old man car, which I guess what I am… lol

Do an independent mechanic inspection of the chassis. It will reveal a lot more than any CarFax, Lexus Owners website, or exterior photos ever could.

Check for these:

1. Sticky and/or cracked dashboard and door panels
2. Torn/Slinging CV Axle boots
3. Leaking power steering components
4. Water pump seepage
5. Front timing cover leaking
6. Bent wheels
7. Make sure HID projectors light up and swivel smoothly
8. Scan all the computer modules for history codes and emission monitors
9. Check for old dying TPMS sensors (scan tool required)

Weren't some of these just issues that the 2007 and maybe 2008 models had?

No they’re pretty common across all years. Just varies by the vehicle’s history. Also cannot forget to mention the transmission flaring. Make sure the shifts are smooth and precise without any feeling of going into neutral.