singleton

I was just recently in a wreck and totaled my 2000 Lexus ES300, so now I need a replacement, but only have a small budget. I found a 1999 Lexus LS400 with 180k mi for $6600. It is on its 3rd owner who purchased in 2004; needs new tires; non-smoker; no accidents; garaged.

I only need the vehicle to last me a couple of years until I am finished with nursing school. Am I crazy for considering a 180k vehicle? I understand if they have been maintained correctly that Lexuses will last well beyond the 200k mi mark.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

dashan

This car is at 180K miles. It will need a second timing belt replacement (about $1000) service.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

depending on when the first one was done, but at 200k at least. will 20k work for you?

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

if the timing belt was done within the past 20-40k miles, and its in good shape, then go for it.

otherwise as noted, it's due for an ~$1100 service that really shouldn't be postponed.

singleton

Thanks for all the feedback and advice. My budget was going to be maxed out if I had to buy new tires and perform the necessary timing belt and water pump service and he wouldn't come down to $6k so I had to move on.

I ended up purchasing another ES300 this past weekend:

'98 ES300 - 116k mi; one-owner; all service at local dealership; no major mechanical work; 30k mi left on tires; in great shape inside and out; paid full price at $6k even though I think that it was worth a little less, it was exactly what I was looking for and there are not many in supply at this price point with this mileage and one-owner.

Thanks again for all your help.

j2b4o

Congratts in the purchase!! I agree the price is a lil high but I payed a lil too much for my ls also. like you said they aren't for sale with low miles all that often unless they are heavily neglected or molested.

One thing I can say about the es is that you will likely have the flex pipe on the exhaust rust out if you live near the coast. Not too costly or difficult but I've never seen an es or v6 Camry that didn't need it done around 100k. I live in NY though so it may be different if you don't get snow(salt) in the winter. That and make sure you keep up on I'll changes, pretty sure that year has the "sludge" issues. Other than that maybe an eventual head gasket (all yota v6's) they are great cars!
Enjoy!!

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

he bought an ES...

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

after he finished nursing school, he will move on for sure!

shirkes330

Es is a great choice lol my 330 was much easier to maintain than my ls400 is!!!
Congrats on the ES!

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

really now...

ever try doing spark plugs...? lol.

shirkes330

Lol well no I totaled it a year and a half after buying it and it hadn't needed them yet :/

j2b4o

Word.
Forgot all about the back plugs, what a PIA lol. it was almost like they took a cue from the Chevy 3.1-2.8 lol.

blange400

ASk if the water pump, idler arm, and timing belt was done, seems like he took care of it. If so it would be great deal. We have a 1999 with 155K and I wouldnt sell it for that. If it's neglected its not worth 4k.

lextout

From experience, i always try to stay away from any V6 Toyota due to there poor design. Go for a LS400 or GS400, almost same gas mileage but more nice.