97 Es300 Is It A Deal Or Should I Run?

[lexus97]

My first post here, I am looking at a 97 ES300 that appears to be clean on the outside and interior. I noticed that the previous owner had an oil change sticker from a Lexus dealer so I called them to ask if the car was maintained. The service person didn't want to give out to much information but was willing to tell me that the owner has had the oil changed every 5,000 miles. My question to everyone is this too long between oil changes? The reason I ask is because of the sludge issues that have been reported. This car would not qualify for the warrenty from what I've read. The warrenty is only good for 8 years. The car currently has 120,000 miles on it. One other thing they did mention was that it had a timing belt and water pump put in within the last 10,000 miles.

[Bigrick]

Go for it. It looks like it has been dealer maintained. 5,000 mile intervals for oil changes is fine. 90,000 was major service like timing belt.

[Shayan]

the ? here is how much they want for it?

[mburnickas]

My first post here, I am looking at a 97 ES300 that appears to be clean on the outside and interior. I noticed that the previous owner had an oil change sticker from a Lexus dealer so I called them to ask if the car was maintained. The service person didn't want to give out to much information but was willing to tell me that the owner has had the oil changed every 5,000 miles. My question to everyone is this too long between oil changes? The reason I ask is because of the sludge issues that have been reported. This car would not qualify for the warrenty from what I've read. The warrenty is only good for 8 years. The car currently has 120,000 miles on it. One other thing they did mention was that it had a timing belt and water pump put in within the last 10,000 miles.

I am doing 2.5X there drain interval. I feel the sludge issue is way over blown. with 5K on each oil change, you are fine.

[chadmg7]

I have a 97 with 112k on it and have had the oil changed regularly since I bought it (86k miles). Before that, I have no records of the maintenance but so far, I've experienced very few problems with the car... just regular maintenance issues mostly.

I would go for it. I also believe that the sludge issue tends to be overblown when really, it's not as widespread as it's made to seem. The ES is a fantastic vehicle.

[njmurvin]

My daughter is driving my wife's old 97 ES. It has over 150k and is still going strong. I happened to be standing next to the technician during an oil change when the car had about 125k. He thought there had been a mistake and that they had already done the oil change. It was THAT clean. We tried to change on 3k intervals, but that doesn't always work out. The average would be closer to 4k. I wouldn't be at all concerned. It is the best (mechanically) quality car I have ever owned - bar none. And, I have owned about 40 cars including BMW and Mercedes.

[lexus97]

Thanks for the input everyone!! The price for the car is 3,500 which is under blue book in the Atlanta area. If I do purchase the car I will post to let you know.....Thanks Again!!

[Rick59]

Thanks for the input everyone!! The price for the car is 3,500 which is under blue book in the Atlanta area. If I do purchase the car I will post to let you know.....Thanks Again!!

I have a 97 ES300 with 100K on it. Other than the strut bushings this car is the most quiet, strong, sound, and reliable car I have owned. The sludge this does appear overblown if you change oil at least every 5000 miles. Sounds like the previous owner took care of it and the timing belt/water pump is the big PM thing took have addressed at this mileage. Good luck. You should love the care for $3500.

[pearlwhite97ES]

If you dont buy it,please let me know where it is because I'll buy

it. $3500 with the timing belt just done seems almost to good to be true

I'd snatch it up. D.W.

[Jeffry]

For $3500 ? Tell me who's selling it; I'll drive to ATL & buy it myself.

[OmarG]

I'm in the ATL area. Did you buy the car? 3500 is a great almost too good to be true price

[Aikibro]

$3500???

Are you sure it comes with wheels?

Lol...