mrjwillz

1998 es300 185k mileage purchased 2/2010 price-$2600 (originally wanted $3000) oil change(diy-$25) pcv valve and grommet(diy-$9) air filter(diy-$5) lcd radio screen(diy-$100) cd changer magazine($25) replacement key fob($30) i've always admired the lexus brand,but realisticly is unaffordable new. when i saw this car forsale at a used car dealer that i past everday,going and coming from work. i stopped to check her out. after driving it fell i in love. after good inspection of the vehicle mechanically and interior wise, i was satisfied! it had a set of new tires recent inspection sticker. when i opened the hood the engine was spotless. the previous owner must have really took care of her. and a slight hint of oil burning. so i let the car run about 45 minutes.between test drive and walking around the car.i saw no drips or leaks.probably a valve cover seal.there was a noise though, a thump something in that fashion.coming from the rear. hence my next almost obvious conclusion. its a strut or strut mount or shock,shock mount. now we come to the exterior of the car.the body was almost immaculate except for previous damage on the drivers side rear quarter panel. this damage however,was attempted to be repaired in a sub par manor. but only noticeable when up close. and it also brought me back to the previous noise i heard during the test drive. when i decided to make the purchse,that gave me something to haggle with on the price in negotiations.granted the car has age and mileage.i should expect to spend a little on neccessary "piece of mind" repairs. the things that you want to make sure were done when buying a used car. the 1996 mazda 626 that i was driving was..........you fill in the blanks. and on that note so far so good!! love the car i'm still going to do a fews more minor things to ease my mind. but no mods! i'm going to keep her stock. she's gorgeous pictures will follow. p.s. there were recent repair receipts in glove compartment that was very helpful(notice that after i flew home!) future diy jobs,replace front brake pads and rotors.(rear to follow) have the quarter repaired, not sure on price yet. valve adjustment,theres a tick! its not loud but,its heard. at this mileage,and age i can live with it till getting around to having them adjusted.