Hi there,
I am new here too, and I bought my 1997/98 ES300 last January for just $7800. It has 90k miles on it and I think it was a good deal for a rare and expensive car here in Brazil. It is a shielded car, by the way, which means that the body and glasses are bullet proof as probably a millionaire have bought it in 1997. The main problem about the shielded car is the extra weight it has, since in my case I think the car has + or - 500lb more than a regular ES300. Of course it affects mileage and parts durability (mainly suspension absorbers).
Since I bought it the car is at the mechanic shop to have some basic and essential things done, such as to have the Tbelt, fuel filter, front valve gasket, battery, and some suspension parts replaced. The interior is very new and it is black (interior and exterior). The spare tire has never been used.
I've been anxious waiting to get the car back and serviced.
Later.