2006 Lexus ES330

[mosaud1998]

Hey guys,

I am looking at buying this 2006 Lexus ES330. It's got 127k miles on it. Owner is asking 5k. I offered him $3,700 (going to have to get the timing belt and waterpump done $500~). I was looking at the pictures again and noticed the passenger side quarter panel is starting to rust. Now I know it is an 18-year-old car. But, I am planning on keeping this for a while. What's an easy way to prevent the rust from spreading/getting worse? I spoke to a body shop and they want $400 (sand down body filler primer paint and clearcoat). It's going to be a daily driver but I don't want the rust to get crazy. There Is no hole etc.

 

[NormanBuntz]

Your offer is too low. What do you expect to find for less than $5,000?

 

[bullwinkle]

That rust is on the inside, working its’ way out-my ‘07 Corolla has the same problem on the driver’s side rear quarter. Not much can be done for it, especially in a rust prone northern area. The timing belt/WP issue is why the Toyotas in my sig are timing chain equipped 4s…

 

[mosaud1998]

Your offer is too low. What do you expect to find for less than $5,000?

Oh there are cars out there under 5k. Just older. I sold my 08 Camry Friday. Might have been dumb of me to do.

 

[GSCJR]

Why are you wanting to go from an '08 to an '06 living in IL? Sounds backwards to me.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Without spending a bunch of money - not really. You can wipe it off with a wire brush and spray it with some sort of rust treatment. Might slow it down a small amount. Once it starts, you either cut it out or keep patching it.

 

[mosaud1998]

Why are you wanting to go from an '08 to an '06 living in IL? Sounds backwards to me.

Well, I wanted something a bit "nicer". I made a bit of money off the camry so I sold it. I put I think $600~ into the camry over a one year span

 

[mosaud1998]

Without spending a bunch of money - not really. You can wipe it off with a wire brush and spray it with some sort of rust treatment. Might slow it down a small amount. Once it starts, you either cut it out or keep patching it.

That's what I was thinking of doing.

 

[GSCJR]

Well, I wanted something a bit "nicer". I made a bit of money off the camry so I sold it. I put I think $600~ into the camry over a one year span

Okay, but look at something newer. 2006 in your climate could be asking for trouble IMO.

 

[michaelluscher]

Buy it
I'd do it all over again if I could with my Camry (identical to this particular Lexus)

 

[mosaud1998]

Buy it
I'd do it all over again if I could with my Camry (identical to this particular Lexus)

Waiting for the seller to send better pictures of the rust. If there are no holes, I'll sand it down, spray some rust oleum rust reformer, and call it a day.