I have always liked the looks and feel of the ES300 cars but were always overpriced due to the Lexus name.. Today i was gassing up and noticed a very sharp garage kept 1997 ES300 beside me. An older arab looking gentleman was fueling the car and i struck up the conversation about if its been a good car..kind of fishing to see if it was for sale.
Turns out he is a doctor and was kind of upset that he had to put a battery in it today. (17 years on original battery). Car is garage kept and looks immaculate. 101,000 miles and he is original owner. Car taken to lexus dealer for all maintenance etc.
Motor was dead quiet, silky smooth.. now to the questions.
This is obviously a sludge monster engine.. i cant tell much by looking in the oil fill cap due to the baffle..but i do see some hints of sludge..but its dry and thick.
I am a good mechanic but i dont see him letting me take the valve covers off or oil pan..so if the deal is right can i beat the sludge or will it beat me?
I think i can get it for $4500 and this is above KBB by about $900 but it looks to be a cream puff and i think if the sludge doesnt get me..will be a good car for the wife.
Move forward or run?
Turns out he is a doctor and was kind of upset that he had to put a battery in it today. (17 years on original battery). Car is garage kept and looks immaculate. 101,000 miles and he is original owner. Car taken to lexus dealer for all maintenance etc.
Motor was dead quiet, silky smooth.. now to the questions.
This is obviously a sludge monster engine.. i cant tell much by looking in the oil fill cap due to the baffle..but i do see some hints of sludge..but its dry and thick.
I am a good mechanic but i dont see him letting me take the valve covers off or oil pan..so if the deal is right can i beat the sludge or will it beat me?
I think i can get it for $4500 and this is above KBB by about $900 but it looks to be a cream puff and i think if the sludge doesnt get me..will be a good car for the wife.
Move forward or run?