I have a 2001 Lexus es350 coach edition with around 150,000 miles. The car has poor acceleration when trying to get up to speed and rough transmission shifts upshifting and down shifting when slowing down. It also leaks and burns small amounts of oil & vibration in the cabin of the car is consistently getting worse over time. I've had this car for about two years and none of the issues were present when I first purchased it. It's driven very conservatively to and from work and around town. The one issue that the car had when I purchased was the ABS traction light would come on and blink when accelerating sometimes. Thanks!!
Sounds like your "friend" didn't keep up with the maintenance on the car.
I’d get rid of it now, if I were you. Have you already tried selling it?
How much did you pay for the car?
3500 from a long time family friend
Does it have any codes?
No codes
If you like the car, find a good Japanese car mechanic in your area, spend some $$ to see what's actually wrong with it. He or she can plug in a sophisticated scanner to see what the car's computers are reporting. The leaks and burns are most likely age related- after all the car is over 20 years old. Replacing seals and gaskets would be a major expense because of all the labor required, you could put up with it or try some ATP AT-205 reasealer . It ran decently for you for 2 years and used car prices are insane now, you might be able to justify putting a few more dollars into it.
Your engine also has a timing belt. You might ask the guy you bought it from if it's ever been replaced. If not, or he doesn't know and you decide to keep it, it needs to be changed.
Thanks!