I'm looking for a good winter car and saw a 2005 Lexus ES 330 with 128,000 KMs (70,000 miles) on it for around $6500 CDN ($5100 USD) for sale by a private individual. Owner said the car was meticulously maintained, and that there is no damage. The pictures have the car looking very clean on the outside, inside and under the hood. I'm located in southwestern Ontario so the winters here are usually mild but can be harsh sometimes. I am contacting the owner tomorrow and was wondering if there was anything I should check out/ask for specifically?
I'm fairly young and only owned 1 brand new car in my life, so venturing into the used car market has me a bit worried. I've been watching Scotty daily since the start of 2020 and think I have a good handle on the basics to check for.
In doing research there are virtually no complaints with this car, everything has held up for years into 300,000+ KMs from what I have read/seen in videos. I'll be looking to get the VIN number from the owner and possibly running a check.
Things I'm going to ask/check for:
Rust/frame damage
Ask about the routine maintenance/if any components have been replaced (timing belts, trans fluid flush/replacements, new battery, brakes/rotors, and etc)
Basic check of interior electronics
Check the title to ensure it's clean
Test drive car, see if struts are still good and check exhaust afterwards for any potential oil burning.
Try and get a mechanic to check under the hood/run a scan tool to ensure real mileage and see if there are any codes (still have to find a mechanic though! :()
A family member said that it is still risky given it's a 16 year old car and if it did have any powertrain issues it would be $6500 down the drain basically. I can afford to buy a new car, but I am personally not a big fan of all the modern electronics in cars (a bit ironic since I am looking at a Lexus...). I prefer a solid construction/reliability of the powertrain over everything else so I am really at odds on what to do!
Your doing the right things. Offer 5k. Don't worry about struts...cheap and easy to replace. Buy your own scan tool. Find the mech you like and keep learning... but start putting it to practice (start building experienced knowledge). Will pay tremendous dividend down the road for ya ; )
Thanks for the reply. I was considering getting the Blue Driver scan tool I might as well but it now.
As for the $5000 offer, I assume you mean offer $5000 CDN.
Yes, but didn't look up price for that vehicle in your area so just a WAG... but always offer less...and also be weary if the seller jumps on a low ball price... a tactic and 1 reason to do so.
Thanks, I'll be aware of that. I feel bad offering a lowball price, but I do want to make sure the vehicle is fairly priced!
It sounds like a good deal - I am also in SW Ontario and have looked for an ES, along with many others. You may have to change the timing belt. But if the motor sounds fine, the car shifts fine, and is not rusted out underneath it will probably be a good car for you. $5k is less than it is worth, and I assuming it is the silver one in Waterloo.
Yes, you think $5000 is too low?
I should have been more clear, just make the offer... if it is considered and not flatly declined by the seller....inspect it closely. Paying market price for your area is fine.
I think it will sell for closer to the asking price. I looked at one in far inferior condition for $6950