Scotty,

I just purchased a 1999 Lexus ES300 with 80,000 miles for $1,000. The guy I purchased it from sold it so cheap because he thought the vehicle had a "ghost" battery drain after ruling out the battery and alternator (he had both replaced). He claims the brand new battery he just purchased died. I tested the amps being pulled from the battery with a multimeter. It is only pulling between 20 and 30 mA with the vehicle parked. The next day I went to start the vehicle and it wouldn't crank at all. I turned the key once more and it fired right up with a strong start. I am thinking this could be an ignition switch issue. Thoughts?

Also, the engine is leaking some oil toward the bottom of the timing belt cover. This leak is not very bad as the oil has not been topped off since the last oil change (3,000 miles ago) and the level is still in the acceptable range. Do you think a crank or cam seal could be the culprit? I am planning to replace the timing belt soon so I feel I should replace the water pump, idler, and seals as well while I'm in there.

This car runs great, shifts smoothly, and every single feature and button works as it should. The original Lexus pen (that was included in the manual) even still writes.

Thank you for your help,

Tyler