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Should I buy this c...
 
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Should I buy this car

  

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What do you think about this car and price?     

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicle/756455745


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That looks to be a very clean car regarding the exterior which may be an indication that it was well cared for but with it being 30 years old you would certainly need documentation of the maintenance history, especially oil and oil filter changes as that 1mz-fe engine is prone to oil sludge formation with insufficient oil changes (every 5,000 miles or 6 months). My 2004 Toyota Avalon with 180K miles has a version of this motor with no oil consumption or sludge but I have changed the oil as mentioned along with other proper maintenance. 

Have you looked at the Free Vehicle History Report included in the advertisement? I noticed something that may or may not be a red flag. This vehicle was originallypurchased in Somerset,NJ in June, 1995 and driven 44,590 miles before being bought at an auto auction (perhaps an indication of it being a fleet or lease vehicle) by Southeastern Region(?) in October, 1998. Next it was sold in Aiken, SC in the same month and year with 44,714 miles and now 27 years later it has been driven an additional 27,000 miles. The current seller states that the Lexus was gently driven, but he cannot account for the time it was driven in NJ.

So in my opinion it would be essential for you to be able to verify the maintenance history including oil and filter changes, timing belt changes, transmission fluid service, coolant service, etc. and that may be impossible to do. And anyone here would advise you to have a detailed pre-purchase inspection performed by a trusted and qualified mechanic (preferably one familiar with Toyota's). Pus you would need to drive it on varying surfaces and speeds with occasional rapid accelerations and braking to check the integrity, efficiency and smooth operation of the engine, brakes, suspension and steering components and transmission. 

The following at Motor Reviewer details some additional problem and reliabilty issues associated with this engine towards the end of the review.

https://www.motorreviewer.com/engine.php?engine_id=149

 


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