2008 Lexus ES350, 153,000 miles, automatic
This car's carfax report shown no record of maintenance up until 54,000 miles. I asked the dealership if the owner left maintenance records with the car, but they said no. After 54,000 miles, the carfax shows the owner kept up with regular maintenance about every 5,000 miles including transmission fluid changes at 60,000 and 90,000 miles as well as other maintenance items; all work done at the same service shop.
Assuming no maintenance up until 54,000 miles, is there irreparable damage done to the engine? I've seen this on many carfaxes - where one owner does regular maintenance and the next doesn't.
Yes, wet and dry compression test. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nABx4GwhV68what if the spark plugs were replaced recently? Is there another way to find out if the engine is worn out?
Well that's an awful line of mileage and a car that's getting relatively old. They're pretty well made but if I were you I would have a mechanic. Check it out first to pull the spark plugs to see if it's burning oil or not. I had a guy not do that. Then he brought me the car cuz it didn't run right and I told him the engine was all worn out. If they don't let you have a mechanic check it out Don't buy the stupid thing
Another question - what if the spark plugs were replaced recently? Is there another way to find out if the engine is worn out?