98 lexus ES300 with 265k

[mvbighead]

Eh, oil sludge from most accounts is not exactly a huge problem anymore. Yes, Toyotas and Lexus are more common to have them, but I'd suspect running some good quality synthetic oil through should clear it up.

Hell, I've picked up a couple of lightly higher mileage cars up lately and have switched them over to synthetic with absolutely no problem. Not to get into a debate about oil, but I'd just figure if it runs now, doing a couple short interval synthetic oil changes should clear any problems with sludge, should there be any.

Also, i wouldn't suspect a car with 265k miles would get that far if the oil wasn't being properly maintained. Most new oils have detergents to clear sludge, so I'd think you should be fine.

As it is, you're looking at $1500 car that runs, and gets fairly good MPG. (average about 23). If I were looking, I'd consider it after a test drive.

 

[T2urtle]

Its 279k now. Guy isn't original owner. He bought it last year Jan 2012 and is looking to sell now. 160k isn't a huge deal to me but ive owned one past 180k.

Im going to go look at it again over the weekend. Ive gone back and fourth with the car in my head. Ive downgraded the car from great to average condition now, after talking to guy a lot thru emails and text messages. Ran the numbers of possible things that need to be fixed ( all minor maintence items). Most likely a CV axle, PS fluid leak somewhere. Front end was repainted. Timing belt is around the corner. Tires are needed. He tells me a YELLOW oil light shows up SOMETIMES, thats either oil pressure, oil level or oil sensor dying. I hope its just the sensor. The more the guy talks, the less of a gem it is but he is truthful.

I saw the car when it was dirty and after the rain, so this weekend i asked him to wash it up and get it to be best condition it can be, if it blows me away i'll be an owner.

 

[mvbighead]

Cool deal. Also, you should be able to use any of those factors to drive the price down. If he isn't willing to budge, you can make whatever choice you like. I'd suspect a 1600 car is simply something he wants out of his driveway, and isn't looking to profit a lot from. So if he were to get 1200, or 1000, it might be enough.

 

[T2urtle]

Cool deal. Also, you should be able to use any of those factors to drive the price down. If he isn't willing to budge, you can make whatever choice you like. I'd suspect a 1600 car is simply something he wants out of his driveway, and isn't looking to profit a lot from. So if he were to get 1200, or 1000, it might be enough.

Well it was in the listing for $2500. Unjust threw out $1600 and got a bite.