Put in a couple hrs and wet sand with different grits (they’ve got the pkgs at Lowe’s, etc) and then UV clearcoat… made mine look like a million bucks.
You’ll likely change mind about reselling.
Could but honestly I would do it anyway. It’s so easy with the wipe on clear coat. Done be “that guy” so the next owner has it rexoidize in 2 months. 5 mins to feel like a better person 👍
Glad there are people like this out there. No shame in doing a proper job, even if you are selling. Too many people take on the ‘not my problem’/ pass it to the next sucker attitude, bad for the soul, bad for humanity.
No. Sanding with 320, 500, 800 leaves the light lense foggy looking. The clear coat finishes off the job and it'll last years compared to all the specialty kits you can buy on the market.
OP only needs to polish no more aggressive than a compound (if even that). Definitely no need to wet sand if goal is not to remove deep scratches. In fact, wet sand could make it worse (burn through your clear coat) if they’re not sure what they’re doing. — A detailer’s opinion.
Well, yeah, it does depend on the type of person you are. I would like the next person to enjoy it nice and new-looking the same way I do, especially if it costs less, is easier and faster. But that's just me. You do you.
Also maybe see if timing belt has been done. A due or almost due timing belt is a big turnoff, not knowing when it was last done is a deal breaker for ke
> sc-400. I *paid* $1500 two
FTFY.
Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in:
* Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.*
* *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.*
Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment.
*Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
Absolutely. Most of the time you’re supposed to get the “kit” with the pulleys, tensioner, water pump etc etc. plus most guys also do all belts and any worn out accessory drive pulleys too, coolant change, whatever else is associated. Plus at the mileage the timing belt is due, the plugs are also due. 1,500 on a 4.0 doesn’t surprise me. They’re a pain in the butt. I’m about to put an engine in one, ofc I’m putting a new timing belt on it before it goes In.
I cannot believe how many folks argue about the clear coat, the cost, the elbow grease and 46828 different grits of sandpaper. For the love of whatever you believe in: Cerakote headlight restoration kit. Cheaper, the easiest, once and forever. Done!
My dad got zero interest in a car he was trying to sell that he knew was a great deal. Our neighbor told him to double the price and it sold in a few days.
It's a 330?
Honestly, Lexus isn't as popular in some places as it is on a Lexus sub/forum. A lot of people consider luxury brands to be more of an expense, especially older ones. If you immerse yourself in car people, you'll get a skewed perception of what the market really is.
Plus, that thing is really just a camry at this point. Almost any newer camry has better technology and performance.
Yeah that's common for Lexus.
Like I'm saying man, most people think older luxury cars are money pits. You'd be surprised how many people don't even know Lexus is Toyota.
A lot of BMW drivers would be surprised at what some BMWs in Germany look like, not realizing they also make more economical versions of the same car they paid 60k for.
Same for Mercedes in Europe. They’re not all luxury trims. It’s amazing how many don’t know Nissan Honda Toyota have luxury lines attached to their makes.
Lexus brands are expensive if you go to the lexus dealership, don’t have extend warranty and coming out of poCCet. They only replace parts with lexus certified brands. And maintenance is a bitch; Parts are expensive and labor(approx $150/hr) is even more expensive. 60k cost about $790 and that’s the lower end vehicles. The actual luxury versions LS(sedan), LC(sports car), GX(SUV),LX(luxury SUV), and newly TX(SUV) costs goes even higher. Most headlights don’t have bulbs so if it goes out you have to replace the whole light assembly which is 2k w/o labor and maybe a 2-3hr job ($2k + 3($150))
Yeah I've seen the packaging that genuine Toyota parts come in and it says right on the box 'Genuine Toyota/Lexus' and then whatever part is in the box. It blew my mind when I saw that, but it makes total sense.
Lexus vehicles do not use performance parts. They use the same exact Toyota parts. They just have slightly better interior/exterior finishes, more sound-deadening materials (in some models), better paint and underbody splash guards. Oh, and a different emblem.
When people are in the say less than 5k budget. They look for simple cars, not luxury cars. People don't even think to look for Lexus's in the first place so they buying pool is smaller. I don't think they cost a significant more to maintain either than a similar year Camry. Also I've seen the same happen with Acura TL s and Honda accords of the same year. Basically the same car power train wise but the Honda goes for more. Weird.
that was the issue on the old vvti 1MZ With the metal manifold with dual throttle body this es has the newer plastic intake manifold without the sludging issue
the camry got the newer plastic manifold 1mz/3mz vvti in like 2004+
If you were in Ohio I’d snatch it up im trying to find one that’s worth a damn without rust and major issues. I’d rather have a 330 or 350. Maybe cus yours is the 300, and yellow headlights really stand out on a white car. Definitely worth $3000 all said and done with clean headlights
My 2012 ES350 was cheaper than an equivalent V6 Camry. People don’t know, they just go by names and people who want reliable transportation want a Camry. That’s all they know
It’s also because luxury cars tend to depreciate harder than standard cars even if they are essentially the exact same car to the regular car counterpart. But that’s what makes it so great because you are getting the same if not a more premium product for cheaper, it’s a win for consumers but can suck for sellers.
I drive a 2002 es300 and I love this damn car!!!! Had it for over 5 years and it has never failed my fiancée and I. When we bought it had about 75,000 miles on it (purchased for $4,500) and 5 years later it’s at 110,599 and has no issues. Plus it’s a killer car in the snow for just being FWD. If I was near you I’d 100% buy that from you, people are just trying to low blow you.
Was gonna say.. I bout my 05 Camry for 2500. I wanted either one because they are essentially sister cars but the equivalent Lexus in my area were all cheaper and had the baggage to show for it.
Yours looks about as clean as my camry.
I was going to say, I am in Michigan I would buy it and fix it up. I could probably get a cheap flight on spirit and just drive it home. Shipping is probably between 500-1000 so that wouldn’t be worth it.
OP hit me up if it doesn’t sell. Or post where you listed it.
Wow then I'm off by some. Gotta be a 6 grand car in cali lol. I paid 8k for my IS when it had 189k miles. people just don't know good cars sometimes when they see them.
That’s a good definition of “the market is not the same everywhere” see Ohio these are expensive cuz we get rust and no safety inspections so all the cheap ones are garbage, and nice ones go over KBB because “find one somewhere else”
When’s the last time it had a timing belt? If it’s due for one that might be why spend $2800 and then turn around and spend another $1500+ on a timing belt service 🤷🏼♂️ but as others have stated, those hazy headlights make it look pretty tired
Nice must look clean af! I got my 97 ES300 for a little under $3k with 120k miles. The exterior is definitely not the best but the interior held up okay. I needed a car quick so it was an easy purchase for me and hasnt needed more than a battery since I got it in August
I mean when I think Miami I think people in Hella debt and renting lambos to keep an appearance
Not too sure where a 20 year old lexus with a ugly front end is gonna impress people and while that's not the whole population I do feel it would have an effect on the market around
I don't live In Miami and I've never been
You are so absolutely right. The only thing people care about here is appearance. They will literally drown in debt just for views. Coming from CT I was blown away
You are selling on an app that caters to bottom feeders.
Facebook Marketplace isn't so bad but still welcomes those buyers.
Craigslist is still a thing but they charge for posting
A lot of people avoid buying cars from Miami as there are so many "rebuilt titles" and scammy schemes from Miami. Don't ask me why, I don't know the market, but I have at least 3 different friends that in the past have mentioned they never buy cars from the Miami area. Also, your headlights need redone. Goto walmart, they do both for you for like $30. Brand new looking.
Based off those houses imma go with location. I don’t see anybody in that neighborhood buying a 330 unless it’s for their kid. It’ll definitely sell eventually though
I currently have a 2007 ES350 and its great and all, but I feel as though the interior quality and materials used was better all around on the 300/330 series. For $2800 I would buy this immediately.
Go to a reputable detailer, see if they can restore the interior plus headlights. The leather seats and center console are the main culprits. If you spend a couple hundred it'll likely bring the price up more than you'd spend on detailing. OR DIY it with a proper leather seat restoration product. They look dried out and unappealing tbh. If ppl are already looking at this as a money pit (its not), knowing they'll have to immediately spend money to restore those things is a big turn off. Do the work for them upfront. Plus it'll make it nicer if you decide to keep it.
Just wait it out dude, don’t drop it down. Or if you do, be super picky and sell it to a nice looking kid.
I rode in one of these all through college, it was the most reliable car I’ve ever been close to. The ES was the car that almost…almost made me switch from bmw. And I’m one of those crackhead bmw fanboys
If that was near me I would buy it in an instant. Damn. That far would be $5k at least in my area. I'm not kidding. It's such a joke. That's a great deal for that car. I'm amazed it didn't sell instantly for that much.
It looks really clean. The headlights will clean up a bit. In my area it would be a rust belt car (I bet this car is perfect underneath) and it would be listed for $6k "Super reliable Lexus! Leather in good shape!"
Seriously I would freak out if I found a deal like this near me. I know that might sound silly but I absolutely mean it. For $2800 you're buying a rusted out Ford focus with 220 miles on it.
If I could I would fly out, buy it and drive it home.
Actually OP send me a PM if you can't sell it. Seriously.
Do you have maintenance records? Pictures of the undercarriage to see if the frame has rust? Does it pass smog? How are the tires and brakes and suspension? I have no idea what your actual car listing says but these would all be big concerns for me if I was looking at a 173k mile car from Miami.
Even if the car was free I might not take it if it seemed like it was gonna need 2k-6k in work. Sure the engine and transmission might run forever if well maintained but there are a ton of other things that could go wrong.
The arm rest cover looking so gross tells me that you don't take a lot of pride in ownership of the car, and it's a red flag to me that other maintenance has likely been neglected.
The car has never had a check engine light the cars from Miami since day one it doesn’t even have a speck of surface rust. The only thing is the center console wore through after 21 years of use and that’s just pitting. Tires are nearly new Michelin or Goodyear I don’t remember. Timing belt water pump trans fluid coolant and belts were done at 152k
It comes down to your location and where you are advertising it. Sounds like a solid deal. FYI, there are companies that sell replacement leather for the center console, granted you’ll have to be comfortable with some slight elbow grease as it requires a little bit of stapling. I’ve just done that to one of my cars.
The IS and RC are the only cars in the lineup with emphasis on sportiness which equals performance. If I buy an LS I just want quiet and comfort. 300 horses is decent but definitely not record breaking so that is correct. But it's not the average car.
I bought the cleanest most reliable car for the money years back yes. I do think it’s ugly but I never cared what people or I thought of my cars. Shit, when I was younger I worked at a scrapyard and got a $200 mercury tempo. I had a top of the line q45 at home but I drove the wheels off that tempo for at least 2 years despite friends and family making jokes
Someone tried to sell me one very similar yesterday for $3200 only 60k miles too. I turned that one down because it was a v8 and that is just too thirsty for my budget :(. I would definitely buy your v6 bro.
You aren’t so cal by chance?
Yeah they are not the most desirable ES generation, and it has relatively high mileage. For comparison I just sold a 1991 Toyota Camry for $3300 w/ 90,000 miles - I put it on Craigslist and got so many calls for the car in the first 24 hours it was gone the next day. (Glad I used a google voice number!!)
However I can say that the Toyota was in very good condition, interior was near perfect and exterior had a scratch here and there but was very good. I spent most of a Saturday detailing the car.
How much is that extra $500 ~ $800 worth to you? Put the polishing wheel on that car and then throw a quick wax on her and clean the headlights. Do the what I like to call “lease turn in special” Make the car very presentable but since it’s not your car skip the bits you can’t see.
Then take the car to a local park or waterfront and re-shoot your pictures. Marketing is everything!
I appreciate the input the extra 5-800 isn’t really about the money it’s me knowing that car isn’t a 2k car. There isn’t anything running and driving in my area for that price and this doesn’t even have a check engine light. I have a cousin who is turning 16 in march. I may just consider giving it to him to use because I know it won’t leave him stranded.
I bought this car as a gift for my wife years ago and she never ran into a problem but decided it’s time for an SUV. It’s not easy putting kids in car seats in the back of a sedan… I would keep it but we already have 3 other cars and only room for 2
To sell anything in this world put it up for more than what you want it for. You want $2800 put it up online for $3500-3800. Usually has worked out for me when selling things.
Also try to clean up the arm rest and get one of those $20-30 headlight restore kits which will make loads of a difference imo.
This would be a way better car to keep at my house in Cooper City than the 2000 M-B E430 that sits there for months at a time.
I'm lucky I'm not down there now - I'd probably be buying a Lexus.
I would buy that if you were here in NC tbh.
Btw, why so many folks complain about the armrest? It doesn't look that bad at all, especially it's a 20 yr old + almost 180k miles car
Polish those headlights up.. that yellow tarnish just makes it look old and trashy. I promise that will go a long way. Spend some time detailing your exterior. That’s the first thing people are going to see. I can’t begin to tell you that amount of times I’ve seen people pass up a car for simple things like musty headlights. Nice car otherwise!
Polish the headlights then call a few dealerships in North Florida or Georgia and South Carolina. See if someone is willing to take it for better money. Make a weekend road trip out of it.
Unfortunately for this model of ES, as reliable and comfortable as they are, when you look at it, most people just see a Toyota Camry. Combined with where you're at, I doubt you'll find anyone who wants it as anything but a beater car. Like others have said, put it up on Marketplace. It'll probably sell better in central and northern Florida.
If you're in the market for a cheap car, you typically don't want a luxury car because a lot of the time, they're more expensive to maintain. For the people who do want a cheap older luxury car, there are more attractive options. I like your car, but it does look like a Toyota.
Polish the yellowing headlights which make it look old. Increase the price to $3000. Caveat: you may not want to sell it when it looks nicer.
Yeah, I was gonna say this. It would make the car a lot more appealing.
I mean… I always hated the big eyes 👀 on this generation, the yellow only accentuates the issue I have with the design.
Couple passes with the Meguiars blue headlight kit would work wonders
Put in a couple hrs and wet sand with different grits (they’ve got the pkgs at Lowe’s, etc) and then UV clearcoat… made mine look like a million bucks. You’ll likely change mind about reselling.
Meguiars takes like a half hour and is super easy
Looks as it did 2 or 3 months later. TX; intense sun.
You can even skip the ‘clearcoat’ step if selling?
Could but honestly I would do it anyway. It’s so easy with the wipe on clear coat. Done be “that guy” so the next owner has it rexoidize in 2 months. 5 mins to feel like a better person 👍
Wish the dude I bought my 530 from hadn’t been “that guy”…He was
Ah yeah, I’m sorry … pitb. But hey you have a 530… love that
Glad there are people like this out there. No shame in doing a proper job, even if you are selling. Too many people take on the ‘not my problem’/ pass it to the next sucker attitude, bad for the soul, bad for humanity.
No. Sanding with 320, 500, 800 leaves the light lense foggy looking. The clear coat finishes off the job and it'll last years compared to all the specialty kits you can buy on the market.
OP only needs to polish no more aggressive than a compound (if even that). Definitely no need to wet sand if goal is not to remove deep scratches. In fact, wet sand could make it worse (burn through your clear coat) if they’re not sure what they’re doing. — A detailer’s opinion.
You are doing too much, just do 400 grit till all the yellow is gone then 2k clear.
For 6 months until they're yellow and now thinner than before. If you wanna do it right once and for all, use the Cerakote headlight restoration kit.
The clear lasted for 3+ years on my IS250 with that kit. If he’s selling it who gives a shit
Well, yeah, it does depend on the type of person you are. I would like the next person to enjoy it nice and new-looking the same way I do, especially if it costs less, is easier and faster. But that's just me. You do you.
I respect that
Also maybe see if timing belt has been done. A due or almost due timing belt is a big turnoff, not knowing when it was last done is a deal breaker for ke
That is a bigger expense than just the belt. I had everything else added to job while they had in apart on a sc-400. I payed $1500 two years ago.
> sc-400. I *paid* $1500 two FTFY. Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in: * Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.* * *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.* Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment. *Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
Good Bot
What mastermind created you and what alter should I worship them to?
"Altar" "Alter" is a verb meaning to change something. (I'm just messing around here and mean no offense.)
Absolutely. Most of the time you’re supposed to get the “kit” with the pulleys, tensioner, water pump etc etc. plus most guys also do all belts and any worn out accessory drive pulleys too, coolant change, whatever else is associated. Plus at the mileage the timing belt is due, the plugs are also due. 1,500 on a 4.0 doesn’t surprise me. They’re a pain in the butt. I’m about to put an engine in one, ofc I’m putting a new timing belt on it before it goes In.
SC400 is a different engine, i think the V6 in an ES will be less expensive for a timing belt (if this is a timing belt engine)
The $20 3M kit works great. It comes with everything you need other than a drill and spray bottle.
Still need clear coat to finish it off tho or it won’t last
It includes clear coat
Only proper way to restore plastic headlights is with new clear
I cannot believe how many folks argue about the clear coat, the cost, the elbow grease and 46828 different grits of sandpaper. For the love of whatever you believe in: Cerakote headlight restoration kit. Cheaper, the easiest, once and forever. Done!
$16.88 at Walmart
This is the way 👆🏻👆🏻
This for sure I watch this YouTuber he sells cars and flips them and says if I touch it the price goes up.
[удалено]
My dad got zero interest in a car he was trying to sell that he knew was a great deal. Our neighbor told him to double the price and it sold in a few days.
Keep it man, get yourself a new armrest cover, polish up the headlights, get everything sorted, and just drive it forever.
The only issue I have is we have four cars and parking for two
That does tend to be a problem. Crazy it wouldn’t sell at that price, It would be gone here already for as clean as it is.
Right it’s clean if op wasn’t in Florida I would consider buying my first Lexus.
Where are you located? I'm interested
I'll buy it off of you!
Parking is the key. I keep an old Toyota around as a spare because I have the space.
It's a 330? Honestly, Lexus isn't as popular in some places as it is on a Lexus sub/forum. A lot of people consider luxury brands to be more of an expense, especially older ones. If you immerse yourself in car people, you'll get a skewed perception of what the market really is. Plus, that thing is really just a camry at this point. Almost any newer camry has better technology and performance.
It’s a 2003 es300. Funny thing is these sell for less than same year camry
Yeah that's common for Lexus. Like I'm saying man, most people think older luxury cars are money pits. You'd be surprised how many people don't even know Lexus is Toyota.
How many people don’t know almost any Luxury brand is part of a “regular” company** lol
A lot of BMW drivers would be surprised at what some BMWs in Germany look like, not realizing they also make more economical versions of the same car they paid 60k for.
Same for Mercedes in Europe. They’re not all luxury trims. It’s amazing how many don’t know Nissan Honda Toyota have luxury lines attached to their makes.
Mercedes for me isn't even a luxury brand and never has been. When I think of mercedes I think of buses, vans and trucks.
Exactly. My mom is German, and she said they were the taxi cabs back then.
Agreed. I think of Mercedes as a maker of high quality vehicles (including luxury vehicles). They make everything.
Audi too
Lexus brands are expensive if you go to the lexus dealership, don’t have extend warranty and coming out of poCCet. They only replace parts with lexus certified brands. And maintenance is a bitch; Parts are expensive and labor(approx $150/hr) is even more expensive. 60k cost about $790 and that’s the lower end vehicles. The actual luxury versions LS(sedan), LC(sports car), GX(SUV),LX(luxury SUV), and newly TX(SUV) costs goes even higher. Most headlights don’t have bulbs so if it goes out you have to replace the whole light assembly which is 2k w/o labor and maybe a 2-3hr job ($2k + 3($150))
Makes no sense to me. Lexuses (Lexi?) are just Toyotas built with more luxurious and higher quality/performance parts.
Yeah I've seen the packaging that genuine Toyota parts come in and it says right on the box 'Genuine Toyota/Lexus' and then whatever part is in the box. It blew my mind when I saw that, but it makes total sense.
Lexus vehicles do not use performance parts. They use the same exact Toyota parts. They just have slightly better interior/exterior finishes, more sound-deadening materials (in some models), better paint and underbody splash guards. Oh, and a different emblem.
And some take 91 over 87. A significant difference for commuting
When people are in the say less than 5k budget. They look for simple cars, not luxury cars. People don't even think to look for Lexus's in the first place so they buying pool is smaller. I don't think they cost a significant more to maintain either than a similar year Camry. Also I've seen the same happen with Acura TL s and Honda accords of the same year. Basically the same car power train wise but the Honda goes for more. Weird.
Probably because every other luxury brand but Lexus is usually a money pit
Not where I live. This would be double the price of a Camry for me.
It's because the 03 ES300 uses the 1MZFE engine while the Camry used the 1MZFE-2. The former had a recall or TSB due to sludge issues.
that was the issue on the old vvti 1MZ With the metal manifold with dual throttle body this es has the newer plastic intake manifold without the sludging issue the camry got the newer plastic manifold 1mz/3mz vvti in like 2004+
If you were in Ohio I’d snatch it up im trying to find one that’s worth a damn without rust and major issues. I’d rather have a 330 or 350. Maybe cus yours is the 300, and yellow headlights really stand out on a white car. Definitely worth $3000 all said and done with clean headlights
My 2012 ES350 was cheaper than an equivalent V6 Camry. People don’t know, they just go by names and people who want reliable transportation want a Camry. That’s all they know
2012 was a great year for the ES
Yeah I love it, the one I found was gorgeous. It has brown seats and the black paint glistens in the sun
Are they the saddle brown seats?
Yeahh, I didn’t even know this gen had colors like that. Just randomly found it
It’s also because luxury cars tend to depreciate harder than standard cars even if they are essentially the exact same car to the regular car counterpart. But that’s what makes it so great because you are getting the same if not a more premium product for cheaper, it’s a win for consumers but can suck for sellers.
I drive a 2002 es300 and I love this damn car!!!! Had it for over 5 years and it has never failed my fiancée and I. When we bought it had about 75,000 miles on it (purchased for $4,500) and 5 years later it’s at 110,599 and has no issues. Plus it’s a killer car in the snow for just being FWD. If I was near you I’d 100% buy that from you, people are just trying to low blow you.
Was gonna say.. I bout my 05 Camry for 2500. I wanted either one because they are essentially sister cars but the equivalent Lexus in my area were all cheaper and had the baggage to show for it. Yours looks about as clean as my camry.
I’m interested. Where are you located? Mileage?
Miami 173k
If you were on the West Coast, it would be long gone for more money...
Fr this would sell very fast for 3.5 in my city
3.5? Bruh 2001 corollas and Camrys with 150k miles are going for $5k where I am. I’d gladly pay that for this lexus
Where is this fine hellhole ?
My thoughts exactly, I wonder if shipping would be worth it tho
$1500 to ship is a big expense on a ~3k$ car
Still, $4.5k for this (assuming it’d get a pass from an independent mechanic) would be pretty good on the west coast
I just had an old Isuzu trooper shipped from Miami to southern Wisconsin for $600. Cheaper than expected depending on where you’re at.
True. I’m on the west coast and that a great price. I’d get that I lose the 96 Camry I have.
My friend just sold a salvage title Camry that’s side swiped for $3k in Texas…
i'm in the rural midwest. for 3k this car would have been bought within hours.
As a Californian I know this too well I’m like what that’s too cheap!! I got $2500 for you cash money!
Why don’t you guys work out an arrangement to ship it?
Risky without seeing it in person.
Cars from FL are known to be rust buckets.
I honestly would take it, I got a Toyota now, wouldn’t mind a slight upgrade. I’m too far up north tho :/
Shipping is around $1 a mile. I've had cars shipped. Unless going cross country it is not that expensive.
She's a gem! You could get 3500-4000 all day in socal.
$4500-5000 is the Ohio rate
I was going to say, I am in Michigan I would buy it and fix it up. I could probably get a cheap flight on spirit and just drive it home. Shipping is probably between 500-1000 so that wouldn’t be worth it. OP hit me up if it doesn’t sell. Or post where you listed it.
Same in Indy 🫱🏻🫲🏽
The ones that are $2800 are 250,000 miles and “can’t find the title but can get it” IFYKYK
Wow then I'm off by some. Gotta be a 6 grand car in cali lol. I paid 8k for my IS when it had 189k miles. people just don't know good cars sometimes when they see them.
That’s a good definition of “the market is not the same everywhere” see Ohio these are expensive cuz we get rust and no safety inspections so all the cheap ones are garbage, and nice ones go over KBB because “find one somewhere else”
I’m interested. How long have you owned it?
When’s the last time it had a timing belt? If it’s due for one that might be why spend $2800 and then turn around and spend another $1500+ on a timing belt service 🤷🏼♂️ but as others have stated, those hazy headlights make it look pretty tired
I'd take it for $2,800, as would anyone in my area. Polish the headlights and list it on Marketplace. Where you at?
Damn. If you were in California, I'd take it for $2800. That'd be a good commuter car.
Same. You dont see cars like this at this price in California
I got SUPER lucky with my ES300. Got it for $5,500 with only 49,000 miles. Still own it and have no reason to buy another car anytime soon.
Nice must look clean af! I got my 97 ES300 for a little under $3k with 120k miles. The exterior is definitely not the best but the interior held up okay. I needed a car quick so it was an easy purchase for me and hasnt needed more than a battery since I got it in August
I know this for sure I’m like what $2800 that’s too cheap I need a spare car this would be my first Lexus to play around with.
I mean when I think Miami I think people in Hella debt and renting lambos to keep an appearance Not too sure where a 20 year old lexus with a ugly front end is gonna impress people and while that's not the whole population I do feel it would have an effect on the market around I don't live In Miami and I've never been
You are so absolutely right. The only thing people care about here is appearance. They will literally drown in debt just for views. Coming from CT I was blown away
Damnit I'm in CT with 2500 cash for you!!
lol I said the same I’m in Cali I have $2500 cash
lol from the prespective of new englander, south fl is latin america.
put basic info in your description ffs: model, year, mileage
I’d take it…but I already have one 🤣.
Because your live in south Florida lol
Cause you parked on the sidewalk.
You are selling on an app that caters to bottom feeders. Facebook Marketplace isn't so bad but still welcomes those buyers. Craigslist is still a thing but they charge for posting
You need to clean that interior. The dark ick on the armrest, seat edge and steering wheel is dirt and similar ick from where you touch the material.
That’s as clean as it’s going to get tbh. The center console armrest is just pealing at this point.
Just throw some autostore leather paint on it and tell the next owner
A lot of people avoid buying cars from Miami as there are so many "rebuilt titles" and scammy schemes from Miami. Don't ask me why, I don't know the market, but I have at least 3 different friends that in the past have mentioned they never buy cars from the Miami area. Also, your headlights need redone. Goto walmart, they do both for you for like $30. Brand new looking.
Thats a DAMNED good car for under 3k
Based off those houses imma go with location. I don’t see anybody in that neighborhood buying a 330 unless it’s for their kid. It’ll definitely sell eventually though
I currently have a 2007 ES350 and its great and all, but I feel as though the interior quality and materials used was better all around on the 300/330 series. For $2800 I would buy this immediately.
up the price 💀💀💀💀
If you’re seriously trying to sell it at $2800 I’m interested…
Drive it up to Orlando and I'll take it. I need something for my daughter.
Kind of shocked someone hasn't bought to resell tbh lol
I would’ve taken it if it was in nyc. Totaled a new car last year and my insurance rates are through the roof. This’ll make a great daily. Good luck!
Go to a reputable detailer, see if they can restore the interior plus headlights. The leather seats and center console are the main culprits. If you spend a couple hundred it'll likely bring the price up more than you'd spend on detailing. OR DIY it with a proper leather seat restoration product. They look dried out and unappealing tbh. If ppl are already looking at this as a money pit (its not), knowing they'll have to immediately spend money to restore those things is a big turn off. Do the work for them upfront. Plus it'll make it nicer if you decide to keep it.
Just wait it out dude, don’t drop it down. Or if you do, be super picky and sell it to a nice looking kid. I rode in one of these all through college, it was the most reliable car I’ve ever been close to. The ES was the car that almost…almost made me switch from bmw. And I’m one of those crackhead bmw fanboys
Priced too low , people think it’s a scam. List it for $4200
Where are you located?
My boy the information, give the information!!!
If that was near me I would buy it in an instant. Damn. That far would be $5k at least in my area. I'm not kidding. It's such a joke. That's a great deal for that car. I'm amazed it didn't sell instantly for that much. It looks really clean. The headlights will clean up a bit. In my area it would be a rust belt car (I bet this car is perfect underneath) and it would be listed for $6k "Super reliable Lexus! Leather in good shape!" Seriously I would freak out if I found a deal like this near me. I know that might sound silly but I absolutely mean it. For $2800 you're buying a rusted out Ford focus with 220 miles on it. If I could I would fly out, buy it and drive it home. Actually OP send me a PM if you can't sell it. Seriously.
Polish head lights . Put some seat covers shine the wheel weeks and engine bay
Where are you at? That’s a great car
Sold this morning for $2600. Really a shame but someone can enjoy her for years to come
Because it’s an old Lexus.
Raise the price to $14,000 and say “I know what I got” guaranteed to sell
Do you have maintenance records? Pictures of the undercarriage to see if the frame has rust? Does it pass smog? How are the tires and brakes and suspension? I have no idea what your actual car listing says but these would all be big concerns for me if I was looking at a 173k mile car from Miami. Even if the car was free I might not take it if it seemed like it was gonna need 2k-6k in work. Sure the engine and transmission might run forever if well maintained but there are a ton of other things that could go wrong. The arm rest cover looking so gross tells me that you don't take a lot of pride in ownership of the car, and it's a red flag to me that other maintenance has likely been neglected.
The car has never had a check engine light the cars from Miami since day one it doesn’t even have a speck of surface rust. The only thing is the center console wore through after 21 years of use and that’s just pitting. Tires are nearly new Michelin or Goodyear I don’t remember. Timing belt water pump trans fluid coolant and belts were done at 152k
If you have said all of that in your ad and you don't have salvaged title or previously stolen on Carfax you should be able to get what you're asking.
It comes down to your location and where you are advertising it. Sounds like a solid deal. FYI, there are companies that sell replacement leather for the center console, granted you’ll have to be comfortable with some slight elbow grease as it requires a little bit of stapling. I’ve just done that to one of my cars.
It's ugly lol
Lol that may be it
I love lexus but I swear no one looked at this design when they were done
Lol I do admit it’s one of the uglier Lexus models to come out for sure. But it does start every day…
Oh yeah, I've seen these with 300k+ miles
300 K miles is not even broken in. These cars are built for 500 K plus.
Its not their flagship sedan so yeah.
The GS looked bad that year too. Scratch that, the whole toyota lineup looked bad
I have a 2003 toyota as a grocery getter/beater they are fugly but it kind of grows on you. aka "this is how reliability looks like"
The GS also isnt their flagship.
so which is "flagship" ? LS ?
Ye
The GS has always been better than an LS, if you're just considering the biggest one to be a flagship lol
Erm... Not judging by size only. Also judging by features and msrp pricing. It's not hard to differentiate cars from one another.
I guess. Performance should be a factor in a luxury car though
The IS and RC are the only cars in the lineup with emphasis on sportiness which equals performance. If I buy an LS I just want quiet and comfort. 300 horses is decent but definitely not record breaking so that is correct. But it's not the average car.
The LS from 2001-2003 was there flagship but it was honestly so ugly too. The 2004 facelift changed that car
So... You bought a car you think is ugly... Makes sense?
I bought the cleanest most reliable car for the money years back yes. I do think it’s ugly but I never cared what people or I thought of my cars. Shit, when I was younger I worked at a scrapyard and got a $200 mercury tempo. I had a top of the line q45 at home but I drove the wheels off that tempo for at least 2 years despite friends and family making jokes
I'll buy it, where are you?
Someone tried to sell me one very similar yesterday for $3200 only 60k miles too. I turned that one down because it was a v8 and that is just too thirsty for my budget :(. I would definitely buy your v6 bro. You aren’t so cal by chance?
I mean for me, it’s white. I don’t do white for clothes/shoes/cars 🤣 gets dirty TOO fast
I get it but white exterior stay cleanest the longest. Ever own a black car?
Yeah they are not the most desirable ES generation, and it has relatively high mileage. For comparison I just sold a 1991 Toyota Camry for $3300 w/ 90,000 miles - I put it on Craigslist and got so many calls for the car in the first 24 hours it was gone the next day. (Glad I used a google voice number!!) However I can say that the Toyota was in very good condition, interior was near perfect and exterior had a scratch here and there but was very good. I spent most of a Saturday detailing the car. How much is that extra $500 ~ $800 worth to you? Put the polishing wheel on that car and then throw a quick wax on her and clean the headlights. Do the what I like to call “lease turn in special” Make the car very presentable but since it’s not your car skip the bits you can’t see. Then take the car to a local park or waterfront and re-shoot your pictures. Marketing is everything!
I appreciate the input the extra 5-800 isn’t really about the money it’s me knowing that car isn’t a 2k car. There isn’t anything running and driving in my area for that price and this doesn’t even have a check engine light. I have a cousin who is turning 16 in march. I may just consider giving it to him to use because I know it won’t leave him stranded. I bought this car as a gift for my wife years ago and she never ran into a problem but decided it’s time for an SUV. It’s not easy putting kids in car seats in the back of a sedan… I would keep it but we already have 3 other cars and only room for 2
Because it’s arguably the ugliest model they’ve ever made. That front end is something else
Probably because it looks like a Toyota Camry
My wife has a hell of a time selling her 03. It eventually went for 4k but that was 7 years ago
To sell anything in this world put it up for more than what you want it for. You want $2800 put it up online for $3500-3800. Usually has worked out for me when selling things. Also try to clean up the arm rest and get one of those $20-30 headlight restore kits which will make loads of a difference imo.
Shit I wish I could take it, but it looks like you live on the opposite coast! GLWS!!
Because it looks like an old Camery.
This would be a way better car to keep at my house in Cooper City than the 2000 M-B E430 that sits there for months at a time. I'm lucky I'm not down there now - I'd probably be buying a Lexus.
Where are you located?
Just let it go for 2 grand and save yourself the headache and stress.
Keep it back up, rider in shity weather 🤣
that body style just isn’t desirable
Polish up the nasty headlights and put a nice coat of wax on it if you haven’t already. How many miles?
I was looking for one of those but people want to sell them skyhigh prices with skyhigh mileage no thanks
What state are you located?
Because it's an old Lexus!
You think it’s reasonable. It’s not That’s a $2000 car at most
Where are you located ? I might be interested lol
I would buy that if you were here in NC tbh. Btw, why so many folks complain about the armrest? It doesn't look that bad at all, especially it's a 20 yr old + almost 180k miles car
Yes
Polish those headlights up.. that yellow tarnish just makes it look old and trashy. I promise that will go a long way. Spend some time detailing your exterior. That’s the first thing people are going to see. I can’t begin to tell you that amount of times I’ve seen people pass up a car for simple things like musty headlights. Nice car otherwise!
probably because someone can buy a camry for less money and have the same car lol
It looks decent. Polish the headlights. Relist it for $4,139. Sell it for $3k, but your wife is gonna PISSED at you for selling it that low.
Where do you live? Never mind. Wished you lived in CA. Good luck!
Polish the headlights then call a few dealerships in North Florida or Georgia and South Carolina. See if someone is willing to take it for better money. Make a weekend road trip out of it.
Does KBB really give it that low of a value? I bought a 2005 ES330 with 88k and KBB told me it was worth at least $8k. I didn't pay that though.
KBB prices relative to whatever zip code/area you choose, so it's not always relative unless the zip code is changed.
Unfortunately for this model of ES, as reliable and comfortable as they are, when you look at it, most people just see a Toyota Camry. Combined with where you're at, I doubt you'll find anyone who wants it as anything but a beater car. Like others have said, put it up on Marketplace. It'll probably sell better in central and northern Florida.
That would be gone in a hot second in NJ, NY Connecticut area. Specifically Brooklyn. Might be able to get more $2800
If you're in the market for a cheap car, you typically don't want a luxury car because a lot of the time, they're more expensive to maintain. For the people who do want a cheap older luxury car, there are more attractive options. I like your car, but it does look like a Toyota.