Which is more reliable? ES300 or IS300?
03-10-14, 12:37 PM
#1
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Which is more reliable? ES300 or IS300?
Title says it all!
Which car do you guys think is more reliable and will hit 300k miles with proper maintenance? A 99-2001 ES300 or a 99-2001 IS300?
let the debate begin...
Which car do you guys think is more reliable and will hit 300k miles with proper maintenance? A 99-2001 ES300 or a 99-2001 IS300?
let the debate begin...
03-10-14, 01:28 PM
#5
Lexus Test Driver
IS300 will be your dependable performance car since yes it does have a 2jz paired with a 5speed. its built to perform well under heavy and light conditions
BUT IF YOUR TALKING ABOUT OVER ALL RELIABILITY. Such as longevity, MPG, maintenance, etc it will be ES300 HANDS DOWN. The ES300 is basically a glorified Toyota Camry. Same engine, same transmission, and drive train. I believe that the Camry has already proven its reliability among all cars unless someone wants to dispute that
BUT IF YOUR TALKING ABOUT OVER ALL RELIABILITY. Such as longevity, MPG, maintenance, etc it will be ES300 HANDS DOWN. The ES300 is basically a glorified Toyota Camry. Same engine, same transmission, and drive train. I believe that the Camry has already proven its reliability among all cars unless someone wants to dispute that
03-10-14, 01:55 PM
#6
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03-10-14, 03:36 PM
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03-10-14, 03:49 PM
#9
Lexus Test Driver
yeah if your gonna taxi that thing around, definitely the ES. The IS doesn't have much of a rear seat for people to sit in. and a Honda in this case would be MUCH better than a toyota financially! I think the ES/v6 camry's requires to use premium
03-10-14, 03:58 PM
#10
They are both junkers at this point, and being that Lexus parts are expensive they are going to cost more to maintain and repair vs buying a new car.
Suspension systems are going to be very worn - bushings, ball joints, tie rods, sway bar links, etc. These things can cost thousands to replace, and you will have constant noises, clunks, squeaks and alignment/tire wear issues.
Body rigidity of these cars wasn't anything to write home about even when they were new, and with time it only becomes flimsier, flexing more and more under load.
If oil changes weren't religious, both engines are pretty much hunks of metal. One is full of sludge, and the other consuming oil like a new BMW.
Both will be down on power from the factory spec due to years of wear and tear.
Good change of leaking steering rack and pump on both vehicles.
Interior in both car will be shot, with leather drying out, dirty carpets, panels getting loose, etc.
Faded paint, faded lighting, lack of modern features - nav, bluetooth, mp3 intergration and so on.
Basically, get a new corolla.
Suspension systems are going to be very worn - bushings, ball joints, tie rods, sway bar links, etc. These things can cost thousands to replace, and you will have constant noises, clunks, squeaks and alignment/tire wear issues.
Body rigidity of these cars wasn't anything to write home about even when they were new, and with time it only becomes flimsier, flexing more and more under load.
If oil changes weren't religious, both engines are pretty much hunks of metal. One is full of sludge, and the other consuming oil like a new BMW.
Both will be down on power from the factory spec due to years of wear and tear.Good change of leaking steering rack and pump on both vehicles.
Interior in both car will be shot, with leather drying out, dirty carpets, panels getting loose, etc.
Faded paint, faded lighting, lack of modern features - nav, bluetooth, mp3 intergration and so on.
Basically, get a new corolla.
03-10-14, 04:09 PM
#12
Lexus Test Driver
03-10-14, 04:58 PM
#13
Lexus Test Driver
Just so you know, you're making a capital investment in order to apply to a service that accepts 6% of driver applicants 
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03-10-14, 05:50 PM
#14
For how long i had my ES, and how many miles it had, it cost me almost nothing. I've never had an IS, but if its like the GS i own expect to put a decent amount into it. While Och has a lot of good points, i wouldn't say they are all junkers. It comes down to condition, year and mileage don't mean as much how the last owner treated the car.
03-10-14, 07:01 PM
#15
Lexus Fanatic
True, but, in general, the IS300's RWD powertrain was as tough as nails, given anything even approaching normal, decent care and service. The 3-liter straight six was legendary for its durability, and both turbo and non-turbo versions of it were used in the last 1990s-vintage Supra. During the time that the American-market IS300 was in production (2001-2005), it was considered the most reliable passenger car in Consumer Reports' database at least a couple of those years.