99es300

Was away from home this weekend with the GF's car (RX) and came home to find my car was TOTALED when a drunk driver came around a corner going way too fast and rolled into it while it was parked near the end of my parents driveway (they were having it re-sealed before winter so my car and 2 others were parked near the end). Thank God no one was hurt. The guy was arrested today.

I'm bummed about it bc I've owned it since June 2006 and even though it has 198k on it I was simply pleased with the car and not wanting to even consider looking for something.. but, now I have to. I was looking forward to crossing the 200k mark and posting pics of the odometer rolling over..

Anyway, I just started looking at 2001 ES300's and newer 2002-2004 ES300 and 330's. Any suggestions? I want reliability (like what I am used to)..

Thanks, guys. I'll post a pic tomorrow when I can get a clear picture.

Rollin'ES3

Damn, sorry to hear that man, glad nobody was hurt. Car can always be replaced.
Well if you really loved the 1999, Id strongly consider the 2001 over 2002+.
I personally love the 3ES, over all the other ones.

GoodRevs

Really sorry to hear that happened. If you're looking between the 3rd and 4th Gen ES's here are some points to consider;

The 4ES had available nav, more widely available HID's, dual climate, rear air vents, more headroom in the back seats, mpg calculator, 5spd tranny, sturdier cup holders in the rear. The later (05-06) ES had projector HID's available, ventilated seats, newer nav, newer rims and new engine (hence ES330).

If I was going to start from scratch without having either ES in our family, I would choose a 05-06 ES. Whichever ES you choose, both gens are very reliable, it's always a pleasure driving them.

bnizzle87

wow! its unfortunate what happened. coming home to a totalled car by a drunk driver is horrible, but glad the driver was arrested. but the blessing in disguise does point to a newer ride. 198k shows its reliability and durability, so hopefully with your new ES, it'll be just as reliable and durable in the long haul, especially as a daily driver. personally, the latest style before the refresh. we were looking at it when we had to replace our old ES300 ('92), and thats what came to mind immediately if we were getting pre-owned for a few years. best of luck, and hope you get the ES that makes you pleased as your previous one!

LeX2K

I personally much prefer the 2000-2001 ES, it's just the right combination of size, styling etc. I don't like the larger 2002+ models, both from a styling perspective and the size of the car. But that's just my opinion.

A quick search on Ebay finds some very nice ES300's.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

Sucks to hear man!

I'd suggest an IS300 though.

rgeyer

An SC300 (or 400) has roughly the same internal dimensions as the 2ES, same headroom, shoulder room, etc.

I was seriously considering getting one to replace the wife's 1992 ES300 before I just spent a bunch of money on it. :-)

99es300

Thanks, guys. Yeah, I really am liking the idea of a 2001. I don't care for the body style of the 2002-2006's, but it would be nice to have something newer. I just really liked the way my ES handled. It was reliable, not too flashy and just an all-around good car. That being said the 2001 has a few nice upgrades to it yet its a car I'd be accustomed to.. I'll let you know what I decide.

Thanks again.

The back quarter panel is pushed in, both driver side doors are smudged in, windows broke, windshield broke, hood completely smashed, all head and fog light assemblies, quarter panel smashed. Here's a pic of the damage:

JamesBond1

Sucks to hear that but why only show one picture of only half the car?

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

Can't see the pic.

It sounds bad, it must've been a crazy hit for it to have that muc damage.

I was just about to ask to buy your right headlight too... dang.

99es300

Only took a pic of that half because it was where the damage was the most.. Took it quickly along with this one..

xsh0tya

Wow that sucks to hear... I recently bought a 99 ES 300 and was in a similar situation. I like many others liked the look of the older es' but wanted something newer.. I ended up with a 99 with 60k on it and I am very happy. Best of luck with whatever decision you come up with.

yeskay

2001 es - ..... designed for 87 octane for normal driving plus nice options

Megafast13

Definitely wouldn't go any older than a 2001. You can get one very low for the price, but honestly I prefer the 05-06 ES330 over all of them. They are very different though. The interior is much more luxurious on the later model, but from a "cool" perspective you can do a lot more with mods on the 2001. I can send you pics of my ES, or if you have any questions about that generation just let me know though.

Might as well get what you already like! 2001

WAES300

The 2002+ definitely have "richer" interiors. Seats are nice and soft, everything is just...Magnificent. Makes my 98 look mundane...well, not quite! I work at a car dealer...I got to drive one a while ago, which got me going on the idea of getting a Lexus...Anyway, the 2002+ have 5-speed autos as opposed to 4spd, I believe. Might have higher MPG's, although pretty negligible I'm sure. Good luck