When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hi guys! I've been active on the RX forum for quite some time now. I've owned several 92-96 SC's, a couple RX's, my GS, and now an ES! Specifically I managed to find a 2001 ES300 Coach Edition with only 37k miles! It's the classic, bought it from an older lady who had to stop driving, story. Now I made this mistake before, car wasn't driven much and problems started to arise once the car began to get driven. I didn't have that same concern with this car after seeing a full boat of Lexus service records, hearing the engine run, and test driving the car with no odd or strange noises. To be honest I never realized how nice these ES's were! I always thought they were just a glorified Camry, but when you drive it and experience it, that's not the case. The interior is like it just came off the showroom floor with extremely minor wear on the driver's seat. It even came with 5 factory keys (two valet, two master, and one wallet)! There is only one thing that let's this car down, the wheels. They have begun to peel/lose their color and turn black. So I've sent them off to have them reconditioned and brought back to life. I don't know exactly what I plan to do with this car as I have 4 cars now, including this one. I'm thinking my grandparents may end up with it since they have an older Honda Accord that is starting to show it's age with 210k miles. But I think I'd like to drive it a little first. I know these vehicles share the same engine that I'm used to in the RX, but if anyone has any recommendations on making this car better than it already it, I'll take them.
Very nice, people probably get tired of my saying this, but between my father and I we've owned about 9 different Lexus models ranging from an IS250 to an LX470 and the 2001 that he bought new and that I bought off of him is definitely our favorite, probably because from new to 240k miles, it cost us nothing more than general maintance. Enjoy it
The ES is a treat. I never gave them a look because I too thought they looked too much like Camry's but the more time I spend around mine, the more I appreciate the subtle stylings. It has a very aggressive look to it from the back and at certain angles. You get the comfort of a Lexus drive (I assume, Im on 10 year old struts lol) but the 'luxury' of having Toyota parts throughout. It truly is a reliable vehicle.
If your going to keep it, and the timing belt was never changed, that is something your going to have to inspect, and make up your mind to replace, or continue to worry about when and if it will break, every time you, or your Grandparents drive it.
Luckily, every bit of maintenance has been performed on it. Timing belt was changed three times, twice due to age that the dealer sold her on, the third because the tensioner failed causing the timing belt to becoming loose and slap around. So this will definitely be a solid vehicle for either myself or my grandparents to truck around in for quite some time.
Nice find it always makes us feel good when we get a great deal. You can drive that for quite a while and not lose much value. Enjoy It. Best of luck with it.
How $ you want for it? My 2000 ES is getting a little long in the tooth, even with only 140k on it (2 kids). Love driving the car and with the new Nokian WRG3's on it this morning, did awesome in the snow!
Did you get a good deal on it? Treat it right and it will treat you right.
I have had to do some "other" maintenance on mine but being a decent DIY'er, have been able to keep costs down to parts from Amazon and beer. Enjoy!
37K?? wow that thing is mint..
the transmissions on the 3ES seem to have some issues, (One reason I bought my 3ES is it had the trans replaced)
also the engine is prone to sludge, and the dealer did update a few things.. I know the PCV valve is from the 4ES, I think the valve covers were probably changed also..
Congrats though!
01-24-17, 05:50 PM
Jumping into the ES world
