DKinATL

Hey all!

I've had a few Toyota Lexus vehicles over the years and I'm coming back to the Lexus brand after being in a Toyota for a few years. I bought a 2000 Lexus GS 300 Platinum Series in 2002 with 14k on the clock and loved that car. It was black on black and everything I needed and then some in a vehicle. I sold the car several years later and bought a Toyota Camry to drive everyday and a Jeep XK for a toy. The Toyota is now a thing of the past and I'm driving a lifted XK as a daily driver.

Until now...

Looked at a 1995 Lexus ES 300 that was as clean as a 20 year old car can be. Car has 147k and will be my next daily driver. Just wanted to come by and introduce myself and really ask if there are any known issues with this year ES that I should look for when I go back tomorrow to finalize everything. With every car I know there are some common issues and that's what I'm looking for when I go over the car again in the morning.

Thanks for any info you all can provide and I'm looking forward to enjoying the boards here for many miles to come.

PFB

The only common issue that I can think off, of hand is burned out instrument cluster needles. There are several DIY write-ups on this site on how to repair them, but it's an extrsmly delicate job for the very brave.

Another option will be to send the instrument cluster out for repairs.

So make sure that all of the needles light up.

DKinATL

Would have definitely missed that. Thanks!

I've own an XLE 3.0 Camry for years, so mechanically I know what to expect, but would have definitely missed that. Glad to hear that's the only thing that comes to mind, ha!

DKinATL

Well, I didn't buy the thing. Fist, thanks, PFB! The speedo needle and half of the speedometer lights were out. Good call there. Secondly, I drove it again and put some miles on it to ensure the check engine light didn't pop on and there was a faint squeaking sound under the hood. After taking a look, the harmonic balancer pulley was wobbling. Could it be that the rubber is just wore out and it needs to be replaced and be good as new? Sure. However, wasn't going to take that chance as this guy runs a body shop and you never know if the thing was completely smashed and there was a larger issue so I just passed. The search will continue...

speedkar9

With all ES300 / Camry's your looking at, make sure the timing belt and water pump has been changed.

DKinATL

Well, I've set my eyes on a 2000 Platinum Series with 164k. Silver two-tone with black interior. Stay tuned...

DKinATL

Delete thread if needed. Went another route.