ChunkyMike

Hi folks,

I am thinking about buying an older 2001 Lexus ES300 as a third, as needed car- primarily for our nanny to use when transporting our child. I don't want to spend more than $4K on a car and most of the ones that that price have >150K miles on it. How many miles would be the limit for you owners to buy an ES300 from that time period? Are there many who have cars with over 200K miles?

thanks in advance,
Mike

BDSL

With my 97 ES300, I reached 280k miles.

ChunkyMike

wow, that's fantastic, thanks for letting me know- what finally did the car in?

BDSL

It was still on original starter, alternator, PS pump, transmission, engine, etc....

At 280k km, it started leaking engine oil. I suspected it to be either the oil pump or rear main seal. I was going to wait till warmer to have a closer look. Coincidentally, a family member was selling his 2006 ES330...which I bought. I never got around to find out where the leak was coming from. I sold the 97 ES to the scrap yard.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

There are many high mileage ES300's from that generation. They are fantastic cars. Mine is a 1998 and it's at 212k miles, purchased with 173k in 2011.

Get the cleanest example you can find. Look for oil leaks, interior condition, and body damage. Also make sure it doesn't need a timing belt or new struts. Everything else is very affordable to fix.

ChunkyMike

Thanks! That is great advice- I'll be sure to make sure all of that is taken care of before I look at a car. Looking forward to joining the club here!

Ryann

Great suggestions here. Buy with confidence. These are great cars. I have a '98 V6 Camry with 269K on it and still runs like it did when I bought it with 88K. Its been such a good car that I recently purchased a '97 ES300 with 140K.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

Fly down to Canada, you can buy mine!

The only thing was I had to do a transmission last year at approx 146k miles

Ravencrave

I have the same...01 ES300 with over 243,000 miles and still rolling. Still rolling with speed bumps along the way but still running strong and well worth the bumps!

Chuckinnj

These cars are well made and are easy to repair if you have a problem. This "club" is full of how to info and members are always willing to help. I inherited a 97 ES300 and it runs well for a car that was NOT maintained for 200k.+ miles...... I am amazed how this car help up for being unmaintained.
The main thing to look for on ANY used car is severe chassis rust...... This is something that cannot be fixed at a "reasonable" cost.