longo2

All things considered, what is the best es300 . year to buy used?

lostape45

Depends on your price range, 3rd gens will run you around 4-5k and the best models for those are 00-01 in my opinion. And 4th gens the better models are the 05-06 in my opinion but will run you anywhere from 7-12k. Any model of ES will last you and you will love these cars. All about personal preference. Test drive some and see what you like. The 4th gens are known to be a little gear searchy, which I don't like but that's just me. If the previous owner took good care of the car, it will last for many more years.

longo2

OK then, what can I expect to get with $4500 to $6500 hundred to spend. ( love the looks of the es 300's up to the year 2001)

kknapp

Prices here in Canada will be a fair bit different, but I've seen 2002 ES300's here (Manitoba) for 5000-6500 with around 150,000 km's (~ 95000 miles) . I just bought a one owner mint 2006 ES330 for 12k from a dealer, with 65000 miles.

lostape45

I would say you can get a lower mileage 2000-2001 for less than $6500 easily. I'm thinking around 100k miles. Just make sure it was well taken care of and especially be sure the oil changes were done at the correct interval.

speedkar9

If you want super reliable, get the 97-98 for the more robust transmission, or look for an 04-06 for the upgraded power-train.

longo32

I love the look of the older style es300 rear tail lights and simple front end design. Heated seats are
a deal breaker but hard to find in the desert SW and California but every now and then I see one that has them..(optional for an extra$440.00 in the day.) The Toyota engine Sludge issues are right in my 97 to98 years and of course not many can prove the oil was changed often but all say it was.
A really nice one with under 100K usually listed for about $5990 to $6990.

Quite a few black ones with black interiors for sale, more so it seems than I would exp[ect. to me they look like in inside of a Welsh coal mine, or a pace car for a funeral parlor. but lots of them were sold that way.
Thanks for the comment on the reliability factor for those 97-99 models, that sounds like I am looking in the right years with the right automatic transmissions. hope to hear more mid to late 90's es300owners chiming in on this search.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

If I were you I would look for a 2001. Last year of the body style, had more options than earlier models and also tended to have more desirable options such as HID headlights and a wood and leather steering wheel. Also had vvti which is more HP. As for transmissions, mine got to 190k before it needed any servicing. Just make sure the timing belt has been done. I sold my 2001 ES with 230k and last I heard it had around 265k. Anyways, almost all years of the ES are reliable, main thing is service records, and save money to replace strits and strut mounts at some point.

longo32

Thanks for the info O2' from what I am seeing, 200+K is now the norm for mileage in the used Lexus es300 market.. (I will start saving for new struts)

longo32

This is very close....but it has 120000 miles...should I be very worried?

Always garaged, Excellent condition 2001 Lexus ES 300 with Premium Package, Pearl White with Tan Leather Interior with Memory, includes: Moonroof, 6 Disc In-Dash CD, Heated Front Seats, Trunk Mat, Cargo Mat, Security System, Traction Control, Dynamic Stability, No accidents, Always Garaged, Very New Tires, Looks and Drives Great , A/C ice cold, Looks & drives great, Mostly highway miles, New tires, Non-Smoker, Seats like new, Upgraded sound system, Very clean interior, Well maintained. Clean Title in hand. $3500 Firm price

lostape45

Sounds like decent deal to me. You should be just fine with 120k miles as I have 160k and there are many guys on the forum with over 200k. I'd like to refer you to this video series about buying a used car that our good forum friend Speedkar9 created. Here's the link:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es3...-used-car.html
I watched the whole series and it is very thorough. It is slightly long but I'm sure you want to get a car that lasts. Watch the videos and see for yourself.

funcrusher

Why don't you just have a mechanic look at it if you're not confortable doing it

lostape45

Yes I would recommend you have a mechanic look at it if you don't feel comfortable. They will know exactly what to look for

longo32

"A Mechanic" anywhere near where I live needs at least a 3 day in advance appointment to even look out the shop door, and unless he is an X-Toyota tech familiar with the problems of older high mileage Lexus with the 3 liter engines , I think it would be a very cursory exam. Now if 'Speedkar9' lived close by, That would be the ticket!

lostape45

Did you watch the videos? I think they are very good for inspecting the car yourself.