mroark

Just joined today. I just bought a deal of a lifetime. Went to Lexus dealership on 03/31/15 and bought (ca$h) a 2002 Lexus ES300 with ONLY 52,000 miles on it. It is in excellent condition . I tried my best to find a nick or chip in the paint, and could not. The interior was unbelievable. I repeat, a 2002 with only 52,000 miles..... (break that down, average mileage per year). It is sweet, so sweet....
I appreciate being allowed to join this forum. BTW, we own a 96 Lexus ES300 with 212,000 miles and the check engine light recently appeared, which advised that the transmission has seen its better days... that is why we decided to buy the 2002. If anyone is interested in the 96, let us know.

mmarshall

Welcome to CL. Good luck with the 2002 ES.....sounds like you found a nice one. Just make sure (if possible) that previous oil-changes and other service on it were documented, as that engine (3.0L V6) was not forgiving of extended-interval changes, and could sludge or gel up and be damaged. There were also some factory re-flashes for the throttle-by-wire system and transmission ECU...make sure those were done. Otherwise, that generation ES was just about bulletproof....and had what was IMO one of the best interiors on any Lexus product outside of the LS430, though I also liked the chronograph-gauges and chrome-ball shift **** on the original IS300.

Besides CAR CHAT, we also have a specific forum for that particular-generation ES300.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

We bought a 2004 with 54k miles a year ago, got a great deal. These low mileage one owner Lexus, even older ones, are great buys second hand.

mroark

Thanks, mmarshall for the heads up on what to be aware of on my 2002 es300. Unfortunately the car was bought from the dealership that i purchased it from, but after a few oil changes there, (which was documented), there isn't a record after 30,000 .
I know the service department checks everything when they get a trade in, as far as proper fluid levels, brake pads, etc... That being said, I plan on taking it there for an oil change soon and start the process of having it documented, along with any other service that it will require. I will mention what you advised me to watch out for to them. So you recommend changing oil every three months instead of 5?

mroark

Have you had any problems with your 2004?

mmarshall

Depends on the number of miles you drive (and what type of miles you drive, if the engine regularly gets good and warm on longer trips). But, of course, time can deteriorate oil as well as mileage. You might not have to change it every three months, but, with that engine, I wouldn't let it go to just once or twice a year. If you're driving 10-12,000 miles a year (which is about average), probably every four months is a good idea....and make sure you use the recommended grade/viscosity and SAE classification for the oil.....your car doesn't have enough miles on it yet for the special high-mileage oil for old, worn engines.

mroark

Thanks, I really appreciate you advice ! Every four months sounds good to me!