Dazment

Hey! New to the forums, I was choosing between a IS GS and ES and came to the conclusion that the GS Would be best for me.
The IS is sporty, which is a plus as I'm 17. But the interior is very... Bland.. And uses plastic for everything and it just doesn't feel/ look nice. Plus it's tight in there, and I'm 6'4 haha.

I was actually going to look at an ES300 today, but I just... Couldn't get over how ugly the car looked to me :/ I love how comfy and nice the interior is, but the exterior is just so dang... Bland...

The GS300 Proved to be the real champ because it's a blend between the ES and the IS. By now you're thinking, "tell me something I don't know anon" haha, I don't know anything you guys don't know, but I'm making this to ask a question.

What model do you guys think is probably best for me? And is the GS300 Just as reliable as the ES? I heard some stuff about ball joints and such... How will I know when that needs to be done? Anything I need to know about the car? This would be my first car, thanks!

Dazment

Another questions. I just heard about the ls430... It's an 8 cylinder... Does it have any problems?? The luxury on this thing... Jeezus

Danny365N

iTrader: (1)

ES300 is bland and based on a Camry drivetrain.

The IS is nice, especially as a younger people's car. Looks good & is meant to go against the 3 series. Lighter car, but not as luxury oriented.
The GS is more of a mid size sedan meant to go against the BMW 5 series & Mercedes E class.
As for the LS, you do know you can get an 8 cylinder GS also, right? GS400/430
Anyways the LS is the Lexus flagship luxury car. It's not as fast as the GS and much heavier. It's more aimed at a quiet smooth ride. All Lexus are quiet & smooth, but the LS is one of the top luxury cars in it's class. No they don't have any common issues.

As for ball joints, if the person you're buying from doesn't have a receipt/service record for it recently I'd recommend you get it done. It's fairly cheap. You will feel the car riding sloppy. If you don't know what you're looking at I'd suggest you get a 3rd party inspection for ~$100 or so, regardless if you buy a Lexus or not.

Lurk the board man, it's filled with knowledge and will give you ideas of what you may really want.

Dazment

Thank you very much! After looking at stuff, i realized i actually wanted the 2002 es300, found a really really nice one near me with 110k miles for 6k, black on black, very well maintained. Im fine with a luxurious camry!

Danny365N

iTrader: (1)

Each to their own. It's a very comfy ride for what it is. Enjoy & best of luck

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

i drove a 97 ES300 for about 7 years and that car took me everywhere and was trouble free.. Had the timing stuff done at 90k and eventually traded it in on my current daily driver. I can't remember anything major happening except maybe the evaporator for the AC... I was notorious on bringing my car into the shop for regular maintenance until i got older and started doing things myself or stuff i can do... At least you have the newer body style which is plus...

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

That generation of ES has one of the better interiors, which is what you'll primarily be looking at anyway! Best of luck, Dazment.