RND1

Hi - I'm currently driving a '99 BMW 540i 6sp with 107K miles. It's a wonderful machine, but it has left me stranded twice now and I've spent about $5K in repairs in the last 18 months. I thought I would drive it into the ground, but I'm now realizing that pretty soon the replacement parts will exceed the value of the car. So, I'm considering Lexus mainly due to its legendary reliability. My budget is $20K.

It looks like I can get an '03 ES300 w/ 35K miles or a '99 LS400 w/ 70K miles. I like the torque of a V8, but I wouldn't mind the better mileage of the 6 since I commute 75 miles a day. Any advice out there as to which would be the more prudent buy? I plan to keep it for 100K miles without having to put a lot of money into it aside from routine maintenance. I live in NE so driving in the snow is a reality. My 540i does surprisingly well with dedicated snows -will the LS be the same? The ES is FWD so I figure it would be fine. TIA.

bicol-ini

ill get the 99LS or much better get an 01 or better due to engine size from 4.0 to 4.3 L

blange400

I bought a 2000 Platinum Ed. with 55k miles. It needed its rims chromed, It needed 3 dings cleaned off (paintless dent removal), the rest is solid. I paid $18.5k. With tires and rims I'm up to 19,7K. I could have paid less but it's the car I wanted (Platinum SF edition).

The LS gets 18-20mpg around town mixed driving. It gets up to 27 on trips. My wifes '99 LS gets 28mpg on trips (NM to NV). I had an ES 330 for a loaner and thought that the difference in mpg wasnt worth giving up the ride of the LS.
I recommend you read Chester Dawsons " The Relentless Pursuit".

Best wishes. You'll love the move to Lexus.

vraa

iTrader: (2)

There is nothing like an LS.
Make the right decision and don't look back.

alsalih

Although the 03 ES is a very nice car, the LS is rear wheel drive with a V8and will therefore handle more closely to your 540 then the ES would. You need to look outside your region for better prices, here in Dallas you can get this 01 LS430 for $22.8K and this is a VERY clean car with 69K miles. I have no affiliation with this company, just look at it for reference!

http://www.ecarlist.com/cgi-bin/show...=4653&d_id=199

blange400

The 99-00 Ls is said to be quieter, than the LS430. I dunno I would say its personal taste. The LS400s I have are awesome cars.

You'll be happy anyway you go.

steveski

I have driven a 540i and own an LS. Obviously the BMW is more a driver's car but with the LS you will have comparable acceleration and top notch reliability. As for the ES, why even consider it? Front wheel drive V6 will leave you unsatisfied. They are great cars no doubt it but the LS will definitely get you to and from work with the most satisfaction.

RND1

Thanks for all the responses. Looks like all of you guys live in the sunbelt so driving an LS in the snow is a non-issue. Anyone out there driving the LS in the snow? How does it do with dedicated snows? My 540i is no Audi Quattro, but it can get up a pretty steep hill with about 4 inches of white stuff. Anymore than that and well I'm stuck...

In doing a little more digging, I may be able to squeak into an '01 LS430 for $20K - $22K. Was this the first year of the 4.3L or was it used on the Land Cruisers for years? Any first year issues? I'd certainly like to go this route rather than an ES.

jtparkes

RND:

I had the same conversation with myself a while back, and picked the older LS.

I have spent several weeks in ES loaners when my LS is in for repairs. The big differences:
1) Ride: LS has a noticably better suspension (tighter, yet smoother, don't know how they manage that)
2) Engine, obviously
3) LS feels like an opulent luxury car. ES is very nice, but seems like a really really nice family sedan. If you're putting 3 in back seat, they'll be ectatic in LS, pretty happy in the ES.

If reliability is what you're looking for: despite its deserved reputation, the LS is not entirely trouble-free (at least mine isn't- hence my time in ES loaners....). My '99 has been in the shop once a year, and had I not had the pre-owned warranty, I bet I would have been out-of-pocket $1,500-$2,000 during the four years I have owned it (several sensors and electric motors) . I'd have to say my last Saturn was more reliable than my LS.

Yeah, I think you definitely could get into a low-mileagle '99-'00 or maybe even an '01 LS430 for the $ you're talking about. Have you checked the classifieds here at club-lexus? Last I looked there were some SCREAMING deals if you are willing to travel to get the car.

Good luck!

skperformance

iTrader: (6)

The previous ES 02-06 stinks in the worst way with its tranny and it being so underpowered alone. It drives like absolute crap to me and looks that way in my way of design.
The 00-01 ES or 98-00 LS are the best ranges to look at but the LS is much more worthy.

blange400

JTparkes-Where you at NM?
You musta got a one-off prollem child. While I admit had to put hellacious sums into replacement parts,(ps pump/alt) they didnt go til 144Kmi. My last 3 Lex have been very reliable. The "HOLY" Book of Dots (April issue of Consumer Reports) puts the LS as the most reliable car ever built. Same for JD Powers LONG term study.
You're next LS will make up for your issues with this one, they are the least troubled car Ive ever owned.
PS: RND1, NM gets plenty of snow and cold. I would NOT own a car w/o heated seats!

siamiam

this picture was taken about three weeks ago

i hate snow :P it usually starts snowing in september and stays in till around May and from a winter driving perspective i have no problems driving in snow and ice with a RWD car, heck almost all my winter cars have been RWD.

with dedictated snow tyres cars do far better than crappy all seasons on snow and ice, the traction control on the LS's work really great.

but you always have to remember when driving on snow and ice stopping is more important than going, having fwd or awd doesnt help you stop. many times just using common sense while driving is a big factor. watch your speed, look at your road condition, being aware of other car and things around you etc.


damn i still need to get my snow tyres on

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

Get the 99 LS400. Better car all around and you wont give up too much gas mileage if at all to the ES300. Believe it or not, when I had my SC400 (4.0 V8) it had nearly the same gas mileage (About 21-22 combined MPG) as does my ES300. I sold my SC400 for the ES300 thinking I'd save a lot of gas using it as my daily driver, but I was wrong. I'd take an LS400 over an ES in a hart beat.

RND1

Nice pic siamiam! It was a balmy 65F here in Boston today - hope we don't see scenes like that for a couple of months. Glad to hear the LS with snow tires can get through the snow.

I've decided to get an LS or keep my 540i. The ES is out. Thanks for all your feedback.

Khiladi

iTrader: (1)

To answer one of your questions, the 4.3liter V8 came in '01, as the LS400 became the LS430 with new body style and all. Whichever you choose, you'll be content no doubt. Good luck.