I'm having a hard time deciding if I should get just the base model '92-97 Lexus ES300 or '91-'97 LS400. I just want a good practical daily driver that is good on gas, comfortable, good backseat space, timeless design (i know some of the clean ones can pass as a brand new car). I like both the LS400 and ES300 and was just wanting opinions on what you think is best. I'm not sure of the differences in year and what years were the most reliable but they all seem to be in the same price range I'm looking to spend no more than $7K for my daily driver. Any ideas? pros/cons? thanks for any help!

 

Welcome to Clublexus. Can't go with either one but the ES will have better fuel economy and cost less to maintain, which are considerations for a daily driver. The LS is much more spacious.

 

agree, the es will have much better gas mileage. the ls has more room in the back (except the center seat of course) but if you just want a brainless easy daily driver, the es is probably my choice

 

thanks for the response. So other than the better gas mileage the ES300 has, the LS400 would be the better vehicle? I think I am willing to sacrafice gas mileage for a more spacious/better vehicle. I know its V6 vs V8 and it's only a daily driver but I am mostly looking for reliablity the most. also I like the RWD over the FWD. What years would you say is the better one/more reliable for both model?

 

Can't go wrong with either vehicle. Like mentioned earlier the ES will get better gas mileage since it's a V6. I for one have a 1996 ES 300 with over 254K miles, no major problem whatsoever. Both cars are reliable. If you want the space and the prestige the LS 400 would be your best pick. I would also chose the 1997 model year since it would most likely have the lowest miles on the odometer. Good luck and which ever vehicle you chose you can't go wrong. Welcome to Clublexus...

 

My vote is for a 98+ LS400. I used to own an SC400 with the IUZ-FE V8 engine as my daily driver. I got a consistent 22 MPG with that car. I traded that car in for a 94 ES300 (Too many common SC problems with my SC) and I get a consistent 22.5-23MPG. I drove both cars in the same way to and from work, so in my experience with my particular driving style the V6 wasn't that much more fuel efficient than the V8. The one thing I do miss is the power. I thought the SC400 was kind of weak for a V8, but the V6 in the ES definately is a lot weaker.

Also IMHO the Lexus V8 is a much more reliable engine and easier to work on. Now, I'm basing this off my SC400 in which the engine is very similar to the LS400 engine and also being RWD. The steering rack system is easier to work on in a rear drive than a front drive. Over all, I'm mostly happy with my 94 ES as a daily driver only because it gets the job done. However, it is a pretty boring car so I'll probably sell it next year. I thought the gas mileage on the V6 would be much better than on the V8, but it hasn't been the case for me.

 

ok, i would definitely NOT say that the ls is a "better" vehicle. imho the es are just as well built and quality is just as good too. the ls400 is more spaceous that's for sure and maybe it has more luxury gadgets, but as a daily driver i see those as "extras" instead of necessities.

 

I would go for the ES based on the current gas situation.

 

did you see it must cost less than $7K.? IMO that eliminates most LS cars that are less than 10 years old. a 98+ LS400 may cost 2x that.

you need to consider how old of a car you are getting for $7K.. Probably the ES you can get a 96-97 while a LS maybe 94-95 in good condition with normal miles.

Newer car with less miles will likely be more reliable. However when talking about 9 to 12 year old cars you can never be 100% sure something major isn't about to go bad.

IMO at this price range it's not a good idea to limit your choice to just 2 cars. .

 

Oops. I missed the $7K part I wold then get an early model LS400 then. Exact same engine as my 93 SC400 had and like I mentioned, probably will get about the same gas mileage with maybe only a slight edge to the ES300 V6.

I agree though, if you want a DD with good gas mileage I probably would be looking at more cars than just those two.