I'm in the market for either an SC 300 or ES 300 (All models 2001 and older)

I'm a young guy and I don't need anything too fancy, but I do want either a white or preferably black car.

I've done research on both and my dad drives a 2002 ES300. I like the car but I prefer the 90's look on cars in general. Would the engine be the same in the older model? Is it essentially the same car? If so, then I know what to expect because I have driven the 2002 ES300 for years.

I am also considering the SC300 but the only reason I would not get it is the 2 door pita. I also don't like to race, drag, mod or anything special like that, and I know the SC is for an enthusiast (which I am not). For that reason, it might not be the right car. I do love the look of the car, and from what I have heard it runs like a horse.

I don't have vast expertise on automobiles but I have been researching for the past month trying to get a feel for the right vehicle. I just need something that works well for standard use, but I would like some decent acceleration

*I want a cool, sports looking car

 

Welcome to CL.

In answer to one of your questions, the older ES300s and SC300s use two totally different engines. The ES used the 3.0L V6, and the SC a 3.0L in-line six (the same engine, BTW, that was used in the 90s-vintage American-spec Toyota Supra). The in-line 6 is smooth, reasonably powerful, and nearly bulletproof if properly cared for....but it uses premium gas like a V8 (I had an IS300 myself, with that engine, for almost 5 years). The 3.0L V6 of that vintage had issues with the oil gelling and/or sludging if the oil-change intervals were not rigidly adhered to....and some owners were lax about this. So, if you choose a Toyota or Lexus product with that engine (including an ES)...my first advice is to make sure that its service history (especially oil changes) has been documented. Otherwise, avoid it.

Second, as far as a "cool" car goes...that definition, of course, is primarily determined by the owner's tastes....which can vary widely. For instance, I saw one young couple, when I was helping someone shop at a Pontiac/GMC dealership for a new Yukon, who actually thought the Pontiac Aztek was cool. The couple stopped by the dealership, looked at a white Aztek on the lot, test-drove it, fell in love with it, and took it home an hour or two later. Many others would consider the Aztek one of the ultimate automotive eyesores.

 

What is your budget? You may find it better to get a slightly newer non-Lexus than it is to get an older Lexus.

 

Well a SC300 or ES300 are pretty fancy for a young guy. SC300's rear seat is useless and by now most have high miles on them and are looking at some expensive maintenance, you are in Mass. so a rwd SC is not going to be a good car in the winter either.

Of the two I would choose the ES if you are young and not a enthusiast, there are more to choose from with lower miles and fwd will be better in the snow but watch out for engine sludge, it was a big issue with the ES300.

If you are under 22 or 23 I would also look to more mainstream cars like an Accord, civic, Prelude, Integra, Celica as you can find a bigger selection, maintenance is less, they are all fwd to deal better with snow, and are safer bets if you are going to college. Often nicer cars at colleges get targeted by vandals.

 

Thanks for the responses.

I graduated college, fwiw, and I am definitely leaning towards the ES300. I'm trying to understand this whole engine sludging thing... how will I know if the car is having that problem? Will I hear it? See it? Feel it?
My budget is around $5,000

 

It's actually very simple. This engine was simply not forgiving of extended-interval oil changes like some engines are. In plain English, it's either change the oil or else. That's why my advice is to make sure, if you get one, that its service-records are documented.

 

$5,000 can get you a good example of either car, and to be honest you're comparing apples to oranges with these two.

The SC is a sports coupe, 400 of course available in 1uzfe w/ auto trans only. 300 Available in auto/manual trans (only up to 1997, and still a rare find.).

ES300 is a sedan, not really sports oriented. So it really comes down to what you're looking for in a car. If you want something thats spacious for you and your bros, then an ES all day. If you want something more on the sporty side, SC300/400. I used to cram 4 people into my SC all the time, but I'm also only 5'10" and normally have my seat pretty close to the wheel.


Have you thought about looking into GS's? 1GS's can be had as REALLY good examples for your budget, 2GS's are obtainable, but you will not be getting the best car out of it (high mileage, etc.). But, they are bulletproof with proper maintenance. My 2GS was 250k deep on the original motor and I drove it up and down the california coast all the time. These are the idea of a "sport sedan".

 

Agreed with SonicMotor, the ES and SC are really different cars. The ES, especially the 1997-2001 vintage looks a lot closer to its Camry sibling than almost all other ES's save for the original ES250.

I think for 5k, you may even be able to get into an LS if you look close enough. Thats a real nice ride.

 

Do you still live in MA?
the SC is RWD... not the best idea for year round, northeast weather

 

Get yourself a Civic, save the rest, save money on gas, and buy a nicer Lexus later on. Much better than blowing $5,000 on an old Lexus.

 

I personally don't like the GS or IS look.

If I can get a 2000 ES w/ 120k miles for $3k is it worth it? Assuming it has been well taken care of.

 

I agree with your instincts. If you're not a modder or into outright performance, you don't really need a rwd platform.

Those years of ES are my favorite. There's something about that styling that still works and it's a bulletproof vehicle. Good power and nice interior without a big dollar outlay.

Watch out though for sellers who neglected maintenance and are trading on the Camry/ES reputation.

 

What's the best way to tell whether the car has been well maintained or not? In addition to service receipts?

 

If you do not know how to do that yourself, bring it to a mechanic.

 

What percentage of ES300's suffered from the engine sludge issue? Are all of the engines prone to it?