2001 ES300 vs RX300
Thread Starter
Pit Crew
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 132
Likes: 3
From: NorthSouthEastWest
2001 ES300 vs RX300
Looking to buy one for $5k or under. Not sure which to go with ... help me make a decision, because I like both.
Say both are equally maintained - what should I look out for? Timing belt on the RX has not been done but the dealer will do it for free. The ES300 has extensive service history, only one owner, will cost me $2k less than the RX but has 10k more miles on it. The interior also has a gross stain.
Say both are equally maintained - what should I look out for? Timing belt on the RX has not been done but the dealer will do it for free. The ES300 has extensive service history, only one owner, will cost me $2k less than the RX but has 10k more miles on it. The interior also has a gross stain.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 4,592
Likes: 31
From: TN
Same car, different body, buy whichever one you personally like better, they're almost the same mechanically and from a reliability standpoint.
Where do you live, how hilly is it, and how much snow do you get???? That might tip the iceberg in favor of the AWD RX300.
Personally out of those two, I'd buy the ES300 off the original owner. I hate dealerships, they'll lie through their teeth to sell you a giant pile of dog doo. Buying it from the original owner themselves, you have proof it was maintained. Sometimes buying private party the person will BS you as well, but generally people are more honest when they are selling you their old car in person. Or its easier to tell when they're lying to you.
Where do you live, how hilly is it, and how much snow do you get???? That might tip the iceberg in favor of the AWD RX300.
Personally out of those two, I'd buy the ES300 off the original owner. I hate dealerships, they'll lie through their teeth to sell you a giant pile of dog doo. Buying it from the original owner themselves, you have proof it was maintained. Sometimes buying private party the person will BS you as well, but generally people are more honest when they are selling you their old car in person. Or its easier to tell when they're lying to you.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,070
Likes: 107
From: Southeastern PA
Looking to buy one for $5k or under. Not sure which to go with ... help me make a decision, because I like both.
Say both are equally maintained - what should I look out for? Timing belt on the RX has not been done but the dealer will do it for free. The ES300 has extensive service history, only one owner, will cost me $2k less than the RX but has 10k more miles on it. The interior also has a gross stain.
Say both are equally maintained - what should I look out for? Timing belt on the RX has not been done but the dealer will do it for free. The ES300 has extensive service history, only one owner, will cost me $2k less than the RX but has 10k more miles on it. The interior also has a gross stain.
Thread Starter
Pit Crew
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 132
Likes: 3
From: NorthSouthEastWest
We get a good amount of snow about 3-4 months per year. Don't care for SUV/Sedan. I've wanted the ES for a while but I also enjoy the higher up ride. AWD is nice, I suppose, but not necessary. Is the ES really that much more efficient? How so? Both cars are 15+ years old.
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We get a good amount of snow about 3-4 months per year. Don't care for SUV/Sedan. I've wanted the ES for a while but I also enjoy the higher up ride. AWD is nice, I suppose, but not necessary. Is the ES really that much more efficient? How so? Both cars are 15+ years old.
Sounds like the ES is your choice. What's resonating with me is the, "Don't care for the SUV/Sedan & Wanting the ES for a while." Those told me where your heart lies.
For me, the RX has become my Swiss-army tool for navigating all of the above.
Let us know what you finally decide on.
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