The Ikon

*What are the major differences, besides engine output/internals from"92-96'?

*What are the problem areas of the ES to look out for?

*Looking for an ES3 92-96 or GS3 93-95...

Thanks,

The Ikon

The Ikon

This is the right forum for this question right???

I need some experienced input...

ramsee1

Ok I know I'm gonna get slammed for not having exact stats here but anyway. I think 92-96 are usually put together because a lot of the parts are interchangable. I think between those years all had 185 hp, but somewhere in there the engine type changed. After that I think the hp got bumped up to 210 which is where it stands to this day. I am not aware of too many problems inherent to any of the years. The two things I've had gone wrong (I have a 96) is the pump leaked (900.00 covered under warranty thankfully) and it makes a rattling noise which to this day is under debate what it is. But I know numerous other people have had this happen to their ES. Of course the older the car, you will tend to encounter more things wrong with the car. And there is the infamous ES manual that was around in 92 or 93. I don't know anything about the GS model. Anyone else?

The Ikon

Thanks. I was at a local Lexus repair shop and the mechanics told me to be aware of extreme sludge build up in the engine. They said it was a big problem now with the ES3 92-96. They also said every time the Lexus dealer in which they use to work got an ES3 from trade or from Lexus auction the 1st thing they(mechanics) would do is take off the valve cover to inspect for build up.

One of the guys said once it has moderate to major build up, the dealer would not accept the trade(if so, it would be shipped out immediately to be sold)! They said it was also a concern at Lexus training school too. There's no way to remove it once it starts to form. He said the best car to buy is one that change the oil(with documentation) religiously at 3 to 5K miles.

They actually showed me what to look for from an engine(out of a 95 ES3 with about 90,000 miles) they were rebuilding. They said it is worth the 20 minutes to remove the cover and inspect it, maybe both sides...

They also said the info was in their Lexus service bulletins, and to ask any service department or Lexus mechanic about it.... Has any one here heard of this?

The Ikon

ramsee1

That's a new one on me. Thankfully I have documentation from the beginning that my car has not missed an oil change. I am surprised to hear that there's nothing to be done about the problem however.

gs4to4

I have heard of this. As far as I know, the problem is only apparent in the 97 and up ES AND the RX 300's
As long as the car was not in someone's hands who is known to hide problems, first, look for the sludge on the oilcap, afterwards, look for it with a flashlight inside the oil filler hole. A little bit of build up is Ok, but if there is a lot, have the valve cover pulled off by a lexus tech.
92s and 93s-some have weak Auto transmissions, but mine has been slipping for years and is still shifting well in all gears, except for reverse.

The Ikon

It's very interesting that only a few people have even heard this before!!! I guess Lexus wants this to be kept quiet!!!

So, I guess my Lexus mechanic are right on the money again!!!

I think all ES owners should question this potential problem and KEEP that oil changed!!!

I found a 96' ES3 with 80,000 miles on it. I may get it if it checks out.


The Ikon

ramsee1

good choice! make sure it had its 75k tune-up.

The Ikon

Why are you selling your ES3 so quick? I thought you just got it? It's clean I might add... I could be interested in it! Give me the 411 on the car. ASAP...

Who's in the Lexus lobby photo!

The Ikon

What's the vin so I can run a Carfax on it? How many owners that you know about? Do you have the service history?

TIA

Erfan

The guy in the lexus lobby photo is my father
The other skinny guy is me

Steve Barnes

excuse me for bringing up and old post.. just browing through and spotted the above quote.

Is this true about 92's with weak transmissions? My ES sometimes jerks a little when changing gear.. but if i power up very slowly it seems to go very smoothly without it jerking.

Can anyone tell me if they feel a small jerk when gears change on the Auto when powering up normally?

This is the first auto i have ever had and I am used to manual transmissions.

If this is a problem what steps do i take to test it and have it fixed as cheap as possible?

steve