Just Bought 1996 ES300 ( grandpa car)
08-17-12, 03:53 PM
#17
Here's the deal. The 2nd generation ES300 (especially by now with how old it is) IS a grandpa car. It's ironic because my grandpa actually used to own it and he gave it to me. But that only applies to the car in STOCK form. When you start slapping performance stuff on it, it's a whole different story. Get an aftermarket intake and straight-through muffler and your car will GROWL. Remember it's a V6. My number one favorite thing about the car is the super-smooth, comfortable ride. Lowering springs will improve handling but compromise the great ride. Therefore I recommend starting with a rear sway bar and front strut brace to reduce body roll without affecting ride quality. If you're really hardcore about beefing up the power, you can hunt down the rare and elusive TRD 1MZ-FE supercharger. It costs over $3,000 and only adds about 50HP (or so I read), but it'll smoke your Sunfire ANY DAY. Just ask EEngineer 
08-17-12, 08:01 PM
#18
Lexus Test Driver
^x2
but not just 50hp, if u spend the money and have the supporting mods done right, you can double the output.
here's a not-so-recent dynograph. the newest numbers after the head rebuild is 300.8whp =] our cars are known to dyno 150~160whp with the auto tranny
but not just 50hp, if u spend the money and have the supporting mods done right, you can double the output.
here's a not-so-recent dynograph. the newest numbers after the head rebuild is 300.8whp =] our cars are known to dyno 150~160whp with the auto tranny
08-25-12, 05:38 PM
#21
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OMG. I would love to find a '96 ES with only 90k miles on it. It's the best car I've ever driven. The perfect blend of comfort and performance. I can't believe you're complaining about it and wondering if you should've gotten a Sunfire.
08-27-12, 11:48 AM
#22
Hello
About two weeks ago I purchased a 1996 Lexus Es300 with about 90k miles. I test drove a 2000 Civic, 1999 Acura EL, 2000 VW Golf. I went with the Lexus because it had low mileage and it was just overall the most comfortable. My girlfriend constantly jokes that it is a "grandpa car", at first it was all fun and games but now I am started to realize that it just might be???? I love the ride and the feel of the Lexus but its just not fun. I went from a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire and I feel the sunfire was more fun to drive ( 5spd could have been the factor). So my question is, is this a normal feeling? Has anybody out there felt the same way? Is this a case of " you do love it, you just don't know it yet?)
Help me understand that I did make the right decision..
About two weeks ago I purchased a 1996 Lexus Es300 with about 90k miles. I test drove a 2000 Civic, 1999 Acura EL, 2000 VW Golf. I went with the Lexus because it had low mileage and it was just overall the most comfortable. My girlfriend constantly jokes that it is a "grandpa car", at first it was all fun and games but now I am started to realize that it just might be???? I love the ride and the feel of the Lexus but its just not fun. I went from a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire and I feel the sunfire was more fun to drive ( 5spd could have been the factor). So my question is, is this a normal feeling? Has anybody out there felt the same way? Is this a case of " you do love it, you just don't know it yet?)
Help me understand that I did make the right decision..
Anyway, I had an Acura TL before the Lexus. The TL definitely felt sportier - stiffer suspension, quicker acceleration, etc. But the Lexus wins hands-down in everything else. It's definitely more of a comfy cruiser than a sports sedan. But I think it's classy looking, and not a grandpa car. More of a car for someone who likes to ride in style but doesn't necessarily want to race a Mustang at the stop light.
I have never driven a more comfortable, smoother, quieter, nicer car than my ES300. I am glad I got it, and didn't listen to the naysayers.My $.02. Like others have said, you can also mod yours to make it sportier. Not really my thing but it looks like others might have some info about that.
Bottom line is, it's not a grandpa car. Nor is it a teeny bopper car, which I like.
08-28-12, 06:12 PM
#23
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GRANDPA CAR?!?!?! lol nah i dont think so its a bit big so its not the smoothest looking car. but its one bad-*** ride to be honest. paired a nice audio system to it. dropped it just a bit custom lighting. ohh i love it so much its not hard at all to mod it to your likings which is great and its a smooth ride. i love it and would not change it for anything
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