Just Bought 1996 ES300 ( grandpa car)
09-05-09, 11:06 PM
#1
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Just Bought 1996 ES300 ( grandpa car)
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..
09-05-09, 11:19 PM
#2
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First congratulations on getting an ES 300. Second with the proper mods your ES will be awesome. Just take a look at other members here who have the ES 300. I have a 1996 ES 300 and I love her to death. It's a great car and the reliability, dependability and that good stuff is there. If you decide to customize your ES it can give it a new look and not have that "grandpa car" feel to it. You made the right choice and now it's up to you to do something about. Good luck and happy driving...
09-06-09, 12:50 AM
#3
Congratulation on getting an ES, welcome to the CL. As trexus said good mods will make it a complete different car, When i first got the ES i thought it was a total chick car, cuz i was expecting a SC400, But I have grown to love this car, I plan on making it one of a kind, because not to many mod the ES, Trust after couple of mods, you will fall in love with this car, Its a wonderful car, your choice is right, Have fun with the mods and enjoy the ride, treat her good and she will treat you good to 
09-06-09, 10:15 AM
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Its a grandpa car man, an excellent grandpa car. Absolutely nothing wrong with it either. I love it because police don't even give me a second glance because they assume i'm 65. If you want to, lower it, throw on some 17's or 18's on a low pro tire like a 40 series, it'll handle like you want. I went from a 5-speed Accord with a ***** drop and low profile proxes to the ES. It sucked for a while, but what the ES lacks in roadholding and overall handling it more then makes up for in comfort, style, and reliability. Its like Car and Driver said, The ES is " the automotive equivalent to valium".
09-06-09, 12:14 PM
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Hey BadViper, love the rims and painted calipers. I agree, 2nd Gen ES with projector headlights and the round fogs is the best looking. Mine also handles almost as well as my old BMW (1997 328i), although I will admit that it is not as exciting. I do love the ride and comfort a lot more though...
I replaced my struts added some performance tires and it has greatly added to the "fun to drive" factor. Still not up to my old Bimmer, but the better reliability and lower maintenance costs greatly offset that.
I replaced my struts added some performance tires and it has greatly added to the "fun to drive" factor. Still not up to my old Bimmer, but the better reliability and lower maintenance costs greatly offset that.
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09-07-09, 08:08 AM
#9
Lexucanafer
09-08-09, 08:07 PM
#11
We have a 96 ES in the family and in stock form, not the most -fun- car to drive. Its super comfy and a great daily. However, I have ridden in Slooooow's ES which is lowered with upgraded brakes and a custom exhaust and his upgrades compliment the car quite well. Its not gonna be super fast, but with improved handling, sound, and looks... you'll put that sunfire to shame.
09-09-09, 03:01 PM
#14
I will have to agree with everyone else on here, the ES is no grandpa car. I guess all depends on how old you are and what you make of her. If your young and looking for a Civic type of car, then the ES is not what you want. But if your looking for a stylish, dependable, comfortable, entry level luxury car then the ES is what you want. Like everyone has said, if you mod it out and add your own touch to it, it will definately not look like a grandpa car. I will admit the ES is hard to mod as far as parts come by, it's not like an IS where parts are all over the place, but once you do mod her, you will be happy you got her. Take a look at everyones ES's on here, no grandpa cars here. Good luck and know you have a gem in the ruff.
