marcoes300

i bought mine from the original owner at 147k , im now at 161k and i had no problem ... the only thing is my heated seat but it was only the fuse who was burn... and i had a little accident but thats its not because of the car :P


im planning to keep this car until like 280k kilo or until she die XD

its a fantastic car , very confortable and the v6 dosnt drink like other v6 , i do like 530 k with 50 $ ( at 1,20 $/l)

GoodRevs

There is definitely a difference when you look at cars from the north. We have salt on our roads for a good 5-6 months of the year. But don't let it deter you from looking at cars up here, although down in FL you will find a ton of barely used, mint Lexus's due to the elderly population. Keep in mind these are often base models (i.e. no HID's, nav etc.) - I say this from personal experience, but there are some gems down in FL, more so than up here.

envision11

Hey fellas, I posted on here last week, I appreciate all the feedback from everyone. Many asked about which car I was looking at. Here are some pictures. It's a 99 ES300, it has 100k miles, asking price is $5100. One owner, no accidents (according to autocheck) it has been driven in Miami from the original purchase date until now. One of the corner lights seems to be cracked and the lower part of the bumper is damaged. I was planning on changing all lights including the rears anyways but still. I was also leaning more towards getting an 00-01 model but If I can get this one for a great deal I might jump on it. Opinions? Also, does anyone know if the bottom gray panels on the 97-99 cars are a darker gray then the 00-01 model. I noticed this the other day, or am I hallucinating?

AndyG

From the pics and what you say, I'd think that's not a bad deal at all. Looks like a great car with some minor fixes but heck, it's 12 years old.

Did you test drive it yet?

LeX2K

I personally would not buy that car, in your area there are many ES300's for sale, pay a bit more and get a 2000-2001 in better shape. You won't have to do any tail or headlight swap for starters.

imherenow

if it was me i would shop for more..few things i noticed on the car..need lot of cosmetic changes like things u mentioned n also the headlights are cloudy (not a big deal)..but i also noticed it has no sunroof???!?..on a lexus u should have a sunroof.. plus the floor mats n seats are dirty. Anyways did u check the car to a mechanic.. U should just to make sure no leaks, damage to the underside is noted. Leaks like gasket and oil leaks are also common if not rare. Ya i should say get 2000-2001 yr models..but if have done ur shopping n think this is the good deal then sure get it inspected and boom ur good to go.

And on the bottom gray color. I think they have same gray color on 2000-2001 models too. But thats what they look like to me. i maybe wrong. i say dont worry on that too much

envision11

I agree with you guys! I'm going to pass on this one.

nicks88

I bought my 96 ES a year ago with 169k miles on it. It runs like a champ. Had to do the basics when I got if for my own piece of mind, ie.. belts, Tranny fluid change, High pressure Power steering hose, and some little things here and there. Doesnt use or leak a drop of oil. I love it. Just all depends on how it was taken care of that is for sure!! Good luck and welcome

pronkie1

I did a search about transmission not shifting when cold......My wife has a 99 ES 300 with 170k....She bought it from her dad who bought it new so we know the history......She complains about the tranny and it acts up when cold from time to time.....She took it to the local Toyota dealer that she trusts and they couldn't find a problem with it.....So we just live with it....Guess it just a Lexus problem.......

Amadauss

248 thousand miles and except for the minor stuff which happens, the car is a tank. Runs and Runs. Highly recommend it.

ES300 1999
248 thousand miles

lhweiss

Just bought my second 1995 ES300 with 114K miles on it; I know I'll get at least 100K more miles.

tomf

These are great, reliable cars. That said some common problems, usually sometime past 100K miles are:

1. O2 sensors going bad.

2. Knock sensors going bad.

3. In 99 and later, oil control valves going bad.

4. Replacing valve gasket covers. The one nearest the rear of the car are a pain.

5. Replacing spark plugs. The ones nearest the rear of the car are a pain.

6. Replacing the timing belt every 90K miles.

All of the above can be repaired cheaply by a handy owner. If you are paying someone to do it the cost is fairly expensive.

Dubious sellers clear the CEL. I've learned from experience. Also a CEL sometimes won't activate while the engine is cold.

If you take a test drive. Drive for 10 minutes. Stop and turn off the car. Restart and drive for another 10 minutes to see if the check engine light comes on. Sometimes the CEL needs two cycles before it will active. I'd take a OBDII reader along to read any CELs that show up.

These are great cars. But like anything parts wear out.

tomf

That is normal. It is not a problem. It is a design feature. The transmission will not shift into top gear until the engine is warmed up. Usually about 5 minutes if it is really cold outside.

tallcaguy

I bought a 1996 ES300 w/ 68k miles for my wife. Had dealer service from day one. It was her daily commute (freeway) for years. Service was regular oil changes, the major service, a battery, hood struts, an alignment and a set of tires. Sold it w/ 178k and it still ran perfectly. Looked good too because we've always kept our cars clean, waxed and covered. Replaced w/ an '05 330 and expect to do as well. Great cars.

gamer408

hey this is my first post so please dont be critical. honestly my 97 lexus has been in my family since 99. it was my moms than my brother than me than back to my brother than back to my mom then back to me. i love my 97 es 300 265k miles on. couple months ago i did have to change the break booster. b ut still love it just to many ding and dents