ES300 - weakest features?
 

I just test drove an '05 or '06 (not sure) ES300. This was my first time ever stepping foot in a Lexus. Man was it nice!!!!! My concern is what features of the ES300 are weakest (in other words 'prone to failure)?

The reason for my question is that my son recently bought a top of the line 6 cyl '98 Toyota Avalon XLS with 55k mi. It was mint (except for one problem). However, after only 1 1/2 years of ownership, he totaled it. Yep, thankfully he was okay but NOW it's time to look for a replacement vehicle. Before totaling the Avalon, the suspension needed some serious attention. So, we replaced struts, strut mounts, coil springs, sway bar bushings and end links. Through much research, we found that Avalons and Camrys were notorious for rattles caused by failed struts/strut mounts/sway bar bushings and end links.

So, would it be safe to conclude that the ES300's are also prone to suspension weaknesses...specifically '98 - 2006 model years. If not, once again, what are the weakest features of the ES300???

Thanks a bunch.....and again, I loved my test drive and first ever Lexus experience so I'm not trying to start a bash contest. Just trying to learn before I buy.

First a history lesson;

- Third Generation ES300 ran from 1997-2001 with a new engine in 1999 and refresh in 2000
- Fourth Generation ES ran from 2002-2006 with a new engine in 2004 hence the change to ES330, a refresh came in 2005.
- Doesn't sound like you're looking at the fifth generation but it ran from 2007- present

The ES is not known for problems regardless of generation. It is a very reliable car. Take good care of them and they will last forever; just look around this forum in particular the mileage thread, plenty of people pushing 200, 300 and even 400k miles. The third gen's did have some engine sludge issue's but nothing major as long as it was properly maintained via regular oil changes. If you come back with an exact year of the car you are looking at you will get more precise answers. If you don't know the year post a front or rear end picture of the car.

The suspension parts are wear items. A 15 year old car even w low mileage will have everything rubber deteriorate. 1999 also was not a new engine just variable valve timing added to the existing 3.0 liter 1mz-fe.

I agree, suspension parts are wear items.....and the Camry and Avalon in the 90's seemed to be VERY problematic with their suspension. Just jump on one of the toyota forums and you'll read all about it.

Yes, I realize my son's '98 Avalon was a 12 year old car and things happen with age. What I didn't state in my above post relative to my Lexus es300 (with 39k mi) test drive was there was a very familiar rattle (when going over a bump) coming from the front wheel area that reminded me exactly of the '98 Avalon suspension rattle/clunk. After spending about a grand on suspension repairs for my son's 98 Avy....I'm a little 'gun shy' and would like to know what I'm up against before I purchase.

Don't get me wrong.....the ES300 I drove was a beautiful car. However, most auto manufacturers have a make/model with some common weaknesses that are more engineering/part supplier related rather than a simple wear issue. I suspect Lexus is no different.

I can't stand the the windshield wiper spray nozzle on the left side on the drivers side. It's ****in terrible! It doesn't even spray liquid to where my wiper is! Any way to adjust it?

The rubber parts of the suspension systems do go. When you buy a ten year old car it is a good idea to expect that all the struts and mounts will soon need to be replaced

Toyotas have very common sway bar bushing that needs to be replaced about every 5 years -- they are less than $15.00 and take about 15min to replace. This is often the small rattle noise you hear going over bumps -- especially the rear.

Like it's been said before suspension is something that wears. The reason why all of the 90's cars on the forum have complaints, is because well they are made in the 90's so they are still on OEM struts and strut mounts, so of course they will complain about noises.

NO common failures, but a thing to note is to make sure the oil changes were done on time. The 1mz-fe motor is prone to sludge if you don't change the oil on time.

hmmm i had similar problem in the past. Maybe this might help?:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es3...er-nozzle.html

I just tried adjusting mine with a thumbtack and no luck, none of the nozzles will budge. Am I doing something wrong?

hmm thats weird..so when you inserted the thumbtack did the nozzle moved atleast? or was it stiff? or maybe it is the cold weather? i hope its not internal

No it didn't move. None of them move. The one on the left is definitely not adjusted properly, it has a very poor spray and the wiper barely catches it.

1) need a new nozzle or
2) could be frozen due to cold

Weakest features of an ES300? Owners and drivers. :>)

It definitively will move. You need to use a bit more force. Also scrape around the small hole to get rid of any accumulated dried wax and crud that may be stuck there. Pouring hot water on the nozzles first may help as well..