netlander

2003 ES300 has 207,500 miles, passed smog last week. Original engine, transmission, radiator. Changed timing belt & water pump twice, spark plugs once. Major fix: head gasket, starter, all 4 struts, blower under glove compartment. Runs very well but paint is fading fast.

rbarrios

I had a 1999 Lexus ES300 that I bought as the second owner back in 2001 with 32k miles on it. I changed the oil myself every 3k. I had the trans. flushed with the machine at Toyota twice, I replaced all O2sensors once, replaced spark plugs with OEM twice, replaced both knock sensors, frt. engine mount. I had Lexus perform the timing belt replacement twice. This car went through 3 alternators during my time with it. I went through countless sets of tires, brake pads and rotors. I replaced the entire suspension at 200k: both frt. cont. arms, all sway bar links & bushings & all 4 strut assemblies & outer tie rods. This car still has the original starter, radiator, ign. coils, water pump (not replaced when the t-belts were replaced) brake calipers, ps rack, exhaust system, original a/c system that blew COLD, etc....

The point I`m trying to make is my hat goes off to this car. I was hoping to reach 300k on the engine & trans. and wanted to write Lexus my story as a tribute to this car. About 2 months ago my Transmission went out and because of the age and little things starting to need attention I decided not to repair the vehicle and retire it. My Lexus ES300 showed 291,364 miles on it when this occurred. I took care of this car and she took care of me. It had no service engine soon lights on & the car ran smooth with a quiet cabin. The A/C system is original and it blows COLD, colder than some of the newer cars I`ve been in.

Too anyone who questions if this car would be a good choice to buy, I think my testimony speaks for itself. I made the decision to not repair it BUT I needed a car fast and instead of drowning myself in a large car payment, I searched for another ES300 and to my luck I found a good one. I now own a 2001 Lexus ES300 with 130k which I`ll be taking care of just the same, knowing this car will last me a long time just like my original ES300 which is now resting in my garage.

speedkar9

Great testimony. The ES300's are pretty solid cars. The only main weak point was the tranny used in 99-01 VVT-i models. I bet the older 97-98's would go even further.
So your keeping the 99 as a parts car for your 01?

Oro

Yes, you got caught in the "U trap" - the first generation Aisin "U" series in the ES. A year earlier or 2002 or later and you would have had no issue. Really unfortunate.

Since you say it's sitting in your garage, it implies you have a little space. And your tone and testimony imply some thoughtfulness as well as attachment. If you are mechanically inclined, and depending upon how much DIY you like in your life, you can rebuild this transmission for a few hundred dollars. While not Toyota, the last transmission I rebuilt was a GM 4l30E and it cost me right at $300 total for a rebuild kit, fluids, and new torque converter. This was for a massive failure of a burned 3rd clutch and gear set; a lesser failure can be even cheaper if you like to take on projects. It wasn't an easy or quick project, but it was very rewarding.

coppens1

The ES300 will go well over 200K. Mine just clicked over 200K, and I just had to replace the alternator. 200k on an alternator is not bad. The car is beautiful, but built like a tank. Much more reliable than a Toyota.

bluegene

Just wanted to add my testament to this car's reliability.

I just sold a 2000 ES300 with 289K that I had from 156K as the fifth owner one winter when I needed a cheap car.
Everything on it still works. Original engine and transmission.
Only maintenance needed were regular oil/filter and fluid changes.
Lexus nor anyone else is going to make as reliable a car again.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

Just saw a 2004 on the local craigslist with 406k miles, recent inspection and one owner selling for $2200. According to the carfax I pulled, around 160k he brought it in for weird shifting (the 4th gen trait I assume) but seems that both it and the motor are original. Had it dealer serviced until 320k too which is pretty impressive.

DeuceLee

337k and counting. Be a laundry list naming off maintenance but most is standard. cv joint and hub bearing within last like 20-30k on passenger side. Otherwise super reliable. did timing belt kit and gaskets and waterpump at 257k. cel is on i believe for o2 sensor. Small exhaust leak... its got some rust being in wisconsin but its just such a beast. driver side front window finally went off track so just pinned it up for now... got it around 200k and a/c never worked since we had it. assuming first owners took pretty good care of it... heat started only working on high. Just keep running it though because it runs and drives so good for the miles. If i could find another one or 2 with like a 100k for a decent price I would. I feel 96 is one of the best years reliability wise. definitely better then the few problem years previously mentioned.
Keep em running!

GoodRevs

I bought my '01 in 2009 with 64.5k. It's just about to hit 170k. Regular routine maintenance and it still runs strong. Yesterday I drove a mix of city and highway for over 200miles with several stops along the way and it didn't have a single issue (except for the dimming drivers side mirror which is leaking. I already have a replacement mirror ready to install when the weather warms up.) Mine has almost everything newer cars have - heated seats, bluetooth, navigation, backup camera, great audio, HID headlights etc. I see no reason to upgrade to a newer car and I have no plan to do so. At this point the car is worth MAYBE $4k at most, so I'll keep it until it has a serious issue.

My father's '03 has been owned since new and currently has 175k. He is pretty tough on his but it still runs great as well.

These ES300's are fantastic cars.

WildES330

Is it wrong to answer this topic by talking about the successor to the ES300?

If not, here goes... I bought my first 2004 ES330 @ 245K miles drove it to 260K & gave it to my daughter to drive across the country. She loves it and everything still works great. So I looked and found my current ride, a 2005 ES330 @ 161K and love, love this car. Has almost very option known to man and everything works (except the DRL's which I'm working to resolve). These cars are solid, comfortable rides, especially on trips.

koreywill

At the last fill up I was at 321,891 miles. I bought the car with 277,107 miles on it only because of the Lexus reputation for high quality and longevity. (It also happened to have all service records). I've replace struts at all 4 corners, front and real calipers, rotors, and pads, front and rear sway bar bushings and end links, and have just done regular maintenance "stuff". Best car I've ever owned and it's just relaxing to drive on cross country trips. I always figured if I got 50,000 mile out of it it would be well worth the $3900 I paid for it. Only 5,216 more miles to go.

OceanView

These cars are really great cars.
I previously had a 98 ES300 which my wife bought new. It was the car we put the miles on cause we had other German luxury vehicles we leased.
Cause you know, they are money pits to own after the lease expires.
That ES had 343K miles on it before I got rear-ended and insurance decided to total it. Otherwise, I think I could have gone till 500K at least, maybe more.
I still have German cars but I bought a used 2000 ES300 for a daily driver and couldn't be happier.
I put on about 50K miles since I bought it about 4 years ago and there haven't been any major issues.

Long story short, you can't go wrong with these cars.

czechers

Now at 370k and on a 2000 mile road trip wirh car.
1st tranny went out at 358k. everything was running so good i decided to get tranny rebuilt.
Ive owned car since 248k. i do most of my maintenance. when your valve covers need replace - do it your self and get the whole intake system cleaned up and de-carbed - IT MAKES A HUGH DIFFERENCE!! car is a everyday driver with 100 mile rt to work.
Anybody know when odometer stops? ive heard that on a Corolla- the odometer stopped at 399k

PCV

Actually 00s Corolla's odometer stops at 299k IMO Lexus odometers will just keep rolling like Matt Farah's million mile Lexus. Really impressive mileage you got on your ES! Hope it runs like a champ forever!

MichaelPm

Hope mine goes that high.I have 198,000 !996 Es 300 need some exhaust work both front window motors front seat ripped besides that seems great only paid 950 love it.