satiger

iTrader: (1)

Last night hit 300k magic number!!!.

Its being an amazing journey I am being with this ES ownership!. Purchased her in Portland,OR with 8 miles on odometer. At that time never thought our 'relationship' would last this longer.

In summery, I have maintained all services through 70k miles at Lexus dealerships. After that I tried independent and quickly switched to Toyota for maintenance/repair. For the past few years started going to nearby Lexus dealership who accepts parts from me.Till around 70k miles used dino oil from Lexus, 70-90k tried Castrol semi-syn and at 90k went with Mobile HM full sync and still continuing the same oil. All other fluids are Toyota OEM.

I have had a smooth ride with regular maintenance up until 280k. At that point power steering high pressure hose was started leaking and replaced it. At around same time I had starting issue and found that to be IACV. I am yet to replace that.

Then found out lower engine mount became very loose and replaced that with OEM engine mount. Part is not that expensive but its about 3-4 hours labor.

Besides that following were replaced during past maintenance;
Oxygen sensors
Knock sensor
Oil control valve
Brake calipers (two)
PCV valve (preventive maintenance)
Front axles (along with CV boot)
Front shocks
Ignition coil

Everything else including engine, transmission, radiator, alternator etc are all factory original.

For reference, past thread with service history on this ES;
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-1st-to-4th-gen-1990-2006/852581-280k-miles-service-update.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-1st-to-4th-gen-1990-2006/798911-15-years-and-250k-miles-later.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-1st-to-4th-gen-1990-2006/707694-hit-200k-club-sharing-experience.html

satiger

iTrader: (1)

Previous milestones.....

Cthao

WOW! thats awesome. So i guess the transmission "Problem" that these models have are a hit or miss then? (BTW I'm New to Lexus and currently have a 2001 ES300 with a bad transmission). I guess its all in how the car is driven.

LeX2K

Indeed! I don't think the transmission problems are hit and miss, it's just that the U series units can't take the neglect and abuse of the A series. In other words keep up on maintenance and you're fine.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

Very nice, and the car looks in incredible shape too not even considering the mileage. Im surprised you still drive this so much even though you have the LS460.

satiger

iTrader: (1)

Thanks guys.

True, I don't think transmission is an issue as long as proper maintenance is followed. Every 30-40k miles I switch between drain and fill and complete flush. Yes, she is my daily driver and I put around 22k miles each year!. I love driving this car. Of cause LS gives different experience but ES is my favorite.

Only issue I have at the moment is intermittent P0420. I believe this is due to IACV. I am hoping once that is replaced not to see P0420. Rear shocks need replacement. Past this point I am not sure how long this car would last. Any one has any thoughts on that?.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

Knowing you personally and how well you take care of your cars, this ES will last as long as there are parts for it and nobody hits it on the road. Congratulations on such an awesome milestone! I’m very close behind you.

Aron9000

Are those interior/exterior pics of your car current, aka with 300k miles on it???? If so, how in the hell have you kept it that damn clean??? Mom/Dad have a 2000 Avalon with over 250k on it, but it isn't nearly that damn clean. Interior is still really nice, but on the outside yeah there are a few door dings, scratches, paint is faded on the mirrors, bumper/hood is all chipped to hell, clear coat on the wheels are peeling, etc. Still runs/shifts like a brand new car though.

satiger

iTrader: (1)

Thanks MrBooby. Let us know when you hit 300k mark, we shall plan to celebrate the event with both cars .

satiger

iTrader: (1)

Int/ext the pictures in the first post were taken within 30 minutes of hitting 300k. I wax the exterior 2 or 3 times a year and give car wash immediately after each snow storm. I still park mine bit far away from other big cars/SUVS for the fear of door dings. Once the paint is chipped, it is then too hard to stop further chipping unless touchup paint is applied.

Frequent cleaning and waxing wheels will prevent from clear coat peeling as well.

This ES's exterior is in good shape but windshield has tiny pinhole pits. When driving against Sun it becomes very visible. I tried glass polishing, didn't help.

BDSL

I had a 97 ES300 once. It reached 280k miles. It was a solid vehicle with no driveway issues.
It is the crappy Canadian winter (with lots of salt) that got to it.

LeX2K

You can improve visibility greatly by polishing this is how:

-cover entire car with plastic except the windshield
- mix "orange" hand cleaner the type that contains pumice with a rubbing compound, 70% hand cleaner
- Use a medium cut pad/power polisher and go to town

The process it slow it will take several hours. Beats replacing the glass, especially if it is factory. The deepest chips you won't get out.

2013FSport

iTrader: (2)

Impressive!
95 Camry made nearly that same journey with the 1MZ-FE engine. 270,000 mi when it was stollen.

I let a broken engine mount go too long and cracked the radiator at the top tank ~ 250,000mi.
Trans got a dump every two years and fluid always looked good after the initial cleansing.
Bought it with a torn CV. Replaced both axles then.

Hit list was this. Picked it up w 140,000 mi on it.
4 rotors @ 175,000
Rack an Pinnion leaking at 185,000mi
A couple coil packs @ 190,000
Rear sway bar links
Radiator
Front O2 sensors @ ~180,000
Knock sensors @250,000
Alternator and starter @ 260,000
Rear O2 sensor
Water pump made it to 265,000 replaced before road trip.

Thing ran like a top at 270,xxx using Valvoline dino fluid and STP...

A die hard chassis....

tomf

What??? You think the P0420 is caused by a bad IACV?? I never heard of that being a cause. I sure would be interested in hearing if replacing the IACV solves the problem. Let us know the result, please.

Congrats on the 300K. I'm at 199k now.

satiger

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the tip, will try that....