velpyramid

Long story short, my first car was a cheapo 2000 Cavalier that crapped out after 4 years at 293k miles that I got when I was 15 under my parents name. After that mess, I would like to get something decent that will just run and run. While searching on Craigslist, I found both an ES300 from 1997, and a 2001 Lexus GS300. Unfortunately the GS300 is out of the question because I have heard that snowy weather does not fare well with that car, but the ES300 looks to be in great condition other than the mileage of 190k. I wouldn't be driving it an insane amount, with increased usage during possible breaks with driving to friends and relatives' houses. I do believe that this looks like a good choice for me, because on car-part I found many cheap used engines and transmissions that I could just switch out if I would like to keep the car, which I will probably plan on doing.

I guess my main questions are: Do you think this would be a good purchase at around 2000 dollars (no rust that I see, assuming timing belt is done and fluids are good, will check later)? Is this a good reliable car at this price point? (I am guessing it is because it seems to be based on a Toyota Camry body, just want to get an opinion from people who know more about it than me). I appreciate any and all help you guys can give, I welcome any responses you guys may have for me. I have heard nothing but good thing about Toyotas, and I have 2 friends who have 99 camrys that run like a top.

03ES300TX

Like any car you can have good and bad ones. I have seen Hondas and Toyotas that I wouldn't buy for $400.00 and Chevys that look otherwise pretty good for around $2000. At that price point, it is going to be difficult to find anything that you might want to drive on a long distance trip.

If the GS300 checks out, I would get that car. Although parts are likely to be more expensive, the rear wheel drive layout is vastly superior to a transverse mounted V6 front wheel drive car layout. Yes, it is more difficult to maneuver in the snow, but when I was likely your age, I drove a 1981 Toyota Starlet and a 1966 Ford Mustang through the snow in the NY metro area. If you learn to handle a rwd car in the snow, you will be a better driver.

In most states, it dowsn't stay snowy year round, so, I would give it a try. For both cars, budget about $2k for repairs for at least the first year.

Again, you should try the GS. I believe it is a far more satisfying ride. The ES300 is likely to be only slightly quieter and offers only slightly better fuel mileage, if at all. Go with the GS.

crwys

The GS is a nicer car but but the handling and mpg will be worse.