Ladies and gents: I've been away from this forum for forever, but am getting ready to get back into the fold. Hope you all are enjoying your summer. I previously owned a '98 LS400, which I foolishly sold. But onto bigger and better things.

I'm looking at two different generations of ES300 (1st & 2nd), and have read over the forums ad naseum about the differences between them. Just as a bit of a background, I grew up in Japan, and my Father owned a Toyota Windom model, early 90's with the 3vz. Their version of our ES300 was a decent car actually, and I found it revved freely and even handled somewhat decently.

Fast forward to 2024, and I'm thinking about getting one for myself. I have a line on a '93 ES300 local car with low miles and decent maintenance records, older female owned. It needs plugs and wires changed out due to a misfire in one cylinder, and also has a wonky speedometer. Aside from that, the body is in very good condition.

My other choice is a 97-98 ES300, and I'm aware they will command a premium for me, at least here in Seattle. I like the body style of this generation better, and the interior is a little bit nicer as well. The sludging issues with the 1MZ don't bother me too much, as I'm looking to find a well maintained example.

So, what experiences can you share with me about both generations? I'm not really looking for a spec to spec comparison, so much as hearing from all of you as to your experiences, likes/dislikes based on your time with these two gens.

I love both powerplants a lot, and despite the somewhat spartan interior of the earlier 1st gens, I don't mind that. OK, I'm all ears. Let me hear the good, bad, and the ugly.

 

I've owned both the 3VZ is my favourite Toyota V6 gobs of low end torque, silky smooth all the way to redline. But, every 3VZ eventually ends up with failed head gaskets it's only a matter of time. If cheap coolant was used you can guarantee the HGs are on their way out for sure. Another plus for the 3VZ is the car has manual transmission swap potential.

1MZ is nearly bullet proof, 3MZ is bulletproof this is Toyota's most reliable V6.

 

Lex, thank you for sharing your experience. I was not aware that the 3VZ was a head gasket muncher. Something to consider for sure. 1MZ might be the way to go then, short of finding an earlier ES300 with the head gaskets done.

Yes, I've heard the 3MZ is quite the stout powerplant. If I were able to afford a higher price point, I might opt for an 02+ ES300, but alas, I do have a budget.

 

Basically every Toyota engine with an iron block/aluminum head is prone to HG failure there are some exceptions that used a MLS head gaskets. I wouldn't necessarily let that turn you off if the coolant is in good shape and Toyota brand you probably won't have any issues. Generic green coolant 100% eats away at the HGs and destroys them I've personally torn down and fixed a 3VZ with this very problem.

 

Copy on that Lex. I'm going to check out the '93 ES300 this Friday, so it will be telling to see how well maintenance was kept up, esp. for the coolant, as you mention. Just out of curiosity, how hard is a head gasket job on the 3VZ?

 

Huge job, many many hours with hundreds of steps.