I'm considering getting a 3rd gen ES300 and wanted to get your input before I buy it. Is there any year between 97-01 which is better than other in terms of bug fixes or improvements? I think 00-01 got some cosmetic changes including red/clears in the back. Is there anything else which is is different from previous years?

I've read that oil sludge buildup is a common problem in these cars. Is there anything else to look out for when doing a visual inspection? How is thier transmission? At what milage do things start needing replacement like suspension parts and timing belts etc?

Are these cars pritty reliable with similar cost of ownership as 03 & up camrys and accords? Do you think it is realistic/reasonable to find a good condition 3rd gen for under 10k?

Thanks.

 

The differences between the 97-01's are not too drastic.

97-99 - Yellow/white tail lights, 15" stock rims, different front bumper,no HID.

00-01 - Clear tails, 16" stock rims, lower front bumper and updated grill. HID.


As for the oil sludge, Yes it was common among these models. As long as the oil was changed out regularly there shouldn't be a problem. There is really no way to check besides taking the complete valve cover off, which is too much work. ( I guess you can look through the oil cap, and ask for service records)

These 3rd gen ES's are very reliable. I have owned mine for almost two years and have had no problems. There trannys are pretty strong, its basically like owning a fully-loaded v6 camry, except its much softer and rides/feels completely different.

You can find some for anywhere between 8-13k I think. So yes it would be resonable to find one at good mileage and well maintained for around 10k.

Hope you join the ES family!!

 

From what i hear they are very reliable. Ive only owned mine for like 4 months and 300 miles so i havent really been able to give it a full test. I looked into V6 accords before the ES but read into it and found they are known for bad tranny problems by 100k. Good luck in finding a nice ES and do post pics if u pick one up.

 

Thanks guys. I've decided that I'll stick with ES.
I'm going to start my hunt and take my time to find a good one. I've owned a 94 LS for more than 10 years with almost 290k, so I know I can't go wrong with a lexus.

 

wait. 4 months and 300 miles? i got two months and almost 4000 miles...

 

Im 16...cant drive yet.

 

soooo, you got behind your ES and PUSHED it those 300 miles? ...sorry, I couldn't help myself

 

A. You have a driver's permit and drove 300 miles....
B. Your parents had it for 300 miles.

 

B.

my dad drives it sometimes....likes it better than his new Mazda6. That car is a lemon and a half.

 

Speaking of Mazda6, I drove a Speed6 a few days ago.....That things movesssss. Like ZOOOM ZOOOM

Dont mind me.

 

Yea i drove one too. It does mooove yea yea zoom zoom

 

Are there any signs to look for that would indicate if it had the timing belt replaced?

 

If it was done by the dealer they would definately put a sticker on the Timing Belt cover stating that is was done.

 

I see some 02 selling at around to $9-10k which is very close to what 00-01 are going for. The 02 have higher miles (~100k) vs. 00-01 which have close to 75k miles. If you were to buy them which one would you pick? Which ones would be a better choice in terms of reliability? Since 02 was a complete model change were there any known issues with this model?
I really like the exterior of 3rd gen, but the 4th gen at this price seems very attractive too especially when you look at their interior.

 

I have a 97, an 00, and an 04. The 2000 is my favorite and the 04 is my least favorite. The 2000 is the best looking (IMHO), the 04 has the best interior, and the G3's drive and handle much better. I'd go for the lower mileage G3.