Ok i've been posting a bit on here because i may be buying a 99 ES300 soon and i was wondering how all of you in the 97-01 range of the ES300 have faired with reliability. I know Lexus is supposed to be extremely reliable but sometimes things seem to slip through and some cars aren't near as reliable as sources say they are. I'm just checkin out all this stuff cause right now i drive a 97 Saab 900S and i hate it! I didn't do enough research about the car before i bought it like i am on here and i'm still regretting it

 

its very reliable in my opinion. i have a 98 es, bought it brand new and its only had one problem. we just had to buy a new charcoal canister. it was a couple hundred dollars but thats all thats been wrong with that. other than that, its been perfect

 

how do like the hper bulbs? Do they have to much of the blue ricer look?

I wanted to get silver stars but they dont make for 97 es low beam .


I have a 97 and it still drives exactly the same as day one . The only complaint I have is the suspension is to soft .

 

maybe you should try some piaa xtreme's for your 97 or maybe some mtec's..

D

 

I bought a second hand 95 ES300 and have no complaints. It was properly maintained and I service at the proper intervals. I put on a ton of miles but its's wonderful. I don't race it or anyhting, but it does pass up people on the highway. As long as you do what your supposed to do when your supposed to. You should be fine. If you happen to get one that is a problem then warranty should come into play if it's still valid. Other than that, if you do repair whatever, make sure it's the original parts. More money but the end result is how the car is "supposed " to be.

 

Although I can't speak for the '97-'01 models (since I own a '96), I'd say without hesitation that the ES300 is one heck of a reliable car around the auto industry, not just for the luxury class. Major mechanical problems like with the engine and transmission are hardly seen in this car, and for a front-wheel drive, 3.0L, V6 engine with a sporty/comfy suspension, it qualifies as an honest daily driver for all seasons. One good way to keep the ES well maintained is to follow the "recommended Lexus maintenance schedule" that's been posted and mentioned many, many times around CL. Do a search for it, print it out, and keep it in a safe place for reference because you'll definitely need it in all occasions.

Hope you consider acquiring the ES, you won't be disappointed

 

I have a second hand '98 ES, the only problem I had was a left bank O2 sensor getting replaced. But other than that it's fine, I will say make sure you get a good name-brand quality gasoline. Inferior grades have high amounts of ethanol which can clog sensors and injectors.

-c

 

some people would say it looks ricer but i like em, seeing as how i paid so little for em....i like em a LOT better than the stock bulbs

 

Avoid Hipers. They are 80W and WILL MELT YOUR WIRING HARNESS. The light output is TERRIBLE and yes, it has the "blue ricer look".

Here's a pic of my car from a while ago.....Hipers on the right, Sylvania's on the right....notice the deficiency in light output:

--but indomex has a point, as long as you use them with precaution, $10 ain't bad.

 

Originally posted by XenonES3
Here's a pic of my car from a while ago.....Hipers on the right, Sylvania's on the right....notice the deficiency in light output:


Xenon, do you mean the Sylvania's are on the left? Left side looks better.

sj

 

hahhaha.....thanks steviej, yah sylvania's on the left, my bad.

 

i didnt get the hyper H7s tho, i got the hyper H3s....now people have told me that these wouldnt fit but they did perfecty...i dunno....its good so far for me

 

Hipers are garbage because 1) It will melt your wiring harnesses 2) the bulbs are all made in Korea despite the "Made in Japan" label and 3) They do not last long considering the premium you pay for them.