Hey Guys,

I've been running into some reasonably priced 2001-2002 ES Models...average miles are 120-135.
Most of the sellers I'm talking with don't have a clue if the cars have had any major servicing done!
Brokers most of them are...a couple of personal owners.
But the price tags are running between $2000-3000.

What are some consideration I need to factor in if were to purchase a 2001-2002 Lexus ES?
I'm already aware of a good CarFax and checking the Lexus records...are there any peculiar problems related/inherent to these two year models?

Thanks,
Reggie

 

I just purchased a 2003 es300. Here's a list of some problems I've noticed.
1. All four corners of the suspension were replaced with cheap quick-strut kits. They are all shot. And with the original springs gone, my only choice is to replace them with another quick-strut kit... Hopefully of better quality this time.
2. Timing belt. Without a maintenance record, I can't say when this was last done. Would have been nice to have a record showing it was done recently.
3. Valve cover gasket. I believe this is a common problem with these. So I'd definitely check for leaks.
4. Fluids, of course. Particularly the transmission fluid and brake fluid as those weren't on the maintenance schedule, so some owners may not have changed them. Would definitely check the trans fluid dipstick and make sure it looks ok. You don't want a car with the original fluid.
5. Make sure all windows, buttons, lights, a/c, etc work.
6. Front control arms. Mine are shot. I would recommend giving the whole suspension a good looking over.
7. Motor mounts.
8. Windshield pitting. Check the windshield out with the sun glaring at an angle. Mine is bad enough that I'm gonna replace it because when the sun hits it visibility gets pretty bad.
9. Loud ABS self check. Happens in the first few seconds of acceleration after parking. Makes a loud clunk in the front of the car. Don't know how common this is or if mine is just louder than others for some reason.
10. Paint on rims flaking off. I got some replacement rims from a Camry but they have spots of touch-up paint where they were flaking as well.
11. Of course the normal stuff to look at like tires, damage/ repaints/ panel gaps, rust, flood damage, codes, etc...

 

YIKES!!
BTW...how may miles were showing when you purchased it?
That's a "War & Peace" size grocery list, but I really appreciate it!
Thanks a lot...that gives many things to ponder over...

 

That's just a sound pre-purchase list for any used car that age. Many more things you could add! Good list and commentary he gave.

The BIG thing you need to think about is that the 2001 and 2002 cars have little in common - very different cars. Engine is *almost* identical, but it's all re-designed after that. '01 is more attractive, '02 is more reliable and with better MPGs. The major reliability issue is the transmission. The 5 speed in the 2002 does not have the failure rate of the 2001 (1999 - 2001 had the problem, IIRC). I went through this way back and when and just had to rule out the 2001 for that reason, as much as I really liked the styling on those very late 3rd-gens.

 

First Lexus was a 2001 ES300, still technically own the 2004. Loved the 2001, like the 2004 (which is similar to 2002-2003)

 

I'm cognizant it's sound and with any list you could go on ad infinitum!
BTW...who are you...his Attorney, Advocate, or P.R.Man?
I heard what he said...and I told him, "I appreciate it...Thanks a lot...that gives many things to ponder over..."

 

Haha ya the car has 200k miles on it and I got it for $2k, so I never expected it to be perfect. I'm kinda a perfectionist, so those are all the things I've noticed, probably more than most would have.
I realized every problem I complained about with my RX was happening to others too, so figured if I mentioned everything, some of those things are gonna be prevalent throughout other ES300's.
I think Oro was just saying, probably all good things to check and I know there's more, but you're right too, it can go on forever.

 

Not sure how accurate the info is regarding transmission failures of the 1999-2001. I presently own a 2001 with 230K+ and tranny still good....Maybe because I do the 4 qt drain and refill every other oil change and that makes a difference; or I am just have an outlier ?? Just another data point to consider.
I believe after 2001 the transmissions gear change went electronic and there were some complaints for a few years on "gear searching" issues...
I also owned a 1997 ES300 and never had any transmission problems with that one either....So, I guess we all take our chances after due diligence.
good luck.

 

Put a scanner on it to make sure all the emissions sensors are set to good/ok. I have a 2000 with 169k on the odo and my evap circuit has been "bad" for the past 75k miles. My $30 investment in a harbor freight OBDII scanner has saved me bundles over the years and gets me through inspection every year!

Past due for a Timing Belt if it hasn't been done and the knock sensors can always go bad on this vintage Lexus. That was my pain I had to deal with last summer to get it though inspection on top of making sure it was running right.

Many of the other sensors are easy to clean (MAF) or replace and the throttle body will sometimes act up and need a good cleaning. Scanner, again, to the rescue for me (VVTi sensor needed replaced a couple yrs back).

Rear brakes on mine are a constant pain and not sure why. I did end up replacing all my calipers with rebuilds 3 or so yrs ago due to piston corrosion.

Oil change is easy on these.

My car needs the suspension gone over all around as everything is original but we have been kicking around the idea of getting something new/newer to replace it so I won't be putting the $ into unless I have to.