So I have an 09 es350 and noticed it was overheating really badly, got home checked the coolant and it’s COMPLETELY empty. I have an appointment at my local Lexus tomorrow but I’m kind of worried to make the 30 minute drive there with it being as empty as it is and overheating. I know I need to get the coolant from them obviously, I’m assuming I have a leak in my line somewhere, but is there any other brand I could get from autozone or something just to put a small amount in just to get me there, or should I just make the drive and let them do their thing

 

Autozone will have coolant that will work. It will state something like for Asian vehicles and may list Toyota on the back. For your purposes as long as it states Asian it will work for your drive to the dealer. You will usually need to mix it with water, half each, unless the coolant says it is premixed. One gallon coolant and one gallon water should be fine.
When you add the coolant pour very slowly, like take 5 minutes to pour it in as this will help eliminate air pockets. Do this first with the motor off. When it appears full, start the car, then add more.

Depending how many miles are on it, you may be looking at a repair that costs more than it is worth and I hope it is just a water pump or hose leak and not a failed head gasket which is very expensive.
You may want to consider other options, like trading it in for another used or new vehicle.

 

Considering you lost most or all of your coolant there is no need to put antifreeze in as the dealer will most likely have to drain and flush the system after the leak is found. So just fill it up with water and see if it is leaking out. If you have a visible leak then maybe a local mechanic can fix it . If it is pouring out someplace then you most likely won't make your dealer . Did the car smoke or how did you see the overheating. If you overheated and blew the head gasket then get ready for an expensive repair. Good luck.

 

I bet your water pump is bad.

 

If it was my car I would not risk a 30 mile drive in those circumstances. Get it towed or go to a closer independent shop. The car is 11 years old, the dealer will just probably rip you off unless you are a regular customer. Even then you never know. In my opinion any car 10 years old is not worth taking to the dealer unless it is for a recall.
Toyota / Lexus sells so many vehicles with the 3.5 V6 motor that almost every repair shop in the country has worked on one and could deal with your leak.

 

If you haven't already dealt with this, I agree with the member above who said to fill up the radiator with plain water and run the engine to see how bad the leak is. Add the water, get it up to normal operating temperature, and then look under the car to see how fast it is leaking out. Anything more than a slow drip, and you should not drive it 30 miles unless you are willing to put several gallons of water in your trunk and watch the temp gauge like a hawk, pulling over to add more water, if need be. One of the worst things you can do for your engine is to overheat it as a whole cavalcade of serious problems will follow! If your leak is a fast drip, or worse, park it and have it towed. As another member stated above, no need to take it to the dealer...any independent, trustworthy shop can deal with this.