SharpCreas

Hey fellas I am currently a SC owner but on the verge of buying a 1997 ES300 for my wife today. I'm always on the SC forums searching and looking but this would be my first real post on the ES forum. Anyway My question is: What are common problem or fixes that you get when owning a 1997 ES? I did a search but it seems that there isn't a full list someone posted. I see alot of little things scattered around this forum but would like a complete list. If everyone can help me, I would deeply appreciate it. Thanks

Leets

I don't have lots of specifics, but before getting my ES I did a bunch of searching around the forums and found that the 97s tend to have quite a bit of problems. It's the first model year of a new generation so all the flaws should themselves quickly. There's also the well-known gelling problem with the engines on 97-01 models... but baby the heck out of the engine and you should be fine. If you're looking into getting an ES I'd recommend going with a 96 or 99-01.

SharpCreas

Thanks for the reply. So basically it has alot of problems. Does this make it a bad car. Also, What problems should I look for?

eman_be_lexin

I have a 97 ES and the only major problem I have had with this car is the IACV getting gummed up with carbon. All other problems were regular maintenance issues. One problem I am having that is no big deal is that the little lights on the stereo are going out; however, the display is still working so I really don't care. This has been a fantastic car to own. It has never left me stranded on the side of the road or anything. This is the best car I have ever owned. Even over my 92 Accord which was my baby until now. I recommend the 97 to anyone because I consider it a very reliable car. Just make sure you change the oil between 3 and 5k miles and you will be fine with the gelling issue.

Pheonix

Just the engine gel thing. That's negated if the oil has been changed LoL!

Otherwise, they're just tanks. Nothing mroe than general problems crop up tat affect most cars. i.e. carbon from egr dirtys up idle valve, egr valve, throttle plate & intake track. Rear seals are the weakest b/c of the tilting of the engine.

All the general fwd v6 stuff. =)

GATO

iTrader: (1)

it's what you make of the car..... it really is a great car.

I just picked up my second es300....I got a white 98....with ton of miles (130k)


the only isuue that is probably really gonna come up, if its not going on already, is the passenger upper strut mount ( both for that matter) but it's not expensive to fix....plus the new oem upper strut mount is now designed better.

SharpCreas

Well guys, I really do appreciate the info and now am the proud owner of a 1997 ES. It has 70K on it and i think it needs a timing belt , valve cover gasket and cam shaft seal. I'm having my mechanic look over the whole car tomorrow and hopefully thats all it'll need . Again people, Thanks.

Pheonix

Normal wear items are eh kewlness - as some would say.
If you're getting the timing belt & cam/crank seals done it's nothing to throw the VC in there.

I always advise try turning the VC bolts another turn tighter first - just don't go overboard steel threads > aluminum threads.

Lexusfreak

Get all service records & beware of engine gelling! Good luck!