Ohgeez

Here's my situation.

I'm buying a new house in a few years so my budget is between $5-8 grand. I need to replace my falling apart, 152K miled, piece of crap, Grand Prix.

I really wanted a 99+ GS but the wife put a stop to that right away.

I test drove an SC300 this week and although it was fun (5 speed ), I realized it was a little too snug for me.

These are my options/choices:
94-99 ES300
94-96 GS300
92-94 LS400

It seems that I can find these models in my price range.

I've been researching this board for a few weeks...reading as much as I can. (btw, great site)

It seems that the LS has the most reliabilty and according to carsurvey.org, JD Power & Associates, and a few other sites, the LS is "top notch".

I'm thinking that the GS comes in a close second. (could be wrong though)

As for the ES300, I haven't seen as many accolades as the others so my question is....is the ES300 as reliable as the other two?

I'm looking for a car that's going to take me another 50-60K miles before I buy a new one with little trouble.

Opinions needed!!!

TIA,
Orlando

rominl

iTrader: (4)

the es300 is very reliable. i hate to say, but it's sorta like the camry v6, and you know how reliable that car is. i have seen TONS of them with 200k miles and still running fine. it's a good car.

and yes if you can find a decent ls400, i would take that for sure. to me, the es300 actually comes second

Leets

In my experience... if you have a Lexus that doesn't make it to 200k miles, then you just plain have bad luck

The difference in quality between GM's vehicles and Toyota's vehicles is like night and day. I've spent plenty of time inside and under the hood of both so I can attest to that personally.

Ohgeez

Thanks guys.

More opinions/thoughts are welcomed.

Yea, I've had my share of both. My GTP is car number 16 for me. I've had all kinds but will admit that the Celica, and two Supras I owned, lasted past the 150K mark with little issues. On the contrary, all the GM cars I've owned gave me lots of trouble after 90-100K.

I've aslo had good luck with Nissans. I owned a 85 (or 86, I forgot) Maxima and my current Nissan Murano has been great so far.

np20412

I love the early GS styling, I'd get that over an ES300 if you can find both within your budget.

MarkW2005

Two of my uncles drive ES 300s. One was a 1998, and another was a 2000. Both my uncles swear that its the best automotively engineered car they have ever driven. In fact, they still drive their lexus now.

rheiy

My wife drives a 2000 ES300 and its been (and still continues) to be a great car. The only problem we had with it was the front turn signals going bad. Both were replaced under warranty. However, be aware that even the best of cars can be a piece of crap if the owner did not take care of it. What ever you buy, make sure you have it inspected and review all service records.

Ohgeez

That's very true.

One of the problems I'm encountering is, many of the dealers I go to don't have the service records.

Of course, they are Lexus dealers.

I'm hoping that a vin # to Lexus can get me some type of info.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

well at least now, all lexus service records, a long as performed at dealerships, are all documented and available nationwide. so any dealer can see if any lexus vehicle was serviced at any dealership. i am not sure about old records though

Ohgeez

In my previous message, I meant to say: "Of course, they aren't Lexus dealers."

You're right, I'm sure the Lexus dealers do have records.

I guess I could get the vin number first and run a check.

chuckb

my 95 ES has 90k and has been great. nothing but relatively minor stuff. CVs, starter solenoid, dog bone, ac expansion valve. valve cover leak. timing belt coming up.

I must say it rides as nice as it did when I got it with 35k miles. honestly, it handles better than my GS stock.

joshthorsc

I had a sc400( same engine as the LS400) and that was the most reliable and comfy car I had ever owned. At about 172k, the car never gave me any problems and still ran smoother and quieter than some newer cars out there.

I'd say get the LS400, because it's more powerful and luxurious. Plus, the V8 engines has a pretty nice exhaust tone being stock, though you can't really hear it if your sitting inside the car.

~Josh