kazkut

1998-2001 lexus's. which models/engines/transmissions do you think have been the most reliable over the years? just looking for opinions and experience.

mmarshall

According to Consumer Reports, it would be the IS and LS. I myself owned a 2001 IS300 for almost 5 years. The 3.0L straight-six and 5-speed automatic had a couple of ECU and shifter-design quirks, but was otherwise like the Rock of Gibralter in durability. LS models of the period (though I didn't own one) were also way up there in reliability. My next-door neighbor, BTW, still owns a 1999.

I see you are a brand-new poster. Welcome to CL.....and CAR CHAT.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

imho the 01 ls430, it was super solid, the drivetrain was bulletproof, and build quality was probably among lexus prime. if you add 2002, then i would add sc430 to the list as well

kazkut

Thanks for the welcomes. I will be in the market for a used Lexus. I really enjoy the looks and design of the LS series from 96 and up, but also like the ES series as well.

Rash

iTrader: (1)

I think the LS, since it's the most common here. I'm talking about 2000ish

rominl

iTrader: (4)

the es is also a very solid car

97-SC300

iTrader: (17)

There are alot of solid Lexus from a decade ago. The LS (98-00, or 01-06) and GS (98-05) were all very solid cars. However, both the LS and the GS had a fair share of suspension issues (Premature wearing of components such as the ball joints). The later GSs got upgraded parts that shared part numbers from TRD 02+ models, which are supposedly much better than their earlier counterparts, but this is something I would definitely have a mechanic inspect prior to your next purchase. But, overall, they are very reliable.

werewolf

What model year do the TRD 02+ parts show up in the GS?

2002 / 03 / 04?

Thanks

WAES300

Compared to 'other' luxury cars, I would think Lexus' are as reliable as can be. I have a 1998 ES with 205K miles, service records show last owner did only preventive/routine maintenance on it.

Can't imagine buying a 200K mile Audi/BMW, hard for me to say 'cuz I love them.

KA8

iTrader: (1)

I'd say all lexus's made during 98-00 were reliable. To be more specific any car with 2jz and 1uzfe engines were solid reliable cars.

LexFather

ES would be cheapest to maintain. IS and LS are rock solid but more costly to repair.

MadMax96

I had a '99 LS up until last Spring and it was great. In fact the only reason I got rid of it was that I just had a feeling stuff would start wearing out because of the high mileage (166k) and I just didn't want to deal with it. It also really started to look a bit worn on the outside due to the previous owner. I got it with over 100k on it and drove it for about 5 yrs - sat outside in Chicago weather every night and ALWAYS started, never left me stranded.

Hands down it was a much nicer car than the '07 ES I have today (except for features my ES has) - the ES feels like a tin can compared even though it's much newer.

-Samurai-

iTrader: (1)

98+ SC300 or 400. Built to last over 300,000 miles 2JZ and 1UZ both. My 400's got 150,000+ and still running the original transmission and shifts just as smooth as brand new. Car is amazing quality wise, but arnt all Lexus' haha

kazkut

well that's good news. I'm use to driving early 90's Civics, which will last forever. My current vehicle is a 1992 honda civic with 250,000+ miles on it (gauge cluster was swapped out by previous owner) and it only drinks about half a quart every oil change (about 5000 miles). still gets high 20's for miles per gallon. i had a 1990 acura integra also built by honda, that went to 250,000 before the automatic tranny gave out. the motor was still super strong.

I just need to upgrade my taste in vehicles. As I get older I can feel my back cramping up as I get out of the stiff and unsupportive seats in my econobox, and the road noise, small creeking noises here and there, feeling like i'm in a go-kart (well I like that part, haha).

Come tax return season I'll be in the market for a used lexus, probably 98-01 since that is all my budget will allow. I mainly like the LS400's for the looks, power, and motor, but will settle for a nice ES300 if the condition is good.

rheiy

I have to go with the 2000 ES300. My wife & I bought it new in Jan 2000 and the only thing that went wrong with it in our 8 years of ownership was when our son wrapped it around a tree in Jan of 2008. Car was totaled but our son had only minor scratches.

My 2nd choice is the 01 GS430. I bought that car in 01 as a cpo (10k miles) and sold it in 09. Put on another 85,000 miles and the only issues were:
1. 2 belts replaced under warranty
2. 1 battery replaced under warranty
3. 1 dash light under warranty