haluc

Well i am 18 and will be going into college in the next 6 months and i am looking to trade down in cars, as some put it, to lower my monthly payments. Now i came across this 1992-1995 lexus ES 300 with ~160,000 miles on it. I have no idea whatsoever on the length of life these engines have so i hope it will run good for awhile. It starts up right away and seems to idle good and the last owner took great care of this car from the looks of the interior and exterior. I will be coming from a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix...what would be the main difference, except the engines?

Well if you got lost in my paragraph i am basically looking for some background information on these cars before i decide to buy it. Aftermarket? Maintenance? Problems? Life?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Brad

AusLex300

Better to look for a 96 or better.. Too many miles on the older ones...

Chris

lexusk8

If the service/maintenance records have been up to snuff on whatever ES you're looking into, you do not need to worry so much about the number of miles on the odometer. It's how long the car lasts that counts! We all know the ES sedan is probably the most solid, reliable sedan in the entry-level luxury market. You are more than welcome to get a second opinion from someone in your town who has a similar ES to the one you're looking into. I think everyone in this forum will tell you what a great car the ES is and always has been in the Lexus field

BTW, welcome to ClubLexus!

mmarshall

The most important thing when buying any used Toyota or Lexus product with the 3.0L V6, like the ES300, is to make SURE that regular oil and filter changes have been done with the recommended oil and filters...get as much documentation as possible before you sign on the bottom line. These engines are quite durable when serviced properly but are NOT forgiving of neglecting the oil. This engine tends to run hot for emissions purposes, the oil passages are small, and the oil will overheat, gel, and sludge if left in too long....and then the engine siezes up.
If you or the previous owner cannot document oil changes, I don't recommend you buy it.

flipspeed

how much you looking to spend? i see some 97's selling for under 10 grand.

tiguy99

I've got a 95 in Mint Condition with 97.7K miles I'm selling. I'm graduating college and its time to move up to another car. Looking to sell within a week. PM me for details.

haluc

Well i found out it is a 96 with ~160k miles, from the sound of the engine and how it starts up it was well taken car of. And for 4k it does not sound like that bad of a deal. Turns out a lawyer repoed it from his client.

Brad

whitcobra

I gotta agree with mmmarshall he is right oil changes are a big factor on the es300 I had mine opened up and saw nothing but sludge on my 96 es due to oil changes not done on time what a shame.