macpl

I am looking at purchasing a used Lexus ES300 (01 model year). Do the folks in this forum have any recommendations? Are there mechanical issues I should look for? Is the 01 ES300 a good model year? Any known issues with the 01 model year? Positive and negative feedback are appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Kyosuke86

To be honest with you, I don't know how reliable this source is, but according to Jeremy Cato (canadiandriver.com), he says this:

For year 2000, Lexus revised the front and rear styling and added more wood to the dashboard trim. The available driver's seat memory now incorporated mirror settings, too. The Lexus Brake Assist feature appeared, too.

The single most attractive feature of this or any other Lexus is the astoundingly quiet ride. Power is quite adequate, delivering 0-100 km/h times of about 7.8 seconds. Steering is firm and quick, although a bit numb. Ride quality very good and handling above average. Braking is powerful and sure. Drivers will also appreciate the clear gauges and user-friendly switchgear.

Quality, of course, is a major selling point for any Lexus, and this version of the ES300 is no exception. A slightly used ES300 should deliver years of faithful service in a near-luxury sedan. And at a relatively affordable price.

amf1932

2001 ES300 Road Test- http://www.familycar.com/RoadTests/LexusES300/

lexusk8

I have owned an '01 for the last 2 years, and I can tell you from my experience that this is just about complete of an entry-level luxury sedan as you can make it to be, with all the nice options to go with the ride. The ride is as smooth as expected, the performance is adequate, and the comfort level is incomparable with other standard, non-luxury sedans out there. If you want a very good, quality luxury vehicle that gets you where you're going whenever you want, and a daily driver as well, go with this '01 ES. An '01 with average mileage (50K range) should easily sell for around the $20K range or less.

I have also kept up with all the maintenance on the '01 since I plan to drive it for a LONG time, maybe another 2-3 years. I currently have 103K on the odometer, and it seriously still feels like a brand new car out of the showroom

Finally, as a side note, this is the last model ES before the redesign to the current generation ES (i.e. 2002 to 2005 model years)

aks_01

Just go for it with your eyes closed . and never look back ...

I guarantee you will never be sorry once if the car conditions were good.

bfx2460

Having purchased a 01 ES (with 78K) a month ago, I can attest that the car drives very tightly and smoothly even at close to 80K. The ride is much quieter than my wife's 01 RX...but occasionally there is some interior rattle/noise, especially going over the rough pavement. Some fairly common problems to look for: rear main seal leak if over 60K, b-pillar clear paint bubbling.