jvaruzzo

I'm considering buying an ES300. From what I've read on the forum a lot of people prefer the old pre2002 model to the 2002-current. I agree, unfortunately I'm looking for a "newer" car with very low mileage. The newer ES300 is growing on me the more I see them. I really like the looks of the interior.

I had a few questions regarding the 02+ ES300.

1) One hesitation, as siilly as it may sound, is the inability to install aftermarket stereo. I'm having a hardtime finding an 02 or 03 ES300 w/ factory navigation and XM (not even sure if XM was an option in 02 or 03). Any car I buy has to have integrated XM, and preferably a navigation system.

2) I know the ES300 is built of the Camry chasis. How similar is a camry to an es300? Are they virtually identical underneath? Are parts interchangable between the ES300 and Camry? Essentially, when it comes to maintenance and parts do I pay for blue-collar Toyota parts, or high-end "Lexus" parts? I know with Infinitis many of the parts are interchangable, as opposed to an Audi where I'm spending a fortune on repairs.

3) Is there any reason I shouldn't buy this car for commuting? (other than gas mileage). I drive about 40k miles a year, I know Lexus has an excellent name for quality. My goal is comfort. Honestly, I could care less about looks. I Just want to be super comfortable while driving.

Thanks for the input.

I did see the aftermarket install on a 2001 ES300 on the forum, but didn't see anything with the later models.

Thanks,
Justin

Pheonix

1) IDK. Custom > Factory 100% whether, or not it's an option. Audio wise, factory anything sucks. I don't care what car , or brand it is.
2) Most things are. Some parts are not, some parts will, but you have to swap years. Go to an Indy mechanic. Dealers are always out to make money. The repair bay is the money maker. Avoid Lexus at all costs. If it just *has* to be a dealer repair, go to Toyota.

3) They're ugly & the transmission kick down hesitation some people can't deal with. I still say spend $300-450 on a valve body upgrade, or do one yourself & stop whining about it. Toyota aint gonna ever fix it LoL!

Obviously that's an IMHO.