BoostedCat

Well, I'd like some help. I'm looking at the possibility of purchasing a lexus. In particularly I'm looking at the 93 - 96 SC 300 or ES 300. I've have a basic understanding of these car's engines and transmissions, drivetrain, etc, as well as hp figures and weights... ya know hard facts. I just don't have any personal imput, and that's what I was hoping to get. I'd like to hear some responses on what you all think about these two cars as far as which one would be the better way to go. Are there any quirks or well known problems with either of these that might make another one stand out? I know you have toyota reliability, but every model has it's little problem... i.e. headgaskets on the toyota 3.0 V6 in their pickups/4Runners. I'd appreciate any input. As far as mileage, I was looking to buy somethig with between 80 and 100K miles, as I would imagine these engines and transmissions have the toyota reliability everyone knows about. Could you give me some advise on what to look for? Thank you.

Kyle

mooretorque

BC, I owned a 93 SC300 5speed for 7.5 yrs (special order from factory). Unless you have to have an auto, I'd look for a manual in this car. The V8 is reasonably quick, but the I6 just doesn't have enough torque to make around town performance anything more than sedate. The I6 is an interference motor, so make sure that the timing belt has been changed. Factory schedule is at 60k miles, but as long as it was done, doesn't matter when. If you buy a model yr with the 15" wheels, I'd suggest that you upgrade to at least the 16" wheels from an SC400 or later SC300. More tire, better handling. Mechanically I had absolutely no problems with the SC, so I don't know if there are any Achilles heels. Hope it continues to run like a train, since I sold it to one of my partners at 93k miles, so I'll certainly hear about it.

Also had a 94 ES300 for several yrs (bought new for wife, you can see our current cars in my sig) and, again, no real problems. Sold this one to my mother-in-law, so I'll def be in the crapper if anything goes was wrong. But that was 3 yrs ago and though she has had to replace alternator, can't say if that's a typical problem. That car currently has about 75K on it.

I realize this wasn't the sort of comprehensive, Consumer Reports style (BTW, their annual used car issue publishes surveys compiled from all their subscribers and can give general idea of trouble areas) review that you're requesting. But since I never had problems, I had nothing to research. Good luck. Both are excellent cars, but the driving experience is markedly different. The SC is a fine sport coupe, reasonable handling, absolutely classic appearance (the new coupe looks like a vegetable to me), with rear seat room adequate for small children but tolerable for adults only for extremely short trips. The ES is NOT a sport sedan, Lexus' early marketing efforts to the contrary. It is a very good iteration of the entry level luxury sedan; do not expect sharp handling. It's not a Buick or a boat, but it's not (and never was) designed as a BMW 3 series competitor. But it has a big trunk and a back seat in which adults can be transported for extended periods of time without removing lower extremities first.

The Ikon

Well put!

BoostedCat

Thankyou for your imput everyone. I'll take it into consideration and I'll let you all know how things turn out.

Kyle

VZV21

The 93 ES300 has a 3VZ-FE engine (3VZ-E is a SOHC head on the trucks/4Runner), and as far as I know, no problems with the head gasket.

Just wondering, if you intend to carry more than 1 person, go for the ES300. In 1994, new engine in the ES300.

The usual things you should look for: timing belt changes, especially WELL DOCUMENTED maintenance records.

tam