tonka2711

I'm looking to purchase a '97-'00 ES300. Does anyone have any advice on what I should look out for? Any known problems? Tranny issues? Electrical issues? Is it really expensive when it does have to go in for repair? I'm pretty knowledgeable when it comes to cars, but sometimes you need a professional. I now own a '96 Audi A4 and it's costing me a fortune to fix it. Lots of electrical quirks. Things I just can't figure out on my own. $90.00+/hour for a German mechanic. Ouch!!!

Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Are these cars really as great as I've read?
Thanks in advance!

TeamAM

if i werre you, i'd got for an '01

92ES5sp

Well unlike an Audi the ES 300 is not a money pit. Toyotas and Lexus dont have electrical issues or a any of that.

Things that will need attention at some point:
Timing belt
Valve cover gaskets
O2 sensors
EVAP system
Sway bar bushings/end links/strut mounts
All normal wear items that affect every vehicle

A lot of less than car savvy people actually believe that since they own a Lexus, they can get away with not maintaning it because they think "it will never break" So make sure you research the history of the car youre looking at. Lexus dosent make bad cars, people do bad things to them. There is no reason you cant get 300K easily out of an ES 300 with routine maintenance. Get Camry V6 parts to save $$$

3000

You will not enjoy changing the spark plugs.

Choas

Yea i've had 2 es's very little problems more cosmetic stuff than anything. Basicly its an elightened camry so yea can get lots o cheap parts

Lexucan

Yep, I've got very close to 260K miles on my ES so far and it's still going strong. It runs better than other cars I've owned with less than half the miles.
When I got the plugs changed at the Toyota dealership recently, the service manager told me I'm good for another 100K, to which I replied, "100K ? Did you notice how many miles are on the ODO?
His response was " Oh, you of little faith!! Remember, it's a Toyota!"
....'nuff said!