HeyItsJoel

Hi all, first time here. Nice forum with very helpful people.

I'm seriously considering this 2002 ES300 with Navigation and ML audio and 61k miles on the clock. Dealer is asking $16,900. Good deal?

Anyway, I'm having it brought in to a local Lexus dealership for their 161 point "safety inspection." (I asked for a quote on a pre-purchase inspection and the service receptionist lady didn't know what I was talking about. Finally, she says 'Oh! You mean a safety inspection?" whatever...)

So my questions are:

1. How worried should I be about transmission and warped rotors on this model year? It seems to be the most common complaint among owners.

2. During a test drive, there's this creeking sound coming from the back seat. Can't tell exactly where it is but I think there was a TSB on it re: some back seat insulation or something to that effect?

3. Is it a good idea to switch to synthetic oil at this point given that's its a 2002 with 61k miles?

4. How easy is it to change your own oil?

Thanks guys. I would appreciate answers to these questions. This would be my last attempt at owning a pre-owned lexus. I've got it down to this car and a brand new 2008 Mazda 3. Given between the two, I'd rather have the Lexus. But the worry-free driving covered by warranty on a brand new car also beckons me.

Help

JSM1284

You will not regret buying that car. I personally havent had any brake problems. Mine currently has about 102,000 miles, engine still purrs as quiet as it did coming off the assembly line. I have not experienced a creaking noise. You should be fine switching to Synthetic, that car is barely broke in. Changing oil is a peice of cake and mess free. You will regret it if you bought the Mazda.

parnzen

u will not have to worry about reliability with a lexus or toyota at all. mine has 214k miles and is still running perfect.

martay_guy

My 2002 ES 300 has 123,200 miles and is still going strong. It has been serviced at the regular intervals (every 5000-7500 miles) since its purchase, and it has mostly open road miles.

The engine is fabulous, silky smooth and quiet...and I have had no problems with the brake rotors at all.

That said, the tranny is a bit jerky (see the transmission thread that has a sticky at the top of the nmessage board), but only when accelerating at lower speeds (30-45mph).

I was also recently involved in an accident where there was $10K worth of body damage, and the car was well repaired and looks absolutely mint.

I have also owned a Mazda product so trust me when I tell you this..You will regret not getting the Lexus. This is absolutely the best, most solid car I have ever owned.