emacsp

I recently purchased a 1994 ES300 frankly because it looks and runs great. It does however have a few issues that need service.

Since this is the first Lexus that I have owned of any sort, I would like to ask members of this forum a few simple questions regarding basic servicing of a Lexus.

Can garages like Meineke, Safe-T Auto, Midas, and the like be trusted to service brakes, front end and suspension, air conditioner, or even install a head light bulb?

What about local garages that claim to specialize in servicing foreign cars? Or is best to just pay more money and always take your car to a Lexus Dealer for servicing?

Right now I have a burned out headlight and the AC does not get cold.

Thanks

Kansas

Try to find a locally owned independent repair shop that specializes in Lexus vehicles. I've been using indie Lexus repair shops for about 15 years and I've been far more satisfied with their service than when I use a Lexus dealer.

Or consider taking your 94 ES to a Toyota dealer. Mechanically, it's not very different than a Camry V6 of the same year. The ES and the Camry V6 became increasingly more different (e.g. braking system) after about the 2000 model year but the earlier ones are more similar.

You could change the headlight bulb yourself -- it should be easy. It took less than five minutes last week to change the headlight bulbs on our Camry V6. Sylvania Xtravision is a good relatively inexpensive choice -- a 2 pack is available for less than $18 from Walmart where I live.

The bulb types from the Sylvania website, for the 94 ES300:
Low beam headlamp - 9006
High beam headlamp - 9005

I think 1994 was the first year that the ES used R134a refrigerant in its AC. With a R134a system, cooling capability falls off dramatically when the refrigerant level is only slightly low. R134a is very cheap compared to the R12 used in the 93 ES.

GEORGE_JET

I agree with trying to find a independent garage. I have worked at a dealership, and independent garage and you will get more personal / better service on the older models from a independent. Dealers can afford the specialized tools required to the new cars, and are the only choice for warranty repairs.

94 does use R134a, which is a significant plus. But even with a low charge, it still cools fairly well. I intentionally put less than a full charge in order to keep the operating pressures lower (I feel lower pressure will make the compressor work less). With a short charge I can still get 45 deg air from the vents with a ambient temp in 100 deg+