Type34

Hey CL, I'm in the market for a 02-03 ES300 and would like to know what I'm getting myself into. Most of the vehicles I'm looking at have 80-100k miles, so I want to know what some of the problem areas I should be looking for.

I did a search on CL and found the 02+ tranny "fix", but nothing else that really stood out as a major problem area.

I've owned Acuras for the past 3 cars and this will be my first Lexus. I love Acuras, but feel the ES300 is a better buy than the pre-2004 TL (considering the 2000-2003 TL tranny issues). I owned a 2003 TL Type-S and loved it, but sold it for a 2008 TSX (we also own a 2006 MDX). I've since sold the TSX because my wife lost her job and we're consolidating expenses; hence why I'm looking at a pre-owned ES300.

Anyway, any insight is appreciated...thanks.

zajac

iTrader: (1)

Hello and Welcome!

Honestly, if I had to do it again, I would look into a GS300. Those are bulletproof. Don't get me wrong, the ES is a superb car, the GS is just a bit more appealing inside and out. GL!

rlx101

look for one with service history. ask if 90kmiles service (t-belt etc) was done. test drive, look for tranny hesitation (read through tranny thread for test driving tips). run carfax and pull dealer records by going to official lexus driver web page and registering vin under your name. hehe. or just get a print out from dealer. check for the presence of engine sludge.

generally these are well maintained cars, because typical first owners are loaded senior citizens or just people who are well off.

these are nice, reliable and VERY comfortable cars. GS? not so sure, outdated styling, thirstier engine, stiffer suspension. want sports car? buy porsche. for everything else there is lexus. sounds like an ad. lol

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

The GS of the era is indeed outdated, especially the interior and the engine definitely thirsts for fuel, but the build quality is better than the ES, and the power delivery is smoother. It still maintains a smooth ride (with 16" wheels), comparable to the ES.

One thing though, the drivetrain is bulletproof. The inline-6 is flawless and the transmission shifts like it's suppose to unlike the ES. Very nice car for the money, but very outdated relative to the ES.

Another thing to look for is the steering itself. Older models exhibit clunking noise as you turn the steering wheel due to the intermediate shaft. Toyota released a fix for this but not all ES owners may have taken advantage of it.

05ES330

The only downside to the ES is the tranny issue. But if you look under the hood on the other side of the hood there should be stickers if it ever received a flash for the tranny. there were numerous updates for the tranny. and yeah, the tranny issues are no where near the problems honda's tranny has issues with the J-series engine

Megafast13

Welcome to CL

The ES is an excellent choice, mine runs perfect, outstanding quality.

Toyota/Lexus is much better than Honda/Acura... I own both.

The TL isn't really the same class as ES. You'd want an IS.

If you are going for a used ES than go with a 05 or 06... Or even a GS. You can get them for around 20K now and cheaper. If bodystyle gas doesn't bother you than go with a GS or LS, otherwise, the ES is the way to. they still look like an 09 and drive really nice and smooth.

masboy

iTrader: (30)

i actually find my 03 ES300 is smoother + quieter than my 03 GS300. My ES has no squeaky interior noise at all, yet my GS has squeaky in sun roof, dash board area it's driving me crazy.

You might want consider 05 ES330 maybe ? i think the tranny issue been solved in that year and hmm....the tail light looks better, the grill is like GS JP grill style

bottom line, you can't go wrong w/ ES make sure the seller has some maintenance record or something.

Good luck~