I'm looking into buying an ES300, between the years 1999-2001.

Are there any common problems with these cars or things to watch out for?

Plenty of car review sites speak highly about them, but I'd rather ask the people who live with these cars everyday.

Anyway, feel free to chime in.

 

My local Lexus mechanic told me to get at least a 1997. This was the new body style from the 1996. I suggest that you also consult with the mechanic that you will use once you purchase the car. My guy will always pre-sale inspect a Lexus for free. They should be able to consult with you about what year to get and what to expect. I use them because they are Lexus/Toyota exclusive.

 

What's your price range?

 

I'd say around 6k-8k.

 

I have a 1999 ES300 that just turned 67K or 68K miles (off the top of my head). I'm in the process of doing some front end suspension work but that can either be finished or halted. This ES also needs some minor body work on the rear trunk lid. Does this sound like something you'd be interested in? I can post some pictures in about a week, give or take a few days... Let me know. It's the darker beige (top); over the gray/charcoal-sage (bottom half of the 2-tone paint scheme). Beige interior. I really don't want to sell my ES but I have to get a pick-up truck for the business I started. Talk about down grading lol -- it's all good though -- when my biz takes off I'll buy another Lexus

 

There are no chronic problem with these cars, so do the obvious: Check maintenance records and have a competent mechanic to do a comprehensive check (including front valve cover removal to check for sludge) of the car. A more accurate prediction of things to watch out will depend on the particular mileage of the vehicle among other factors.

 

I totally agree with everything that MikeLex stated above. And if you do decide to buy pre-owned/used; CarFAX can sometimes provide additional info as well.

IMO All automobile owners should definitely build a good relationship with a skilled, experienced, maybe even certified but definitely experienced auto-mechanic.

As far as problems with ES300s in general-- the Lexus ES300 Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) can tell you about common recurring wide spread problems with this particular vehicle.

From my own personal ES300 (2nd owner) experience I definitely enjoy this car, it really has been great to me; all I have done to my car is the regular routine maintenance. In 2007 I had a tune-up, replaced an 8 year old alternator, put on brand new tires and this year, 2010, a brand new battery and eventually... whatever is needed for my current issue. Feel free to read my (possibly improper titled) "Bearing/Hub Assembly" thread in the ES300 forum.

Regards,
Ryan

 

known common problems:

1. strut mounts (not the actual struts). a TSB already exists
2. IACV - causes idling issues - may need cleaning or replacement
3. O2 - oxygen sensor failures - may need replacement
4. egr canister failures - needs replacement
5. radio lcd blackout - there is a diy for replacement process.

if you have an odb2 tool #3 and #4 should generate codes.