What went bad & when - thread...
#16
Driver
iTrader: (2)
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Year: 2001
Mileage: 151K miles
Location: East Bay, CA
Regular maintenance: Followed
GOOD: *sound system (see below), tints, LED interior, HID lights, *aftermarket wheels
BAD: heavily oxidized hood (buffing made it worse), *curb rash on two wheels, *white noise from audio, one piece of bracket broken on the cup holder, loud squeaky noise from springs/not low enough, front end cosmetic blemishes
Mileage: 151K miles
Location: East Bay, CA
Regular maintenance: Followed
GOOD: *sound system (see below), tints, LED interior, HID lights, *aftermarket wheels
BAD: heavily oxidized hood (buffing made it worse), *curb rash on two wheels, *white noise from audio, one piece of bracket broken on the cup holder, loud squeaky noise from springs/not low enough, front end cosmetic blemishes
#17
Driver School Candidate
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Yesterday after work (11 PM) I got in my 94 es and the sunroof which has always worked just made a grinding noise. I think the motor is still good. It's probably just a cheap plastic part that finally wore out.![Crying](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/Peace.gif)
![Crying](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/Peace.gif)
![Confused](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/confused.gif)
#20
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: MD
Posts: 49
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Year: 2005
Mileage: 104K miles
Location: MD, USA
Regular maintenance:
BAD:
At about 50k, some bearings went out (don't know what it was but started hearing constant grinding/humming noise from below. Lexus dealer fixed under warranty. Rear window motor went out within first two years, Lexus dealer fixed under warranty. Both rear window motors are now gone. Could fix one of them with that trick explained in some another thread.
Dashboard cracked around the Airbag - https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es3...ml#post7316500.
Mileage: 104K miles
Location: MD, USA
Regular maintenance:
Oil Changes - Every 5k miles, full synthetic
Break pad change - at 90k first and only time (had to do some work on one rotor)
Break fluid change at 100k
Timing Belt/water pump service ($350 for parts and $350 for labor at local mechanic, for whole nine yards) at 100k
Tranny fluid change at 102k miles (DIY)
GOOD: No issues with Engine and Tranny. Runs great. Break pad change - at 90k first and only time (had to do some work on one rotor)
Break fluid change at 100k
Timing Belt/water pump service ($350 for parts and $350 for labor at local mechanic, for whole nine yards) at 100k
Tranny fluid change at 102k miles (DIY)
BAD:
At about 50k, some bearings went out (don't know what it was but started hearing constant grinding/humming noise from below. Lexus dealer fixed under warranty. Rear window motor went out within first two years, Lexus dealer fixed under warranty. Both rear window motors are now gone. Could fix one of them with that trick explained in some another thread.
Dashboard cracked around the Airbag - https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es3...ml#post7316500.
Last edited by ES330MD05; 08-26-12 at 05:32 PM.
#21
Lexus Test Driver
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Year: 2003
Mileage: 116,000 miles
Location: Monkton, MD
Regular maintenance: Acquired @ 60k, all maintenance prior done on schedule @ Lexus dealer. Since then all work performed by me with OEM parts. Oil changes every 3k with Mobil 1 synthetic 5w-30 and Toyota oil filter, ATF changed at 65k, 90k and 115k with type T-IV fluid, Power steering fluid flushed numerous times, clamps replaced @ 90k due to small leak, brake fluid flushed several times, front pads done @ 75k and 110k (with rotors/shims) rears done @ 95k. Spark plugs changed with NGK Iriduim @ 100k along with PCV valve and valve cover gaskets due to minor oil leak, Timing belt, water pump, coolant flush w/ super long life pink coolant, cam/crank seals @ 115k, drive belts @ 70k and 115k, countless sets of BOSCH flat style wiper blades, many cabin filters, few tire balances and alignments, couple light bulbs, 2 sets of tires. Have also cleaned reusable air filters and the throttle body/ MAF too many times to count. Dog bone engine mount replaced @ 90k due to wear, A/C serviced and recharged yearly. Battery replaced in 2008 and in 2012. Front and rear sway bar bushings done at 80k. Washed at least 2 times a week and waxed/leather conditioned once a month. Probably some stuff i forgot but long story short i'm a trained mechanic and i take care of my car.
GOOD: Engine, transmission, suspension, electrics...few mods, more coming.
BAD: Transmission-re calibration in 2008 and again in 2010. Had to rebuild Passenger side airmix servo motor at 115k due to it malfunctioning. Had to replace sunroof seal at 70k due to popping noise. Replaced A/C magnetic clutch relay at 65k due to blinking A/C light and INOP A/C. Catalytic converters and o2 sensors replaced under warranty by Lexus at 75k due to sulfur odor. CD player stopped working, but I have IPOD input so it is irrelevant. Had to troubleshoot a rattle or two in the interior. Has a few nicks/scratches and dents I need to have repaired, and I will as soon as i stop commuting 60 miles a day in a few weeks. Could really use some new front lower control arms and a drop.
Overall its been a great car for the time i have had it, and it will be with me for a very long time.
Mileage: 116,000 miles
Location: Monkton, MD
Regular maintenance: Acquired @ 60k, all maintenance prior done on schedule @ Lexus dealer. Since then all work performed by me with OEM parts. Oil changes every 3k with Mobil 1 synthetic 5w-30 and Toyota oil filter, ATF changed at 65k, 90k and 115k with type T-IV fluid, Power steering fluid flushed numerous times, clamps replaced @ 90k due to small leak, brake fluid flushed several times, front pads done @ 75k and 110k (with rotors/shims) rears done @ 95k. Spark plugs changed with NGK Iriduim @ 100k along with PCV valve and valve cover gaskets due to minor oil leak, Timing belt, water pump, coolant flush w/ super long life pink coolant, cam/crank seals @ 115k, drive belts @ 70k and 115k, countless sets of BOSCH flat style wiper blades, many cabin filters, few tire balances and alignments, couple light bulbs, 2 sets of tires. Have also cleaned reusable air filters and the throttle body/ MAF too many times to count. Dog bone engine mount replaced @ 90k due to wear, A/C serviced and recharged yearly. Battery replaced in 2008 and in 2012. Front and rear sway bar bushings done at 80k. Washed at least 2 times a week and waxed/leather conditioned once a month. Probably some stuff i forgot but long story short i'm a trained mechanic and i take care of my car.
GOOD: Engine, transmission, suspension, electrics...few mods, more coming.
BAD: Transmission-re calibration in 2008 and again in 2010. Had to rebuild Passenger side airmix servo motor at 115k due to it malfunctioning. Had to replace sunroof seal at 70k due to popping noise. Replaced A/C magnetic clutch relay at 65k due to blinking A/C light and INOP A/C. Catalytic converters and o2 sensors replaced under warranty by Lexus at 75k due to sulfur odor. CD player stopped working, but I have IPOD input so it is irrelevant. Had to troubleshoot a rattle or two in the interior. Has a few nicks/scratches and dents I need to have repaired, and I will as soon as i stop commuting 60 miles a day in a few weeks. Could really use some new front lower control arms and a drop.
Overall its been a great car for the time i have had it, and it will be with me for a very long time.
Last edited by 03 ES; 09-01-12 at 08:52 PM.
#23
Pole Position
iTrader: (1)
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1992 Lexus ES300 5 speed
Acquired in 03/2009 with 212k with a very low price due to major work needed.
Current mileage: 262,446
Maintenance: completed, 30k service due @ 270k
The Good: Great engine and transmission since major rebuild @ 234k. Invested around $2,000 in new Toyota genuine parts and few performance improvements along with that. Garaged kept and regularly maintained by me (I am a Toyota tech btw)
The Bad: suspension showing its age very quickly (control arms, front strut plates, rear hubs). Tokico blues installed with new Toyota parts except mentioned parts that are worn. Exedy OEM clutch release bearing makes noise, clutch accumulator seeping, cables worn, need minor body work due to paint scratches from previous owners. Ivory leather interior is a PITA to maintain.
Since I plan to restore and modify, she's behaving well. 5 speeds are rare and worth keeping. Need another beater to do major mods including a custom turbo setup
Acquired in 03/2009 with 212k with a very low price due to major work needed.
Current mileage: 262,446
Maintenance: completed, 30k service due @ 270k
The Good: Great engine and transmission since major rebuild @ 234k. Invested around $2,000 in new Toyota genuine parts and few performance improvements along with that. Garaged kept and regularly maintained by me (I am a Toyota tech btw)
The Bad: suspension showing its age very quickly (control arms, front strut plates, rear hubs). Tokico blues installed with new Toyota parts except mentioned parts that are worn. Exedy OEM clutch release bearing makes noise, clutch accumulator seeping, cables worn, need minor body work due to paint scratches from previous owners. Ivory leather interior is a PITA to maintain.
Since I plan to restore and modify, she's behaving well. 5 speeds are rare and worth keeping. Need another beater to do major mods including a custom turbo setup
![Wink](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
Last edited by Gerson; 09-01-12 at 09:47 PM.
#24
Lead Lap
iTrader: (1)
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For what it's worth, here is my list of repairs in the past year:
Year: 1998
Mileage: 175,500 miles (purchased) 190,000+ (currently)
Location: Northern NJ
Regular Maintenance: Full Synthetic Oil every 5-6k
AMSOIL Synth ATF for both Transmission and Power Steering
Toyota Brake Fluid and Red Coolant
Denso Spark Plugs/NGK Wires
PCV Valve
Air Filters
Coolant Hoses
Timing Belt/Water Pump/Tensioner/Pulleys/Oil Pump Seal
Accessory Belts
Transmission Pan Gasket and Filter
Fuel Filter
Cleaned MAF sensor
Almost all outside bulbs have been replaced
Air/Fuel Sensor (previous owner installed a regular O2 sensor which kept triggering a CEL)
Lexus Battery
Bad: Valve Cover Gaskets
Camshaft Seals
Dirty IACV
Fuel Pressure Leak - replaced Fuel Pump (still needs work)
Front and Rear Sway Bar Bushings and Links
Seized Front Calipers - replaced along with pads, rotors, and brake hoses (the old lines were in good shape)
Driver CV Axle replaced - poor seal around the inner boot
ABS Motor makes a loud noise on start up - throws a code if Traction Control is activated
Air Conditioning causes an engine vibration - not sure where the issue is
Dog Bone Mount is on its way out
Strut Mounts are worn out - soon to be overhauled
Tail Light Gaskets dry rotted and caused a leak
Moon Roof makes a noise when coming back from the tilt position.
Headlight Clearcoat failure (hazed up)
Stereo Back Lighting had to be repaired
Both cupholders are halfway gone (user error)
All wheels are highly corroded (user error combined with salt)
Seeing nicely maintained ES's on this forum is what's keeping me motivated
Year: 1998
Mileage: 175,500 miles (purchased) 190,000+ (currently)
Location: Northern NJ
Regular Maintenance: Full Synthetic Oil every 5-6k
AMSOIL Synth ATF for both Transmission and Power Steering
Toyota Brake Fluid and Red Coolant
Denso Spark Plugs/NGK Wires
PCV Valve
Air Filters
Coolant Hoses
Timing Belt/Water Pump/Tensioner/Pulleys/Oil Pump Seal
Accessory Belts
Transmission Pan Gasket and Filter
Fuel Filter
Cleaned MAF sensor
Almost all outside bulbs have been replaced
Air/Fuel Sensor (previous owner installed a regular O2 sensor which kept triggering a CEL)
Lexus Battery
Bad: Valve Cover Gaskets
Camshaft Seals
Dirty IACV
Fuel Pressure Leak - replaced Fuel Pump (still needs work)
Front and Rear Sway Bar Bushings and Links
Seized Front Calipers - replaced along with pads, rotors, and brake hoses (the old lines were in good shape)
Driver CV Axle replaced - poor seal around the inner boot
ABS Motor makes a loud noise on start up - throws a code if Traction Control is activated
Air Conditioning causes an engine vibration - not sure where the issue is
Dog Bone Mount is on its way out
Strut Mounts are worn out - soon to be overhauled
Tail Light Gaskets dry rotted and caused a leak
Moon Roof makes a noise when coming back from the tilt position.
Headlight Clearcoat failure (hazed up)
Stereo Back Lighting had to be repaired
Both cupholders are halfway gone (user error)
All wheels are highly corroded (user error combined with salt)
Seeing nicely maintained ES's on this forum is what's keeping me motivated
Last edited by Hayk; 09-01-12 at 11:26 PM.
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