wnyku

Hello , my name is Mike and i need some help.
I love ES 300 and i m looking for one.
Have no one who own it to ask opinion about this car so i thought that would be the best place for it.
Looking to buy some ES in $5-7k price range. My questions:

What year of ES should I look for ?
Do they have any problems with transmissions?
Are they good cars in general ?

I found one on http://www.autotargetllc.com but have no clue if i should buy it or not.
That will be my first lexus and i need some opinion before i buy it.
Please take a look at the car and let me know if thats a good choice.
I already spoke with them and they said lex is in perfect condition but should i trust them ?
Any specific things i should look for in the car/engine based on your experience ?
Thanks in advance , Mike.

NC00ES300

Hi Mike and welcome to the forum.

I would say if you like that body style then look for 98-01. The body changed in 2002. I like the more squared off body myself.

They are great cars in general if the previous owner took care of them and took for regular maintenance and oil changes. Most owners took these cars to the dealership and had all service done there.

The main thing is regular oil changes and look for timing belt and water pump replacement. They do these at same time since so close. You are good to go on that for another 90,000 miles.

These cars are known for what's called oil sludge build up. If not maintained and regular oil changes you can get that problem.

I checked out that car on the website and man does that look clean. Leather is A1 and looks like a great body. I would go test drive and get a feel. That's the only way to know on one. Let it warm up and go for a test drive. Does the transmission shift smoothly. If any jerking or hesitation you may have some problems.

I also recommend taking to mechanic or nearest Lexus dealership and pay them $75 for a diagnostic if you really like the car. They can tell you at dealership if any codes or problems showing. Have them check out oil and make sure no oil sludge.

That price range is fair. I bought a 2000 with 152,000 for right at $6000 and it was immaculate with pages of service records. I'm so happy with my purchase it drives like a dream.

I looked at 10 different ES300's for about 3 months until I was satisfied.

Here's a great website to check any Lexus Vin # https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/home

You have to create a user name and password but it's free. See the Service history button on the left. Looks like a logo with a clipboard on it. You can plug in Vin and will give you all service history on that vehicle if taken to dealership.

I plugged that Vin on my account and it has always had service at dealership. I noticed several pages oil changes and recommended service so that car was kept up. I notice water pump and timing belt near the 90,000
Mark. Also seals on engine oil and rear bushings and new springs struts in rear. Looks like customer had transmission drain and fill as well.

Check out that website and service records but looks like a heck of a deal especially if you can get for around $6000. I would definitely test drive it and have a mechanic or dealer look at it.

Good luck and if you have any questions will be glad to help. My ES300 looks similar to the one you were looking at. I've had mine a year and it's been great. I'm going to have to replace my front bushings and struts soon but that's just from normal wear and tear and have 163000 on mine now.

Here's a couple pics of my baby......

NC00ES300

Mike here is page 5 from that website just to show some of that service history

Wes



Service History for VIN: JT8BF28G6Y0242760

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SERVICE TYPE DATE SERVICE PROVIDER MILEAGE REPAIR # DESCRIPTION
Dealer Reported 03/30/2009 Lexus of Smithtown 84950 0324209 TECHNICIAN REPLACED #2 COIL PO302 - CAR TOWED TO SHOP - PICKED CAR UP SAT AM - DROVE CAR SAT PM AND WHEN HE STEPPED ON BRAKE CAR SPUTTER AND THEN THE CK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON - 84950 OPEN # 2 COIL. P0302 REP # 2 COIL ***.
Dealer Reported 03/30/2009 Lexus of Smithtown 84950 0324209 LABOR TO REPLACE COIL - TOW BILL
Dealer Reported 03/28/2009 Lexus of Smithtown 84906 0324059 2001 ES 90,000 MILE SERVICE -
Dealer Reported 03/28/2009 Lexus of Smithtown 84906 0324059 TECHNICIAN REPLACED WATERPUMP - CUST REQUEST THAT WE REPLACE WATER PUMP ALSO
Dealer Reported 03/28/2009 Lexus of Smithtown 84906 0324059 REPLACE 2 WIPER BLADES -
Dealer Reported 03/28/2009 Lexus of Smithtown 84906 0324059 REPLACE REMOTE BATTERY -
Dealer Reported 03/28/2009 Lexus of Smithtown 84906 0324059 REPLACE REAR SHOCKS - TECHNICIAN FOUND BOTH REAR STRUTS NOISY
Dealer Reported 03/28/2009 Lexus of Smithtown 84906 0324059 TECHNICIAN REPLACED BOTH REAR STABILIZER BUSHING THAT ARE WORN - TECHNICIAN FOUND BOTH REAR STABILIZER BAR BUSHINGS WORN
Dealer Reported 11/17/2008 Lexus of Smithtown 82667 0316709 N.Y.S. INSPECTION STICKER #6580336 - N.Y.S.INSPECTION STICKER #:
Dealer Reported 11/17/2008 Lexus of Smithtown 82667 0316709 2001 ES 80,000 MILE SERVICE -
Dealer Reported 11/17/2008 Lexus of Smithtown 82667 0316709 FUEL INJECTION SERVICE -
Dealer Reported 11/17/2008 Lexus of Smithtown 82667 0316709
Dealer Reported 04/05/2008 Lexus of Smithtown 79434 0302608 CHANGE OIL AND FILTER.(EXCLUDE '07LS & IS350) -
Dealer Reported 11/09/2007 Lexus of Smithtown 77720 0293753 N.Y.S.INSPECTION STICKER #: -
Dealer Reported 11/09/2007 Lexus of Smithtown 77720 0293753 MISC - C/S INSTALL REGISTRATION STICKER
4 5 6

wnyku

Thanks a lot NC00ES300 . Will do test drive on Monday if possible. Also will check that page for records.
Timing belt as per dealer words , is done , but will check anyway.
Thank you so much for taking a time to answer my questions.
Have a great Holidays !!