trulextoy

I have the opportunity to purchase a 1998 ES300. Although I have yet to see it in person, it is extremely clean looking in the several pictures I've seen. No rips in the leather or the arm rest, no stains, nothing. Yes I expect there to be some sort of wear on a 25 year old car but from the pictures, it is very clean. The body is also very clean looking. Gotta love that classic Toyota look especially with the flush door handles. It has 107k miles.

What are some overlooked things I should make note of? I get the timing belt. That's obvious. I'm not sure last time it was done but 98's don't need them done urgently due to no VVT so I can wait on that. It doesn't need done immediately. Tires are one thing, however, that I will pay attention to, so I get that one.

02 sensors, gaskets, leaks, hoses, any of that difficult to replace? I know some of these older luxury cars, even a Lexus, had parts that were a bit of a pain to get to. Anything requiring intensive work on behalf of a DIY? Heard the tranny on the 97-98 models was much stronger than the unit on the 99-01 batch.

Really just want to know about odd-ball things. Like I don't want to have to remove half the engine just to replace a minor part or something like that. I appreciate any advice.

LeX2K

Car has very few weaknesses sludge is one of them, if the oil is never changed it will cause major sludge build up and in severe cases engine failure. As far as FWD V6 cars this is the easiest to work on that I've seen. "Clean in pictures" can be deceiving images can hide a lot make sure to carefully inspect under the car. Control arms are a bit of a pain to replace but still not a big deal. Car has no weird gotchas (German cars).

If clean and rust free, buy it.

trulextoy

I actually was looking at some of the ES300's competitors from back in the day, just for more options. Case in point: I found a beautiful 2004 Infiniti I35. This one seems to have more going for it than the ES. The analog clock, Bose sound, 6-disc changer in the dash and not in the glovebox, rear vents, power sunshade, traction control (not sure if the ES had that), steering wheel controls, HID headlights, more wood, black leather everywhere, you name it.

I did some research that the I35 (and other vehicles with that engine, of course) had oil-burning issues. Some bad and some not so bad. I guess it depends on the example and when I get a chance to inspect it but considering that this one costs less up-front, is 6 years newer, has more equipment, a better interior and more power, then perhaps I should roll the dice on this instead of the 1998 ES300.

What do you guys think? I know this is a Lexus forum but please don't be biased. They are both old cars so objectivity would be amazing for once.

Paulie263

Buy the car if it’s clean and rust free and has been maintained. The 1992-1998 models were the best. You will have it for many years with that low of mileage.

You can do what you want but there is absolutely no way I’d buy that Infiniti over the Lexus. Maybe I’m biased but I’m speaking from experience.

Synes

I trust my '98 es300 more than my 2003 G35. My es300 has 134K miles and my G35 has 60K miles. At this moment, my es has an IAC valve problem with intermittently low RPM's when starting in the mornings. It is not often but I will address it when I have more time. My G35, needs a new oil pan gasket, replace upper control arm and a new 3rd brake light. If that Infinti is good, get it. However, I would bring your mechanic along to really check both cars. The Infiniti is not similar to their Nissan equivalents. Does that Infiniti require premium gas? My G35 does. One problem is the radio. The stock radio needs to be changed to an aftermarket unit. The G35 HVAC (ac) causes problems to the stock radio. Infiniti bad design. The G35 oil pan gasket was replaced at 40K miles. Now, the dealer claims I need to replace it again? Access to the G35's oil pan is tedious. Again, bad design. Honestly, I don't believe what the Infiniti dealer tells me. Do your diligent research. In my opinion, I trust Lexus more. I also have a 1991 BMW 7 series. With how the economy is get the Lexus if you want quality and reliability.