MikeND

I am new to this forum and am researching purchasing a 2-4 year old Lexus 300h. I have done a fair amount of research on my own, but would like the advice of other 300h owners regarding any specific years to favor/avoid. I did read that as of 2020 the touchscreen became more user friendly, as you do not have to exclusively use the touchpad for controlling the screen. The major things I am interested in are whether there are any specific years where any major component of the car has been a problem and any recalls. Any advice forum members could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike

Freds430

Had a 2013 and 2017 300h. Both did not have one single issue. Lexus is #1 in 2023 in dependability by J D Power based on owners responses on 2020 models. They have been #1 22 out of the last 27 years of surveying owners. Consumer Reports has Lexus #3 in 2020, #1 in 2021 and #1 in 2022 in reliability. In J D Powers 2020 survey of 2017 vehicles the 2017 ES scored the best ever of all vehicles surveyed for dependability in their 31 years. Just make sure the fluids have been changed on time (oil every 10,000 miles and brake fluid every 30,000). Log on to the Lexus owners site and for free register the vin # and it will tell you all the work that has been done at a Lexus or Toyota dealership. If any problems just post vin # and I will look it up.

E46CT

I've had two 2021 ES300hs and have done extensive research and hold two Lexus ES secrets!

Here's my instructions (not advice).

Avoid 2019. Has the poorer battery with poorer economy
Midway June 2021-ish, Lexus fixed the seat frames on the 300h as they were crooked causing seat lean
2021 is pretty well buttoned down. 2022 is fully buttoned down. 2019 and 2020 are meh.
2021 could have notable panel gaps/construction/paint issues. For example both my 2021s had crooked hoods, crooked doors, and NUMEROUS interior squeaks and rattles. I hope by 2022 the factory got dialed in. My 2021 also had bubbling clear coat on the trunk edge/lip.
2019-2022 have mediocre side structures. 2023 got some reinforcements to the lower sill and some enhancements to interior parts to reduce side crash injury measures. Still, the performance is just OK for 2023. Toyota Corolla and Camry post superior side crush measurements vs. the 2023 7ES. They're roughly on par with eachother. Consider this if safety is a priority.
So all in all, 2023 is the best year if you can swing it. If things are a bit tight, then 21/22 is a nice second choice. If things are tighter, go for 2020. Don't go for 2019.
2022 got upgraded headlights on both headlight styles.
2023 got a better phone charger/console design.
older models will have accelerated seat wear. check the seat bottoms for wavyness.

You heard it first here, E46CT professional instructions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

E46CT

Also I'm soon going to shock this sub with some A25AFXS info soon. It's a great powertrain as I've always said buttttttttttttttttt I've went down the rabbit hole and found a pattern.

ESh

2019 ES300h is made in Japan, so they should be the best regarding the gaps, precision but they don’t have the folding mirrors.
2020+ have the folding mirrors but they are all made in TMMK.
The only thing that may be present is the problem with some minor rattles and squeeks.
The powertrain is top notch, 44+ MPG but you need to change the oil every 5000 miles especially if you drive short distances (you may see some condensation, not as bad as on Toyotas).
Also, the dash may get scratched easily but there’s a dye for that.

BBQapple

why not now

E46CT

it's easter weekend.

ESh

Because doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

ESh

I forgot to mention, 2019 and 2020 are equipped with NIHM battery, 2021+ models are equipped with lithium ion battery. The nickel metal hydride battery is better in every measurable way especially if you live in cold climate.

E46CT

haha wat. feel free to elaborate... in detail.

what i have wouldn't need words, actually. just a photo.

LS500Fan

Maybe you want to start a new thread for your secrets so they get visibility instead of burying your tips in other threads?

I doubt I'm going to be "shocked". Was this secret something that Car Care Nut put in his 2-part series on the A25A?

LS500Fan

ES hybrids delivered to Canada do not get the lithium batteries because of our climate, we get NiMH.

E46CT

no you'll be shocked and nope not a part of CCN. I was actually thinking of telling CCN about it. i don't reward rude people. I might tell Mike ... in secret! LOL

E46CT

From what I understand and have confirmed a while ago, toyota was mixing and matching suppliers midway thru 2020-2021 due to pandemic shortages, and using whatever battery they can get and the only true way was to check under the hood for the sticker but i remember the consensus was 2020 saw the full changeover but 2019 for sure had Ni-Mh. i dont dig into ES stuff anymore..

oh and the other hot tip i have was fully only me that NO ONE will ever guess or know.

soon.

ESh

I was talking about the US market.
Yes, in Canada you get NiMH and that is a good thing for many reasons.