pktaske

With what will be four cars to maintain, I'm looking for simplicity. Knowing a car and what goes wrong and what to look for when shopping for a used one and how to repair are big wins for me. While I'd like to get another rx300, my wife wants a four dour sedan. What cars share a lot of commonalities with this one? Even toyotas are a consideration.

Thanks...

bob2200

For sure, the closest sedan is the Lexus ES300 of the same years. They did a minor redesign of the ES300 for the 2002 model year. I'm not sure what other changes were made, but they recommended premium gasoline from 2002 on..

hypervish

2002 was not a minor redesign.

2002 was a full blown redesign, completely different body style than 2001. There was another "refresh" in 2004 which was when they added the 3.3L motor. The only difference between the 02' - 03' and 04' - 06' is really just the engine. There were other minor enhancements but not very noticeable, unlike the changes that Lexus made with the 01' RX300 mid-year refresh which were very noticeable.

I too recommended looking into an ES300, as you can tell my signature I own a 2002. I absolutely love the thing! It's fantastic! Take a look at all ES300 after 99' as that is when they added VVT-I.

BTW, they recommended premium fuel before 2002 as well. Same engine as the RX300.

The fuel economy is pretty fantastic for a full size sedan, I've been able to achieve 30+ on numerous highway runs. Pretty impressive for such a large luxury sedan if you ask me. One of the reasons why I went with the 02' over the 01'/ older body style, is due to the 02' and newer having a 5 speed transmission. The interior is amazing, it honestly is like a mini LS. I think the 4th generation ES300 is one of the best built. I think you will notice that as well if you compare the two side by side.

bob2200

Sorry if my information was incorrect. My mother has a 2002 ES300, and the information was from some of her friends who have earlier-year ES300's.

I guess if they kept the same engine, it might be debatable what the extent of the changes in 2002 could be considered. All the ES's look pretty much the same externally to me.

hypervish

2001 ES300



2002 ES300



I don't know about you, but IMO those changes look pretty extensive to me.

Just because they didn't change the engine, doesn't mean it doesn't qualify to be called a re-designed model.