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Lexus ES 300/ES 330
5443 messages, Last post on Aug 14, 2010 at 9:21 AM
You are in the Lexus ES Forum.What is this discussion about? Lexus ES 300, Lexus ES 330, Sedan
#1338 of 5443 2002 by lenscap
Aug 28, 2001 (2:48 pm)
We were given no info on pricing as no Lexus people were there, only the 3rd party marketing firm. However, my dealer told me this: a brand-new GS 300 with the luxury package lists for a little over $43,000. He said with discounts the car can be had for $40,000, if not less. While such a car does not have ML/NAV, my dealer said it is highly unlikely a loaded ES would be more than you could get a GS for. He said look for a loaded ES at about $38,000. Again, this is just his guess.The ride is very close to an LS. Of course it will be a little different because it is a smaller car. But it felt real similar, with a much smoother, quieter ride than my 1995 ES but with better handling and firmer steering.
#1339 of 5443 Is it worth it to buy a used ES300 with 60,000 miles on it? by tnc69
Aug 28, 2001 (4:37 pm)
I need to purchase a used car and do like the quality of the older Lexus ES300 models. I have found a 96 model on a dealer's lot which appears to be in mint condition. How many more miles should I expect from this car, if it was indeed well maintained, before I would run into any major problems? I keep shaking my head in disbelief as to how much they are asking for a used model. However, it is either this or a new Hyundai or other similarly priced new automobile. I have a friend who buys an Audi with around 50,000 miles on it and he keeps them until about 150,000 miles. So, what would be your verdict/advice?#1340 of 5443 tnc69 older ES owner by rolloman
Aug 28, 2001 (5:49 pm)
I bought my 96 ES brand new back in 96 and currently have 114K miles.I can honestly say that I haven't had one problem with the car. I don't take to my Lexus dealer for service, I have a good friend who is ASE certified master mechanic. I change oil every 7000 miles with synthetic. Did major service at 85K, replaced timing belt...brake job..etc.
I get comments all the time on how my car looks just as good as showroom. I thought about trading last year but couldn't justify the big $$ for a new ES...simply because my 96 drives like new.
Just bought Goodyear Aquatred 3's. Absolutely unbelievable tires....especially in wet conditions. I've never had a tire that plowed right through the puddles without even a hint of hydroplaning.
The older ES is awesome, if you can find one as good as mine.
Good luck!
#1341 of 5443 tnc69 look around by djlink
Aug 28, 2001 (8:59 pm)
I just sold my 98 es300 w 64k for $21k, it was in perfect condition. If you have time look around for a one owner private seller, you should do better than with the dealer. I loved my car but would consider an acura TL or infinity I30 if the deal was right. That said I,ve got a 2002 GS300 on order, the Lexus experience has been first class. Good luck, shopping is half the fun.#1342 of 5443 lenscap by jamrock4
Aug 29, 2001 (5:37 pm)
Ever since I received my copy of Autoweek with the report on the new ES300 and a very nice picture on the front cover, the ES300 has started to grow on me. I do not see myself spending $38,000 for the priviledge of owning this thing but I am most definitely interested in a test drive. Do not know who you bribed
to participate in the test drive on Saturday. Appreciated your report and I am looking forward to conducting my own personal review in October.
#1343 of 5443 Lenscap CONGRATS! by rolloman
Aug 30, 2001 (8:44 am)
...on the Test Drive Event. Sounds like the ES won you over.Did you feel any noticeable improvement in interior head/leg room in front/back seat? My only pet peeve about the ES is that is has so much less interior room than LS.
Any other thoughts on the 02 ES would be enjoyed. Thanks.
#1344 of 5443 rolloman by lenscap
Aug 30, 2001 (10:48 am)
The interior definitely felt roomy. I'm 6', and there was plenty of headroom. In addition to the room, the front seats felt wider than today's current car. My friend who went with me now drives a 1997 ES 300, and he felt it was much roomier than his car. The back seemed roomier too, but I did not have a chance to actually sit back there.Some neat little observations:
1. There is a sunglass holder above the rearview mirror (I think the 2001 has this too).
2. There are now separate reading lights in the same panel, one for the driver and one for the passenger.
3. There are beautiful metal scuff plates at all four doors that say Lexus.
4. If you are in the car and the door is locked, you do not need to unlock the door to open. Simply pulling the inside handle unlocks the door (although the dealer can change this if desired).
5. There is no keyhole on the outside front passenger door handle.
6. There is a light inside the center console between the front seats.
7. There is a neat trip computer under the speedometer with controls on the steering wheel.
8. The wood is simply gorgeous.
9. There is a leather cover that hides the rear seat cupholders when not in use (they're in the center armrest).
10. I think the daytime running lights can be turned off, but I'm not positive on this.
11. The compass in the rearview mirror is neat.
12. There is a hook on the passenger side of the center console that retracts to hold a purse or small grocery bag from sliding around.
13. Since it was raining that day, I have to say the rain-sensing wipers work very well. The wipers were on when a puddle splashed the windshield and all of a sudden the wipers switched to high for a minute to clear the extra water. Also, the side water-repellent windows work nicely as well.
14. There are rear seat air vents.
15. In the current ES, if you have the AVS, the cupholders block the switch when in use. In the 2002 the cupholders block nothing.
16. The coat hooks in the back are improved and retract from the headliner.
A few days before the event I went to a Toyota dealer to check out the new Camry. While I think the Camry is a great car, there are NO similarities between it and the 2002 ES anymore in terms of looks. The 2001s did kind of look alike, but that didn't bother me. But the new ones are just completely different all the way around.
#1345 of 5443 Thanks Lenscap! by rolloman
Aug 30, 2001 (1:34 pm)
I enjoyed all of your observations. Since I'm 6'3", the extra head and leg room is important. I'm looking forward to a test-drive soon.Keep in touch with any additional thoughts.
Appreciate it!
#1346 of 5443 2001 ES300 by fredvh
Sep 01, 2001 (6:50 am)
I took a 2001 ES300 for a test-drive the other day and I noticed a hissing sound coming from the engine compartment. It sounded like it was coming from the air conditioner and sounded as if it was coming from the passenger side of the vehicle. It was not irritating but one could definitely hear it. I did read about this before on a review page. Are any owners here familiar with the sound or was it just that particular vehicle. The air conditioner was on when I drove it. I did not try to turn the air off. Any opinions?#1347 of 5443 A/C Hissing by mike_e_smith
Sep 01, 2001 (10:27 pm)
The A/C hisses in my 2000 ES300 as well when it is on. I think it is "normal" and I listed it as a problem on the owner satisfaction survey from Lexus. Maybe they've improved the design for 2002.To POST a message, please
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