2000 Lexus ES

Much better than Camry

By LovedIt (NE Mass.) on Saturday, February 23, 2008

"I discovered this car in 2000 by leaning on it while the salesman was trying to sell me a 1997 Avalon. I took a ride and was astounded at the difference between the two supposedly similar cars; the Lexus was at least a class above the Avalon. It had 57,000 miles and I can't believe it was any better when it was new. I used it mainly to drive the 60 miles each way to work, and it cruised comfortably on the highway. The ride was smooth and silent, and the acceleraion was immediate. I got 25-30 mpg. So where do we stand now? It's my wife's car and she prefers it to the 2000 Avalon I have. But she's concerned that a 200K car won't be reliable, so we're selling it. I'll be sorry to see it go. So what's gone wrong? Nothing much. The worst thing that happened was that our local friendly garage mechanic put (I believe) the wrong shocks on it at around 120K and the ride was never the same again. We had to replace an emissions sensor at aound 150K and the whole display for the stereo fails to work, though the sound system itself is fine. The quality of the whole car is such that you feel nothing can go wrong, so you get annoyed when it does. I bought it at 57K for $20,000. There are tiouches on it that you wouldn't notice, because the Camry does without them, like a shock absorber for the engine sub-mount and thicker glass all round. The extra money for the Lexus has gone into many improvents like this - it's not just a Camry with wood inside. The salesman when I bought it said, "Be careful, once you own a Lexus you won't be satisfied with anything less." I know just what he meant, and although my budget has never allowed me to buy another one, it's the best car I've ever owned."

18 people out of 18 found this review helpful

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Unmatchable Quality

By nburns (Des Moines, IA) on Sunday, May 02, 2010

"My 2001 ES300 is hands-down the best vehicle I have owned. I've owned almost every make, and can easily say that the Lexus is in a league of its own. I purchased mine with 79,000, and am about to eclipse 110,000 now. As a car enthusiast, I will try to provide the most useful review. Powertrain: The VVT-i motor provides ample power. Not a race car, but by no means sluggish. Great midrange power band that provides even power at all speeds. If you want performance, look at an IS or a GS. My only complaint is that the 2001 still had the 4-speed OD transmission. It is smooth as silk and bulletproof, but tends to downshift in to first around corners. No oil burning, just have to change it every 3000. Timing belt must be done around 90k, which costs about 600-800. Exterior: Pretty modest, but classy and well-built. I have been rear-ended and t-boned, but both times there was very little damage. These are very safe cars. The upgraded taillights distinguish 2000 and 2001 models, as do the darker fog lights and front bumper. The paint quality is terrific- it is rare to see an ES300 of any year with rust or major fading. The only paint gripe is that the B pillars fade on most of the 97-01 models. 15" wheels are a little small, but there is a 16" upgrade which is more sporty and modern. Interior: Great fit and finish- nothing rattles. The quality of plastics, vinyl, and leather is great. Seats are supportive and comfortable on long drives. Heated seats are essential in colder areas. The wood trim is California walnut, and of nice quality. The sound system is amazing. I have the standard stereo (non Mark Levinson), and it is very clear and powerful. The factory subwoofer is deep and effective. Electroluminescent gauges look very classy and bright. As far as value, Lexus can't be beat. I have lost little resale since purchase, and haven't put unnecessary money in to upkeep. These cars get a little better performance and MPG on premium, but unlike other Japanese cars you do not need to use high octane fuel. I get good highway MPG (between 26-32) but city driving is pretty bismal (15-20). This is a timeless car that you can count on and be proud of. The sticker price is high, but the cost of ownership is unbelievably low. Plus, resale is better than any American, German, or other Japanese make. Probably one of the best overall cars out there."

16 people out of 16 found this review helpful

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The Best Car

By Sam (MO) on Sunday, July 31, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 205,000

Pros: "Highly Reliable Family Car; Low Maintenance. Fun to Drive"

Cons: "Caalytic Converters; need to replace every 2 years."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have this car at 200K ; wow, year 2011, still runs brand new; only changes are catalytic converter for emission inspection; other than that, just regular maintenance. btw, I bought at 83K miles in 2005. Never worried about long distance; several trips to Miami, Florida Keys, Pittsburgh, West Virginia,Chicago, Detroit...No problems at all. I highly recommend this. Planning to add another 50K-80K miles and sell."

11 people out of 11 found this review helpful

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Outstanding dependable, comfortable automobile

By Marty (WA) on Friday, September 09, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 83,500

Pros: "Fun to drive and comfortable. Has lots of get up and go!"

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This car is really a luxury vehicle in every sense of the word. I recommend it for a dependable used vehicle. Mileage on freeway driving is 33MPG plus"

10 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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2001 ES300

By endri (Reno, NV) on Monday, April 27, 2009

"I have owned this vehicle for 1 year now and am absolutely satisfied. I bought it when it had 160k miles and now has 180k miles on it. The previous owner had all the maintenance done at the Lexus dealer so the car was in excellent condition. The only problem that I have had was the ignition coils. I had to replace 2 of them and they were kind of pricey ($120 ea. plus $140 for the labor if you choose to take it to the shop). If you do all of the maintenance when you are supposed to, you will not have any trouble with the car. I just returned from a long spring break trip and the car didn't let me down. None of the 3 passengers didn't complain about the comfort at any time. I get 30mpg on the highway and about 13-14 mpg inside the city. Yeah its that bad. The car is not that much fun to drive since it is a little bit on the heavy side but I have a motorcycle to compensate for that. The car has excellent handling in snow. Handles better than my sisters 4wd Subaru. One last thing is the on-board computer. It turned on the Check Engine light when I was going down a very steep hill in San Francisco and once when I was driving with the tire chains on. If you ride for about 200 miles the computer will realize that there isn't actually a problem and turn off by itself. This is getting lengthy but I think that the other buyers should get and in depth review about their next car anyway. If you are looking for a luxury, comfortable car that will never let you down at any condition this is it."

10 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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