Faults:

Stuck brake caliper.

General Comments:

Bought a 1998 Lexus ES 300 for my daughter for $3700 with 117000 as a 4th car. I thought that this was a great deal for what is considered low miles for this model. The only thing wrong was a stuck brake caliper, but I fixed that myself during a brake job.

Interior is great with heated leather seats and 2 position memory position. Drives great with enough power. Engine is extremely smooth, if not exceptionally powerful. No rattles or squeaks to speak of.

This is the base model, so there are no real luxury items, but this is a car that my daughter can drive in comfort and with peace of mind for another decade if she wants to.

Faults:

Nothing. We just bought it less than 1 week ago.

The LCD display on the radio is all distorted and the clock doesn't work.

Also the windshield washer reservoir tank is leaking.

General Comments:

Amazingly, in great condition for being an 11 year old car. We bought it for $7800 at an independent dealer and has 91,300 miles. Yes, low mileage for a '98. It has minimal wear and tear. It's a light gold color with a tan interior. It has all the options, leather, CD changer, moon roof, heated seats and the shock/ride control. Full package.

From the moment I saw this car and started the engine, I knew I had something good. (I've gotten quite good at picking out good used cars lately.) The ride is solid and free of any squeaks or rattle. It rides much better than my 97" Lincoln Mark VIII, which I bought at the same dealer. The car is for my mom and I had test driven several "newer" cars, but none felt like this well-preserved Lexus. I didn't want get out of the car. LOL!

It's not perfect, but the overall quality and how well it drives, makes up for any cosmetic and minor flaws. It feels like butter. It's very smooth and refined for a "entry level" luxury sedan, even after a decade. The power and refinement of the engine surprised me as well. This thing is responsive! It just picks up and goes! No waiting, no harsh sounds, just smooth, instant acceleration. I love the midrange power. It picks up speed quick and imperceptibly. It feels best on the freeway. At idle, the engine doesn't just purr, it's almost silent. Its that good.

This car seems perfect for my mom and she seems to really like it. It also handles well and brakes good. I read a lot of reviews where they praised the quality and reliability of this car, but criticized it for not having enough personality. For some people, that's all they need. They don't need the sportiness, flash or fun to drive factor.

I'm a sports car and muscle car guy and I would drive this Lexus all day, every day. I think it has plenty of personality. To anyone looking to purchase one of these used (1997-2001), I recommend you test drive one in good condition and see for yourself. These cars are built to last. Definitely well worth your investment. Now I just wish my mom would hand over the keys.

Faults:

Very little. I am just waiting for it to happen.

General Comments:

Bought it for $5,000 from my father-in-law as he was getting a new Lexus. Knew it was used and had a ton of miles but considered the Camry engine and thought I might be able to get a year or two of luxury driving out of it.

Well, one year down and I love it! Wish I had it when it was off the manufacturing line.

One negative that stands out is the cup holder. Simply put: it sucks. If you take a semi-sharp turn, the drink in the holder tumbles out easily.

I also don't understand why the sunroof opens with one push of a button but does not close without holding the button down.