1994 Lexus ES 300 3.0L VVTi V6 from North America

Summary:

Quality, Luxury, Performance and Style in 1 package

Faults:

Parking brake kits fell apart causing the back tires to lock. luckily the car was barely moving at the time.

Driver's side heated seat stopped working.

Keyless entry occasionally doesn't respond.

General Comments:

I really like this car. It doesn't look anywhere near the 12 years old it is.

My only major complaints are the front seats are very uncomfortable for long trips and the trunk is pretty small considering the size of the car.

I particularly like the 2-tone red that was offered on these cars, which is what mine is. The black leather interior is holding up very well, just the steering wheels is starting to show wear signs.

Dealer servicing is a joke. I will never take it there again

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th May, 2006

24th Mar 2008, 10:57

Original writter here: the car has now surpassed 300,000kms or 180-185,000miles (not exactly sure of the calculation) and is running very strong. Can run and beat the newer cars on the road without problem and has the style to make people ask if I bought a new car. I Love it! It's loaded except for the cell phone option and the heated seat problem listed above was just a faulty switch, replaced with a used one and has worked great since. Recently had our first child while I was away on business... Got me home travelling at 155kmh on a 250kms trip (I made it for the delivery too! with no tickets!) Just sailed smoothly! Couldn't be happier; once we save a little money Lexus has found a customer for it's new ES series!

9th Dec 2011, 10:58

Wow, time flies.

Original poster of the comment, and it's now December of 2011. A lot of things have changed, but my Lexus really hasn't.

Pushing over 500,000kms (315,000 miles), and runs as good as ever. Maintenance work has been done (brakes, tires etc), and needed new rear struts. Otherwise I can't complain.

Paint is starting to fade on the roof, but what can you expect. A/C, all power features including sunroof, even the power antenna are all working still. I don't see it stopping anytime soon either. I will now run it until it dies, as I can't find anyone who would wants to buy anyways LOL.

I don't know how Toyota did it, but they have built an amazing vehicle that stands the test of time. Once we can afford it, we will be looking at an RX for sure, as we now have 2 kids, and the ES is just too small. If you find a good used one, BUY IT!

In reply to 9th Dec 2011, 10:58

9th Dec 2011, 16:29

Your car's longevity shows what a little maintenance, a reliable used car, and a little luck will do. Lexus made some great cars. Many are on their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th owners. And many are still running strong. Hopefully your RX will be as reliable. 05/06 were very good years for the RX model.

1994 Lexus ES 300 3.0 Liter from North America

Summary:

Very Reliable with 180K, Still Looks and Drives Like 3 Years Old

Faults:

Speedometer, Tach, and Fuel Gauges Indicators have all faded and lost their illumination. Started at 65K and got prgressivly worse of 10 years until they were all out.

Power antennae had to be replaced once at 75K.

Rear brakes seized up at 175K.

Seats are a little crackled, but still in pretty good shape.

Oil leak out of a small valve at 65K.

Oxygen sensor went at 80K.

Windows go up and down slowly.

General Comments:

This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. It was used as a commuter car for my wife (140 miles p/day between 97 & 00. Now it is being used again as a commuter car (100 MpD) with 180K miles on it.

This car has been extremely reliable. The problems listed above are all minor.

As long as you maintain this car, oil changes, etc it will be very good to you.

At 180K it still rides as if it were only a couple years old, and still has a lot of juice behind it.

I plan on driving it for another 100K miles, and have the confidence that it will last that long with minor repairs etc...

I liked this car so much, and the service at Lexus was so good, I bought a new 2000 RX. As to be expected the RX is just as reliable as the ES is.

As long as I can afford it, I will always buy Lexus automobiles.

This vehicle has held up very well. It is Black, and still looks as good as a 3 yr old car. To put it in perspective, I drive in upstate NY all year in the snow. I put studded snow tires on this car for 4 months out of the year, and it goes through 12 inches of snow.

I will have a very hard time ever thinking of selling this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th April, 2006