19th Dec 2002, 21:36

My 1993 Lexus ES300 is getting old at 145,000 miles. The clutch on the automatic trans is slipping. Replaced the thermostat and the thing still overheats in the dead of winter (can't find a leak), I've replace the radiator twice in two years. The radio volume is close to silent at startup and gradually gets louder until full volume at 30 minutes (and what is that key symbol under the volume knob for anyway?). And I believe one of my disc brakes is sticking, so at slow speeds it feel like I'm driving on a rough road or an alignment problem or tires out of balance. Paint on the hood is bubbling. Red needles on speedometers starting to show black. Lights on the clock and radio going out. Cigarette lighter (never used except for charging cell phone) looks like it has a short. This must be of the few lemons Lexus made. For the money, I think next time I'll buy something other than a Lexus.

15th Aug 2003, 02:20

I have a 1992 ES300 with the rare 5 speed. I've had the car for about a year now. SHE FLIES! No major problems at 171,000. Transmission/Engine work great. No oil leaks, no complaints. Shocks/Rack & Pinion have been replaced. I love when the RPM's hit 4000, thereafter she SCREAMS! Tricked out Honda's, Acuras... stand no chance, its funny when they race me. Major joy to drive, if you ever have the opportunity to own one, DO NOT pass it up. Top speed 132.

13th Jul 2004, 18:53

I purchased my 92 es300 at auction for next to nothing in 94 with 78 thousand miles.. I now have 302000 miles and love this car. I have put two transmissions in the car, and currently replacing the heads. This car is wonderful! It won't ever die. Of course I have the issues with the instrument cluster lights dimming out and almost black, but who cares! This car runs great. I will continue to treasure this car.

6th Mar 2005, 22:41

I just bought my 1992 ES300 from a dealer 2 days ago, for almost nothing, (wholesale price). At 115000 miles, the transmission misses going into 2nd gear occasionally, and I have an OIL leak on the back of the engine somewhere (not threatening). The oil is burning on the exhaust, as motivation to get it fixed first. I'm in the process of finding it. I believe its on the back valve cover, and needs a new gasket. other than that, It's a great first car for me. Dad opened it up on the highway, and gave him the shivers, definitely has the accel. need met. Ice cold AC, and all the power functions work still (which is rare now-adays). I plan to have this car to 200000.

14th May 2006, 23:37

Bought my 1992 Lexus es300 at auction!. (Rare 5 speed) 89,000 miles

Hadn't had a chance to drive it much yet, but I drove it a few blocks, and it seems fine. Replaced a couple of blown fuses, and everything works. The dash lights work with the exception of the temp gauge light and needle light.also, engine has slight oil leak, seems to coming from top rear of engine and dripping onto exhaust pipe. Need to find and fix oil leak and gauge light. This car seems very well built, can't wait to open it up on the freeway!

10th Jul 2007, 19:14

I purchased my es300 about 6 months ago with 140,000 miles on it from a family friend. Let me tell you this car is great. It handles very well for it's size and is extremely comfortable. The instrument lights were all replaced by the previous owner so I don't have that common problem. There's a break in the wire harness that releases the gas filler lid and the tail light out indicator is always on. Other than that every thing on this car still works. The engine is still smooth and quite at it's age. This has the most millage out of any car I've owned and is in the best condition.

17th Jul 2007, 15:21

I've had my 1992 ES300 for 5 years now and it continues to run strong with 180,000 miles. Replaced the stabilizer bar links, ball joints and tie rod ends and will soon be replacing the rack and pinion unit. Also had to replace the valve cover seals as they were leaking oil, but other than those parts listed above that will wear out on any car, this car has been extremely reliable and performs great.

18th Feb 2008, 00:54

I have had my 1992 lexus es300 for about a year and a half now. It was given to my from my dad as my first car to drive. IT has an astounding 243,xxx miles on it and runs so smoothly you would think its brand new. I love this car and I treat it like a princess. When I got it it was a mess, but now when I look at it everyday it is truly a piece of work. I am getting a new car soon, but I am going to keep this baby for sure. If it was a manual tranny I would love it even more. Go es300 lovers!

11th Nov 2008, 00:13

I have a 92 ES300 that I bought with 252000 miles on it, and the engine was locked. I found a guy that had a Camry engine with 82000 miles; new timing belt, water pump, good plugs and all.

Now the car turns hard. I'm hoping it's not the power steering pump because my mechanic told me that could cost some scratch.

Other than that, the odometer doesn't move, so I don't know how fast I'm going, and even if it did I wouldn't be able to see it at because all the dash lights are out.

Other than that, it's a great car, it drives like a champ.

12th Nov 2008, 22:21

92 ES300, hand-me-down from girlfriend's mom, believe it or not... 400000+, first car, never the romantic type, but this car has my heart dangerously.

Strong, quiet and smooth, bubbly rust above the left rear tires, tranny slipping into second, rpm dash LEDs gone, driver power windows schizo, back suspension like newlyweds on a Tuesday night, obviously, on occasion of course.

All in all, old really is gold, and she's won my heart. Might have some explaining to do to my lady ---- LOL.

A.sri.

20th Nov 2008, 21:15

I have a 1993 LS400 Lexus. This car has been the most amazing car I've ever owned. The car has had some electrical issues regarding the instrument cluster, but I have to remember the car is 15 years old. The car now has 275,000 mile with the original motor and trans. I recently drove the car across country and checked the oil every thousand miles, and car didn't lose any oil the whole trip.