Lexus ES300 Review | 1996-2001 | 3rd Gen

[@hax0rz100]

I have a 2000 model. Everything on it still works. These cars are very reliable.

[@joepearlzz8504]

How many miles or km?

[@jongib369]

@@joepearlzz8504 Only got 119,000 miles on mine, runs beautifully.

[@i_read_bad_reviews]

Thinking of getting one today

[@dimendkai]

@@i_read_bad_reviewsdo it, i just did last yr. my 2001 drove smoother than any newer 2010 + car i owned.

[@i_read_bad_reviews]

@@dimendkai I passed on the es, then checked a few very nice ls. Ended up passing on those and ended up looking for a gx. Overlanding with my son won out.

[@AlanForde-CheyneMS]

wish Lexus would go back and design cars with simple elegant lines again

[@lexuses3942]

Love my 98. It’s the same color as this one too. 155k on it, 23 years old and you’d NEVER know. I also had broken rear cup holders when I bought it lol immediately ordered some off eBay from another wrecked Lexus. Only thing I had to do was replace the fuel filler tube. (467)$ other than that it’s a solid car. Everything works as it should

[@AlexGreen-os6zb]

You literally review every car I’m interested in buying lol

[@44Michellef]

I have a 2001 es300 3rd generation and I absolutely love my car!

[@pilotpeego1820]

Awesome review! My 2001 ES300 is still going after 340,000 miles. It's a keeper!

[@shiftngearz]

My 98 has 365,000! The car is fantastic

[@bradbrown6875]

Hello - tomorrow I may be buying a 2001 ES300 w 188k. It’s so nice from pics .. I guess you think a good idea I’ve only had Avalons so this is new for me. Excited. Paying 2900 prob?? Please tell me that you think. Thx !!

[@pilotpeego1820]

@@bradbrown6875You'll not regret it. My car now has 401,000 miles since I last posted a year ago on KZbin. By the way, never buy the engine replacement parts from Lexus because they'll overcharge you. Go to a Toyota dealership for the original engine parts. The 97 - 2001 Toyota V6 Camry uses the same engine.

[@jakesmith-ho4bl]

​@pilotpeego1820 what have you had to do to get it there? Do you do the timing yourself?

[@xsuuper7631]

@@pilotpeego1820 I am also interested in the maintenance you’ve done to let this legend live on

[@alexnadobny2273]

I bought an 01 model for $800 with 230k miles about 4 years ago. Needed a new knock sensor and a timing belt and the owner didn’t want to pay all that money to have lexus do it. I ordered the parts and did it myself to save the money. After all that the car was only ~$1200. As of now it has 270k miles and runs and drives like it left the factory yesterday! All my cup holders are still in one piece lol and all the electronics work, even the seat heaters!

[@familyman8644]

Lucky I got one with 49k miles and seat heaters dont work on driver side

[@wallacegaffney1051]

Hoping to snag one tomorrow with 200k for 1200 no issues

[@kinghenryexperience4920]

Mine was $1100 for a 97, had 211,000 on it, now 250,000 goin strong!

[@wallacegaffney1051]

@@kinghenryexperience4920 🙌🏿🙌🏿

[@joepearlzz8504]

Did you use oem knock sensor and did the problem ever come back?

[@vag4lvevo22]

I have a 2001 and i got it from my cousin boyfriend with 130k miles for $2500 now it got 188k i believe im the 3rd owner. At 180k miles i change the transmission fluid and thanks god its still shift smooth. Is my first car and im going to keep it forever. Im in love with it. I got the grey one.

[@classicrocker81]

That thing is so clean! Love it

[@DrivenCompanion]

ClassicRocker 81 Yeah, made me want to buy it but I have no use for it unfortunately!

[@daveyjones90]

This review is very well done. Im shopping for a reliable commuter car to put 30k miles per year on and you provided the best insight. Thank you!

[@peasant_slayer69]

Thanks for doing this review love these cars

[@redtabby5847]

From Japan.（Excuse me for poor English.） I love my JDM 2000 Coach edition, sold in Japan as WINDOM. My "ES300"'s all cupholder is still okay, and it have sunroof, navigation system, electric retractable door mirrors and so on. But unfortunately, it does not permit running on public road due to no license plate because taxes on ownership are very high in my country🥺

[@consistency1907]

Which country are you living?

[@redtabby5847]

@@consistency1907 Japan

[@blu_is500]

Nice review! My first two Lexus cars were a 1996 & 2000 ES300. I absolutely LOVED both of them, great cars for all the reasons you’ve stated. Thanks for posting!

[@cubbiemalone49]

Hey Mike, I just want to thank you for all the comprehensive reviews that you make!! I’ve been in the market for a new car for a while and have been debating between a 4Runner or a Tacoma, and your videos have made the process a lot easier. I just bought a 2011 4Runner Trail Edition w/ 100,000 mint condition and couldn’t be happier, although the Tacoma’s are nice lol. Looking forward to the FJ and future videos!!!

[@DrivenCompanion]

Thanks for the positive feedback and glad I could help! The more I drive my 4Runner the more I love it. The Tacoma is great but you made the right choice!

[@midnightmystery544]

My all-time FAVORITE car!

[@OregonDuckz]

I had a 92 that was gorgeous. Loved that car.

[@DrivenCompanion]

Matt S. Didn’t know that! Love this era of the ES!

[@whatarefriends4]

The music you picked accentuates the presentation of the vehicle well

[@SunnyDay-wt2nq]

This was THE quintessential Korean soccer mom car back in the day

[@tanimhasan3162]

I got my drivers license recently and my brother bought me a es300 2001. Very bad condition of the body. I hated it. But here is the twist, I drove toyota camry 2020 sport. Then when I drove my es300 2001 I was like why this car feels so good? Why the response is so good? Why the seats are so comfy than bmw? Its a masterpiece.

[@ultimatemassive9501]

I just picked up a clean 99 coach edition. It's a fantastic car.

[@DanielMunoz-cj9ik]

Its so tough to find clean ones

[@richarddendall1121]

I found one, And have the Lexus ES 1999, Gold package, Since I bought it in July, Four people want buy it from me. 🚘

[@mslmatao]

wish I could find one was mint looking as this one! genuinely thinking about trading in my 2014 camry le to get one of these if I can find one I like

[@aaronjones1390]

I got a 97 in gold that I love, only thing I have a problem with is the fwd

[@biggaruddesly6015]

My first car I have The 93 now with 80k I love it

[@landenedwards2729]

Just bought my first one yesterday, it's a surprisingly fun car to drive🤙

[@landenedwards2729]

@Green Bastard it's pretty peppy for a stock v6. It handles extremely well for being built on the K car platform ( same platform the camry is built on.) I've owned two fourth generation Camry's prior to this car and the Lexus feels like a completely different vehicle. Also the Lexus has variable value timing which in my opinion makes the car feel a lot more responsive and a lot smoother over all. I've been having issues finding aftermarket parts for it but I'm happy with how she performs stock. I would definitely recommend buying one if you can find a good deal. I picked mine up a for 2,800 with 145,000 miles which is pretty good because I've heard of the 1mz lasting 250,000 miles and longer. I can truly say over all I am very please with car.

[@landenedwards2729]

As long as the frame is straight I'd jump on it. It won't be hard to find a new a door and that is an amazing deal. I would jump on it fast. I can promise you won't disappointed. Also the car gets pretty good mileage when you are just cruising which is great because my buddy owns a acura with a v6 and that thing is a kind of a gas hog for a Japanese made car. Also the Lexus is extremely comfortable to commute in, my buddy said it felt like we were just "floating" along.

[@landenedwards2729]

@Green Bastard unfortunately if a thief wants a car he's going to take it. They might tow it on a flat bed or even reprogram the computer. However if you are comparing it to a civic or camry it would be much more difficult. To my knowledge all Lexus keys come chipped from the factory and also come stock with alarms. My last camry was taken out of my drive way unfortunately but I've had issues with my ES. If you need more piece of mind you can always install a kill switch or just buy a steering wheel lock. I usually have my Akita with me so most people who are smart steer clear of it.

[@landenedwards2729]

*peace

[@landenedwards2729]

@@snapchord I'm 6' 2" so I wouldn't personally be comfortable in anything other then a full size van or truck, however I can say the seats are extremely comfortable and I would have no problem leaning the seats all the way back for a quick nap but as far as back seat camping goes it's a little small for me. But I've had no issues with driving it through harsh weather so far after over a year of ownership, and I have taken it through snow at 80+ miles an hour. I've driven down long dirt roads treating it like a truck or SUV when it comes to potholes, and I even took it mudding. She still starts up and drives no problems, only thing I had to replace was the knock shift position sensors and the cam shaft position sensor.

[@damienbell3155]

Also the 2000 yr model has the least drag efficiency of any non super sport car. Still has that prestigious award today.

[@noble20xx56]

No wonder why it's so fun to fly down the road in it.

[@bimmerlife5452]

Amazing cars I have 2000 mint condition with 110k on it super smooth just upgraded to KYB G excel shocks feels awesome more tighter feeling with IS 300 17 235/45/17 handle much better vs factory shocks with wider tires

[@derekharrison8889]

This is my dream car!

[@robertknight4672]

My grandmother has one I think 2001 and her cup holders are intact. This one does have one little annoyance though. Sometimes when turning the steering wheel it squeaks and we found out it's a rubber bushing where the steering shaft comes into the vehicle. If you put a bluebird things on it it will stop the noise for a little while.

[@philgibson9201]

At 120,000kms all oil seals cams and crank pulley, tappet covers, were brittle and leaked as bought.all replaced and belts, at home. So quite and smooth running pre vvt engine

[@KingDevoneoGotBeats]

Might get one of these in a few weeks 💯

[@VoidAiden]

Buying one tomorrow thank you so much for this guide great car from the looks of it

[@flipitforward89]

Excellent review of a really excellent car.

[@kingdevoneomusic]

Really want one of these 💯

[@OregonDuckz]

Love these cars!

[@pizzaking7878]

I have a 2001 silver on black and love it. Great cruiser of a car, and I like the frameless doors. Now I know where to velcro that first aid kit!

[@Nino_J]

The frameless doors allowed a lot of wind noise into the cabin, I had two ES300s, both had wind noise issues on the expressway

[@pizzaking7878]

@@Nino_J They do allow more wind noise due to the frameless design, but I prefer the frameless look overall from a styling standpoint.

[@jedtaylor429]

I have 2001 Es 300 and my cup holders are broken too lol.

[@DrivenCompanion]

They aren't a great design. They probably could have guessed there would be some issues early on before it left the factory

[@SpencerHogg]

nice review bro

[@KingDevoneo-GamingChannel]

I gotta get one of these 😎💯

[@jeffstreng7450]

Good review.

[@upsidedownguitarist6803]

I have the 98 es 300 thinking about putting a trd supercharger but kicks in 2ns gear so it won't stress out the transmission

[@phillyphilly3716]

I have a Lexus ES 1999 can you tell me what size is the woofer in the trunk

[@samsonadebola8134]

I need one of this

[@charlesd7515]

I bought a ‘98 for cheap for my son and we love it. Gold with 20% tint. I switched to full synthetic oil and now it leaks - have others experienced this?

[@adrian15419]

Yes stick with semi synthetic

[@Dave-jj3fk]

Never had that problem with my 00’ Lexus sorry so late

[@dadcraft1528]

What is the average mileage you see on the year/model?

[@robertmarkiewicz8184]

Hello everyone. I come from Poland. My English is not very good, so I apologize for the mistakes right away. About half a year ago I bought this great Lexus ES300 from 2001. It is beautiful. In Europe it was not sold at all, so it makes a great impression on the roads. Most people look after him. I have one question, because my English is poor, I couldn't understand one part of this movie. I don't know what the three buttons in the sun visor are for. Mr. Mike tells about it in the 6th minute and the 20th second of this video. If anyone knows, please explain it to me. Thank you for your attention and best regards to ES300 fans.

[@dpowell468]

Garage door openers

[@beverlyquintela2754]

The 3 buttons are a remote control garage door opener. You can program up to 3 different garage door openers.

[@marekmarecki3500]

Nadal nim jeździsz?

[@nisharana566]

Recetly got one with 37 k mile on it. Will deliver tomorrow. Anyone please recommend attractive rim for it!!!

[@travelingtraveler27]

Hey KZbin! I'm considering purchasing an 01 ES 300 with 177k miles no issues everything is working fine. Private dealer is asking $4700 out the door with taxes and fees is this a good deal!?

[@DrivenCompanion]

Sounds a bit high to me. This ES had about 77K miles I believe

[@darkstar861]

@Samuel Mulder: i got 1 a month ago, 2001 w/135k mi at a used car dealers for @3800 out the door, it passed all the state inspections afterwards.

[@deeshooterz3989]

I got 1 for 2k no check engine light

[@AngelTheDuro]

Hope you didnt buy it. Im going to get one with 105k miles for $1,234

[@yeb7997]

Will be selling my 01 soon once I fix the EVAP leak otherwise very smooth. 128k miles

[@aaronaustrie]

Very clean

[@benjaminmaldonado6667]

Your wrong the third generation is 1997-2001 not 1996

[@BlazingGamezDK]

Nice video

[@patrickmcintyre6507]

WHITE 98 BEST CAR I EVER HAD

[@kraigthornhill9166]

Loved my ES Coach Edition. Very reliable and comfortable car. I did have an electrical concern. The car ate batteries like candy. The car would do through periods where the battery discharge light would come on. If I turned the car off, it would not start. Lexus could never diagnose it.

[@williamjames6495]

I have a 98 es300. U had a ground wire issue. I’ve dealt with it before.

[@2pacalypseish]

@@williamjames6495 what was it i have same problem

[@williamjames6495]

@@2pacalypseish check all your ground wires. If they are worn out replace them. Clean the connect points. Some may be corroded

[@RockX_Chris]

Even a 23 year old Lexus rattles less than a brand new Tesla 😅

[@deeshooterz3989]

The only issue I have is that the backseats won’t go down

[@guillermorubio6411]

The japanese Quality ...... The "opera prima"

[@Tahara-Aichi]

Make sure you really know what is this vehicle really based on. It is not based on a camry , it's a Toyota WINDOM never sold in the United States.

[@damilolaakanni]

They both share the same platform with the Camry, so yeah, it's based on the Camry.

[@platinumencasedpenile4812]

The cupholders on this car are attrocious

[@Nino_J]

Get rid of those tasteless rims but otherwise dope car 👌🏽

[@HauntingTheHoly]

17 mpg City? WHY? My 4.0L TRUCK gets that.

[@festusfive9157]

"very quiet cabin". idk what car this guy is driving but mine sounds like a jet engine at all times.

[@familyman8644]

Check out the rubber molding on the door jam

[@kinghenryexperience4920]

And tighten your window gussets.