Used 1996 Lexus ES 300 Consumer Reviews
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Reliability is out of this world
adam2009m, 12/06/2013
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
21 of 21 people found this review helpful
Everyone thought I was stupid when I decided to drive this car from Chicago to Miami when it had 328K miles on it. I had 0 incidents during my round trip of over 3500 miles. Enough said, the best car ever built in my opinion.. I have more confidence in this car than driving a brand new car from any manufacturer. I change my oil every 5000 miles and it has a minor oil leak which I decided isn't worth fixing. I just top it off and it has been like that for couple years now. I bought this car used with 254k for 1700. I have already put 100k on it lol. I definitely got my money's worth.
the best car I have ever owned
Luvmylexus, 01/15/2005
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used in oct of 2004-- I have had the timing belt done and there was an oil leak in the engine which I had repaired---and a cv boot- the past owner never did any up keep-- oil was filthy etc---but now I couldn't be happier--I drive many miles and in fact have already put 14,000 on this car in three months. I t goes great in the snow too. The acceleration is awesome and I am thrilled to own this car. I will never ever own anything but a Lexus again in my life. I am 59 and have owned a lot of cars. The only one I loved this much was my 1969 GTO. Oh I hate the cup holder <smile> but minor detail.
1996 Lexus ES 300 for sale near you
Showing 1 of 1 listings
- Base SedanMSRP: $6,9992,062 mi away
Can't find anything wrong!
horstm3, 05/29/2002
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I have about 90000 miles and the only thing this car has needed is one battery and a set of tires, besides oil and filter changes. No brakes even!
Baby LS400
L.Redden, 10/25/2002
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This car is FLAWLESS, my father owned the car before me and he works for Toyota corporate. When I purchased the car from him it had a little over 200k on it. It now has 272k on it and it drive like new. Sill gets looks , compliments. It looks alot newer than it is. Build quality is FIRST RATE. Resale value is also very good. The only problem ive had with it was a valve cover gasket leak which was fixed. I have only had Honda/Acura products before which are great cars also, now Im adding Toyota/Lexus to the list.
My Second Car
Drew P., 08/09/2004
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for a little over a year now, and haven't had any major problems, but being a college student it's starting to become hard to keep up with the $100 repairs. I had to change the cv boots, o2 sensors, rear shocks, and the CD changer quit working. It is a great car though, but I'm going to try another Lexus model after this.
OMG
troy124, 06/29/2011
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
My girlfriend bought this car with 100,000 miles on it and it now has about 130,000 miles and runs like a champ. I'm pretty rough on cars/ Love to go fast/ and this car is awesome. Great on gas drives smooth and we never have any problem's with it. The car is worth about 4 to 5 thousand and in saying that I don't think I would find a car like this good for the same price. I'm shocked at how well it run seeing it is a 96 and has over 100,000 miles on it but I must say this car is super great, don't think we are getting rid of it until the wheels fall off. I would take this 96 lexus over these new 2010 american cars anyday.
Best car I have ever owned
KPECOD, 12/19/2005
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car in Nov. 99 as a certified used vehicle. The warranty sold me, but it was the comfort and styling that I was really after. I used this car for a sales job driving over 30,000 miles per year, mostly highway. Let me just say that it was an absolute joy getting in this car every day and driving for 6-8 hours! I have had not had to put a penny into it after 175,000 miles, and am sad to say that I have decided it is time to get rid of it. The good news is I have purchased a 2001 ES300, and can't wait to have the same experience!! If you are considering buying a 1996, please believe me when I say you can be confident in the reliability and performance of your "new" used car!!!
My daughter loved this car!!
slooper3, 01/19/2013
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
We bought this car from a auction for my daughter and it has been a wonderful car for her. She loves this car and I told her recently to change the oil in it and she took it to get changed. It started to run bad ever since. Since we changed the oil more problems have developed. Now it is sitting in the yard :( Wonderful car!!
Smooth Blue
Lexus4Her, 12/30/2003
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I found this car to be as smooth a ride as it is smooth looking. The engine is buttery to say the least. The dealer gave us new brakes when we bought it, with the 100K warranty. Sotps great, goes fast in ECT Power. Nice Cruise Control. More Bass in the Sound System would be nice. Sub woofer possibly? Seats are comfy with Leather, just wish they were heated. I wonder if anyone has had a situation where the chrome wheels leaked are due to rust? My dealer says this is a known Lexus problem of that year???
Most Trouble Free Car
Jeff, 06/12/2010
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 1996 Lexus es300 in 1995, used, with 130,000 well maintained miles. I drove all over the southeastern us and put another 128,000 miles on the car. 258,000 miles and still going strong. Just replaced transmission seal but the $550.00 is less then a new car and there's no depreciation at this point. Normal maintenance, Mobil 1 synthetic ( 8000 mile per change) and being alert to changing wear items makes a well built car very dependable. 1mz-fe 6 cylinder engine is powerful and dependable.
The best car i ever had
hugo, 09/07/2010
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car is the best I got it from a good friend of my, at first I was worry but now I have had this car for at least 3 years and the only thing I have ever done is oil change and nothing else this car is the best car ever. The best purchase ever.
Like New after 6 Years
Moe, 07/10/2002
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My wife and I are constantly commenting on how the car drives as good as it did when we drove it away from the showroom. Nearly 100,000 miles and only tires, batteries, and a couple of minor repairs. The service has been great as well.
LEXUS Till I Die...
TonyATL, 08/08/2002
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1996 ES300 used from a Lexus Dealership. This car has kicked ass all the way. When I want to conserve gas (I.e. Long Road Trips), I disengage the ECT power and I am able to squeak out 400 miles on one tank! (Of course setting the Cruise Control @ 75mph and rolling through the hills of Tennessee & Kentucky.)
Never a better car
SimonD., 08/21/2002
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used and never had any problem with it except for the maintainence.
Great Car
Lexus_Lover, 10/10/2002
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've owned mine for over a year now. Now it has 78K miles and so far has been very reliable. The only things needed to be done on it were brakes, oil changes and stuff like that. It is a very confortable car and has a great sound system. It is a real eye catcher and is worth the extra dollars (it pays back in the long run).
AWSOME!!!
Doug23, 10/03/2002
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive,stylish with a touch of class.Include dependability....life long Toyota fan.
One good feature
Raven00b, 02/09/2003
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My car is in really good condition, in spite of the mileage it had when I had intially bought it (over 100,000). I've had some problems such as the presence of some burned rubber smell in the car when I turn up the heat, but other than that and a few other problems, I've had had no real trouble with the car so far.
True Lexus Luxury
Lexman, 11/06/2003
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is a great car and my 4th Lexus. Reliable and confortable as well as sporty. Bought it with 91K miles and it rides like new. Definately recommended.
RELIABLE LEXUS 300
WABU, 02/14/2004
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have never had a more reliable car which makes it "a keeper." Gas mileage is 21 mpg. Excellent car.
my car
chuck pelham, 02/26/2006
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
It`s just a fun car to drive, gas miles is great because I work 50 miles from home (1 way). Its fast, comfortable,& stereo sounds good. However the disc changer in the trunk works but it will not play. It shows error on the radio display.
Marvelous Used Car
rlr001, 07/21/2006
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought this about a year ago. Have done nothing to it since other than oil changes. Drives fantastic on the highway, AC is perfectly cold, CD player is highest quality, seat comfort great, and its very peppy to drive. I was looking for a Camry and found this for a good deal, I am hooked on Lexus now!
the best used car to buy
alexstano, 08/21/2004
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
already over 230,000 mile still drives like a dream.
I'll never buy anything other
Miboyz2, 09/21/2006
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My first car was a brand new 1987 Toyota Tercel, I kept for 4-5 yrs and I don't recall ever getting a tune up; my second car was a 1992 manual Toyota Paseo. I got 150,000 miles and the only major maintenance done was replacing the stick shift. My boys started getting taller so I looked at trucks. The Land Cruiser was way out of my league, the 4-runner was not economical, and the RAV was about 20,000 & I believe it was only 4-cylinder then. I had experienced the reliability Toyota offered and wouldn't settle for anything else just as long as it was in my budget. I did my research on only certified ES 300 and fell in love with the price and the warranty offered.
Very nice Lexus
johnrocca, 12/03/2006
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Best car ever, CPO coach edition, 11 years old. Drives like day one. This car runs like new. I changed battery, tires, brakes, that's it. Put gas in it and gooooooooo. Enjoy!
modifications ruin the car :/
treek336, 01/05/2013
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
i got the car 2 years ago, with no modifications on, so i start by the normal , stereo, speakers, but this last year i ruined the car, i install a amp 2 subs nd the consequences the battery is dead everytime i start it up, next i heated the springs to lower the car, yes the car is lower nd looks cool, but the problem is is unconformable to ride on, next on a drag race something happend to the engine, nd now the check engine light is on all the time, the car smokes from the exhaust a lot !
love lexus cars
lydiva, 08/04/2009
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had my car for such a long time and i jst cant say how reliable this car has been for me. I've thought of giving it up but the only way i will is to get another used lexus. these cars are so well built. once u have one u cant go back to anything smaller also. my cd player don't work but i plug in my ipod and I'm good to go. i plan to get a used rx330 in the future once this dies. I've got 142k miles and never have to do much to it just routine things. I'm a single mom and need a good car and this worked well for years for me.
Best Car I've Ever Owned
Johnboy, 02/16/2010
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased my '96 ES as it was coming off a 3-year lease (with 35k miles on it) in early '99... 11 years and 70,000 miles later, it still purrs like the well-oiled machine it was intended to be. I've always used premium unleaded gas in the car, and change the oil every 4,000 miles or so -- both of which are critical in extending the engine's life. Except for replacement of an alternator and an antenna motor, regularly scheduled maintenance is the only other work that's been performed. In my 45 years of driving American, European and Japanese cars, nothing matches the satisfaction of owning a Lexus. This baby is only worth about $5,000 now, but what could replace it for that price? Nothing.
Good car to hold on to
George, 05/01/2010
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Purchased it in 1999, off a 3 year lease and 36K miles. Car runs well and accelerates well at high speeds. Body design has withstood the test of time. However, I did add a new transmission in 2004. Leather seat showing wear and tear. I would buy a new one.
Excellent car
khang, 09/06/2002
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is just perfect
EXCELLENT CAR!!!!
LexusLuv, 02/01/2003
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I got this Lexus, Coach Edition, as a first car with a little over 85k miles on it, and it drives like a dream! Its gorgeous, has an incredibly smooth ride for a '96, and the engine is sooo smooth and quiet that you sometimes forget the vehicle is on!! Acceleration is beautiful; no hesitating whatsoever. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone, its excellent!!
i love the car still
justafineride, 10/27/2004
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used and but still love it. It was already five years old when i purchased it and have had no major problems with the exception of an oil leak on the rear main seal $ 800.00. The cup holder broke $450.00 if you can believe it and the antenna motor went out. Still, I love this car. Quiet, powerful and comfortable. Needs more bass in stereo. Paint is excellent and visibility is unmatched. Great colors also. Heated seats are great too.
The BEST car ever?
olan022, 11/11/2007
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my black '96 ES 300 with 21000 miles on it in '99. It's nearly '08 and I have 94,000 miles on it with virtually no maintenance besides oil, batteries and tires. I can't say enough about how much I love this car. I do have a valve leak problem now that seem to be very common with this car and was thinking of selling it until I read the forums for the respective cars I was thinking of buying (SAAB, Audi, Mercedes/Benz) and finally reading about how many fellow ES 300 owners feel the same way I do about my car. Needless to say, I have a renewed loyalty to my car and now feel happy to get the oil problem fixed and drive this a bit longer just to see if it ever dies on me. It might not.
My smooth ride.
909, 12/23/2019
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used it had over 300,000 miles 3 weeks after getting it with no warning running smooth as heck the engine either had a blown engine or it just blew. idk. But anyhow I bought a engine from Japan that had maybe 40,000 and I love my Lexus it's like Bose speakers I will drive nothing but Lexus from now on. Can't even tell its running when it's on. It drives fast and smooth all the accessories still are kicking butt. It too has minor oil leak. The passenger door opens only from inside. Headlight covers are fogged and I do have a problem with inside film on windows after changing cabin filter it stops for a while then a wikied film that doesn't come off. I am a fan for life love it buy it if you have the option.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
BEST SEDAN EVER!!!
Yeh Ross, 08/09/2023
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love my Lexus so comfortable and smooth, beats any new car! I bought it in 2023 its already 27 years old and it drives like new! with the taste of an old good Lexus!!!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
My Lexus Report
roncent, 10/06/2002
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I found everything about this vehicle to be supurb. An excellent value.
my lexus es300 coach edition
lex lover, 08/24/2003
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i have a 1996 ES300 coach edition and it is beautifil. i have not have had any problems with it to this day except normal maintenence. i love the speed of it. This has been by far the best car i have ever bought.
Best Used Car I've Owned
Rick Wolf, 01/08/2006
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
As a buyer who usually purchases new, riding down the road of trying to select a good used vehicle that was good looking, fun to drive and economical (regular unleaded) was challenging. However, to my delight I was fortunate enough to select a 1996 Lexus ES 300. It rides like new, has almost 100k miles and still is a real plaesure to drive. The only thing that needs repair are the two front leather seat bottoms. I will have that done for a few hundred bucks and drive this car untill the wheels fall off. The way the Lexus is built, it may outlast me! I can not be happier with the quality, looks and reliability of this car. This is my second Lexus, and I love it.
it's a keeper
D. White, 06/26/2004
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car handles well! It has excellent visibility all the way around the entire car while driving it. The cars in my past experienceS, after I have own them for a while I would be interested in another kind of car but not this one.
Wonderful, reliable
Marie, 11/03/2006
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my 1996 ES Lexus since it was brand new, summer of 1996. Now more than 10 yrs later and 93,000 miles on it, it still drives like a dream. We just took it on 3 long road trips, each trip was about 14-18 hours roundtrip, two of the trips were in 109 degree temps so AC was blasting, absolutely no problems whatsoever! To this day, I still get excellent mileage, 24-26 mpg mixed city and highway. On the way back from AZ to LA, I got 33 mpg, unbelievable. Kept up with oil changes every 5000 miles, other than that my only costs were tires, battery, brake pads, etc when they wore out, and the timing belt, etc at 90,000 because nothing ever went wrong! Reliable, reliable, reliable!
Wow
My Car, 11/14/2006
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car beacase my son liked it. This car is very reliable. I gave it to my wife and she isn't very big on maintenance. I would recommend this car to any young kid lookin for a cool reliable ride to sport around.
Very excited
16 yr old lexus ownr, 01/25/2007
1996 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm a 16 year old and just got my license. My grandmother unfortunately just passed away. She had this car and I was lucky enough to be the one that would get it. The car drives amazingly... it will be 12 years old in October and has only 55,000 miles on it and I'm very excited about it. The car has been no less than perfect for us. Low maintenance and great gas mileage.