Used 1999 Lexus ES 300 4dr Sedan Consumer Reviews
Get Something Else
I have owned many different cars and heard nothing but wonderful things about this model. The truth is, the Oldsmobile Aurora and Lincoln Continental both outmatched the Lexus hands down in both creature features and driveability. The Lexus has been a major disappointment and I will never own another one. Buy the Toyota Camry and save some money... or better yet buy an Avalon and get more room. Also, for what it's worth the check engine light has been on more than off for the last 50k miles. This car has annoying (expensive) problems with its emissions/fuel vent system design that I've never had with any other car owned.
Great Car
12 yo, 142K. New noc & MAF sensors in 11th year @ about $1K. Alternator died at 52K mi, just out of warranty. W-pump died at abt 100K. Other than that, routine maint. White pearlcoat looks as good as it did in '99; few very small dings on hood - touch-up paint works. Beautiful car & design, IMO. Very difficult to develop a scratch on exterior. Leather wearing very well. Wood appliques on dash aged a bit due to moisture/cleaning. Interior dash 'boring'; roomy in front; headroom bad in rear for 6 ftrs. Cup hldrs useless. Nakamichi superior. Good perf.; gas mileage 21/28. We all have good days and bad. No day is completely bad if I get to drive this car at the end of it. Great buy.
- Base SedanMSRP: $5,991462 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $8,098476 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $4,995702 mi away
Transmission problem with 1999 ES300
My 1999 ES 300 has 67000 miles on it and I am told I need a new transmission and knock sensors. ABS off and check engine light pop on. It sporadically will not downshift at higher speed. At 60mph rpm's will be close to 4000. I have done trans fluid exchanges, replaced valves, seals and air intake hoses. Lexus says they will not cover any repair because it falls out of their warranty. Every mechanic that has looked at it claims it is ridiculous for me to need a new trans with this low of miles and the great condition the car is in.
they don't make 'em like this anymore
I bought it used form a lady who only put 4000 miles on it in 10 months. (guess why she was selling it.) cons: only a four-speed auto -- old school. lexus stereo is average. cup holders are junk -- they don't keep your cup or bottle from tipping. pros: everything else. quiet, ride, reliability, fit and finish, room in the cockpit up front. A snap to wash because it's low and doesn't have the slab sides the newer models do. I only have 75,000 miles on it now, but I'll trade it in for a new 350 -- as soon as Lexus makes one I like better than this one. I don't like the 2010, and I sure didn't like the body style before that. I'll keep my '99, thank you very much.
The oldies are goodies
We've had this car for over ten years and use it as our second car for my wife to drive once or twice a week. I'd buy a new es-300 in a minute, except the newer ones are an inch too long and have poor rear-quarter vision. Lexus is due out with a redesign of the es-300 in 2012. Hopefully, it'll be better than the current model -- none of the redesigns look as good as our 1999. If you can find one, get it. Edmunds says dealer retail is under 6k -- good luck finding one so cheap!