1991 Lexus ES250 ES review from North America

6-99: CV boots cracked and universal exposed. Replaced both CV axles. $40 each, Autozone.

3-01: Losing coolant. Replaced radiator, $75 @ Autozone.

7-02: Leaking PS hose. Too costly to replace, $300!! just for part, no Toyota equivalent. I took it to a hydraulic hose repair shop, and the guy fixed the original hose for $50. I reinstalled it.

11-02: Exhaust hole in down-pipe. Found entire exhaust assembly on a 91 Camry wagon in a local yard for $50. It took me 15 minutes to unbolt the old and bolt in the new.

4-03: AC compressor failure: Replaced compressor: $300 @ Autozone. AC friend recharged with R12 free!

5-03: Blown AC hose: Replaced, $25 @ Autozone. AC friend recharged with R12 free!

6-03: Rough idle and power loss: Replaced plugs, wires, and distributor cap.

8-24-03: Soft and unresponsive suspension: New shock struts ($110 for 4) front and rear. Bolted in myself with the aid of 2 spring compressors.

9-03: Replaced all disc brake pads, $30 for all 4 @ Autozone.

10-16-03: Failed emissions inspection: Worn out catalytic converter, $100 mailorder part. Welded in myself.

1-5-04 Alternator light came on, no charging. Pulled out alternator. Bolt was stuck and broke. I drilled out the old one (hard metal, not easy) and replaced it. Bolt was $6 @ Toyota dealer. Replaced alternator brushes ($26 @ Toyota dealer). Tightened oil pan bolts to seal leak.

4-10-04 208678 miles, check engine light came on at idle: Cleaned air filter, dirt from local contruction clogged it.

Replaced metal trim on pass rear door, $14 @ Autozone.

The general theme here is: Don't be a sucker and take this car to a Lexus dealer. Avoid any shop and DO IT YOURSELF. Yeah, they might treat you nice and give you coffee, a smile and a 'free' car wash, but you can take your paycheck and feed it to your dog with the same result.

Find an Autozone, get a Haynes 90-91 Camry manual ($12) (no Lexus manuals yet), a diagnostic code reader ($30), a few good metric tools, and make friends with AC technician.

This car is well designed to work on yourself, as any Lexus or Toyota.