2000 Lexus ES300 ES from North America - Comments

Before reaching 40,000 miles, the following 'defects' were discovered and have been replaced:

Complete A/C system

Transmission

Total Engine

Rack / pinion steering.

Also, due to wear, the brakes and bushings have been replaced, as well as two new sets of tires.

This is the third ES300 I've purchased from our city's (only) Lexus dealership, trading in my 1997 ES300 and paying the balance in cash. The defects began to surface by the second year of ownership. Nevertheless, last December, after the engine had to be replaced and I tried to trade in the car (with another Lexus because, with that history, no one else wanted it), Lexus (corporate) would not give any more than blue book value. All work has been under warranty and only the Lexus Service Department has touched the car. Each time it was repaired, I was told the car was now a "new car." However, the "new car" concept does not apply to trade in value.

This is my only means of transportation, and I'm just a bit uneasy about its reliability. I now own a car with 47K miles (and climbing) that has been rebuilt in the Lexus Service garage. And, since no other dealership / individual wants it, I have little choice than to buy another Lexus (?!). Call me old fashioned, but I had also expected to drive my car for a while, and hadn't planned and/or budgeted to replace it so soon.

I had the same problem with my 1998 Es. I always give Lexus a chance though and now own 3 other Lexus, a total of 4 including my Es. I own an Ls, Es, Gs, and Rx and I love them all. One I've had since new and now have over 80,000miles and the car sill drive like the moment I took it off the lot. My Es was for sale for about a year before I realized no one would trust a car with a brand new engine that was replaced at 40,000miles so I plan on keeping it till it dies again. The new motors has 75,000miles and is running perfectly. I am wondering if when you needed the engine replaced how you could tell it needed to be done. I am from California and happened to be in Utah when the car started acting up. It was just eating oil and blowing out thick black smoke. It did make it back to California where Lexus said it needed to be replaced. Is this how yours started?

The engine problem that is described above, (burning excesive oil and black smoke out the tail pipe) is known as a "sludge motor" to Lexus and Toyota. "Sludge motors" are caused by lack of oil changes! This causes build-up of contaminated oil on vital engine parts, decreases oil flow, and will destroy your engine. Although this engine is more prone to the problem then others, if you do REGULAR OIL CHANGES, you will never have an issue. Just read all the positive comments about these cars, and their engines. CHANGE YOUR OIL!

I wrote the first comment. I bought the car new and had oil changes between every 3000 and 5000 miles plus all the services recommended by Lexus. I had all receipts. When I called my Lexus dealer I told them my situation and they told me I was not maintaining the car right. I gave them my vin number and that shut them up. All matinence had been done at their dealer and on time. They were trying to make me pay for the motor, but when they saw I had done everything needed they did it for free. Lexus is great to work with. My tranny recently went out on my RX which was out of warranty. I talked with my Dealer cause all matinence had also been done on time. They met me half way and I paid around 2500.00 better than the full 5000.00. Lexus will always be my choice for cars.

I agree with the comment that said change your oil!! If you do your oil changes regularly, you will never have a problem. I bought a supposedly certified preowned 96 es300 and, after driving it for a month, it had the known sludge problem. After Lexus replaced the engine block at 91,000 miles, (1000 miles after I bought it) I never saw another problem at all with the car. Currently, it has 210,000 miles and still drives like new; unbelieveable car. Nobody can believe it has that many miles; well in actuality the engine block only has about 120,000, but the rest of the engine is original. One thing is I always use full synthetic oil and premium gas. It will run the engine better and cleaner, but definitely don't miss those oil changes!

My 2000 ES300 at 22K miles blew a head gasket and the dealer kept selling me expensive electrical sensors. After awhile it became apparent it was not electrical, but mechanical defect. The head gasket totally blew and would not run. The dealer then tried to sell me a new engine computer complete engine due to a rod knock and head gasket leak as well as related computer programming labor. The total was around $7K. I then got an independent shop to tear it down and show the factory it was still under the drive train warranty. They paid for the whole thing after three months of grief and frustration. I hate the factory and dealers for their bad tactics to sell me what was clearly warranty covered items and will never buy another Lexus or go to dealer for service again. They want to make a big profit over my dilemma and does not care about doing the right thing.

1st, I'm an independent dealer who specializes in Lexus products.

There have been a very small percentage of cars through Lexus that have had the "sludge engine" issue. Most were proved to be neglect by the owners, but not all.

It is very important to have receipt's (these come in very handy if you should need them at a later date.) and make sure that you not only are changing the oil, but also doing the recommended services. ie 10k 30k, 45k etc..

If you ever have a situation like this with any car company, go directly to their North American Head Quarters Customer Service Centers (800#) and start there. (especially if you have issues like these). This will get better results and help you so it will not be so frustrating as well.

It is too bad that the dealership didn't treat you right and do what should have been done, unfortunately that does happen. When trading the car in, you can't expect more than "trade in value" (which really is only a guide for the dealerships and individuals to use.) because you have had all this work done to the car. The expectation is not realistic. If you think that the car is worth more, sell the car outright to someone privately.

The KBB and NADA books are only guides, they are not written in stone. Each car is different and the books only reflect an average number. The car market is very much like the stock market, what's hot, in demand, not in demand, maybe not so desirable all play a part in how pricing plays a part in your transaction. Good luck on your next purchase.

I'm in the process of buying a es300 (2000). Please someone give me your honest opinion, so I don't waste my hard earned $$$.

Don't worry. The ES300 won't let you down. It is a top notch vehicle that is very reliable - always ranked first in used car reliability. It burns more gas than you might think, which is its only shortcoming. Snatch it up before someone esle does.

I have just purchased a 2000 Lexus ES300, my first Lexus. I really enjoy the car, but now that I have read some of your comments, I am a little concern about it. I did my best to research the car and there were no problems with it. Clean records and Carfax. It has 60,000km on it and from what I understand it should last 200,000km.

What do I need to do other than service it regularly for that to happen and is the problem with the "oil sludge" only on different years and model types? If someone can ease my mind a little I would appreciate it.