Red needle on the speedometer, which is lit up day and night. Had to the replace entire gauge cluster at a Lexus dealer for a high price of about $600 US. Ouch!
Only have had the car for two days and I can easily tell that this is by far the best and highest quality car that I have ever owned. It is probably getting close to needing a new engine, due to the high mileage, but I will do it when necessary and the car will last for twenty years, I believe.
I have a Lexus ES300 1992 with 198,000 miles. I love my car and have had it since 1994. I have had some issues such as having to replace my transmission at 97,000 miles, my rack-in-pinion (sp?) steering, at 127,000. My radio has died twice (I actually initially bought the car for the sound system with the 6 CD changer). I have had quite a few oil leaks and my gauges are not all illuminating anymore. But overall it has been a joy, the body has lasted great, and I want to drive it for another 40,000 miles.
My Lexus (95 GS300) just reach 200K mile. I never, ever!, have to change anything: car still run smooth & quiet. No sake, no rattle, no abnormal wear & tear.
I change the shock at 140K mile, timing belt at 110K mile, the needle in the gauge fade out at around 120K mile, I found a new set on eBay for $60, fortunately, needles in that set were good, and still good as for now.
Other than that, it's simply tire, oil, and brake change. Amazing. My previous car (Benz 300E) was reliable & high quality, but nowhere near this.
My 1993 Lexus ES300 is getting old at 145,000 miles. The clutch on the automatic trans is slipping. Replaced the thermostat and the thing still overheats in the dead of winter (can't find a leak), I've replace the radiator twice in two years. The radio volume is close to silent at startup and gradually gets louder until full volume at 30 minutes (and what is that key symbol under the volume knob for anyway?). And I believe one of my disc brakes is sticking, so at slow speeds it feel like I'm driving on a rough road or an alignment problem or tires out of balance. Paint on the hood is bubbling. Red needles on speedometers starting to show black. Lights on the clock and radio going out. Cigarette lighter (never used except for charging cell phone) looks like it has a short. This must be of the few lemons Lexus made. For the money, I think next time I'll buy something other than a Lexus.
I have a 1992 ES300 with the rare 5 speed. I've had the car for about a year now. SHE FLIES! No major problems at 171,000. Transmission/Engine work great. No oil leaks, no complaints. Shocks/Rack & Pinion have been replaced. I love when the RPM's hit 4000, thereafter she SCREAMS! Tricked out Honda's, Acuras... stand no chance, its funny when they race me. Major joy to drive, if you ever have the opportunity to own one, DO NOT pass it up. Top speed 132.
I purchased my 92 es300 at auction for next to nothing in 94 with 78 thousand miles.. I now have 302000 miles and love this car. I have put two transmissions in the car, and currently replacing the heads. This car is wonderful! It won't ever die. Of course I have the issues with the instrument cluster lights dimming out and almost black, but who cares! This car runs great. I will continue to treasure this car.
I think the es300 is pretty quick everything, but the transmission is slipping so its not too fast anymore, the gauge needles bounce around and almost all the dash lights are out. the car has 215000 miles and still runs so I guess that's pretty cool it just costs a lot to get work done on these cars, but overall its pretty reliable.
I just bought my 1992 ES300 from a dealer 2 days ago, for almost nothing, (wholesale price). At 115000 miles, the transmission misses going into 2nd gear occasionally, and I have an OIL leak on the back of the engine somewhere (not threatening). The oil is burning on the exhaust, as motivation to get it fixed first. I'm in the process of finding it. I believe its on the back valve cover, and needs a new gasket. other than that, It's a great first car for me. Dad opened it up on the highway, and gave him the shivers, definitely has the accel. need met. Ice cold AC, and all the power functions work still (which is rare now-adays). I plan to have this car to 200000.
Bought my 1992 Lexus es300 at auction!. (Rare 5 speed) 89,000 miles
Hadn't had a chance to drive it much yet, but I drove it a few blocks, and it seems fine. Replaced a couple of blown fuses, and everything works. The dash lights work with the exception of the temp gauge light and needle light.also, engine has slight oil leak, seems to coming from top rear of engine and dripping onto exhaust pipe. Need to find and fix oil leak and gauge light. This car seems very well built, can't wait to open it up on the freeway!
I purchased my es300 about 6 months ago with 140,000 miles on it from a family friend. Let me tell you this car is great. It handles very well for it's size and is extremely comfortable. The instrument lights were all replaced by the previous owner so I don't have that common problem. There's a break in the wire harness that releases the gas filler lid and the tail light out indicator is always on. Other than that every thing on this car still works. The engine is still smooth and quite at it's age. This has the most millage out of any car I've owned and is in the best condition.
I've had my 1992 ES300 for 5 years now and it continues to run strong with 180,000 miles. Replaced the stabilizer bar links, ball joints and tie rod ends and will soon be replacing the rack and pinion unit. Also had to replace the valve cover seals as they were leaking oil, but other than those parts listed above that will wear out on any car, this car has been extremely reliable and performs great.
I have had my 1992 lexus es300 for about a year and a half now. It was given to my from my dad as my first car to drive. IT has an astounding 243,xxx miles on it and runs so smoothly you would think its brand new. I love this car and I treat it like a princess. When I got it it was a mess, but now when I look at it everyday it is truly a piece of work. I am getting a new car soon, but I am going to keep this baby for sure. If it was a manual tranny I would love it even more. Go es300 lovers!