I'm not even 30, yet considering a Lexus ES300

[vi edit]

In the market for a used midsize sedan under 20k.

Requirements are in no particular order:

Comfortable(enough for 6+ hour road trips), reliable, fuel efficient, safe, leather interior.

Desired options include HID's (I have poor night vision), Nav, auto dimming rear & side view mirrors, MP3 compatibility or aux hookup would be a major plus.

Potential suitors have included: 02-06 Maximas, 03-04 G35's, 02-04 TL's, Mercury Montego/Ford 500, 03-06 Altima SE's. I'm not a RWD/AWD fanboi and do not require or even really desire it.

The 02-04 Lexus ES's seem to be a great combination of what I want. I think I'd be hard up to find a more comfortable highway cruiser that can get me upwards of 30MPG with the options and luxury the ES provides.

Here's one I'm looking at, miles are bit higher than I'd like. But for that age it's likely a lot of highway so it's not a *huge* dealbreaker.

http://www.luxurymotors.com/inventory_d...ge=&type=&ob=&desc=&t=2003+LEXUS+ES300

 

[rivan]

I don't really understand the metamucil comment, but an old friend of mine had a 300 - very comfortable and relatively reliable/economical for it's size.

 

[Dirigible]

I know nearly nothing about cars. However, as someone who recently sold their Integra GS-R and is now driving a Volvo station wagon, I have this to say: Metamucil really isn't that bad.

 

[AdamK47]

Based on your requirements I would have to go with either a used C5 Z06 or a Ford F-350.

 

[Kaido]

Looks nice, snag it if you can! My grandma has some kind of huge, nice towncar and I love it to death. It definitely has that "old people" look to it but MAN is it comfortable and rides like a dream.

 

[2Dead]

I'm loosley in the market for the same. It looks great, go for it. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

 

[DieselUV]

i'm not 30 yet and i felt this way when i bought my camry in 03. ugh, i was starting to listen to talk radio most of the time too. got life insurance a few years ago. oy vey.

 

[HannibalX]

Nice cars. Much classier than some POS rice rocket or rusted out Mustang IMO.

I hate small, two door cars (besides roadsters). I like a nice confortable ride.

 

[PricklyPete]

1) Comfortable
2) Reliable
3) Ugly

I just don't like the look of that model ES...I liked the previous model and I like the look of the current model.

For the record, I'm 28 and am not interested in that car...but I would be interested in a similar car for my fiance in the next couple of years. She currently drives a civic coupe, but at some point I'd like to get her into something a bit more "safe" and useable.

Of the cars you've mentioned for the reason's you've mentioned I'd probably choose a TL. I'm not huge on its looks as well, but I like them a lot more than that years ES.

 

[amddude]

I don't know about metamucil, but I had a bowl of kashi cereal the other day and didn't know it was fiber LADEN. Needless to say my day was extremely unpleasant.

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: PricklyPete
1) Comfortable
2) Reliable
3) Ugly

I just don't like the look of that model ES...I liked the previous model and I like the look of the current model.

For the record, I'm 28 and am not interested in that car...but I would be interested in a similar car for my fiance in the next couple of years. She currently drives a civic coupe, but at some point I'd like to get her into something a bit more "safe" and useable.

Of the cars you've mentioned for the reason's you've mentioned I'd probably choose a TL. I'm not huge on its looks as well, but I like them a lot more than that years ES.

I agree. I love the '00 ES body style a lot better. Especially the black w/ the silver two tone paint job. They are just very clean looking cars that age well in looks. The '02-'06's are kind of doggish in looks. But really, I spend all of the time inside the car and the ES has that in spades. It simply has one of the nicest, quiestest, most comfortable interiors you can get in a car. I can live with the looks.

The TL is a very nice car, but there isn't a dealer for over 90 miles from me if I need any sort of service that is "dealer only" in nature. Just not convenient. Same goes for Infiniti.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I've driven a couple of those as loaners (newer ones though) when my wife's IS is in for service and they are very nice riding cars. They aren't very sporty but if comfort and luxury are what you want then at that price you aren't going to find anything better.

I say go for it. :thumbsup:

 

[Fiat1]

It is hard to see out of the back window...

 

[OutHouse]

Originally posted by: DieselUV
i'm not 30 yet and i felt this way when i bought my camry in 03. ugh, i was starting to listen to talk radio most of the time too. got life insurance a few years ago. oy vey.

growing up is so much fun, eh?

 

[ElFenix]

i was considering an ES300 when i was 24 (the '00 body style, the newer ones look like flounders). i'm still not chugging metamucil (though breakfast does sound nice... not sure why i'm so hungry already, had a huge late dinner)

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: vi_edit

I agree. I love the '00 ES body style a lot better. Especially the black w/ the silver two tone paint job. They are just very clean looking cars that age well in looks. The '02-'06's are kind of doggish in looks. But really, I spend all of the time inside the car and the ES has that in spades. It simply has one of the nicest, quiestest, most comfortable interiors you can get in a car. I can live with the looks.

The TL is a very nice car, but there isn't a dealer for over 90 miles from me if I need any sort of service that is "dealer only" in nature. Just not convenient. Same goes for Infiniti.

Given the servicing situation, the ES sounds like the right car for you. Cars like that really do make all the difference on long trips. My dad's '05 Avalon is a treat to take a long trip with. My '05 Tacaoma TRD off road...not so much.

 

[vi edit]

My '05 Tacaoma TRD off road...not so much.

Heh. That's why I bought the '05 Frontier instead of the Taco. My wife and I actually prefer taking the truck over her Highlander. It's just a really comfortable vehicle for a truck. The seats are great and there is very, very minimal road/wind noise...which is not the case for the Toyota.

But, I would prefer a more carlike ride and 50% better gas milage for the long hauls over my truck

 

[ballmode]

Start chugging

 

[jtvang125]

If you're considering a Lexus, have you looked into the 98-2005 GS300? With the GS you get much better build quality, a sportier look, and better build material. I believe it is a full size sedan but doesn't feel that big. It may be a little hard to find one with all the options you're looking for but they do exist. I've seen plenty under $20k with low mileage and the engine on these things are built like a tank and can easily go beyond 250k miles.

BTW I was 26 when I bought my GS. I don't feel old at all driving in mine.

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: jtvang125
If you're considering a Lexus, have you looked into the 98-2005 GS300? With the GS you get much better build quality, a sportier look, and better build material. I believe it is a full size sedan but doesn't feel that big. It may be a little hard to find one with all the options you're looking for but they do exist. I've seen plenty under $20k with low mileage and the engine on these things are built like a tank and can easily go beyond 250k miles.

BTW I was 26 when I bought my GS. I don't feel old at all driving in mine.

I really like the GS(especially the GS430), but they just aren't what I'm looking to spend or what I want economy wise. For equal options and miles, I'm looking at spending another $5,000+ to move up to a GS. Plus with the snow and rain we get here in the midwest, I'd just rather stick with FWD if it means saving that much.

 

[j00fek]

 

[AnMig]

I gave up my man card 5 years ago years ago.

I drive a 2002 Civic-for the mileage and a 2001 Honda Oddesy for the family.

Bowel movement is still regular so still holding off on the Metamucil.

GO Lexus

 

[Skunkwourk]

Go for it, they're basically baby LS's.

 

[kevman]

think 135, TL-S, that'll cure that old man syndrome....

 

[OS]

clearly you've given up on life

tho i have an accord, it got boring and as the years passed, it got boltons one by one.