Picking out a project car - luxury/cruiser type...

[manimal]

I absolutely loved my LS400 and wish it was still in the garage. Easy to work on. Relatively cheap and surprisingly powerful.

Just dont get one with the air suspension. An early es250 will be underpowered but fun. I think 250s look better than 300s which look like Camrys to me.

How about a first Gen G35 Coupe?

Or a late 90s Maxima?

Or a Porsche Boxster. You can buy a medium mile Boxster for 7K from 97-98. Mine I found for less than 15 with less than 40k miles. Outside of a deadly Intermediate Shaft issue that is easily sorted its Solid reliable and hella fun with great MPGs..

 

[makken]

If you're looking at working on BMWs, http://www.bimmerdiy.com/ is a great resource.

Though if you were buying a BMW with the intent of working on it yourself, I would recommend a 3 series (e46 or e36) over a 5. A tad more aftermarket support.

 

[SearchMaster]

I came in to say 90s LS400. The ES250/300s will get better mileage and will still be rock solid but I wouldn't call them luxury cars other than the Lexus name.

My '00 Maxima got me 27-28MPG but I have a long and fairly gentle commute. It's not luxury either but was very comfortable, leather, etc.

I have a soft spot for the LS400 though, so that'd be my recommendation (mileage be damned).

 

[mvbighead]

A buddy at work has a well maintained LS400. Handles like a boat (at least compared to my E39), but man is it comfortable. Have sat in the back seat a few times, and it's absolutely snooze inducing (in a good way).

OP - the LS400 needs premium gas. Don't know if the ES has the same requirement?

Thanks for pointing this out. I did wind up seeing this and the premium necessity does not follow the ES300. I had read somewhere that some guy was switching back and forth between premium and regular on the LS400, and shortly thereafter, the engine simply died.

While I can understand the point from many that the ES300 is very Camry-esque, I think that while that is a turn off in someways, it winds up being a major, major plus is the parts category.

I have to say, that I really like most of the interior on the ES300 models. Pretty much fits exactly what I am looking for. Might be a bit smaller than the 07 Impala my wife drives, but I'll still fit no problem.

I suppose in the luxury cruiser dept, I am straying a bit. But fuel economy, while not of the utmost importance, is still a strong consideration for me. With the lesser MPG and increased fuel cost for the LS400, and it seems I really have to stick towards the ES300. And, while not quite the cruiser, it still should ride a helluva lot better than my Jeep.

 

[NutBucket]

Toyota Cressida + 2JZ swap!

 

[T2urtle]

while the ES300 engine parts are dirt cheap because they are 1mz or 3v w/e

The body parts are not!!!! mainly because they dont share with the camry. Some headlights/gauge clusters/ tailights seem to cost a prem. Aftermarket parts for those are rare so most items need to be OEM.

21mpg combine seems to be a little sad. I dont know if that is 100% true, i never owned a 1mz. But my 5sfe in the camry isn't getting great MPG at all in the 24-25mpg combined.

 

[mvbighead]

while the ES300 engine parts are dirt cheap because they are 1mz or 3v w/e

The body parts are not!!!! mainly because they dont share with the camry. Some headlights/gauge clusters/ tailights seem to cost a prem. Aftermarket parts for those are rare so most items need to be OEM.

21mpg combine seems to be a little sad. I dont know if that is 100% true, i never owned a 1mz. But my 5sfe in the camry isn't getting great MPG at all in the 24-25mpg combined.

Aside from maybe a few light replacements, I am hoping to find one in good physical shape, with simple general maintenance needed.

Generally, when I look for used cars, I want a solid body (because any body work is extremely expensive), and an engine that doesn't have major issues.

Though maybe all you really mean are the headlights and such. Hopefully, I do a good enough job finding a vehicle that doesn't need anything done in that department.

Also, I can only imagine the LS400 is going to be the same in terms of body parts.

As for the MPG, some people tend to claim they get closer to 25-30 it seems on the ES300s. I hope that is the case, but if not, it should at least be much improved over my Jeep.