1997 ES 300, bought used from Lexus dealer in 2003. I am the second owner. Mileage was 70,000. Now 150,000. I love this car!
Issues:
Stereo display had been replaced at dealership, just prior to my purchase due to LCD issues. LCD went from hieroglyphics to totally black about 3yrs from my purchase. Repair cost $650 for an entire stereo unit plus installation. Not done. I quess what station or CD.
Lowbeam headlight went out in 2007. Manual said it had to be replaced at dealership, lies all lies. But $100.00 later - new headlight. 6 months later, the other headlight went out. I went to the dealership and purchased the new bulb for $50.00. Service manager offered to install for $50.00. I said, No thanks" and proceeded to open the hood and start the install in the bay where they receive NEW Lexus for service. Service manager raced out to install for me and get me out of the bay. A Lexus dealership can not have a woman, dressed for work in their bay changing her light bulb. I have since learned that the bulbs can be purchased for about $18.00 at most car parts stores. They last about 6 months to a year. (I just read another post about not touching the bulb or cleaning it with alcohol if you had - so I will be more careful when I replace the current burned out bulb)
Cup holders, now there was some engineering genius, Both front and rear broken. $120.00 & $110.00 for a replacements, no other options. Another hundred each for installation.
Plastic stops for front seatbelts are both gone. Not sure how that happened. (Lexus headquarters does not know what these are anyway) Dealership solution, new seatbelts $500.00 including installation.
The engine has a surge at 40 miles per hour. Mechanic has tried everything. Still has the surge.
Good thing I bought a dependable car. Regular service keeps this baby running great, well, except for the surge. I hope to buy a Lexus again someday, can't beat the quiet ride. I wish they would make the interior parts as well as they made the rest of the car.