Msn "reliability" Ratings

chadmg7 · February 26, 2004

I don't know if anyone has checked out MSN lately, but they have reliability ratings for each type of car. Before buying my 97 ES300, I researched a lot and found no major issues with the ES.

Well, I went on yesterday and now it has a red X through the engine for all 97-01 models; the red X basically means "bad."

I tried to access the website, but it will not work. I will try to post the web address when I get home. It is at www.msn.com and then you click "Autos" and it is the section called "Reliability Ratings."

It says something about the oil gelling up in the engine, and that it costs something like $4,000 for parts alone? Is that right? Anyway, I am a little concerned that this might be a problem in the future. Is this a valid concern or is this really actually pretty minor? Thanks.

amf1932 · February 26, 2004

Here's the page:

Reliability Ratings "97 to '01 ES's

Venture · February 26, 2004

Seems like all Toyota 3-liter engines get this review.

Consumer Reports doesn't seem to notice it.

We used to have a 1999 Dodge Caravan. Transmisson gave up at 44,000 miles, engine threw a rod at 105,000 miles.

According to MSN, there's hardly anything wrong with it. Even I knew that the Dodge transmissions were suspect before we had trouble.

monarch · February 27, 2004

.

Consumer Reports owner surveys have revealed no problems with the '97-'01 engines, because the oil gelling problem is rare.

However, when buying a used '97-'01 ES 300, it is important to insist on seeing proof of oil changes

at least every 6 months or 5,000 miles. Oil Gelling never occurs if the oil is changed this frequently, but may occur if the owner stretches changes out to 7,500 -10,000 miles or more.

Lexusfreak · February 27, 2004

Thanks for the link amf! :)

SW03ES · February 27, 2004

I actually really like the way they do their reliability ratings. If you click on the red X it will give you a full discussion of the problems and what causes them and what it will take to fix them.

chadmg7 · February 28, 2004

Yes, I think the way they do their reliability ratings is very explanatory. I was just a little concerned that a red X was on there for the 97-01 ES. But, as someone clarified above, it is a rare problem so that makes me feel better about it. Thanks everyone!

SW03ES · February 28, 2004

As long as you get one that has proper oil change history theres no problem.

If you can demonstrate yearly changes Lexus will cover the sludging for 8 years unlimited mileage.

chadmg7 · March 2, 2004

What do you mean by yearly changes? Do you mean if I notice a decrease in performance? I have a 97 so that means I only would have like a year or two left on the "warranty."

SW03ES · March 3, 2004

No if you can prove you changed the oil at least once a year and you have sludging they will pay for the repair.

chadmg7 · March 3, 2004

Wow, that's an impressive service offer. I just wish it were longer than 8 years since my car is gettin' up there! But, 8 years is VERY generous! The only bad thing is that if you have a used car, like many lexus owners do, you might not have records of oil changes for each year, let alone each actual 3-month service.