I am curious about another small issue. Everything I have read states that the 2000 and 2002 ES300 use the same struts. So I had a plan to install new struts on my 02.. and install the used 02 struts on the 2000. Only because i am not sure how long I will be keeping the 2000 and the right strut clunks over bumps. So, after installing the new struts on the 02 Rears, put 1 on the 2000. Low and behold, the strut was not the right length. The clearance from the strut and the tire was .5 inches and the tire appeared to be out of alignment. Put the old one back on, of course all is good.
I measured the length of the cup part of the strut to the bottom and my 02 struts were about .5 inches shorter than the ones that were on the 2000. The 2000 is just the ES300 platinum series. No AVS as well.
Still battling with the merchant regarding the Fronts not fitting properly.