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By
EWAN KENNEDY
12 July 2004
Lexus
ES300 offers excellent value in a prestige car built to a very high
standard. However it achieves value because it’s a Toyota Camry/Vienta
with a different body and some mechanical upgrades. There are sufficient
body similarities between the Lexus and Toyota for them to share a
family resemblance. The latter is probably more pronounced in the 2001
model, introduced in October that year, than in the previous two
versions.
The supreme smoothness and quietness that characterise the big Lexus LS
series aren’t quite there in the ES300, but it doesn't lag all that
far behind, and don’t forget the huge price difference between the two
models.
Interior room of the Lexus ES300 is good without being outstanding and
the boot is well shaped and simple to load. Being a front-wheel-drive
car, unlike all the other Lexus passenger models, means the ES300 has a
lovely airy feeling. This can easily be used as a family car, even if
your family consists of a couple of hulking teenagers.
As introduced in June 1992, the Lexus ES300 had leather trim, automatic
air conditioning, a quality sound system, power seats and cruise
control. The series two Lexus ES300, sold in Australia from October
1996, saw an additional model being added. The lower-priced ES300 S
(without leather trim, alloy wheels, and a few other nice goodies) and
the more upmarket ES300 LXS. In our opinion the latter is the one to go
for.
Pleasant enough to drive and ride in, the ES300 makes no pretence at
being a sports machine. Handling is on the soft side and is dominated by
front-wheel-drive understeer but that doesn’t show up in the later
models until the car is being hustled along in a manner that seldom
occurs to the typical buyer. Similarly, there is a slight reluctance to
change direction promptly. The new 1996 model was improved over the
original and is a more pleasant drive for the keen punter.
ES300’s 3.0-litre V6 engine is silky smooth, and reasonably powerful,
though rather too oriented towards the top end of the rev range, at
least in the original series. It was fully renewed for the October 1996
update and again in 2001, though it could still benefit from some
Aussie-style grunt when pulling of the line in one of our famed
traffic-light grand prix.
Power transmission is by a sophisticated four-speed automatic that
operates in exemplary fashion. This was upgraded to a five-speed unit
with the 2001 ES300. Both units offer good manual control though,
frankly, this isn’t really the sort of car where drivers make use of
the sequential overrides. Still, they are there if you need them.
There are only few Lexus dealerships in Australia, but these operate
very efficiently. Some work can be carried out by senior technicians at
Toyota dealerships in emergencies. Servicing and repairs are best left
to professional mechanics. Costs are lower than average in price for a
car in this upmarket class, reflecting the relatively everyday makeup of
the car.
Insurance is generally moderate in price, reflecting the type of
conservative driver to whom this car appeals.
Japanese cars don't have the prestige of European ones, yet are almost
invariably better built and substantially cheaper. Tradition can’t be
bought, but in its less than 10 years on the market Japanese Lexus has
shaken up the long-established European players.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Having done your own initial checks, call in either a Lexus
specialist or an inspector from your motoring association for a final
check.
Check for damage to the body work and interior trim and expect even the
oldest cars to be in very good condition. If not they may have had an
uncaring owner in their past.
Make sure the engine starts quickly and idles smoothly, indeed,
virtually imperceptibly. Check the automatic transmission operates
quietly and smoothly.
Feel for steering that is precise in its operation and works smoothly.
Listen for unusual noises and look for the slightest sign of anything
out of the ordinary.
Be sure the brakes stop the car in a straight line and that the
anti-lock ABS system pulses on fast stops.
Be sure to get a quote for even the most minor of faults as these can be
pricey at times.
CAR BUYING TIP
Upmarket Japanese cars don’t have the prestige of European ones, a
situation that’s becoming increasingly unfair and illogical.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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