Old member another car - 01 ES300 Coach Edition Timeline

[carbongs]

You know me and Lexus, I can't stay away. lol still got the GS300 but picked up this ride for the misses!

I had a 94 ES300 about 5 years ago back in the high school days



Recently, I converted my girlfriend and her family to the Lexus family too lol.

Well, I Just picked up a 2001 ES300 Coach Edition with 66,895 miles on the odometer for my girlfriend today. It was a single owner car from Ft. Lauderdale, FL with a clean Carfax and all services done at authorized Lexus dealerships. Got it for a great deal and brought her home today.

I will use this thread to keep updates on the car while we do mods and maintenance work.

A few pictures of the ride as it sat at the dealership:



















I will get some more pictures later as I start to do some work on it.

So far driving it is a dream. It is super quiet and runs flawlessly. I am very impressed with the condition that it is in for the age. There are a few things that need to be addressed though. First thing on the itinerary is to get the wheels powder coated. They are in good shape (no curb rash) but the finish on them is horrible. Then I will polish up the headlights and address some paint defects, mainly on the trunk lid. This car will be intended as a daily driver so it won't be highly modded or anything like that. Keeping it comfortable, classy, and clean.

Thanks for looking

[DecoyOctopus]

nice dude. always loved your gs.

[EP3sAreFun]

Very pretty car Tony.

If i was to ever buy a lexus, it would be that gen/model right there. Just about everything crosses over to Toyota and theres billions of parts out there

if you need anything Toyota, lemme know. i still have connections there

[quickdodge®]

I'll be honest, carbon, but that car is ugly as hail in stock form. But I'm sure once you put a couple of touches on it, it will look better. I do like the interior, though. Nice and comfortable looking. Later, QD.

[carbongs]

nice dude. always loved your gs.

thanks!

Very pretty car Tony.

If i was to ever buy a lexus, it would be that gen/model right there. Just about everything crosses over to Toyota and theres billions of parts out there

if you need anything Toyota, lemme know. i still have connections there

sure thing, i will definitely let you know. good thing i have a few connections myself but this car is pretty easy to maintain. the previous owner already did the timing belt service at 56k so no worries for a while.

I'll be honest, carbon, but that car is ugly as hail in stock form. But I'm sure once you put a couple of touches on it, it will look better. I do like the interior, though. Nice and comfortable looking. Later, QD.

lol to each their own i guess. there will be a few touches here and there but i'm not going crazy with it. it is for my girlfriend so she just needs something comfy, easy to drive, reliable, etc... the interior of this car for its age is flawless and the audio system is crazy nice from factory. i'm really glad i was able to find a coach edition to boot!

[quickdodge®]

lol to each their own i guess. there will be a few touches here and there but i'm not going crazy with it. it is for my girlfriend so she just needs something comfy, easy to drive, reliable, etc... the interior of this car for its age is flawless and the audio system is crazy nice from factory. i'm really glad i was able to find a coach edition to boot!

Well I can imagine a nice lower ride height and some tasteful wheels on there and it would greatly improve it. You should know me enough to know that I'm no fanboy of the typical mod crowd (all about Civics, Miatas and 240s). I like the "out of the norm" cars. So it's not that being the reason of my opinion.

But again, I am in love with the inside. I'd definitely fall asleep in there on a trip. Later, QD.

[carbongs]

Well I can imagine a nice lower ride height and some tasteful wheels on there and it would greatly improve it. You should know me enough to know that I'm no fanboy of the typical mod crowd (all about Civics, Miatas and 240s). I like the "out of the norm" cars. So it's not that being the reason of my opinion.

But again, I am in love with the inside. I'd definitely fall asleep in there on a trip. Later, QD.

yeah if it were my daily i would do both of those things (lower and rims) but it isn't lol i wish it were my daily lol i miss my old es300. since she will be driving a lot downtown there is no need to lower the car and i am keeping the wheels because it was part of the coach edition package. pretty hard to find wheels. the ride comfort is pretty crazy feels like you are floating on air

[Alan®]

I'll be honest, carbon, but that car is ugly as hail in stock form. But I'm sure once you put a couple of touches on it, it will look better. I do like the interior, though. Nice and comfortable looking. Later, QD.

The problem with this generation ES was that all it was, was a leather covered rebadged camry.

[EP3sAreFun]

The problem with this generation ES was that all it was, was a leather covered rebadged camry.

problem? hell, thats whats BEST about them if you plan on long-time ownership.

[Alan®]

problem? hell, thats whats BEST about them if you plan on long-time ownership.

I hate cars like this honestly. I'd rather just buy a fully loaded camry and save money then spend the extra gwop just to have the name.

[EP3sAreFun]

I hate cars like this honestly. I'd rather just buy a fully loaded camry and save money then spend the extra gwop just to have the name.

Agreed, but i would prolly never own a new lexus, acura, or infiniti. if i bought luxury it'd be Mercedes or bmw. if i'm gonna spend the money on something nice i don't want a rebadge.

But thats exactly what that year ES is... a REALLY nice camry. and they can be found for cheap enough now that i wouldnt mind long term ownership of one now.

none-the-less, that one Tony is a VERY nice lookin ES for that gen

[2turbo4u]

Isn't all ES300 rebadged Camrys no matter what gen? I liked your old ES better Tony.

[carbongs]

problem? hell, thats whats BEST about them if you plan on long-time ownership.

agreed

I hate cars like this honestly. I'd rather just buy a fully loaded camry and save money then spend the extra gwop just to have the name.

well to each their own. but this can be said in many cases like rather getting a civic than an integra, rather getting a 350z rather than a g35... it goes on. for me they do look a lit but the subtle changes and the upgrades in comfort, leather, sound system are worth the money.

Agreed, but i would prolly never own a new lexus, acura, or infiniti. if i bought luxury it'd be Mercedes or bmw. if i'm gonna spend the money on something nice i don't want a rebadge.

But thats exactly what that year ES is... a REALLY nice camry. and they can be found for cheap enough now that i wouldnt mind long term ownership of one now.

none-the-less, that one Tony is a VERY nice lookin ES for that gen

thanks, can't wait to start personalizing it to her liking.

Isn't all ES300 rebadged Camrys no matter what gen? I liked your old ES better Tony.

well they aren't exactly a rebadge but they are very similar. thanks, yeah the old one was a 94, it treated me well.

a review i found comparing the two:

"Go power comes from a 210 HP 3.0L V6 engine hooked up to a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission driving the front wheels while whoa power is handled by 4-wheel disk brakes with Anti-Lock and Electronic Brake Assist. In fact, the only fault that I could find is that the ES300 shares its body structure and mechanicals with the Toyota Camry. It's not that the Camry is a bad car, quite the contrary, the Camry is an excellent platform for any car to be based on. The only problem is that, in some people's minds, the association with the mundane Camry dilutes the exclusivity that normally goes with the Lexus nameplate.
The ,000 premium over the price of a top-of-the-line Camry XLE V6 gives you a few additional goodies besides the more exclusive Lexus badge and the right to patronize the award-winning Lexus service centers. You get a more powerful V6 engine with VVTi (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) and a wonderful sounding 3-way bypass exhaust system, Other features over the Camry include: better sound deadening, The clear, easy-to-read Lexus instrument cluster, Automatic Climate Control Air Conditioning and 10 way driver and 8 way front passenger power seats. In fact, when you sit behind the wheel, there isn't a hint of its Camry origins. This is a well appointed, comfortable, friendly interior with high-quality leather, real California Walnut wood trim, perfect placement of the controls and gauges and the impeccable fit and finish that is so typical of Lexus."

[rollininstyle2004]

Is the car staying down with you until May? Or is it making its way up to my lovely state at any point?

Car looks super clean though!

[carbongs]

Is the car staying down with you until May? Or is it making its way up to my lovely state at any point?

Car looks super clean though!

It may just stay here for when Amanda comes home after graduation. I am driving up for her graduation with her mom, grandma, and joe. Probably gonna take the van so we can bring back some of her things.

[carbongs]

2-22-10

Projects:
Take off wheels
Take off trunk lid
Polish Headlights and Foglights

So took some pictures of the car in the driveway today. Some detail shots and some before and after shots of a little headlight and foglight restoration.

Head shot notice the oxidation on the headlights



Driver's side



Rear



Passenger side



The wheels, now you can see how nasty they are



Some detail shots







Up on jack stands



Before headlight restoration



After headlight restoration



Foglights restored



Stock engine bay uncleaned



Flaws on the trunk lid from acid rain, the trunk is getting removed for some paint



Removed all the lights, wires, locks, etc...



To be continued...



lol yeah so tomorrow I plan on clay barring, polish, wax, and seal the paint and possibly paint the calipers too.

[carbongs]

2-24-10

Projects:
Drop off wheels to get powdercoated
Drop off trunk lid for paint
Take off Headlights and Fogs
Seafoam
Clay Bar
Polish
Wax

Ok, so today there was a little more progress.

First thing today involved a bit of driving around town to drop off the wheels at the powder coater and the trunk lid at the paint shop.



Got back to the garage and took off the fog light housings. The headlights were already taken off yesterday.



Then some seafoam action lol those of you who know me know I use this on everything lol







Then I proceeded to clay bar the car after a quick wash and wow was this thing nasty!



After the claying I did some polishing, waxing, then sealing



More to come later

[veritekracer]

Congrats on the new car for Amanda. Looks like your making a lot of progress.

[carbongs]

thanks bing! i forgot to ask you about something over the phone earlier but i'll call you in the mornin

[carbongs]

2-25-10

Projects:
Add another layer of wax
Change oil and oil filter
Detail the interior
Checked and topped off all fluids
Check all fuses

A little more progress today.

Finished up the exterior wax by adding another layer of cherry wet wax



The result



Check out the finish



Started draining the oil



OEM filter baby



Detailed the interior after that

[JITB]

good work! fixing and repairing a car like this is just as fun as modifying it...

do these cars have the same gasket problems as the older Es300? i think it was o ring - valve cover or something..

[carbongs]

good work! fixing and repairing a car like this is just as fun as modifying it...

do these cars have the same gasket problems as the older Es300? i think it was o ring - valve cover or something..

yes they do but after some snooping around i found that it had already been replaced on this car along with the timing belt about 8k ago! what a bonus! it is kinda fun since i haven't been able to do much to my own car recently it is nice to get to wrenching again. plus this car is a 2001 too just like my gs! lol

[ATK_Designs]

good job on the restoration/renew. Car looks mint. Congrats to you both for a new ride.

Tony's definitely the guy to hit up if you want your car cared right.

[carbongs]

good job on the restoration/renew. Car looks mint. Congrats to you both for a new ride.

Tony's definitely the guy to hit up if you want your car cared right.

thanks for that kevin

[JITB]

yes they do but after some snooping around i found that it had already been replaced on this car along with the timing belt about 8k ago! what a bonus! it is kinda fun since i haven't been able to do much to my own car recently it is nice to get to wrenching again. plus this car is a 2001 too just like my gs! lol

oh alright you should be good to go than



and i thought u were gonna put some air on the gs? u better!!!

[carbongs]

oh alright you should be good to go than



and i thought u were gonna put some air on the gs? u better!!!

that is in the works. a company in austria is developing a prototype set up for me just got to figure out the electronic side of it and i'm working with a company in cali for that

[carbongs]

2-26-10

Projects:
Changed out old and worthless hood gas shocks
Test fitted the Toyota wheel locks
Installed custom mounted HID bulbs and ballasts

More good progress today.

So I started today by taking off the old hood gas struts. They weren't holding the hood open at all so no more broomstick hood prop.



Bottom bolt off (12mm)



Top Bolt off (12mm)



New bolt provided with the new struts (13mm)



Using the existing lower bolt and snapping in the top bolt to the assembly it was done in under 2 minutes



OEM Toyota Wheel Locks



Test fitted them to make sure the thread pitches were correctomundo!



Then started the HID project. These things weren't meant to go in easy lol. I have done this before on my old ES300 so it helped knowing what I had to do to modify them to fit.

Nasty old Halogens



Back of the housings



Took off the main grommet



Took out the stock H7 halogen bulb (notice the bottom spacer that is plastic it should slide right off with the plug for the bulb)



Said spacer



Basically what you want to do to make it work is drill out a rectangular shape following the shape of the prongs on the back so I start with drilling 4 holes on the perimeter of the prongs



Then I flip it over and drill out the center



Then I took a dremel to it and traced out the 4 outer holes just like connecting the dots



Once that was done I filed out the inside to make it smooth



Ran the HID wires through and test fitted the hole to the bulb



Not too shabby first try!



Brushed some liquid electrical tape on the back to make it a good seal to keep out the dust and water.



Put the bulb in and put the grommet back over it



Plugged her in and here is the 5000K goodness!



Done for today. I should have the trunk lid back Monday or Tuesday

[jdm-civic]

good job! VIP maybe?

[carbongs]

good job! VIP maybe?

nah this car isn't headed anywhere in that direction. maybe when my girl gets rid of it down the road i might take it there.

Maybe something like these

[jdm-civic]

those are pretty clean yo!

[carbongs]

yeah they can be pretty nice if the right things are done. right now just isn't the right time to be modifying to that extent. i am really just doing basic maintenance work and small improvements here and there. nothing drastic...................... yet lol

[jdm-civic]

well good luck dude and keep us posted

[carbongs]

well good luck dude and keep us posted

will do

[carbongs]

Picking up the trunk lid and trunk lip spoiler tonight from my paint guy. The fog light replacement bulbs came in the mail and the new silver/chrome centercaps came in the mail the other day. Hopefully everything will come together soon. Just waiting on the wheels to get done down at the powdercoatering place. Then, it is a wrap!

[Jeepcom]

Looks Good man!

[carbongs]

Looks Good man!

Thanks

[scoob]

looks good!

[EP3sAreFun]

dude.... DO THIS



thats sexy.

[carbongs]

dude.... DO THIS



thats sexy.

I was looking at that. But, that won't be until she is either tired of the car or we decide to get another car. I like that look and it isn't all that expensive and you don't see many of these cars modded stateside.

[EP3sAreFun]

I was looking at that. But, that won't be until she is either tired of the car or we decide to get another car. I like that look and it isn't all that expensive and you don't see many of these cars modded stateside.

i think the beauty of that design, is in its simplicity. it continues the 2 tone and makes it look like something that would of come on some kind of rare lexus performance package option