nick1214

Hi CL,

I am looking into purchasing a Lexus ES330. Is there any particular problem with this car that I should look for when buying from a Lexus dealer or private owner?

Thanks in Advance,
Nick

rlx101

what mileage are you looking at?
make sure that tranny shifts ok in different driving conditions (search forum for known tranny issue). Check engine condition (sludge). Check maintenance records.

Since you are buying newer car and probably spending a good $$$ amount , i'd recommend taking car to the lexus dealer for PPI (pre purchase inspection). It is around 120-150$ in my area, takes around 1.5hrs and will give you a piece of mind. Its totally worth it especially since you will be spending probably over 10K for the car....

nick1214

Thanks

I am still trying to better understand the transmission issue so I know what to look for. Were all 05-06 ES330's affected by this problem?

dugw

is this a private sale or from a dealer? i just bought a 06 es330 from a dealer with 26,000 miles and got a 3 year 100,000 mile warranty. i really love this car. only thing i can find on this car is a few rock dings on the front that have been touched up. you can look up all service records on lexus site with the vin number. that is if a lexus dealer did the work.

nick1214

My Uncle is friends with a manager at a Lexus dealer. He is waiting for a real cream puff to come in(05-06) with all service records and low miles. Kind of like a little old lady car. He is a friend so I will be getting the car basically at what they took it in on trade for plus the cost to put the certified warranty on it.

Do you have the transmission issue on your 06?