LADavidGS

iTrader: (2)

Hey guys, I am thinking about purchasing 05 es330 and wondering if there is anything I should look out for. I read some transmission issues with the car from various consumer reviews but wondering if such problem still exist. I found 05 es330 base w/ 78k asking $8500. Is this a fair price? Much obliged.

KLF

I have an '05 and I really like the car, but if I were doing it again I would get the next generation ('07+). The transmission in this car is a joke.

hypervish

It's not the transmission that's a joke, it's the transmission programming.

The 4ES is better than the 5th generation IMO. The interior quality in these is way better! I don't mind the programming, you can learn to drive the car in order to avoid the "issues".

LADavidGS

iTrader: (2)

As much as I want to purchase 07+ ES, my budget is limited to 03-05 ES330. Any problems I should be aware of?

KLF

Yes, this is what I meant.

Well, I'll have to disagree. My mom has an '07 and I think it rides better, quieter, and smoother than mine. No issues with the tranny shifting. No timing belt either!

I'm really not aware of any significant "problem" areas with these cars. The only "failure" I've had with my car is the alternator quit last March on a Saturday night while I was on a trip, only about 85K on it. Fortunately I was at a friends house and it was an easy swap, but I had to put in a NAPA reman'd unit, I hope it lasts. I'm at 103K now. Still on the original factory brakes.

Pros on my car: comfy and quiet ride, fit and finish, reliability. Headlights.

Cons (things I don't like): tranny shifting, auto wipers, awful NAV interface, pathetic interior and trunk lighting. It's also not very good in the snow, but that's because of the tires and no traction control.

PlankingTL

I've looked up the problems before my girl purchased the 04 es330 we looked at, and there really isn't any other than the lag in throttle response. I drive an 02 TL type S, and everything is more responsive especially since it uses an actual throttle cable.

Since it's an 04+ you won't get any sludge problems like the older ones.

Although the lag is there, I don't mind it at all. Car is SUPER quiet, suspension ride is very very nice (even compared to my parents 2g gs), and a bumping system. I on the other hand like the interior lighting especially the guages, since now I don't need to do an LED swap on those.



Although the 04 doesn't come with projectors or cooling seats, the car still amazes me for it being entry level luxury.

I say take a quick test drive, because the throttle response is the only "big problem", even though it really isn't. The asking price is also pretty low, make the purchase if you like it. My girl and I saw hers for a day and made the purchase the next and got happier the longer she owned it.

LADavidGS

iTrader: (2)

thanks guys. I saw 03 es330 but people told me that i should avoid it. Is this a valid concern. I also notice projector headlights on 05 and they look simply heavenly. If i purchase 04, can I install 05 projector headlights? is this direct swap?

Fritz330

Yes, the throttle response is a little disconcerting at first but you learn to avoid it quickly. Even with 188k on the clock, my rides and handles like a dream.

hypervish

No such thing as an 03 ES330.

2002 ES300
2003 ES300

2004 ES330
2005 ES330
2006 ES330

PlankingTL

The reason you want to avoid the 03 and below models is because of their sludge problem. Unless the car had its oil changed at the proper intervals religiously, the car most likely has sludge build up. I'm pretty sure that's a valid reason.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es3...-03-es300.html

haitianb0i

Yes the headlights are a direct swap, just different low beam size, I had them on mine but didnt like the output so I switched back

hypervish

Not completely true. The engine had improvements mid year 2002. Certainly not a reason to avoid them. If the car has sludge than it wasn't maintained and you don't want a car like that anyways.

You don't need to follow the intervals religiously to avoid sludge, you just need to try and maintain a proper OCI. One or two overdue oil changes won't hurt. The 1MZ-FE is not the monster some people have made it out to be.

The 3MZ-FE is very similar to the 1MZ-FE and is just as susceptible to sludge if oil isn't changed on time, as is any engine.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

Having owned a 2001 es300, a 2004 es330, a 2012 es350, and a 2002 gs300, the ES330 definitely has its pros and cons. The ES300 was definitely much smoother (transmission wise) than the ES330. The ES350 (earlier ones 07-10) had their fair share of issues, some included transmission flare ups, knocking engines when cold, oil pressure lines exploding (even though there was a recall) and the supposed unintended acceleration fiasco. The interior trim also isn't as good as the es330, this was changed in 2010 but like you said the ES350 is out of your budget anyways. That being said, the es330 definitely has the best mix of interior quality and options. The 3.3 is a pretty good engine and on a trip back from Baltimore i averaged 28 mpg going 73 with A/C on the whole way. The suspension is very soft and its great for going along the highway and city streets, but is not a handling car by any means. The steering is very light but smooth, and the brakes are the same, not as touchy as my GS300 or ES350. Look for a fully loaded one with the nav, mark levinson, rear shade, heated/cooled seats (05-06) While i have an 04, the little upgrades on the 05-06 are nice. My car does shift strange, but after doing a few drain and fills, it has gotten significantly better, there is still a lag though, mainly when accelerating from a rolling stop around 10-20 mph. On the highway theres really no issue, although if you want to punch it, it doesn't downshift as quickly as my current 300 or 350, or previous 300. As far as issues, this engine is bulletproof. They are quiet, reliable, fuel efficient, and have enough power, but look for timing belt/water pump to be done. Also look for a clunk in the steering, but it can be solved easily and cheaply. I feel like this will be a ridiculously long post, so if you have any more questions feel free to PM me or ask more questions on here.

LADavidGS

iTrader: (2)

This is why I love ClubLexus. Vast singular and candid information. Just test drove 03 es330 base and it was nice. Little soft suspension for my taste but as a dd, its perfect. I notice some hesitation when accelerating but not sure if it is the transmission or the engine itself but overall it was great. The owner did every service @ Lexus dealership and had receipt. She is asking 9k obo for 03 es330 w/ 68k miles. Is this a good deal?

Timothyj

If its a 03 its a es 300. Sounds like a good car I think the price is fair. I paid $6800 for a 02 es 300 with 137000 miles, great car, I also have 2 04 es 330 cars one with 112000 miles the other with 48000 miles. I run 89 octane or 93 gas BP or mobil, seems to help with the trans issue. hope this helps, these are great cars.