Talvinder

Hello all,

I am planning to buy my first car. And one of mine family friend is selling his OLD 2005 lexus es 330 (150K)for around 7000$ and he got Timing belt and water pump replaced around 120k . I did the test drive and car drove beautiful without any issues. I am also planning to get it checked by a local mechanic.

But i have couple of concerns.

1. Is 150K too much for lexus es 330? and it might need lots of repair soon?
2. Is it very expensive to maintain and repair lexus?
3. Do you think the price is right of the car?

Any answers will be appreciated.

Oro

The 2005 is a good model year with a mature engine and transmission design. We have a 2002, same set up. Love it. 150k miles (did you mean miles or KMs?) is nothing IF properly maintained. Just may need a suspension update (more below).

As to value, go to edmunds.com and use their used car pricing calculator. It will be thorough and accurate, factor in location, condition, mileage, options, etc. Settle on the private party value it generates; I have found that to be a very accurate system and how I have bought my last three or more used vehicles.

This is one of the most reliable and cheapest to maintain vehicles I have ever owned. That said, I do all my own work - your results will vary based on what you do yourself, what your mechanic charges if not, and how honest/efficient/skilled they are.

At 150k and with the t-belt done, you have the biggest maintenance item good for another 60k (factor $1k US to do that if you can't do it yourself - $200 if you can). You will need to consider that the suspension will need to be re-done very likely wither soon or out to 50k if it has no been done. I did my own for $450 (rear springs and all struts), more for outside labor. Those are just wear/tear items but need to be done to keep the car performing acceptably IMO.

When/if you get it, don't neglect to maintain the transmission fluid, PS fluid, and brake fluid. Not big dolllars or hard to do on your own, but very necessary to get another 150k or more out of the car.

pauloil

I agree: check suspension. I've got the same car. The struts went bad at 80-90 K., and ruined a set of tires before I knew the struts were bad.

speedkar9

The 2005 ES330 is a very nice car.

Maintenance is low, since mechanically its the same as a Camry.

Since the timing belt has been done, when you buy it just change all the fluids and you should be good for many more miles.

Test drive it in stop and go traffic before buying to see if you are okay wit the way the transmission and throttle shift and react.