af1c331

iTrader: (2)

I have read probably 20 full reviews at this point and still do not know what to think. Can someone with high mileage chime in about the longevity of this model ES (specifically a 2007 with about 120K)? I am hearing a lot about transmission issues...

Thanks in advance

garsarno

120,000 miles. Your gonna have problems. Timing chain is probably weak, suspension tired. Look the car up on Carfax and review it's history.

tolian21

Timing chain is weak after 120K miles? You kidding right, timing chains is not a common problem with these cars, transmission is. timing chains are good until 250-300K. 120K miles for 2007 means these are highway miles, so its probably not so bad.

Timothyj

I would buy a 2003-2006 Es with a 12000 miles before I would buy a 2007. 2007 was the first year for that body style change and lots of problems. If you like that body style, go with 2009-2011. My favorite is the 2002 to 2006 body style. I think those years are more reliable. My 2004 had been a great car and still rides and drives like new with 95000 miles. Only replaced the alternator.

LexBob2

If you look at Consumer Reports or JD Power on the long term reliability of the 2007 ES350 it's pretty good overall. My guess is that if it ever had any transmission issues they've been resolved by now.

IMO any car with 120k miles is going to be prone to some issues. Unless it's a smoking price I'd recommend you look around for something newer and with fewer miles for about the same price.

RickC5

Agree. Find an '08 or '09 with less miles--MUCH less. I never buy the first year of a new model/generation--the cars just are NOT tested enough beofre hitting the market.

If those are too expensive, try the ES330 as the other posters suggested.

John U

My wife got 215,000K+ in 14 years with her 1st generation ES300. We'll see how the 2010 lasts....odds are good!

dman00001

Agreed. I think he's thinking of the previous model that had a timing belt that should be replaced at 90k.

dreyfus

I've a 2007 I bought in July of 2006, now with 132,000 miles on it. This car is very reliable, as the various auto surveys state. Timing chains shouldn't be an issue before 200,000 miles. The transmission problems with this car affected fewer cars than the complaints here would indicate, but you should check the car's history and look for slipping gear changes when you test drive. Of course you should do that no matter what car you consider buying.

I would not get an older model ES as you'd lose the wonderful features of this model - mpg, performance, etc.. As with any car, make sure you don't overpay. Many dealers try to cash in because of the Lexus name.