Rothschild

Hello,

I'd like to say that these forums are great. I have been researching trading in my 10 year old Honda Civic for a new (to me) car. My civic has been amazingly reliable and I am now seriously considering an ES350 for the same reason. I just want a trouble-free car that will ideally last me another 10 years or more. I have only bought one car (my civic) and I bought that as a new car, so I have no experience buying used or CPO cars.

My question is, does anyone have any tips on buying a used ES350? I am definitely leaning toward the CPO program and I would like a car that has only had 1 previous owner (although I don't have any evidence that that really matters). If anyone has any tips or tricks that will help me get the best deal or get the most for my money I would really appreciate it.

Right now, I am thinking about a 2012 model, but I don't know whether I want the 5th or 6th gen model - my suspicion is that I probably prefer a 5th gen but I don't have a good basis for that. Thank you in advance!

PS I may also cross post this to the 6th gen forum.

EJC

1- Carefully compare the pricing between CPO and new. If you're financing new could be a better deal because of lower financing rates.

2- I've been driving Lexus since 1991. my experience is they don't break.

3- My mother is driving my wife's '94 ES300 in FL.

4-Our current ES350 is turning 50K and aside from normal maintenance it has only needed tires and I just put a battery in it..

Rothschild

Thanks! This forum is great. I considered a bunch of other cars, drove a BMW and other entry luxury and I came all the back to the Lexus. I've ditched the idea of CPO though, and I'm looking into some 11s and 12s with about 50k miles on them - is there anything to watch out for (besides checking the service records for regular maintenance)?

Also I'll just now that in going through the various service records for Lexus and BMW I noticed that it seems like the number of owners doesn't matter much, most people take pretty good care of their new or used luxury car.

MWIS350

We have 2007 ES350 with 115k miles. It still run like new and no issue.

Lexi66

Curious... Is that your first battery? Mileage? CPO?

ESh

He said 50K, I bet it is the first battery.

Be carefull, the 2007 model has 3 common "problems": VVT-i hose (there's a recall), shift flare and interior rattles. Almost all of them have the first two fixed.
2008-2009: VVT-i hose and rattles.
2010+: perfect.

MWIS350

Thank for the information. We brought the car in for trunk recall and the dealer there is no other recall. Maybe old owner take care of it.

John U

My wife put 200,000+ over 15 years on a 1994 ES300 CPO with no issues outside normal maintenance...oops one front wheel bearing! Her 2010 ES350 purchased in 2011 now has 55,000 miles and has been problem free also.

hypervish

Was shift flare no longer an issue starting with 2008?

I'm thinking about buying a 5th gen ES again, so just wanted to refresh my memory on what things to look for.

ESh

2008+ no shift flare issue.

hypervish

Thanks!

LexLuthors

I had a 2009 ES 350 for almost 3 years and I bought it used at a Toyota Dealership with 74k on her. I upgraded from a 1994 LS 400 and wow what a difference! The ES 350 is a very nice car and gives a good ride, I would suggest in getting the package with the Nav and Parking sensors. The entire time I had my car it only went in for routine oil changes and had the original battery changed a few months ago. You really can't go wrong with any of the ES 350's 2007 and up. There were a few minor changes in 2010 to the front end, rear tail lights, chrome on the bottoms of the door and Navigation. I can't really think of anything to be aware of as long as you are getting it from a reliable dealership. Its a great solid car, good luck and keep us updated.

jgcec

What did you end up getting?

Rothschild

2011 BMW 328i from carmax.

jgcec

So the ES 350 was a step up from the LS 400?

I leased a 2010 ES, and was considering a LS 400.
What is better about the ES?