ES - 5th Gen (2007-2012) Discussion topics related to 2007+ ES350

Need advise - 2007 vs. 2010

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 09-27-15, 09:48 PM
  #1  
jt4sc
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
jt4sc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: California
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Need advise - 2007 vs. 2010

Hello,

New to the board, I have learned a TON already on here, I appreciate everyone's insight!

I am looking to purchase either a 2007 ES UL or a 2010 ES basic package, both from private sellers. Here are the details:

2007 ES UL
$7,500
130,000 Miles (mostly freeway)
Good Condition

2010 ES Base
$18,800
37,000 Miles
Good Condition

I have read about the 2007 issues (VVT-i hose, tranny flare, cold engine start noise), but the first 2 issues appear to have been dealt with (will confirm with a pre-purchase inspection at local dealership).

My plan is to purchase the 2007, drive it for 70,000 more miles, then buy something else, but I would appreciate your advise on this decision.

Thanks in advance!
Jim
Old 09-28-15, 01:06 AM
  #2  
ESh
Lead Lap
 
ESh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: MI
Posts: 3,526
Received 855 Likes on 650 Posts
Default

2010 all the way.
Old 09-28-15, 07:05 AM
  #3  
LexBob2
Lexus Champion
 
LexBob2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Illinois
Posts: 10,992
Received 137 Likes on 111 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by LjeksesES
2010 all the way.
I agree, 93k fewer miles, mid-cycle refresh model and three years newer.
Old 09-30-15, 08:48 PM
  #4  
12jimmyjam
Advanced
 
12jimmyjam's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: CA
Posts: 544
Received 52 Likes on 43 Posts
Default

I'd say it's all about how much you want to pay. The 07 looks very similar to the 10 and most folks couldn't pick them apart in a lineup. The 10 will have Bluetooth so you wont need an aux cord. All of the bugs had been worked out too. Both are similar and great cars. I'd check the maintenance records on the water pump and transmission fluid changes. You can access records on the lexus website. And if the plugs haven't been changed, you'd want to get that done.

I would have bought an 07 but my credit union would only finance 08 or newer.

Last edited by 12jimmyjam; 09-30-15 at 08:52 PM.
Old 10-03-15, 07:24 AM
  #5  
jimmy2x
Rookie
 
jimmy2x's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: PA
Posts: 81
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by LexBob2
I agree, 93k fewer miles, mid-cycle refresh model and three years newer.
I'll second that. Miles are miles, no matter who the manufacturer is. Stuff just wears out and you will be hit with expensive repair bills sooner.
Old 10-03-15, 07:25 AM
  #6  
Joeb427
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joeb427's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SC
Posts: 11,670
Received 15 Likes on 14 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by LexBob2
I agree, 93k fewer miles, mid-cycle refresh model and three years newer.
I agree!!!
Old 10-05-15, 11:44 PM
  #7  
Lexus081
Driver
 
Lexus081's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Canada, Ontario
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by jt4sc
Hello,

New to the board, I have learned a TON already on here, I appreciate everyone's insight!

I am looking to purchase either a 2007 ES UL or a 2010 ES basic package, both from private sellers. Here are the details:

2007 ES UL
$7,500
130,000 Miles (mostly freeway)
Good Condition

2010 ES Base
$18,800
37,000 Miles
Good Condition

I have read about the 2007 issues (VVT-i hose, tranny flare, cold engine start noise), but the first 2 issues appear to have been dealt with (will confirm with a pre-purchase inspection at local dealership).

My plan is to purchase the 2007, drive it for 70,000 more miles, then buy something else, but I would appreciate your advise on this decision.

Thanks in advance!
Jim
You're making a bad decision buying either of those cars. However, it also depends on your financial situation and what you are able to afford.

Why would you purchase a 2010 vehicle when they are the exact same as the 2008-2009 ones with some trivial cosmetic changes (side mirror signals, more chrome)? If you buy 2010 and up, you will be getting the base model. If you choose 2008-2009 you can find an ultra premium with navigation for 11-14k...

Find a 2008-2009 vehicle and you'll be paying around 11,000-14,000. Stay away from the 2007's, they are great vehicles but whats the point when you can get a 2008 for the same price range...
Also, why are you going for a car with 130k miles... try to find one with 50k-80k miles on it. They're not much of a price difference, well, at least here in Canada. Seen a 70,000km(not miles) vehicle sell for $14,300 ultra premium with nav 2008
Old 10-06-15, 10:05 PM
  #8  
Superes350
Rookie
 
Superes350's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: TX
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

The 2007, in hindsight, was a trial run for Lexus and the 2008 has numerous improvements done to it, including smaller side mirrors, rear lights, redesign of window trim and weatherstripping. Early 2007s are even worse than late model 2007s. Coming from that experience, I would never recommend buying a 2007. In fact, I advise people to save to get a 2008.

That being said, the 2010 vs the 2008-2009 models are only slightly different. You get redesigned mirrors with blinkers, chrome lower trim, different tail-lights, different headlights and front bumper, a classier glovebox, different wood trim, and a redesign of the Nav system and AC setup.
With all of that being said, if you can forgo all of that, you'd get a cheaper car with the 2008-2009. While I wouldn't get a UL, have you seen the cost of replacement if it breaks or if the seals need to be replaced, you can certainly get a near top of the line for cheaper. The 2010 isn't much of an improvement, to the point that I wouldn't choose it unless you really like the design. I've actually seem 2013s in a similar price range as the 2010-2012 model, which I personally would choose over the 5th gen model for the nicer design, improved interior(the 2016 has even more improvements that can be purchased and put into the 2013), and better electronics. With 17" wheels and tires, it's also a quieter car especially if you can find one with double pane windows.
Old 10-07-15, 07:26 AM
  #9  
LexBob2
Lexus Champion
 
LexBob2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Illinois
Posts: 10,992
Received 137 Likes on 111 Posts
Default

It looks like the OP hasn't been back. I wonder what he did? Many times someone will post one of these "what should I get?" threads never to be heard from again.
Old 10-07-15, 07:29 AM
  #10  
Joeb427
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joeb427's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SC
Posts: 11,670
Received 15 Likes on 14 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by LexBob2
It looks like the OP hasn't been back. I wonder what he did? Many times someone will post one of these "what should I get?" threads never to be heard from again.
I would hope he bought the '10 ES.
Maybe he bought a Honda.
Old 10-09-15, 04:53 PM
  #11  
Lexi66
Pole Position
 
Lexi66's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: iL
Posts: 388
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Superes350
The 2007, in hindsight, was a trial run for Lexus and the 2008 has numerous improvements done to it, including smaller side mirrors, rear lights, redesign of window trim and weatherstripping. Early 2007s are even worse than late model 2007s. Coming from that experience, I would never recommend buying a 2007. In fact, I advise people to save to get a 2008.

That being said, the 2010 vs the 2008-2009 models are only slightly different. You get redesigned mirrors with blinkers, chrome lower trim, different tail-lights, different headlights and front bumper, a classier glovebox, different wood trim, and a redesign of the Nav system and AC setup.
With all of that being said, if you can forgo all of that, you'd get a cheaper car with the 2008-2009. While I wouldn't get a UL, have you seen the cost of replacement if it breaks or if the seals need to be replaced, you can certainly get a near top of the line for cheaper. The 2010 isn't much of an improvement, to the point that I wouldn't choose it unless you really like the design. I've actually seem 2013s in a similar price range as the 2010-2012 model, which I personally would choose over the 5th gen model for the nicer design, improved interior(the 2016 has even more improvements that can be purchased and put into the 2013), and better electronics. With 17" wheels and tires, it's also a quieter car especially if you can find one with double pane windows.
Curious... What year did they start putting in double pane windows in the ES350?
Old 10-09-15, 07:41 PM
  #12  
Superes350
Rookie
 
Superes350's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: TX
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Lexi66
Curious... What year did they start putting in double pane windows in the ES350?
2013+, but not all of them have dual-pane windows. To me it made a huge difference on the highway, because it entirely eliminated all wind noise that was present in the single pane windows. If the 2013 dual pane windows fit on our generation, I would definitely install them because we have a slight wind noise that I would no longer hear.

Last edited by Superes350; 10-09-15 at 07:45 PM.
Old 10-11-15, 07:33 PM
  #13  
Lexus081
Driver
 
Lexus081's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Canada, Ontario
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Originally Posted by Superes350
The 2007, in hindsight, was a trial run for Lexus and the 2008 has numerous improvements done to it, including smaller side mirrors, rear lights, redesign of window trim and weatherstripping. Early 2007s are even worse than late model 2007s. Coming from that experience, I would never recommend buying a 2007. In fact, I advise people to save to get a 2008.

That being said, the 2010 vs the 2008-2009 models are only slightly different. You get redesigned mirrors with blinkers, chrome lower trim, different tail-lights, different headlights and front bumper, a classier glovebox, different wood trim, and a redesign of the Nav system and AC setup.
With all of that being said, if you can forgo all of that, you'd get a cheaper car with the 2008-2009. While I wouldn't get a UL, have you seen the cost of replacement if it breaks or if the seals need to be replaced, you can certainly get a near top of the line for cheaper. The 2010 isn't much of an improvement, to the point that I wouldn't choose it unless you really like the design. I've actually seem 2013s in a similar price range as the 2010-2012 model, which I personally would choose over the 5th gen model for the nicer design, improved interior(the 2016 has even more improvements that can be purchased and put into the 2013), and better electronics. With 17" wheels and tires, it's also a quieter car especially if you can find one with double pane windows.

you say you wouldnt get a UL, which seals are you talking about or things that break that cost a lot?
i know the AFS headlights will run about $1,500 each what else is more expensive in the uL
Old 10-11-15, 09:29 PM
  #14  
Superes350
Rookie
 
Superes350's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: TX
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Lexus081
you say you wouldnt get a UL, which seals are you talking about or things that break that cost a lot?
i know the AFS headlights will run about $1,500 each what else is more expensive in the uL
Seals for the panoramic sunroof. You'd have to talk to the dealership regarding the warranty, but one person had an issue and they refused to warranty it because they claimed it to be a wear item. As cool as it seems, it's just another thing that could leak and the repair car is absurdly high for both the seals and the glass. The three glass pieces(1,2, and 3 on part diagram) are $2,800 alone compared to the OEM $630 for the regular sunroof and seal.

The AFS are another added complexity, but I could source used headlights off of eBay for significantly cheaper. They're also $863 per side new.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
xfactor70
ES - 5th Gen (2007-2012)
5
05-12-14 10:10 AM
jgcec
ES - 5th Gen (2007-2012)
3
11-06-13 05:46 PM
JC07ES350
ES - 5th Gen (2007-2012)
75
03-25-13 06:55 AM
tomd
ES - 5th Gen (2007-2012)
196
10-28-09 08:13 PM
gandro
ES - 5th Gen (2007-2012)
1
05-25-09 06:16 PM



Quick Reply: Need advise - 2007 vs. 2010



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 09:14 PM.