sasingle

I am changing careers and going back to school so I am getting rid of my 05' Ford F-150 4x4 King Ranch and looking for a sedan that is better on gas mileage.

I have seen online a 05' ES330 w/ 104,901 miles for $12,987 - I will need the car to last about 3-4 years driving approximately 25k-28k miles a year (mainly hwy). My budget is around $10-$13k and I was looking for something reliable.

Another option is a 05' Honda Accord EXL w/ 71k miles for $12,990 - is this the more sensible choice?

I have noticed that many users on this forum note having 200k plus on their previous Lexus's - also I would check with the dealer but would assume that the timing belt has already been changed.

Your opinions please!

KLF

That is right on the border for needing to have the timing belt changed, so I wouldn't assume that it has been done. See if you can get the VIN, create an account over at http://drivers.lexus.com, add this vehicle and see what it says about the maintenance history. If you can physically get to the car, look on the timing cover for a sticker that it has been changed.

You should be able to make it to 200K without any major problems or issues. Keep it maintained and clean, enjoy the ride.

WAES300

Depends on the condition of the car- how well it has been taken care of, how many owners, maintenance records, etc. For an 05, I would say it's reasonable, taking a quick look on classifieds anyway. With upkeep, the car should have no problem lasting over 200K+. Mine shows no signs of dieing, it is at 206K now.

The Accord might be more sensible if it has a 4 cylinder, it'll get better MPG's. They're dang reliable too. But, compared to any Lexus, they are NOISY!!! Drove an 08 once, it was heck of alot noisier than my 98 ES.

From what I know, they should have 90K intervals for the timing belt?

Coulter

It's a fair market value, but if you're looking to save some money, you can get an older ES model with around the same mileage for MUCH cheaper.

An example, I got a one-owner 1999 ES300 with 120k miles that was MINT and had quite a bit of recent service (struts, brakes, timing belt, etc.) for around $5000, and honestly I could have gotten even cheaper had I shopped around more.

I doubt that an 05 versus a 99 with the same mileage will be any more "reliable" or need less maintenance. I will say though I like the later body style better.

sasingle

Thanks for all the information. I had considered the 99' but based on the Edmund's reliability report - significant problems with the engine are reported for this year model. As compared with the 2005 ES330 Edmunds reliability report which does not state any problems at all.

Isn't this something to be concerned with?

Coulter

Some motors had issues with sludge developing. It's a debate about how much of this was caused by owners not regularly changing their oil, but Toyota extended warranties on the engine because of a class action lawsuit.

My personal opinion is that it's WAY overblown, and I would take my chances with these engines over just about any other make with 100k miles.

Also, it's a very easy inspection you or a mechanic can make by pulling off the front valve cover, you would just have to put on a new seal (around $12) If it has sludge, it will be obvious.

I would honestly rank just about any year Lexus ES as one of the most reliable used cars you can buy, but I think it's a good idea to pay some money for an inspection before you purchase.

JSM1284

I just sold my Mint 05 ES330(every option) with 96k miles for $12,600.....

sasingle

Thanks Coulter - that was the reassurance that I needed -

I see a 99' ES300 w/ 67,584 miles for $7,900 that is a carfax certified one-owner!

sasingle

I see another '98 Lexus 300 w/74k miles w/ all Lexus service documents - elderly owned for $8,950

GoodRevs

Which styling do you like more, the 3rd or 4th Gen ES? They are both reliable, they will both likely last a long time assuming maintenance is the same. What options does the '05 you are looking at have? There were many things the 4ES had available that the 3ES never had.

Coulter

Both those sound on the high side to me, but that is really low mileage for the year, and I'm sure they're great cars. Just look around craigslist and see what a fair price is.

I definitely agree though that you're usually better off "overpaying" for a nice one than trying to get the absolute best deal.

Just know that you can get a REALLY nice ES300 '99 and older for under $6000, at least in my neck of the woods.

sasingle

I think I have found a deal!

'00 ES300 - 109k miles - $6750 - One owner - Well maintained w/ service records

I am going to look at it tomorrow!