LynnB4

I am thinking about purchasing a used 2005 ES330 from a relative. I have heard that Lexus cars are a lot more expensive to maintain and repair and this has me worried. The owner claims that this car has the same engine and transmission as the Toyota Camry. If this is correct, why would the repair costs be so much more than a Toyota Camry? Do Lexus parts cost more or do the mechanics just charge more for labor because it is a luxury car? Since the car shares many of the same parts as the Toyota Camry, can Toyota parts be used to save money? There isn't a Lexus dealership in my town so I won't be getting any of the work done at a Lexus dealership.

gregpg

I have a 2006. All my work in the past year has been done by a local shop. No more expensive than my tundra or mdx.

92sc300nj

iTrader: (1)

well it is the same as a camry yes with slight changes.. all the parts are toyota parts theres no "lexus" parts as such to speak of and prices are alll relevent as to the dealer that supplies um. from what ive found. its the same price wise. but with these es330's def. keep up with maintaince.. aka timing belt every 5 yr 90k.. tune ups etc. these cars will last a long time if properly taken care of. .

LeX2K

Question for my American friends. If you go to a Toyota dealership and order a Lexus part, can they get it for you? And I don't mean a shared part, but suppose a part that is unique to a Lexus, like an interior piece as an example. I ask because here, a Toyota dealer can only get some parts for a Lexus but not all. I don't know where they draw the line, but according to a dealer here, many Lexus specific parts they are no able to order.

An example is a cabin filter, the Toyota dealer here said I have to go to Lexus to get one for my car because it is not a part used in any Toyota.

As for the ES330, the drivetrain is largely the same as a Camry. Parts are readily available, and there is no reason a Toyota dealership would not be able to handle any maintenance or repairs on the car, providing they can indeed source Lexus parts.

dugw

i suppose depending on some parts, you can get them at a toyota dealer. i'm getting ready for front brake pads that i will get from toyota. i bought the tranny plug gasket and oil plug gasket at the toyota dealer along with the tranny fluid. if it has a toyota part number you are good to go. i have not needed any major engine part yet ( knocking on wood).