Newbie question: 2005 ES330: what to expect
06-09-13, 08:47 AM
#1
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Newbie question: 2005 ES330: what to expect
Hi, I'm a newbie and this is my first post. I'm thinking of buying a used 2005 Lexus ES330 w/104K miles (168K km) in the Toronto area. The car looks good, I haven't driven it yet but I'm wondering if other 2005 ES330 owners on this board would kindly comment on reliability, quality (drive/road noise/materials) and any and all problems that are typical for this model/model year.
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Lexus/ES/...howcpo=ShowCPO
Also is it FWD or RWD?
That is the car I'm talking about. I would also like to know if it's a fair price. Thanks!
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Lexus/ES/...howcpo=ShowCPO
Also is it FWD or RWD?
That is the car I'm talking about. I would also like to know if it's a fair price. Thanks!
Last edited by bwv565; 06-09-13 at 08:55 AM.
06-09-13, 09:26 AM
#2
Lexus Test Driver
Welcome to Club Lexus!
It's FWD.
Please do a search, we've had a few of these threads recently.
I'm not really impressed with the car you linked to. The dealer selling it seems to not care at all. He hasn't even bothered to wash the car, vacuum or even clean up under the hood.
Personally, I'd find another ES.
It's FWD.
Please do a search, we've had a few of these threads recently.
I'm not really impressed with the car you linked to. The dealer selling it seems to not care at all. He hasn't even bothered to wash the car, vacuum or even clean up under the hood.
Personally, I'd find another ES.
06-09-13, 10:58 AM
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i wouldnt be so quick to dismiss the car based on the photos and current condition.
i would be more worried about the fact that its been through at least 2 auctions. Sometimes auctions are used to get rid of undesirable cars... sometimes...
I would ask for any service history, as this is key for longevity, like any car.
i would be more worried about the fact that its been through at least 2 auctions. Sometimes auctions are used to get rid of undesirable cars... sometimes...
I would ask for any service history, as this is key for longevity, like any car.
06-09-13, 11:02 AM
#4
Haven't seen a dealer pathetic enough to not even wash/detail a used car before pics.
Although that is a decent price, you'll find one in much better condition, and that dealer's behavior is already setting off a red flag for me.
No issues with the 4ES, except that some complain about how it's computer shifts. Also headlight oxidation is rather common I've noticed.
Although that is a decent price, you'll find one in much better condition, and that dealer's behavior is already setting off a red flag for me.
No issues with the 4ES, except that some complain about how it's computer shifts. Also headlight oxidation is rather common I've noticed.
06-09-13, 01:50 PM
#5
Ummm, which rhigh class cities do all of you live in? A lot of dealers don't have time, and to be honest when they get in a handful of "used" cars/trade-ins they'll list them before doing anything.
Easy room to negotiate. As-is, prior to getting safetied, etc. easy way to get a better deal in the end.
Easy room to negotiate. As-is, prior to getting safetied, etc. easy way to get a better deal in the end.
06-09-13, 02:22 PM
#6
Lexus Test Driver
Ummm, which rhigh class cities do all of you live in? A lot of dealers don't have time, and to be honest when they get in a handful of "used" cars/trade-ins they'll list them before doing anything.
Easy room to negotiate. As-is, prior to getting safetied, etc. easy way to get a better deal in the end.
Easy room to negotiate. As-is, prior to getting safetied, etc. easy way to get a better deal in the end.
But, in the states, that shows the dealer is lazy and doesn't care. Even the slummest of slum dealers here will clean the cars and detail them before listing. Some will even clean them again before you go to see it.
IMO the engine bay shouldn't be that dirty if the owner took care of the car and had maintenance work done.
06-09-13, 07:52 PM
#7
Lexus Champion
I bought my 2005 ES330 for $10k + tax with 180K km last August. It was in mint condition. I'm also in the Toronto area.
$8900 for a car with 167 Km seems okay, but its being sold AS IS, so beware. They'll want another $1000 for safety + etest + warranty. And as mentioned above, it doesn't seem to be in the best of condition. I'd offer $8500 certified and etested if everything else checks out good.
The DBW throttle and quirky transmission shifting are the only main issues with this car. Make sure you test drive the car through stop and go traffic and see if you can stand the shift pattern and unresponsive throttle.
Other than that, the ES330 checks out as a good quality reliable automobile. Even the newer ES's can't match its material and ride quality.
Also, make sure maintenance is up to date. The timing belt and water-pump should have been replaced already. At 180K, mine was still on the original belt.
$8900 for a car with 167 Km seems okay, but its being sold AS IS, so beware. They'll want another $1000 for safety + etest + warranty. And as mentioned above, it doesn't seem to be in the best of condition. I'd offer $8500 certified and etested if everything else checks out good.
The DBW throttle and quirky transmission shifting are the only main issues with this car. Make sure you test drive the car through stop and go traffic and see if you can stand the shift pattern and unresponsive throttle.
Other than that, the ES330 checks out as a good quality reliable automobile. Even the newer ES's can't match its material and ride quality.
Also, make sure maintenance is up to date. The timing belt and water-pump should have been replaced already. At 180K, mine was still on the original belt.
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