trays17000

Hello. I need a used car soon. I was going to go with an RX but changed my mind. Anyway, I've got my eye on a 2004 ES330 -- clean inside and out, fully loaded, well maintained, 139k miles...and am strongly considering buying it for $6200. I've had this 97 ES300 for about 10 yrs now and it's time to upgrade (even though it's still kickin')
So...I'm about to pull the trigger on this 2004 ES330, then I look at some online costumer reviews about this 2004 year having transmission problems -- and now I'm second guessing myself. It seems 1 out of 3 people complain about the transmission hesitating?? Being that this car has made it to almost 140k miles gives me some comfort -- as I know Lexus' will go forever if taken care of. I just love Lexus and don't want to buy anything else...but my question is whether or not this 2004 ES330 is a "bad year". Sorry for not getting straight to the point and thanks in advance for any responses!

hypervish

You need to drive it yourself and see how badly & if the transmission exhibits lag or not.

You have to remember, the programming is the issue with the transmissions. They will still last a long time, you just have to live with any potential issues.

I don't have any lag or hesitation!

trays17000

Thanks, Hypervish! I'll definitely do that before buying. Just wondering...do you own a 2004 ES?

hypervish

You're welcome.

2002 ES300, but it can potentially suffer from the same DBW lag that the ES330 exhibits.

Keep in mind, there was a TSB for a firmware upgrade to improve the situation. Some people found it improved it, others didn't.

trays17000

That helps me with my decision. Thanks again.

pauloil

I've got an 05ES and have done 2 drain and fills on mine. the tranny thing doesn't bother me a bit because I don't push hard on the pedal. the lag did bother my father in law, but it does no effect the longevity of the tranny one bit. more important, did the previous owner get a flush done at the dealer and 90K? I have 4 qts. of the TIV in the garage for a flush next summer, and think several drain and fills is as good as a flush.

trays17000

Thanks for your response, Pauloil. I'm now much more comfortable with buying this car

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

The transmission really isn't bad at all, I've experienced it maybe 5 times since I've gotten it, you just need to get on the gas. I had a 2001 es300 before this 2004 es330, so basically the same cars you have/plan on having. I actually liked driving the older one more, thought the wheel was weighted better, but the 330 is much smoother and quieter, and if you really get in the gas seems as quick if not quicker than my gs390

brucelee1

iTrader: (2)

I had an 02, 04, and 06 ES. All trans seemed a bit fiddly when I got them but straightened out pretty quickly. Either they got used to me or me, to them.

In any event, make sure you verify that the trans software upgrade was done or simply plan to have it done. Most I think, have been done.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

the 2004 RX in my family has this, the new firmware did smooth it out a little, to the point it wasn't a frustration anymore, but at the right moments in the drive cycle, with RPM's & gear changes the jerking can still be felt...

Either way, an hour of labour at the dealer isn't a deal-breaker for making the drive more bearable.

Keep in mind the car you are looking at has the previous owners drive cycles stored in its memory. Look up on how to clear the 'saved' memory.... this will make a big difference in YOUR driving experience...

Not to mention its one of those things that people overlook and assume it's a faulty car when buying used.

I personally would go to the dealer, update firmware, and then they should tell you for the next 5-6 times you turn over the key, the ECM 'learns' YOUR driving style and adjusts according to that!

Good luck! BTW, 6200$ is a fir price for that car.

speedkar9

Good price for a good car.

Throttle lag and transmission quirkiness is the main complaint on my ES330. You'll notice it more in stop and go traffic. It just makes my "direct drive" cable throttle on my Solara feel much faster than my ES330 despite it having more power on paper.

Give it a good test drive in stop and go traffic.