rondocap

So I have an ES350, 2010 with navigation. I'm really loving it, it's a great car - smooth ride and doesn't tire me on a very long commute. (200 miles a day usually on average)

I do love the technology in it - bluetooth, nav, satellite radio, etc - but the car is definitely a generation behind and looks slightly conservatively outdated inside.

Having said that - I had played with the idea of getting an older ES330, and just using a standalone gps and add bluetooth/satellite radio.

The idea would be if the driving experience is similar, I could save a ton of money vs the 2010 I currently have. Something like a 2005 ES330.

I have a small loan on the 2010, but would plan to own outright the ES330. That's where I get more excited - I hate debt and rather own a cheaper car rather than pay monthly for a more expensive one even if I can afford it. I'm currently on a 3 year car loan on the ES350.

Would I regret it? Is the ES330 a worse driving experience? I need some comfort and ease of driving in my long commute.

LexBob2

It sounds like you may not have driven an ES330. Best thing to do is drive one and then see how you feel about it and if it's worth it to YOU to make the change.

bren_speed

I've owned an ES300 and 330. I now have an ES350 as my daily driver. The ES350 drives much better on ALL levels. The power, suspension, overall feel and handling (for an ES) on the 350 is much better than the 330. I would never get another 330. The 350 feels much more solid than the 330.

If you're concerned about not having a payment, owning a vehicle outright or are just looking for another car, I would not recommend getting a 330. I would rather look for a lower mileage 2nd or 3rd gen GS (which I've also owned) and acquire that over the 330. Just my 2 cents since I've owned both models you're inquiring about.

SatComm302

I've owned a 1998 ES300 and a 2005 ES330. And, while the 2005 ES was a very good car, it does not compare to the 2007 thru 2012 ES350. Between the transmission flare and the many shifting issues (all captured in great detail in this forum), it was not a fun ride for me. I traded the 2005 ES330 for a 2007 ES350 and have never looked back. Now that I have experienced the 2012 ES, it is the most refined automobile I've ever driven.

I recommend staying where you're at with your 2010 mid-cycle refresh. You're sitting pretty. You just don't realize it yet.

EAS

If I had money to buy es330 of that year, I would buy something different. Most likely Acura TL of similar year, they looked much better back then and very reliable as well. Automobiles held different positions 10 years ago.

hypervish

Nope, wouldn't do it! Stick with what you have.

EJC

Two totally different vehicles.
The '10 ES350 is a more refined vehicle and is much improved in all areas over the previous 300-330 series

lexusfan05

I second others. I had a '05 330 that I traded in due to the transmission hesitation and got a '12 350. Very happy that I did it, can see keeping this car for a long time.