Yeah probably. I'd like to keep the original transmission/engine but other than that, I know things will need replaced. Starters, belts, struts, etc. in my view is maintenance as long as it's not like having to replace the stuff at like 175k miles or something.

Someone on YouTube has a 2002 ES with 596k miles. Original engine and transmission and it looked really clean. Some seat wear of course but still pretty nice. I'd like to break that lol. I always said I'd like to get 400-500k on my 2005 Camry and all I got was 238k before the snow (and my neglect) claimed the car.

Besides, newer cars don't excite me. They all have unnecessary tech and ridiculous, over the top designs that I don't want. Plus quality and reliability isn't as sharp as before. I'd like to keep a car from this generation, whether it's an LS or ES, until it's time to get an EV or whatever they mandate and get the best built, highest quality, lowest tech car available.

Oh and I put on 30-32k miles per year so it wouldn't take all that long to get to 500k, depending what the used car has on it when I buy it.

 

Probably the safer and cheaper bet to maintain is the ES... I never ever really liked the ES330. LS430 is a cool cat.

 

It’s an old car buddy, it’s 17 years old and has over 200k miles, these are the types of things you have to be prepared for on any car that old. Nothing lasts forever and no car will survive to be that old and that high mileage without repairs. 500k miles on the original engine and transmission sure, but all the stuff I mentioned is going to be replaced in that time for sure.

 

Well my 05 Camry, which the 330 is based off, hit 238k miles and didn't need anything done. I can't be certain if something would have come up by now if I kept it, but still. I got spoiled by that thing. It would be awesome to find a car just like that. Half the stuff you listed off I don't even know what the hell they are.

 

Thats just luck. Its the same car. Time plays a role too, I don't know how long ago you had that car because I know you drive a lot. 238k miles on a car over 10 years or 5 years is different than 238k miles over 20 years. Age is harder on cars than miles.

But, all of the parts I mentioned I replaced are the exact same parts on your 05 Camry.

I don't consider any of those repairs made to my ES to be unusual and I consider it to be an extremely reliable car. But, would I get in it and drive it on a 400 mile trip? No.

 

IMO it is hard to dislike that vehicle. What did you find objectionable about it....other than some of them had the hiccup in the ECU for the low-speed engine/transmission response?

 

I disliked the styling. The flat styling lights. The logo on the hood Inside I never really liked the wood...the red color I did not find all that attractive. Gauge cluster was meh. Could use more HP.

center stack was no issue. Gated shifter was classy. Seats were nice.

 

It was a nice enough car, otherwise, that I overlooked the gated-shifter and sweep-back headlights. Also, it sold in some good numbers.

 

I can totally see how one would dislike the styling. I bought it despite the styling.

 

I never liked the styling of the ES330 so just by looks alone I would never consider it. I think most of it has to do with the headlight styling but even the tailights and shape of the car I just never liked. All of the models before and after I liked a lot, at least from a styling perspective.

 

I think at the time...that was big thing for the ES as it had unique styling compared to FWD Buick and other cars in the industry. It was quite the differentiating style...I don’t think it was bad...just not something I Personally liked.

 

I would describe it as "frumpy". At the time I was choosing between the Acura TL and the ES, and the TL was IMO a gorgeous car. But, the ES was a better car all around and I really wanted a Lexus.

It has been a fabulous car. The outside is a little rough nowdays because it sits outside and doesnt get cared for that well, headlights are all yellowed and it needs a good cut and polsh, wheels are pitted. But inside the leather all looks great, dash and all looks great, and it rides tight and solid. The shocks are worn and could be replaced, but its driven so little its not worth it. No interior rattles...

 

any car over 100k mi. is going to need something, at some point, whether you consider it maintenance or failure. Of course driving habits and driving environment matter. People driving hard from light to light in cities are going to need brakes sooner than someone doing mostly highway miles. You said 30k/yr so i assume a fair bit of highway unless you're an Uber driver.

really sorry you lost the camry.

Any 15+ yr old luxury car is going to need work.

I know you said you're looking to spend $7k, but an alternative for ya... recently i bought a 2014.5 (yes they had a half year update ) camry xle with less than 20k mi. on it (!) for $14k. It's mint. It has dual zone climate, decent stereo and bluetooth, no nav, but that's ok i can use my phone. Anyway, i personally would much rather have something like that than a 15+ yr old luxury car with a bunch of miles already on it and potential problems. Unless i get bored of it the camry should last a looooong time with no major issues likely. It's no 200x lexus es or ls but it's certainly comfortable, quite peppy too.

It may have needed stuff but you weren't aware of it.

 

those have always been my main 2 gripes with an otherwise great highly adequate car... my dad bought a new 2004 camry se V6 with the same 3MZ so i've always felt a connection with the camry's 'more accomplished' twin sibling lol

 

Get a 5gen ES without navigation if you don't like or need the tech, or are concerned about the LCD screen. Get a 2009 or later to avoid some tranny/engine issues. Find one with average mileage, but with an exceptional maintenance history.