Yep, totally agree. The 4Gen ES was not only the best-riding of the ES models, but, IMO, the best ES models produced, period. It has been mostly downhill since then,

 

4ES has the herky jerky engine/transmission tuning I can't get past that. Some people never notice it others have sold the car they couldn't live with the inherent behaviour.

 

I experienced it in my 2005 Camry. Wasn't a big deal to me. It was annoying somewhat, but since I didn't drive like a maniac (still don't, which is why I'm getting an ES in a couple months) I lived 10 years with it.

 

There was an ECU reflash-update that was supposed to address the occasional low-speed hiccups in the engine/transmission operation. Other than that (and the need to religiously change oil in the 3.0L V6 ES300 models to prevent sludge/gel), it is a superb product.

 

Get it tuned and it should go away

 

The factory computer-flash update was supposed to take care of it, but whether it actually did or not depends on experience with individual vehicles. My 2001 IS300 had an (occasional) minor hiccup in the lower gears, and the factory re-flash didn't seem to make much difference.

 

Camry / Accord / Lexus ES.....

 

It didn't work unfortunately.
Agreed, great cars. Take care of them and they will probably last longer than you want drive them, or will rust out before the drivetrain dies.

 

Yeah, I'll take the latter. I hate driving so I'll take an ES to get me through my 30k miles per year.

 

What you will find is small, and good ride generally don't go together. The larger the car, longer the wheelbase, heavier the car the better the ride, generally. Under $10k to get something reliable, the 4ES is a good choice, or even the 5ES. Same size as a Camry (same car, really). Camry would also work if that lets you get something a little newer.

Like was said before, the reflash doesn't work. Thats just something you have to live with in that generation ES. 4ES 300s also dont suffer from the oil sludge issue, only the 3ES.

 

I personally had to help 3 4ES 300s with be problem, it still happens with them but is easily fixed if the owner immediately realizes there is an issue.

That sucks the flash doesn't work.......that would be annoying to live with

 

I don't recall ever hearing about sludge issues in the 4ES forums.

 

You are correct that it was mostly a 3Gen problem, but some 4Gen models also were affected.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...of-action.html

 

Considering how many 4ESs there are I would be comfortable saying that its largely not an issue in the 4ES.

 

LS430 hands down. Just make sure it's been well taken care of. My friend who flips cars can find you one if you like. Good ones are starting to become a little harder to find.