2003 es330
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 2
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From: Illinois
2003 es330
Hi guys,
My girlfriend is in need of a new car. She recently found out that her uncle is selling his 2003 ES330. He's offering it to her for about $10-12k. The mileage is under 100k; If I remember correctly, it was somewhere around 70-80k.
She likes the car, and will be having the car checked out. However, she is wondering if there are any common problems with the car that she should know about because she needs a car that will last her for several years. I did a little reading and already know about the transmission problem and the steering noise. Any and all input would be much appreciated. So far, the car seems pretty reliable.
Thanks
My girlfriend is in need of a new car. She recently found out that her uncle is selling his 2003 ES330. He's offering it to her for about $10-12k. The mileage is under 100k; If I remember correctly, it was somewhere around 70-80k.
She likes the car, and will be having the car checked out. However, she is wondering if there are any common problems with the car that she should know about because she needs a car that will last her for several years. I did a little reading and already know about the transmission problem and the steering noise. Any and all input would be much appreciated. So far, the car seems pretty reliable.
Thanks
Guest
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 507
Likes: 2
These cars are extremely reliable. If she can take the car on a long test drive in multiple driving conditions and doesn't mind the odd shifting behavior of the transmission, then that's about the only weakness that I'm aware of. The transmission isn't prone to failure, it's just a behavior thing, some really hate it.
Its either a 2004 es330, or 2003 es300. Regardless, both are great cars, especially used. No real issues, transmission hesitates sometimes, but really minor. The steering noise can also be taken care of. The price he is asking is right on the money for what these are being sold for.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 11
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From: pa
You are getting into the more expensive service intervals at that mileage (timing belt & water pump) so make sure to account for that in a couple tens of thousands of miles and also make sure other services are kept up so it's not a huge job to get it up to schedule.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,179
Likes: 6
From: Ohio
Not another one of these...
No, The ES300 and ES330 are amazing vehicles. There is absolutely nothing wrong with them. Some people complain about the transmission that have very erratic driving styles.
You and she will both love the ES. At 90k miles however that is a huge maintenance mile stone.
No, The ES300 and ES330 are amazing vehicles. There is absolutely nothing wrong with them. Some people complain about the transmission that have very erratic driving styles.
You and she will both love the ES. At 90k miles however that is a huge maintenance mile stone.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Illinois
Haha, sorry megafast, but just wanted to make sure I found out all the problems of the car, and there isn't any group of people better to ask than forum folk
I may have messed up one of the numbers.. I'm pretty sure she told me ES330, so it might be a 2004.
The maintenance is a good point to bring up. I hadn't thought of it and I have a feeling she hasn't either. However, she was pretty adamant about a car that was under 100k miles because she needs it to last her quite a while.
Thank you all for your responses. If she ends up getting the car, I'll be sure to let you guys know and maybe post some pics. Maybe I can convince her to do a little tweaking around with the car.... *whistle*
I may have messed up one of the numbers.. I'm pretty sure she told me ES330, so it might be a 2004.
The maintenance is a good point to bring up. I hadn't thought of it and I have a feeling she hasn't either. However, she was pretty adamant about a car that was under 100k miles because she needs it to last her quite a while.
Thank you all for your responses. If she ends up getting the car, I'll be sure to let you guys know and maybe post some pics. Maybe I can convince her to do a little tweaking around with the car.... *whistle*
If its an es330, itll be anywhere from an 04-06. 05/06 had some minor changes, but they stand out and would make chosing between an 04 and an 05 very easy. It you got an 05 or up you'd be getting a great deal. People are making a big deal bout the 90k service, which is about a grand from the dealer, but after that, all your car will really need is brakes, tires, gas and oil.
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