Back in september, I sold my 2001 es300 with plans on replacing it with a toyota 4runner. I couldn't find a 4runner i liked and found a good deal on a used acura tl, ended up hating it and returned it after 3 days. Went to the dealer the other day to get the snow tires mounted on my gs300 and saw a 2004 lexus es330. Its a blue onxy? with a tan leather interior, fully loaded with every single optiion..best part it only has 52k miles. I checked online and has a full service history, the guy even got it detailed at the dealer every 6 months. It drove incredibly well and i couldn't believe how good of shape it was in. They are asking a very reasonable 10.8k, I am going tomorrow to put a hold on it until this weekend. I will be honest, the 4th gen es was not my first choice, the color combo wasn't exactly either (i've only had black interiors) but for the price and condition it seems like a great deal. So as of now, it seems that we will once again have two es's (also have a 2012). The transmission seemed fine, only lagged once, but it wasn't bad. Front struts, radiator, and wiper motor have also all been replaced at the dealer. The car comes on a set of dunlop graspic ds2s, so in the spring I'll have to get a new set of tires, but thats a pretty minor detail i guess. Any other input would be great as for what to look for or ideas for what i should service (if anything) This car will get zero modfications, and stay completely stock besides for a hardwired escort radar detector and some led plate lights.

 

I wasn't a big fan of the way the 4th generation ES looks till I bought one. I always preferred the frame less window design of the 3ES, but this generation is really growing on me in terms of styling.

It's truly a mini LS. I think you will enjoy it! 52k miles is incredibly low!

 

^Ya i still look for a black/dark gray 2001 es300, but all have super high mileage haha

 

The 4th gen looks MUCH better with the 17" wheels that were put on the ES330. I highly recommend a switch I you have the 16s. Also, swap out the taillights to the ES330 tails and the car simply looks like a different car.

Good luck. I am on my 3rd 4th gen ES and love it!

 

PS-You can buy repro ES330 wheels on Ebay for about $425 for a set and they will give $100 trade for your old 16" wheels.

Recommend that totally.

 

^I was thinking about doing a full swap (headlights/grill/tailights/wheels) but I will have to see. If anything I'll get a grom bluetooth/ipod kit like i did for my gs300 but thats it. I'm having a hard time justifying cosmetic things especially since my brother will be driving it a lot.

 

Man, from the sound of it, that car is a steal. Good luck with the purchase.

P.s.: I didn't know you sold your 3ES, I thought you decided to keep it because you couldnt find a decent 4Runner.

 

Sold it, thought i found one, ended up being brutal, was left without a car, bought an acura, gave it back, just drove the gs300. I got like 3900 or 3800 for the es so i figured it was a solid time to sell

 

Counterpoint: Given what I know know, I would never buy a 4th gen ES again. Hate this transmission so much, and you will too. The automatic wipers will **** you off too, they are so numb. The Nav interface is terrible (by today's standards), I never use it anymore, I just use the Google lady on my phone.

My Mom has an '07 that is worlds better. I wished I had held onto my '98 for a little longer until I could afford the next gen.

 

I bet you found the TL riding too stiff after driving Lexus vehicles for a while. Its a decent car, but its very harsh and stiff for pleasurable commuting. I briefly considered it before getting my ES330.

I don't like the throttle lag and transmission either. I'm lucky I have a second car (Solara) that I can alternate with so I don't have to deal with it daily. I too didn't notice much lag in my test drive, but once you own it and drive it in stop and go traffic, you'll definitely notice the lag.

If your going to upgrade the headlights, tail lights and rims, why not look for a 2005 model? It'll cost you more to upgrade yours than the difference in the used car price.

 

^it was only a consideration, and honestly I prefer an 05 or 06 but the condition and mileage of the 04 is incredible, but like I said I considered changing te things, but I don't think I would. The transmission I'm aware of, I've driven many es's and remember driving a bran new one as a loaner that did the same. In the end, that's my only real complaint with te car and thepostives far outweigh the negatives

 

What year was the TL? And what did you not like about it?

 

ya looks like a good deal ..we need to see some pics!!!

 

the tl was a 2006, just felt cheap on the inside, ride was pretty harsh, to be honest, it felt almost exactly like an accord of the same age that i drove. It was pretty fast, had navi, was fully loaded, it wasn't bad, just wasn't for me. It also would have been the first car I've ever had that was made in the US haha. I thought i would like it because i loved a 2003 type s i drove briefly. The TL wasnt bad, it just wasn't for me is all. I'll grab more pictures of the ES soon,I'll be back at the dealer in a few days, just been busy with a bunch of stuff. Its in back of the dealer with a hold sticker hanging from the mirror

 

Dude, for that price, you can find a 2005-2006 Es330. If I were you, i'd save your money until you find an '05-'06' 4es. They're so much nicer than the '02-'04 models.

Better:
Headlights, taillights, bumper, grill, rims, steering-wheel, heated AND VENTILATED seats...


Oh, and... Integrated steering wheel controls.. FINALLY..

Buy an '05-'06 4es instead