sailor95

Hi all, I have used this forum before for informational purposes but i have never been a member or made a post. Currently I am looking at buying an 04 ES330 with 180k on the clock, down near Savannah. I am wondering what all needs to be looked at and addressed at this mileage. I know timing belt and water pump are a must but other than that i do not know much about these powertrains. I currently have a 2000 lx470 with 355k miles on it so i know lexus/toyota builds to last. Are there any quirks, or warning signs i need to be looking out for when test driving this vehicle, i was debating taking it to the lexus dealer in the area for an inspection, but that is also to the tune of $135.00. The vehicle is listed for 3700 and seems very clean except for a rip in the drivers seat which can be repaired via significant other. All help and suggestions are greatly appreciated!

LeX2K

A few thoughts. At that mileage the suspension is likely going to need a fair bit of work things like struts, sway bar bushings, sway bar links, control arms. The drive by wire throttle is slow to respond and aggravating to some people others are not bothered by it. Assuming the car spent its life in Georgia you don't have to worry about rust issues but what about the paint has the car been garaged? Maintenance of the transmission is essential if you can't find any record then I would consider finding another car or at least have the fluid inspected, and yes you should get the entire car inspected I would not take it to a dealer.

Got to lexus.com and punch in the VIN you might be able to get maintenance info.

sailor95

The car came from florida as it showed on the copy of the title, i am not sure if it has been garaged or not. The ad didnt mention any problems shifting or being jerky as the drive by wire seems to create. So the lexus dealer is not the best option, then would any home town mechanic be ok? or a trusty mechanic friend whom ive let work on my LX before. I got burned pretty bad on an old pathfinder, had for a year and a half the torque converter went and trans burned.

sailor95

I have also found an 03 es300 with similar mileage in the area, would that be a better option?

LeX2K

2004 has a 3.3 liter engine instead of the 3.0, more power. The 3.3 is not as smooth though. Yes I'd take it to a trusted mechanic if possible the drive by wire hesitation is inherent to the car.

funcrusher

Richardsr

sailor95

But pretty much whatever I do, don't take it to the dealer for inspection?

sailor95

At this age and mileage, if I do not feel any transmission lag or funny shifts, is it ok, do i need to worry down the road about it, if not how could i test in a driving situation to see? Ive been doing some reading and it seems the issue was never fully resolved throughout the years.

Oro

Correct, not really repairable. The AT issue is minor and not a reliability issue, just a quirk. Usually not noticeable except in extended stop-and-go driving. These transmission are NO WHERE near as fragile as the U140 models in the 99-01 ES that are so bad. If the fluid has been changed at least once, you should be fine. Get on some maintenance and then keep up on it.

If the car was from Florida and NOT garaged, you can tell in a few seconds by looking at the headlights (they cloud badly), interior fading and paint fading, etc.

On one of these with 180k, you need to plan on doing the following over the next 70k miles:

a) Complete suspension/steering - shocks + rear springs. Ball joints, tie rod ends/alignment, wheel bearings.
b) Engine - alternator, ps pump, Oil control valves, engine mounts, thermostat

If you hire all that out to a mechanic, as well a t-belt job, the cost of maintenance will get near the purchase price of the car over the next 100k miles. BUT, you will have an excellent car, with all of those major wear items refreshed and ready to run another 100 to 200k without trouble.

So plan your ownership horizon, and cost of repairs (can you do some of them, or all hired out?), etc. These are really nice cars and well built. Not quite to the standard of an 00 LX (I had a 98 TLC, same thing), but pretty close. Actually, the build quality is about the same, but the engineering in the LX and LS models was more robust. Personally, I would not be scared of it at all, but that's with the knowledge I can deal easily and cheaply with repairs; your comfort depends upon how prepared you are to deal with the unavoidable maintenance that comes with age and mileage - some things just do wear out and have to be dealt with. The engine and transmission on these, though, are not a worry and are very durable.

sailor95

So i should not be steered away because of this is what my understanding is, car is being bought for girlfriend who is a nanny so i just wasn't sure if it was a reliability issue.