I am looking to buy a car. My basic criteria are that I am looking for a reliable 4 door vehicle for $9k or less. A local dealer has a 2009 ES350 for just under $9k, with 124,000 miles on it. What can you tell me about the overall reliability, maintenance costs, and things to look out for when buying an ES350?

 

Spend a little more and find a 2010 or later car. Some earlier issues were corrected by 2010.

 

I totally agree with OldGrump; but suppose you still want 2007-2009 ES, look for the following: water pump (a newer model was corrected from 2010 models, VVT-i hose (an all-metal hose was corrected from 2010 models, Decoupler alternator pulley, engine oil leak at timing cover.
Also check the CV shaft for boot leaks. Roll windows down and up to check regulators.
In overall ES is a very reliable car; wishing you good luck

 

If the local dealer is selling it, you can count on any recall work being done, which includes recalls on the the VVT-oil line, airbag, cracking dashboard, and floor mats. Other notable issues include leaking timing cover and issues with passenger side window falling off the rails. Other noted problems like ADP alternator pulley, CV shaft and such are maintenance issues, not manufacturing issues. That being said, the maintenance schedule does not mention the ADP alternator pulley, which most shops recommend replacing at 100K. Our's fried at 155K and fried our alternator. Ours also has the timing cover leak, but it's more of a seepage issue and I addressed it by switching to 10/30 weight oil, which significantly reduced the seepage. Our engine has 200+ miles and the seepage has never warranted make-up oil. Our ES350 also has the original water pump but I do want to replace it soon as preventive maintenance. That appears to be a good price but I would have a 3rd party mechanic do a general multi-point inspection before buying it.