2007-2008 Lexus ES 350 vs 2004-2006 Lexus LS 430
01-20-18, 10:54 AM
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
2007-2008 Lexus ES 350 vs 2004-2006 Lexus LS 430
So I came to the forums seeking some advice and opinions regarding my next car. I have been a Lexus fan for a while and am looking to buy one soon. I have a budget of $9,000 and have narrowed my selection to two cars. I need help deciding whether to buy a 2004-2006 Lexus LS430 or a 2007-2008 Lexus ES350. The LS has the V8,more space and in my opinion a better front end. The reliability has been highly regarded for these cars. I could find several listings near me that are around $8-9,000 with about 130k miles. The ES however has better mpg, is several years newer and is also regarded as quite reliable. I can find a 2007-2008 for around $7,500-8,000 with less than 120k miles. I like both cars and my research may not have found all of the intricacies of each car so psk for any advice or opinions on my car choice!
01-21-18, 05:55 AM
#3
2005-2006 LS is one of the best cars ever made so...
01-21-18, 07:32 PM
#4
I have driven nothing but LS400 and 430s over the past few years and just picked up an 07 ES350. At times I miss the size of the 430, but usually it’s just me and a kid in the car so the space isn’t really an issue. The 430 is an incredible car and I do miss it at times, but for what I needed, a cheap commuter car, the 350 has been perfect. It’s comfortable, smooth, reliable and gets over 27 mpgs. On my 430s I was lucky to get around 20mpgs. The 04-06 have a different transmission so they should get better gas mileage but a V8 is a V8.
01-22-18, 07:38 AM
#5
I agree with JB, he hit the nail on the head in his statement. I daily an LS and my wife has the ES, sometime we switch when I have to do work on her car. ES drives smooth/comfortable, but LS430 has just a different level of tightness and rides like no other car I've had.
On the ES's make sure you look at the history of the TSB's that were done on the car especially for the years 2007-2008; most common are the axles, VVT -I oil hose that's all I can think about as of right now. When looking at both cars history, don't rely on the carfax, go to http://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/ and create an account and plugin the VIN's and see the services that were done by Lexus dealers. This can save you a lot of headaches!!!! I've read a couple of horror stories on here about the WP failing, owners have to keep a eye on their coolant level and look for leaks when leaving a parking space it can happen at anytime(but if you have the dealer do your oil changes every 5k they can usually spot it before it happens). If you purchase a ES with more than 120k but sure to make sure that the spark plugs were done (they're due at 120k). FYI the ES has a timing chain, NOT a belt.
Just my 2 cents
On the ES's make sure you look at the history of the TSB's that were done on the car especially for the years 2007-2008; most common are the axles, VVT -I oil hose that's all I can think about as of right now. When looking at both cars history, don't rely on the carfax, go to http://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/ and create an account and plugin the VIN's and see the services that were done by Lexus dealers. This can save you a lot of headaches!!!! I've read a couple of horror stories on here about the WP failing, owners have to keep a eye on their coolant level and look for leaks when leaving a parking space it can happen at anytime(but if you have the dealer do your oil changes every 5k they can usually spot it before it happens). If you purchase a ES with more than 120k but sure to make sure that the spark plugs were done (they're due at 120k). FYI the ES has a timing chain, NOT a belt.
Just my 2 cents
01-22-18, 11:41 PM
#6
I agree with JB, he hit the nail on the head in his statement. I daily an LS and my wife has the ES, sometime we switch when I have to do work on her car. ES drives smooth/comfortable, but LS430 has just a different level of tightness and rides like no other car I've had.
On the ES's make sure you look at the history of the TSB's that were done on the car especially for the years 2007-2008; most common are the axles, VVT -I oil hose that's all I can think about as of right now. When looking at both cars history, don't rely on the carfax, go to http://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/ and create an account and plugin the VIN's and see the services that were done by Lexus dealers. This can save you a lot of headaches!!!! I've read a couple of horror stories on here about the WP failing, owners have to keep a eye on their coolant level and look for leaks when leaving a parking space it can happen at anytime(but if you have the dealer do your oil changes every 5k they can usually spot it before it happens). If you purchase a ES with more than 120k but sure to make sure that the spark plugs were done (they're due at 120k). FYI the ES has a timing chain, NOT a belt.
Just my 2 cents
On the ES's make sure you look at the history of the TSB's that were done on the car especially for the years 2007-2008; most common are the axles, VVT -I oil hose that's all I can think about as of right now. When looking at both cars history, don't rely on the carfax, go to http://drivers.lexus.com/lexusdrivers/ and create an account and plugin the VIN's and see the services that were done by Lexus dealers. This can save you a lot of headaches!!!! I've read a couple of horror stories on here about the WP failing, owners have to keep a eye on their coolant level and look for leaks when leaving a parking space it can happen at anytime(but if you have the dealer do your oil changes every 5k they can usually spot it before it happens). If you purchase a ES with more than 120k but sure to make sure that the spark plugs were done (they're due at 120k). FYI the ES has a timing chain, NOT a belt.
Just my 2 cents
01-23-18, 12:24 AM
#7
Main thing about daily driving these two cars is your commute. How long is it??? Is it all stop/go traffic??? Or is it all interstate at 70-80mph???
The big Lexus LS430 with the V8 is going to get **** MPG in town, like 13-17 Steady state highway cruise, its pretty decent, 25mpg, maybe better. The ES350 will be better on gas, especially in town.
The big Lexus LS430 with the V8 is going to get **** MPG in town, like 13-17 Steady state highway cruise, its pretty decent, 25mpg, maybe better. The ES350 will be better on gas, especially in town.
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01-23-18, 07:26 AM
#8
Per the thread below- Chyrobles put a list together that I came across.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...checklist.html
The ones in BOLD are already talked about!
Check that VVti oil line has been replace; there is a recall; line can burst unexpectedly
Check for oil leak on block behind PS pump; some models leak from timing cover.
Check that decoupler alternator pulley has been serviced; should be replaced at 100K; it can seize up and fry the alternator
Check that pass window rolls up/down flawlessly; there is a problem in some models with a broken window clip
Check for transmission flare; some get it 2nd-3rd, others 3rd-4th
Check that coolant was replaced at 100K, per Toyota's maintenance schedule
Check that brake fluid in the brake reservoir is clear, not dark.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...checklist.html
The ones in BOLD are already talked about!
Check that VVti oil line has been replace; there is a recall; line can burst unexpectedly
Check for oil leak on block behind PS pump; some models leak from timing cover.
Check that decoupler alternator pulley has been serviced; should be replaced at 100K; it can seize up and fry the alternator
Check that pass window rolls up/down flawlessly; there is a problem in some models with a broken window clip
Check for transmission flare; some get it 2nd-3rd, others 3rd-4th
Check that coolant was replaced at 100K, per Toyota's maintenance schedule
Check that brake fluid in the brake reservoir is clear, not dark.
01-23-18, 07:38 AM
#9
Per the thread below- Chyrobles put a list together that I came across.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...checklist.html
The ones in BOLD are already talked about!
Check that VVti oil line has been replace; there is a recall; line can burst unexpectedly
Check for oil leak on block behind PS pump; some models leak from timing cover.
Check that decoupler alternator pulley has been serviced; should be replaced at 100K; it can seize up and fry the alternator
Check that pass window rolls up/down flawlessly; there is a problem in some models with a broken window clip
Check for transmission flare; some get it 2nd-3rd, others 3rd-4th
Check that coolant was replaced at 100K, per Toyota's maintenance schedule
Check that brake fluid in the brake reservoir is clear, not dark.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...checklist.html
The ones in BOLD are already talked about!
Check that VVti oil line has been replace; there is a recall; line can burst unexpectedly
Check for oil leak on block behind PS pump; some models leak from timing cover.
Check that decoupler alternator pulley has been serviced; should be replaced at 100K; it can seize up and fry the alternator
Check that pass window rolls up/down flawlessly; there is a problem in some models with a broken window clip
Check for transmission flare; some get it 2nd-3rd, others 3rd-4th
Check that coolant was replaced at 100K, per Toyota's maintenance schedule
Check that brake fluid in the brake reservoir is clear, not dark.
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