looking at 2007-2009 ES...anything to look out for?
02-11-18, 05:07 AM
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
looking at 2007-2009 ES...anything to look out for?
Hi everyone, well, i've been looking at different car options. I had seen an RX350 but was in rough shape. I know that AWD is nice to have (we get a good amount of snow here), but i think with some good winter tires (maybe blizzaks or nokians) the ES350 will do well?
Any mechanical issues to look out for? i would get the car inspected, however, i'm a little stumped as to how to check on things under the hood...it's all plastic covers under there! hahhah
I know these model years didn't have a transmission dipstick, but can we still open it up to inspect the level and quality of fluid?
In general, is the car easy to work on (oil changes,filters)??
How about spark plugs? are the rears possible to get to without removing intake manifold?
thanks
fab
Any mechanical issues to look out for? i would get the car inspected, however, i'm a little stumped as to how to check on things under the hood...it's all plastic covers under there! hahhah
I know these model years didn't have a transmission dipstick, but can we still open it up to inspect the level and quality of fluid?
In general, is the car easy to work on (oil changes,filters)??
How about spark plugs? are the rears possible to get to without removing intake manifold?
thanks
fab
02-11-18, 08:11 AM
#2
Check for three things:
1. VVT oil line
2. 3-4 shift flare
3. Water pump
Everything else is rock solid.
1. VVT oil line
2. 3-4 shift flare
3. Water pump
Everything else is rock solid.
02-11-18, 12:09 PM
#3
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Off question... I read that the lexus ES is like the camry, but how does the ES or the camry compare to the toyota avalon?
I saw a few avalons for sale, seem nice, we'll equipped. Which would you suggest? Is it just as reliable? Same v6 engine? Thanks
fab
I saw a few avalons for sale, seem nice, we'll equipped. Which would you suggest? Is it just as reliable? Same v6 engine? Thanks
fab
02-11-18, 12:26 PM
#4
The ES and Camry have 2 things in common in my opinion depending on the Camry model they share the 3.5 engine and the trans
other than that they are not anything to compare.
I have never driven an Avalon so i cant answer the questions on that.
In MT you will be fine with the ES
i lived in Red Lodge and also in the crazy mountains both sucked in the winter however my ES did fine
with Blizzaks on it.
Just keep a set of Cables in the trunk just encase for those emergency times and you will be fine.
other than that they are not anything to compare.
I have never driven an Avalon so i cant answer the questions on that.
In MT you will be fine with the ES
i lived in Red Lodge and also in the crazy mountains both sucked in the winter however my ES did fine
with Blizzaks on it.
Just keep a set of Cables in the trunk just encase for those emergency times and you will be fine.
02-11-18, 02:00 PM
#5
they share the powertrain but nothing else
02-12-18, 08:43 AM
#6
They share about 25-30% of the content, V6 powertrain being one of them. All have the same reliability, and all have been winners within their respective car class/category for durability/reliability. You won't go wrong with any of them...
02-12-18, 08:50 AM
#7
Check for three things:
1. VVT oil line - this was a recall, so if it wasn't complete, it would be at no cost to you
2. 3-4 shift flare - this is almost "normal" for ES, it is noticeable when cold, but I am yet to hear this causing a problem in longer term or AT failing because of it...
3. Water pump +1 (check for leaks and abnormal noise)
Everything else is rock solid.
1. VVT oil line - this was a recall, so if it wasn't complete, it would be at no cost to you
2. 3-4 shift flare - this is almost "normal" for ES, it is noticeable when cold, but I am yet to hear this causing a problem in longer term or AT failing because of it...
3. Water pump +1 (check for leaks and abnormal noise)
Everything else is rock solid.
5. Engine oil leak at the timing cover...
All these items apply to Camry and Avalon as they are common/shared parts...
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02-12-18, 11:36 AM
#8
I forgot to mention those two.
02-12-18, 10:13 PM
#9
There was discussion about the pass side front window falling off the rail.
Re checking ATF, you may be able to stick a thin tube through the fill hole and remove a sample. Otherwise, or remove the overflow bolt on tran pan when cold. If done on flat surface, no ATF should come out until ATF temp goes over 104F; you can catch a small sample as ATF warms up.
As for the plugs, some have been able to remove them without removing the intake. I've replaced the plugs twice but I'm not limber enough to reach back there. It's not too difficult, just a little time consuming moving stuff out of the way.
Re checking ATF, you may be able to stick a thin tube through the fill hole and remove a sample. Otherwise, or remove the overflow bolt on tran pan when cold. If done on flat surface, no ATF should come out until ATF temp goes over 104F; you can catch a small sample as ATF warms up.
As for the plugs, some have been able to remove them without removing the intake. I've replaced the plugs twice but I'm not limber enough to reach back there. It's not too difficult, just a little time consuming moving stuff out of the way.
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