I Can’t decide 2007 through 2009 or 2010 to 2012 and some of the minor changes that were made. I made another post regarding navigation and Bluetooth. I guess my biggest hangup is is it worth searching for a 2010 later es 350 just to get that upgraded Bluetooth where you can stream music or for $40 the wireless USB connector that gives you the ability to do that and a 2007 through 2009. Somebody told me that the wireless adapters aftermarket actually sound better than the 2010 through 2012 upgraded navigation and Bluetooth system they put in that you can stream music through. I know there was a couple other changes in upgrades in 2010. I guess my question for all of you is, would you hold off on buying a really nice clean 2007 one owner car just because it has the older Bluetooth and navigation in it is it really worth seeking out a 2010 later? Thanks so much for your input as I’m driving myself bat **** crazy at this point trying to decide on cars!

 

If you ask me 2010+…

 

In my 2007 I use the TaoTronics bluetooth streamer connected to the aux input in the middle console, it sounds amazing and works flawlessly for Music. I use Tidal Hifi and you can really tell the difference in almost CD quality sounds. Also great for streaming my favourite sports radio shows from Vancouver while I live in Toronto.

 

is this the same type of thing as your Taotronics ? And does this interfere with the Bluetooth for phone call at all?

 

New 2007 ES owner here- I just ordered this and received it yesterday based on the recommendation of this board and it works great- sound quality is great. Connects into the aux port and outlet in your arm rest

 

did you buy a duel outlet cigarette 12v charger so that one can plug into that the fire fly, and the other USB you can charge your phone with? I actually like the look of the 07 through 2009 versus the 2010-12. I don’t like some of the changes they made on the 2010 looks wise

 

Yes- bought a dual charger. One for the BT device and the other port for charging my phone

Be careful on which charger you buy- some have said that some of these chargers with all the LED lights on them stay on even after the car is turned off and ends up draining your battery

 

I think 2007 has a transmission TSB that if not resolved means a flare from 3rd to 4th. Pretty sure affected vehicles simply had their transmissions replaced, so the vehicles out there right now with this flare are probably **** out of luck. This is your big thing to avoid with 2007! Of course, avoid buying a bad transmission by requesting you test drive the car COLD first thing in the morning. A cold morning test drive will expose the age of the vehicle and let you hear and feel what could be wrong even before you take it for an inspection. Be weird and "stake" the car out to make sure owner doesn't take it for a quick spin to get it warmed up and fix the trans issue. This is a real thing.

2007-10 I think were also possibly affected by the sticky dash recall program which was a 10 year grace which for most VINs has lapsed.

Two more ommon issues with same era engine: VVTi oil rupture which was also a recall; Early water pump failure also an issue IIRC. These are both common with the engine found in same era camry, avalon, Sienna, RAV4 v6, Highlander, RX350

Only concerns I would think with the pre-2010s, and the things I would make sure have been addressed

 

I’d go with the 2010-12 all the way, unless you find a perfect 07-09. I bought a 2007 a free years back and every complaint I had about the car was addressed with the refresh. First off interior lighting on the 07-09 they used orange bulbs in the glovebox, center console, footwells mood lighting. Orange looks very dated and in the glove boxes it doesn’t illuminate anything. These can be updated pretty easily with the $10 oem part (not just a bulb). Overhead light piece up front uses a single tiny led up front and doesn’t light anything. This can also be replaced but it’s not a straight forward job as the pin out is different due to 2010 having the sos button. If I remember correctly ppl we’re having issues with Bluetooth microphone after the upgrade. The steering wheel button will flake and look horrible. I replaced my steering wheel with a 2010 wheel but you can swap out the buttons. The music streaming thing you know about. There’s allot of little things as well on the update that aren’t as blatant but are there. Lexus did a great job taking a great car and sorting out all of the little annoyances on the 2010.

 

no thats not it, google taotronics