redkingjoe

Hi dear,

I'm a newbie here. We are going to buy either a new 2005 ES330 or old 2000 LS400(with 45,000 KM on it). The cost to me are not too far apart.

Anyone who had driven both the 1997-2000 LS400 and the current model of ES330. Which one should I buy?

thank you.

LexFather

Welcome to Clubluxus. THis is a tough decision. The ES is new, has 230hp, updated interior and is a fine automobile. The LS is older but has low mileage, has a 290hp V-8, RWD and a larger interior.
I would go with the LS if the car has maintenance records. As solid as the ES is built, the LS is even more solid. And it has the updates from the 98-00 model. The new ES though, does offer believe it or not a more luxurious interior. And of course newer technology. Not sure if FWD vs RWD is important to you.
The LS has more trunk room. THe ES has better fuel economy. The LS is very swift, the VVTi added to the V-8 really makes it go, the ES has more power but I would always get more cylinders.

Good luck!

redkingjoe

Thank you for your kind reply. We have drove ES300(1995 model) for 2 years and than move to LS400(early 1997 model) we have found that the 97 LS400 was far superior to the 95 ES300.

However, this time is real tough for us to pick between a completely new 2005 ES330 and a strong old 2000 LS400. If we don't care about the horsepower, pick up speed, luxuriousness do you think that this ES330 is as least as quiet and as comfortable for driving as the 2000LS400?

Thank you.

AJL0365

i would pick an ES330 because its new, but i think it comes down to room. of course u know the LS got more room, but the 05 ES in my opinion is a better buy over a 00 LS

The_Hitman

I'd take the LS... Bigger, better looking, more powerful, just as reliable.. Although the FWD vs RWD could be important depending on winter weather.

LexFather

I have to admit that the ES is so solid today, a 2005 ES is pretty much as quiet and as solid. But IMO and in my experience with multiple Lexus, the 50k cars are just built to a higher standard. I don't mind pre-owned cars (never had new actually) so I maybe biased. But I know riding in DaveGS4s LS 400 for instance, its just feels like a 50k car wheras the ES as much as it tries to be a better Camry and is a better Camry, in the end, it is based off a Camry.

Lexusfreak

Welcome red! I just might floor you here with what I'm about to suggest.........but to be honest with ya, If were talking in the same price range as a 2000 LS, 2005 ES 330.......why not go for the all new 2005 Toyota Avalon!?

If you haven't seen it or don't know that much about it, I would seriously have a look at the vehicle if I were you. I just got back from the Canadian International auto show in Toronto & I hate to say it (I am expecting some flack from my fellow members because of my comments as well), but the new Avalon trumps the current ES 330 hands down! In every category from horsepower, torque (280 hp & 260 lb ft torque).

Once you see the Avalon, let us know what you think & keep us posted.....Good luck! Now for the flack from CL members.....let's hear it everyone.

Lexbox

..............rofl

b1gredek

i have the 2005 es and my buddy has a 2000 ls, this is a really hard choice. both cars are great. its almost a coin toss. if u do decide to get the ls, be sure the car is all original, no accidents, no parts painted. this way u know u are getting an original lexus. nothing beats having a new car though. i dont think i was much help, but good luck

redkingjoe

have you tested driving and sitting on both? would you please share some of your personal experiences with us.

thanks

redkingjoe

thank you. we don't have Avalon in Hong Kong. or it might be called "Crown". in the toyota line of cars, the only car that is higher than Carmy is Crown in HK. the specification and price level is very similar between avalon and crown.

the Avalon/Crown is cool when I read from the web with dual vvti, 3.5 lite. however, in HK, most of the Crowns are driven by hired-drivers only!!! the owners will sit at the back and read newspapers. whereas LS400/LS430 will be driven by owners 50-70% of the time. moreover, the price of Avalon/Crown is definitely not "goodbuy" when compare to ES300 or LS400.

we will drive the car ourselves(avalon/crown is not an option) and the best buy in HK currently is either 2005ES330, 2001ES300 or 1999LS2000 and 2000LS400.

that's the reason i need help from you guys.

redkingjoe

thank you very much for your kind input. believe it or not, the sales from Lexus' sole distributor in hong kong has similar opinion with you.

it's really a hard decision for us. i'm very glad that i have got so much support from you guy. my wife will come back from a business trip from China, on the phone she seemed to like LS400 more.

thank you again to all of you who offer helps to me.

Gekko

get the 2005 ES. ALWAYS GO WITH NEW TECHNOLOGY!!!!!

ssultan

I don't think I'll be much help either. I've driven the 96/98/99 LS400 and 97/98/01 ES300 models. Personally, I find the LS400 to be super refined, smooth and a beast when you floor it I do a lot of highway mileage and the LS400 is the best cruiser for the job. It's spacious and very luxurious.

The ES are nice, I own an older one myself and have another one in the family. They are better on fuel, less oomph when you drive but definitely more noisy on the highway and just not as roomy on the inside or as comfortable or refined as the LS400. But then, I've always dreamed about the LS4s so am a bit biased

Please keep us updated as to what you finally decide on. They are both superb machines and you'll be proud to own either one! Good luck!!

b1gredek

the es is really smooth and nice. the leather is awesome. i bought it with the heated and ventilated seats. and the es is brand new. the ls400 is bigger, smoother, quieter. not much more luxurious than the es, actually the es is newer so it kinda makes hte ls outdated interior wise. the problem with the ls is that the ls430 is so awesome and they are gonna redesign it soon. if u can get a cherry ls go for it, if not go for the brand new car. less of a headache down hte road.