Vadimom

Hey guys,

I've been driving my Camry LE V6 since 2000 (170k) and decided it's time to let it go before it starts asking for $$. I'm faced with a decision - considering either 2006 ES 330 with 87k miles on it or 2007-08 Camry LE with 20-30k miles. I enjoy the ride of 2006 more than Camry's and definitely like the interior of it a lot better, but I'm "car illiterate" (have absolutely no clue what's under the hood of my camry) and I'm worried that older car might become a source of constant headaches.

I realized you're a biased crowd, but hope you could give me an idea of possible challenges I'll be facing with this ES. Assuming there's been no maintenance done to it recently, what will be the list of checkups/fix-ups I'll have to do right after I buy it? I saw in another thread at least the following is highly advised to be taken care of:

1: T-Belt
2: Water Pump
3: Tensioner
4: Cam (2) and crank seals
5: Radiator Hoses
6: Thermostate/Gasket

Anything else? Can I expect it to last to at least 180k before any major issues might start surfacing? Or should I play it safe and stick with camry until I have enough $$ to buy newer ES ?

Thanks in advance

Lexusfreak

Did you have the car's full service history? I would also suggest getting it inspected by a trusted mechanic. But yes I agree with the TB items you mention above.

Good luck.

03 ES

the ES is mechanically similar to a camry, so there are very very few maintenence headaches on these cars
ive got 82k on my 03 ES (same bodystyle) and ive had no issues...
as long as you do the items you mentioned you should be good for many worry free miles.

id take the ES330 over any 07+ camry....its far better built and a much much nicer vehicle overall

mmlex1987

Thats quite a mileage difference, however, if the ES was serviced properly, I also would opt for the Lexus over the Camry. What are the asking prices for each of the cars you are considering? Do you HAVE to buy right now, or do you have some time to look around at some other ES's?

Vadimom

The owner of the ES 330 was asking $15k, but is now willing to let it go for $14k. I drove the car - it looks and feels nice. Smooth ride, quiet engine, very clean interior. Clean carfax. Black wood finish and grey interior - I love it. It just looks awesome.

Found another ES 330 at a local dealership, 50,000 miles, they're asking $17k, probably can talk them down to $16k, but I don't like the tan interior on it at all... I tried to like it... and I couldn't

Another ES 330 just surfaced on CL, 60,000 miles, asking price $16k OBO. Might be able to bring it down to 15k, but it's balck interior - never seen one of those, not sure how I'll feel about it, will have to go take a look.

As far as Camrys go - lots to choose from, 2007-2008 V6 range from 15k to 17k, depending on private vs dealer, mileage, etc.

If I go with the 90,000 miles ES 330, I'd also have to factor in the cost of initial maintenance ($1k).

I'm also a bit concerned now with all the noise around Toyota's recalls and possible impact of all this on future Camry's resale values... and wonder if demand/prices might fall in near future...

orion603

I would highly recommend buying a pre-owned certified lexus from a lexus dealer if it's an option. Especially, when you are looking at a car with high mileage like the one you are looking at, the 3 year/100K mile warranty covers bumper to bumper; even timing belt. You may pay about $2K more for certified one but that takes care of lots of maintenance and issues without additional charge. I personally think it's totally worth it.
I have two lexus (RX300 and ES330) and I wouldn't say I had no issues with those cars but they fixed pretty much everything for me without giving me any trouble.

GairBair

your lucky that the used ES models are so cheap now. I got my 06 ES new in Nov of 05 i found then the $ was not too much of a stretch from new to used, got all the options except for the memory gas/break pedal position. Have 31K on her as i only drive on vacations and occasional week ends. Found the tan leather seems to turn blue with wearing of Jeans ! Don't much care for the Voice control of the Navigation but all else is excellent.

Knoxville

I have an 05 ES330 and have never had any issues with it. It has 70,000 miles on it and is still as smooth and quiet as the day I bought it. Hope this helps some. I do not think you would be making a mistake going with either car!

capricho

Go for the ES. The ES is built to much higher quality standards. Just compare the paint for example.

Bretsuaz

There is an 05 ES330 for $11,900 at a dealer here. One owner, 74k miles, clean carfax, and oil changed every 5k miles per Lexus. Comes with a 3 month 3k mile powertrain warranty and years worth of roadside assistance. I would really consider this one, but its a little more than I want to spend right now.