pollatix

Hello all. I have been creeping around the forum trying to find an answer to my conundrum about whether to purchase a 2005 Lexus ES 330 from a private seller. Below is the quoted ad.
The seller is asking $6000 but has indicated his desperation to sell, as he was given a company BMW and his wife already has a good car.

Honestly, the thing I care about most are reliability and resale value, with emphasis on the former. I need a car that I can not worry about for a couple years besides normal/preventative maintenance.

As a driver, I drive about 10k a year and am very easy on cars. I live in a small city (with emphasis on small), but most of my driving is on 40-55 mph roads.

What I know outside of the ad:

-The "summer" tires will all need to be replaced. I figure this to cost around $500-700.
-The records through Lexus stop at 55k miles in 2007.
-He bought the car in 2011 with 100k on it. It's mainly highway miles as he travels as a consultant.
-Major repairs have been done to turn the check engine light off (check engine light = inspection failure in my state, it does not in the state where this is coming)

Things I have gathered I need to look for from reading these forums:

-check all fluids
-look for oddly colored smoke from the tailpipe
-check the "dogbone" engine mount to see if it is getting dry
-make sure there is proof that the timing belt has been done

I know typical advice is to get this checked out by a mechanic, but I worry that I lose my negotiating leverage if it does check out completely.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys. This site is a tremendous wealth of knowledge.

I am selling my 2005 Lexus ES 330 with 158,500 miles. Black on black leather. The car has the normal minor cosmetic nicks and dings you would expect from a car with those miles, but is in overall great shape. The car has a lot of life left, I am only selling because I now have a company vehicle. The car needs to go, so make an offer!

The good:

- 4 Bridgestone Blizzak high-end snow tires (2 brand new). This car is a beast in the snow.
- Heated and cooled leather seats
- 6 disc CD changer with premium sound system
- New direct fit converter and exhaust gasket ($900)
- New belts put on at 155K miles
- High end brake pads, calipers and rotors put on rear wheels at 157K miles
- Power seats, mirrors, sunroof
- Brand new (1 month) battery
- Clean Carfax (VIN JTHBA30G950023903)

The not-as-good:

- Only 3 summer tires are included, one of them had a flat in the fall
- I can only find one key right now. I called Lex Connection and they quoted $230 for a new key (it has a microchip in it which is needed to start the car).


If you search craigslist for ES 330, you will see people selling nearly identical cars for thousands of dollars more than I am asking! Cash or bank check only. No trades. Email me with any questions or to set up a test drive. Thanks

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

Thats really cheap for an 05, it might need the timing belt, but i assume its probably already been done. Go on lexus website, put in the win and youll get all dealer records. As for the key, if you have one master key, just get another off ebay and most dealers will cut and program it for you. Tires are no big deal, but look for rust. Just so you know the suspension on these cars is very soft and the steering is very light. Also listen for a clunking from the steering column, but there was a TSB for it so its probably been replaced already. That being said, these really are great cars, just need to see for yourself if you like it or not. Also some people complain about the transmission, but i've never really had an issue with my 2004, but then again i don't drive it very often. They don't really ever break, but the shifting pattern is a bit weird i guess.

brucelee1

iTrader: (2)

The car is not THAT cheap for the miles. The timing belt and the water pump are the big deal as far as immediate costs, along with the tires.

If you have to do all of that, you are up over $8K for the car, which is not a great bargain.

I think $5K sounds a lot better than 6K.

PS-I would still have the car checked out if you cannot discern certain things, like whether there are leaks under the car and/or collision damage.

Good luck.

speedkar9

At 158K miles, near-term (but not immediate) concerns would be leaking valve covers, blown struts and worn/ rusted exhaust components.

Take it for a good test drive to see if your okay with how the transmission shifts. What car are you upgrading from?

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

that price is very much going rate for those miles...

I've seen them cheaper in Canada... But I don't need two ES'

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

Even with those miles, a 2006 same everything just sold at my dealer for $8.5k, but maybe the prices of cars are higher where I am?

speedkar9

Very true, I'm seeing 4ES listed in the GTA for $4500-8000, which actually rival Gen 5 Camry prices. I guess the Camry is more in demand and can command a higher resale value.

hypervish

Same here, but used cars are quite expensive in our area (tri-state).

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

Kinda funny actually, two weeks ago [within days], one 05 with 270kms, 4500$ as-is. Another, 06 250kms, 5200$
Needless to say the Camry's commanding more are typically the granny cars that are tip-tip low mileage, so a bit unfair of a comparison, but I see what you're saying.

Almost had me considering buying to replace mine, but whats the point with another high-miler, money pit?

brucelee1

iTrader: (2)

To be fair, if the maint. is done, the ES330 with 130K plus miles should run like clockwork. I have 134K on mine and if feels and looks like a new car.

Mine is an 06.