elvenrider

Hi everyone,
I am planning to purchase an ES330 2005, but I am worried about its high mileage 217k km (~140k miles). Do you think it is going to break soon or it might go for a couple of years.
the car is in an overall good condition except for minor scratches, but the timing belt was never changed so that is a must change for me. I am taking it for a full inspection next week.
From your experience is this model reliable and would not be affected by this high mileage or should I prepare myself for hefty priced repairs.
also what do you think would be a fair value for this one. The owner asked for 5900 CAD, but was reduced to 5300 CAD after discussing the timing belt. The timing belt is changed for approximately 800 CAD
thanks in advance

BDSL

I live in Ontario, Canada as well.
I had a 97 ES300 and reached +470k km on original engine, transmission, PS pump, alternator, starter, etc....
Now I have a 06 ES330 with +160k km.
Both are very reliable. The only complaint about the 06 ES330 is that once in a while the on-off acceleration can be a little jerky due to the early throttle-by-wire design.

On the 06 ES330, I did my own timing belt in 2.5 hours.
On the 97 ES300, it took me just less than 2 hours.

elvenrider

Thanks for your reply, BDSL. Your 470k km is encouraging. I may take my chances with this 220k kms. I just hope it does not fail me as I won't be having a lot of cash in my pocket after the purchase.
Unfortunately, I am not experienced at all with car mechanics, so I am not sure I will be able to do the timing belt myself. However, I am planning to start learning taking care of my own vehicle since labor in Ontario is very expensive compared to my country of origin.
May I ask what would be considered a fair price range from your point of view?

LeX2K

I see a few ES330's on Kijiji with ~150,000km for around $7,000 if it was me I'd pay a bit more to knock 70-100k off the clock.

elvenrider

You're definitely right. I would have done that, if I could have afforded it. Now, I have to stick to my tight budget
I am trying to mitigate the risk of buying a used high mileage car by choosing a vehicle with a reputation of reliability, beside the fact that I love Lexus. I think 150k miles on a Lexus might be as 80-90k miles for many other makes, or at least I hope I am right in this !!

BDSL

Ask for maintenance record to proof that the previous owner serviced the vehicle as per maintenance schedule.
And if you are still interested after, since you are not mechanically inclined, then you should ask the seller to take the vehicle to Toyota/Lexus dealership for a used car inspection. This will run you $100-$150....but buying a lemon will cost you a lot more...

plovell

I have the same year and model with 194,000 km. My repair bills have come to $700.00 total for an exhaust system....that's it!

elvenrider

Yes, I will be doing that. Thanks a lot

elvenrider

Another encouraging testimony. Thanks

BDSL

I also the flex pipe replaced....it is common to get rusted out due to snow/salt.
You don't have to replace the entire exhaust.
You can get an exhaust shop to cut out and weld in a new flex pipe....for about CAD$150-200.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

While it's hard to gurantee a trouble free used car, if I had to pick one the ES would be it. Lots of cars have known weak points, I know when I bought my GS300, IS250, and even the 4Runner, there were parts I replaced immediately knowing they were prone to failure such as ball joints and a radiator, but I can't say the same for the ES330. It's fairly bulletproof. People complain about the shifting pattern, but I really don't find it to be bad. Besides a timing belt and water pump, welding in a flex pipe, and general maintanence, I haven't had to change anything on my 2004 after 70k miles and a cumulative 110k miles

elvenrider

Thanks for your input, I appreciate it. It is reassuring to hear about the ES reliability.

Although 110k miles with no major problems is great, I would be thrilled to hear about 160k+ miles from 2004 - 2006 ES Owners

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

The more miles the more service it will require, everything eventually wears out with age and mileage. It will all depend on the previous history/maintenance and how much you're willing to put up with. Having said that, these cars are fantastic.

elvenrider

So .. I purchased the candidate car a week ago. Added about 400 kilometers and my first impressions are quite good, however I need to change the timing belt as soon as possible. I think I paid more than the market value but I am trying to "convince" myself that it was fine given that tires, battery, and brake pads were almost new.
In general the car drives smooth and I hope it serves me well until it pays off. Thank you all for helping me out making my decision.

Corkman

Bought this kit last year for my 2005 ES330 last year great price & parts.
Mike
https://www.amazon.com/Aisin-TKT-026...iming+belt+kit