Which is cheaper to maintain? an ES 330 vs newer Camry with 100K miles
#16
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Isn't the 05-06 Camry transmission the same as the ES 330 with all the Lag problems?
Here is a 2010 maintenance history report on a 2004 330, that I was considering buying for a very good price from a Lexus dealer. It has 60k miles, for a very low price.
The low price, I am assuming is because of the Lag?
REPORTED BY: Lexus Santa Monica
SERVICE: ECM CALIB: SHIFT FEEL ENHAN 01-03 ES300 & 04-05 ES
DESCRIPTION: ECM CALIB: SHIFT FEEL ENHAN 01-03 ES300 & 04-05 ES ~|~REFLASH ECM PER LEXUS HEADQUARTERS, FOR HESITATION CONCERN GUEST REPORTS. SEE FEVIU!!! ~|~TRANS AND ENG ECM NEEDS RECALIBRATING ~|~REPAIR DONE PER TC004-03
It sounds like there is no way you would recommend buying a 330 with the Lag problems?
Or do some people not have them?
Last edited by jgcec; 01-03-17 at 02:01 AM.
#17
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Avoid the 2.4 in all forms it is simply a bad engine, mostly because Toyota decided not to drill 4-5 extra holes in the piston ring lands. Also the head bolts tend to pull out of the block. I disagree that a Lexus will cost more to maintain it won't, unless you only take the car to a Lexus dealer. Insurance could be more but not necessarily.
#18
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#19
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Engine suffers from oil burning and head gasket failures. They will all develop problems it is simply a matter of time there is a massive thread over at TN about the whole mess
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LeX2K (01-05-17)
#22
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#25
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I would love to lease again !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Leasing is the absolutely best way to own a car, if you can afford it.
With leasing you have no worries, other than cost.
It is the classic time vs money choice.
Just can't afford it now.
Leasing is the absolutely best way to own a car, if you can afford it.
With leasing you have no worries, other than cost.
It is the classic time vs money choice.
Just can't afford it now.
#26
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curious, did you ever calculate the cost of use for the '13 Fusion plugin? Cost of electricity consumption?
Apples to apples - if buying a used car, need to factor in depreciation costs as part of the equation.
Apples to apples - if buying a used car, need to factor in depreciation costs as part of the equation.
#27
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It became cheaper to not use electricity and just use gas.
The biggest difference is driving in the carpool land (called diamond lane in CA)
which was a lot of fun.
I must say that I liked the Fusion plug in almost as much as the ES
and it was about 140 less a month in payments for the same mileage.
The navigation system was much better.
The quietness and ride were almost the same.
The Fusion is quiet a nice car for the money.
But reliability is a big question.
The seats were not as nice, but still very comfortable.
I got a lot more stares and looks in 2013, and many people had never seen one before.
Now I am driving my old 1997 Corolla with 140k miles on it.
The most reliable and cheap car to own in my 40+ years of driving.
If I was certain that a 2007+ ES would be anywhere close to being as reliable as my Corolla,
I would buy one today.
The biggest difference is driving in the carpool land (called diamond lane in CA)
which was a lot of fun.
I must say that I liked the Fusion plug in almost as much as the ES
and it was about 140 less a month in payments for the same mileage.
The navigation system was much better.
The quietness and ride were almost the same.
The Fusion is quiet a nice car for the money.
But reliability is a big question.
The seats were not as nice, but still very comfortable.
I got a lot more stares and looks in 2013, and many people had never seen one before.
Now I am driving my old 1997 Corolla with 140k miles on it.
The most reliable and cheap car to own in my 40+ years of driving.
If I was certain that a 2007+ ES would be anywhere close to being as reliable as my Corolla,
I would buy one today.
Last edited by jgcec; 01-09-17 at 04:15 PM. Reason: more detail
#29
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I'd do this. Save your money up to get an even better car when the Corolla gives way (which, if you do the maintenance and repairs, should be a long time).
Also you say you like leasing. Leasing is not the best way to own a car. You don't even own it. You put down a bunch of extra money to make payments on it.
Save your money, then BUY a well-loved USED car.
Also you say you like leasing. Leasing is not the best way to own a car. You don't even own it. You put down a bunch of extra money to make payments on it.
Save your money, then BUY a well-loved USED car.
#30
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I said that leasing is great if you can afford it.
I would add that affording it should mean
that you are on track to retire by age 60 with your investments, (and assuming social security won't last)
and your children's college is paid for
and you are traveling as much as you want to,
assuming that matters to you.
But, on the other hand, driving a nice car is more important than any of the above,
to some people, at some point in their lives.
I would add that affording it should mean
that you are on track to retire by age 60 with your investments, (and assuming social security won't last)
and your children's college is paid for
and you are traveling as much as you want to,
assuming that matters to you.
But, on the other hand, driving a nice car is more important than any of the above,
to some people, at some point in their lives.
Last edited by jgcec; 01-09-17 at 09:38 PM. Reason: made clearer