Car Buying - 2005 ES330 vs 2004 LS430
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
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I am considering these two vehicles. Both would be coming from my longtime mechanics car buying service so assume I trust the maintenance records of them equally.
2004 LS430 w/117 miles - 18" wheels
Modern Luxury package so it has navigation (I know last update is 2016), TPMS, backup camera. I currently have a 2006 LS430 so I'm pretty familiar with this one.
2005 ES330 w/70K miles - 17" wheels
Non-navigation stereo so I have to factor in stereo upgrade costs. I don't see TPMS in the VIN specs. My mother has a 2009 350 but other than hers I know nothing about the ES.
What are the gotchas/expensive fixes in this year ES330 beyond timing belts? This is for the wife so modding is not a consideration beyond the navigation/bluetooth issue.
2004 LS430 w/117 miles - 18" wheels
Modern Luxury package so it has navigation (I know last update is 2016), TPMS, backup camera. I currently have a 2006 LS430 so I'm pretty familiar with this one.
2005 ES330 w/70K miles - 17" wheels
Non-navigation stereo so I have to factor in stereo upgrade costs. I don't see TPMS in the VIN specs. My mother has a 2009 350 but other than hers I know nothing about the ES.
What are the gotchas/expensive fixes in this year ES330 beyond timing belts? This is for the wife so modding is not a consideration beyond the navigation/bluetooth issue.
#2
Lexus Fanatic
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LS will use a fair bit more fuel if you mostly city drive. Looks like you already have an LS or two in your family so do you want another or want to get something different?
#3
Lexus Champion
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They are different cars for different reasons:
ES - more efficient on fuel, cheaper maintenance and repairs (based off the Camry), most of the luxury features, front wheel drive
LS - more quiet, refined, power, all luxury features, slightly higher on maintenance and fuel, rear wheel drive
The 4ES didn't come with backup camera or TPMS as an option (as far as I'm aware), so you'd be looking at an aftermarket upgrade for those.
ES - more efficient on fuel, cheaper maintenance and repairs (based off the Camry), most of the luxury features, front wheel drive
LS - more quiet, refined, power, all luxury features, slightly higher on maintenance and fuel, rear wheel drive
The 4ES didn't come with backup camera or TPMS as an option (as far as I'm aware), so you'd be looking at an aftermarket upgrade for those.
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Dubbayoo (06-16-19)
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