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Granted, the car has “averaged” about 90 miles per month with a LOT of sitting time realistically included, that doesn’t warrant a death knell for it. Just keep an eye out for leaks, CELs, strange noises and the rest like one would with any used car with age. My main concern would be brakes. Watch for mushy brakes, keep a close eye on brake fluid levels and periodically check the insides of all tires for brake fluid leak stains spraying the tires.
Last edited by Richardsr; 01-03-20 at 08:38 AM.
Reason: info
$8500 for a car of that mileage is fine, with a car that “new,” all these age related problems are not nearly as prevalent as you would think. Ones with 100k are going for $5000-5500 all day long, for $3000 it’s a no brainer.
Think of it another way, what other cars can you buy for $8500, its not a lot of money. You could also just use that amount to lease, but everyone’s situation differs.
I’ve had the 2005 ES 330 for awhile now. Very happy with it. I’m going to do the brakes though as they are indeed a tad mushy, but the traction control and ABS work extremely well. The shifting is certainly not like my 07 Maxima but it does stand up when needed.
Great buy & good luck! I had mushy brakes and after changing all the brakes they were still mushy; then I started changing the rubber brake lines attached to the brake calipers and that fixed the mushy pedal problem. I only changed the front lines although I should do the rears....eventually. Good luck
When I bought my ‘05 ES, I could not fathom the sloppy, confusing shifting of my “bulletproof luxury car” and my OCD immediately kicked in annnnd after much reading and throwing a few parts, my Lexus now shifts like a dream (like it’s supposed to). I call it my $50 Tuneup and it works.
Remove Negative pole of battery
Clean your MAF with CRC
Remove and clean up your Throttle Body with CRC and a toothbrush
Replace PCV valve with OEM unit
Replace Air Filter
Hook up your battery
Set your tire inflation to 33 lbs front and rear (ignore doorsill recommendation)
Always use 91+ octane gas (like the User Manual recommends)
Add half a can of Seafoam Gas Treatment
Drive your car “normally” (some here think the ES is a “performance rod”), but give a few heavy throttle dead start takeoffs for good measure
Stop at Stop Signs so your Tranny can get used to shifting/downshifting properly
Your shifting will improve
Remember, this is a luxury car, so doing this 2 - 3 times a year won’t break you.
Last edited by Richardsr; 01-03-20 at 10:02 AM.
Reason: info
I’ve had the 2005 ES 330 for awhile now. Very happy with it. I’m going to do the brakes though as they are indeed a tad mushy,
Thanks for the update; always fun or interesting to hear. Also the pic, it's nice to see rides and people. Kudos.
then I started changing the rubber brake lines attached to the brake calipers and that fixed the mushy pedal problem.
A thought on your brakes - per what he said, if you are coming from German cars or performance cars of some type, these aren't going to get there. You could find some braided lines for it and that will change the feel for it dramatically. I have them on my "fun" car (Audi) and what a difference they made.
Besides that, get your MityVac or just some clear hose and siphon out the brake MC. Refill, and do it again in 100 miles. It's 95% as good as bleeding the brakes to get moisture out and WAY, WAY easier. Unless you actually suspect air in there, just do that once a year and they will feel good. I had neglected ours a while and I did that (2 d/f about 100 miles apart) and it really improved the brake firmness.
Oh, and to pile on what Richard said re: transmission, two other things:
1) check that top motor mount (strut). Peel back the dust shield and look for cracks. It makes the shifting feel worse if cracked - and it does happen.
2) Use only T-IV fluid or REAL equivalent. Mobil JWS3309 or Idemitsu TLS. here is a great source for real T-IV/3309, $30 for 6 and fair shipping last time I checked. And they are good people:
12-11-19, 10:20 AM
