Informato

Greetings everyone,

I'm considering the purchase of 4th Gen ES 300 or 330.

I understand the ES300 (1MZ-FE engines) are prone to oil gelling, and a faulty knock sensor but couldn't find other major issues with that engine.

The later ES330 (3MZ-FE) engine had the knock sensor issue fixed. However, I've read anecdotal reports that the transmission is prone to slipping. Some say its a mild skip from 2nd to 3rd, others say it jerks and unsafe. I've read everything from replacing the transmission fluid with OEM fluid and filter, to transmission software update (that some say can make it worse and is irreversible). Is this transmission issue common? Is there a fix?

Lastly, I understand the stock dampers and springs are what provide the quality ride. If the dampers need replacing, are aftermarket ones available that have the same quality construction and ride as OEM?

Any other issues I need to be concerned with 300 or 330?

Thanks for the help.

FromFL

The trans is safe. Every once in a while it'll jerk a bit, or act "confused." Only thing you can do is change the ATF (and filter), make sure that the dogbone mount is good, too. You get used to it and honestly forget about it. I can't pinpoint the last time it acted up because it just blends in with other aspects of owning any old car. I'll probably get thrown off the board for revealing this, but for ATF I use Valvoline Maxlife (Walmart)!

Don't expect this car to have a buttery-smooth ride quality. I just bought a '15 Fit and honestly it rides smoother, in some cases at least. I can say this with certainty because I drive the same roads with both cars and can feel the difference.

I'd look for an '05 or '06. They look a bit more updated (interior, tail lights) and have more standard features. I have an '04 which in my experience is an underperformer. Officially named a Base, model they were not joking, it feels like a base model and is equipped as such.

Oh yeah, I forgot about the elephant in the room, timing belt. Make it was done or count on it being done. I need to do mine (156,000 miles).

Informato

Thanks for the reply. I hear what you're saying. I remember riding in a friends Subaru Outback about 5 years ago and amazed at the ride quality. It soaked up the bumps like I would never have imagined. Modern cars are getting better every year. That being said, I don't expect an 18 year old car to ride as well as 7 year old car with less millage.

Yes, I'm aware of 3MZ-FE engine being interference and a timing belt. That would be an expense to factor in immediately if it hasn't been done.

A question to all who have a first generation:
How would you describe reliability so far for you? How many miles on the odometer? What is the lifespan of these engines?

Thanks.

hypervish

They'll last forever - I'm at 330k miles on our 02' ES300 and it shows no signs of letting up anytime soon (not that I'd expect that from a Toyota product anyways).