Lexus ES330 Might Be Underrated...

Today we go through, review, and break down the Lexus ES330 and present why exactly you need to be buying one.
The ES330 is a beautiful car with reliability that can stand the test of time.
Read the writeup here: automotonation.com/lexuses330...
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[@1Ominex]

I was just looking for videos on radio installs on my new (to me) ES330 and low and behold...in this video...is my car. No not like "I have a similar car". This. Exact. Car. The one in the video. At that lot. From 512 auto ranch.

[@AutoMotivate]

That is hilarious! What a small world. I was thinking it would sell quick. Hope you enjoy your ride! Should last a very long time as long you take care of it.

[@JohnNorris411]

How many miles on the car? What did you pay? and how many miles on the current timing belt?

[@magic1997]

May I ask what you paid for it?.

[@BassAlH22]

Are your mags 17”??

[@brandoncamper2420]

​@@JohnNorris411bought an 05 last year for $5,000. Had 187,000 miles so I was hesitant but I freaking love it. Can't imagine driving anything else. Named him Myles. 😁

[@Kevin-fn1rn]

I inherited my grandma’s black es 06 few months ago. Under 50k on odo. Always serviced at dealer. Leather & interior is pristine, i’m so happy. Smoothest car ive ever driven

[@bluwng]

When did 06 become a grandparents car.

[@Kevin-fn1rn]

ever since my grandpa bought it 18 years ago@@bluwng

[@rs420xl9]

Lucky guy that thing is going to last you another 20 years if you take care of it

[@Drogers8675]

You scored. No car payment and you can save your money thanks to grandma

[@Social-force]

This car is certainly the most reliable car I know. I have the 2005 and I have been a proud owner for 7 years now. So far, I have changed plugs, cords, alternator and brakes which is nothing major. Currently riding like a dream at 245784.

[@quesoquavo]

Mine is sitting at 262k miles, replaced spark plugs, ignition coils, valve cover gasket, couple hoses. What else do you suggest @ 260k+ miles?

[@val3nt358]

@@quesoquavohow much does it all cost is it expensive to maintain

[@EeeLife]

just curious, when did change the timing belt?

[@edcain9492]

​@@quesoquavomake Sure older Es s up to 2007,a New Tim.belt service is done every 90,000 mls .2007 & Newer have Chains,Not Belts

[@rickthekid2359]

I’m looking to buy one for $3900 with 168k miles rebuilt title everything is in good condition is it worth it ?? I don’t have a a lot of money and need a car

[@JDashRider]

Just bought a 2005 model with 114k miles. It's unbelievable to me that everything works in this car. All the power items, cruise control, displays, radio, cassette, CD, all lights, windshield wipers, and power seat. Even the clock. All I had to do was put on a new set of tires with brakes, then detail it. Paint is pretty decent. Some bumper rash front and rear but not too noticeable. Dash has one crack at passenger side airbag just like you showed but overall the interior looks brand new. Even the leather seats are in mint condition. Hood strut had to be replaced, but that's it. It runs and drives great. I got it for 5k off Craigslist. One owner grandpa car who unfortunately had passed away. It was his baby. Never had a foreign car but I'm impressed with the overall quality.

[@zakmoon7065]

Proud Lexus owner here! and I can say that nothing beats the quality build and long term performance of my 05 ES330!!! Amazing daily

[@tampaboyjames813]

Love my 05 lexus 124,000 miles runs like new

[@chazrichards4804]

Just bought the same car 05 330

[@volvo1354]

feel the same about my '05 with 90,000 miles..about ready for that timing belt service

[@nordicpride9708]

I own a 2005 and while reliable the flare shift issue these have is obnoxious

[@tampaboyjames813]

@@nordicpride9708 what does flare shift mean I might have that problem with mine?

[@JohnNorris411]

Just about every 2005 es330 has that tear at the airbag. But you can get a very nice felt dash cover, that is what most of us do. Great reliable car, if you ever do need to work on it, parts are inexpensive and most of the work is easy to do yourself. One thing to keep in mind before you purchase this car. It has a Timing Belt, not a chain. The belt must be changed out every 90K miles. If using OEM Toyota parts, you can go way way over that and the belt will still be in good shape, but stick to the 90 to 100K. If you do not replace the belt and it breaks or one of the timing components fail because you neglected it, you can kill the engine, this is an interference engine, meaning if the timing goes off such as the belt breaks, the pistons can hit the valves, bending valves and damaging the piston heads and more, basically, you will need a new engine. The cost to have a shop do the timing job which includes a new belt, new tensioner, 2 idler pulleys and a new water pump will run you about $1400 minimum. You can do the job yourself with OEM parts for under $400. Before you purchase this car, look at the timing belt cover, it should have the date and mileage the belt was last done, if it is do or will very soon be due for a change, you must add that cost into the purchase price.

[@onespeedlite]

"Just about every 2005 es330 has that tear at the airbag. But you can get a very nice felt dash cover," Wouldn't that cover up the airbag in an accident and potentially put the passenger at risk?

[@winstonmiu]

The design still looks modern today. These cars age like a fine wine.

[@juliocarral38]

My 2005 ES330 has 385,000. I have NEVER changed the transmission fluid in this car. I change the oil every 5000 miles with Mobile 1. Every 100,000 I change out all the belts and hoses . I also change the spark plugs and flush the radiator and the brake line. I still get 400 miles to the tank on the highway. I love this car!!!!!!

[@yonghangwang5254]

your car sounds in great condition. I never got 400 miles a tank. with my sold 05, ever got 390 with shell 93'. but much lower with reguar gas.

[@superslyko123]

Change that transmission fluid immediately with Toyota OEM. Amazon has it. Just drain it & replace it, drive it, No flush. It will take you 10 minutes & you'll notice quite the difference when shifting. 200,000 on mine, and when I did. I noticed an improvement right away.

[@zakmoon7065]

Awesome! I have an 05 ES330 with 155,000 miles and I absolutely love these cars as they are getting less and less common on the road

[@EeeLife]

when did you change the timing belt? I'm looking at some 200k miles ones, but not sure if they changed the timing belt.

[@amanisingh8077]

Timing belt?

[@vijfmei4720]

Elegant, reliable, luxurious car. I got a 2005, with 189K miles and it is still driving excellent.

[@HORCHATA777SUBSCriBE]

How many miles now ?

[@vijfmei4720]

@@HORCHATA777SUBSCriBE 191K, my wife's daily driver. Just changed the trans oil myself.

[@zakmoon7065]

Awesome! I have an 05 ES330 with 155,000 miles and I absolutely love these cars as they are getting less and less common on the road

[@Vlad6525]

My dad bought a certified 2006 ES back in early 2010 and drove it for over 6yrs. After he passed, my sister took it and she is still driving it and doesn't want to change it for anything else. Lexus gave us two timeless classics, which were well ahead of its time and will look good 20yrs from now. I'm taking about the ES330 and LS430 and specifically the 2005-2006 model years.

[@zakmoon7065]

I couldn’t agree more and love my 2005

[@yonghangwang5254]

for about 1 year or 2, I had both 05 and 06. now the 06 has been with us for 10 years and still runs solid. Go rear ended around 9 years ago so with accident record:( I'm replacing timing belt at 119k miles next week and will drain/down transimission fluid (primary purpose is to change the filter actauly). for these 10 years, only 2 repairs : 1. replace the alternator -- when it's making big noises but it could be just the belt. I didn't know it and just did what I was asked by the shop. 2. flex pipe, fixed today. not a surprise for a 17 years old car, right? rarely in garage;) Recently I wanted to replace it but after looking around, I decided to keep it. with

[@unknownwarrior5672]

​@@yonghangwang5254how much did the timing belt replacement cost?

[@edcain9492]

If U get a ASE certified Mech.do it ,instead of Dealer,my 2005 that someone hit me after I did it @ 90,000 cost me 540$,but that was years ago,Dealer will charge more than 25-30% than a cert.mech.

[@Miguel_Angel718]

Going on 200k miles and still going strong. Best part.... No bank payments!!!!!!!!

[@AutoMotivate]

That’s what I’m saying!

[@MrRussiandan1]

Ours has 344k still going, good buy...

[@EeeLife]

Can I ask when did you change the timing belt? I'm looking at some 200k miles ones, but not sure if they have changed the timing belt.

[@stephenumphress5705]

03 ES300 here. 266,000 miles and running like she did when she was new (seriously). Doesn’t burn oil. Oil literal looks decently clean even after 7000 miles. I did recently have to replace the catalytic converters, rear struts, front axle, rear brake rotors, evaporator canister. All those were replaced for e first time and are expected to be replaced sooner on most other cars. E fine and trans themselves have given me no problems at all. I love this car. I recently converted all exterior and interior lights to LEDs to give a modern look. Going to drive this til it won’t go anymore, which from what I can tell won’t be soon.

[@zakmoon7065]

Awesome! I have an 05 ES330 with 155,000 miles and I absolutely love these cars as they are getting less and less common on the road

[@EeeLife]

how about the timing belt? did you change that?

[@nboursaw1979]

I have an 04 es330. Over 400000 miles. Still going strong!

[@AutoMotivate]

Wow, love hearing cars being taken care of and still on the road 🙏

[@user-od4op6ng9y]

aMAZING. i just got an 04. How often do you change the transmission fluid?

[@edcain9492]

​​@@user-od4op6ng9ywhen it's Not Pink anymore.chgd.my 04& O5 @ 110 & 115,000 & make sure u chge.tim.belt every 90-100,000 has belt,not chain.Lexus went to chains in 2007

[@mannyreese5337]

I just bought one year 04 for under 1k so far im loving this car ... rides clean with 150k miles on it ... interior looks cool n fancy

[@EeeLife]

Wow, you got a great deal! so your 1k car need work? Why so cheap? I'm looking at some 200k miles ones, but not sure if they have changed the timing belt.

[@zacharyshugarts8659]

I paid 1,600 for mine at a junk yard, no rust, low miles person scrapped it because it wouldn’t start. All it needed was a battery and alternator

[@AutoMotivate]

Wow. That’s insane. When was that?

[@zakmoon7065]

Wow that’s a lucky find

[@BlackRainbowMonkeys]

I have an 04 Es330 with 130K miles. An 18 year old car basically still in showroom condition as clean as this one in the video. Can't be a Lexus!!!

[@mjyporter]

Love this car, my first car was an ‘05 identical to this and there was something classic simple and luxurious about it. The ‘15 I replaced it with and currently drive is superior in many ways but the ride in this was a bit better.

[@austindotwav]

My girlfriend inherited her grandma’s 05 Camry XLE fully specced out and it has the 3.3 from the ES330 as well as nice leather seats, wood trim, and all kinds of other cool things. Very solid cars from Toyota.

[@princewill-carolvicokoro1511]

Excellent video

[@natlovell122]

I think only thing from getting one of these over a 350 is the timing belt and the fact it has to be changed every 80-90k miles (to be safe) and that’s like $1,000 everytime. Pay a bit more for the es350 (or rx 350 for that matter) and don’t have to worry about that. I do love the looks of the 330 for some reason. It’s quirky but elegant

[@darrelmiller8335]

It's the best 6k I ever spent. I've had mine 3 years and put 100k miles on it and it still runs like new at 230k. Definitely buying another one!!! Team LEXUS ❤

[@zakmoon7065]

Awesome! 6k is a steal for this car.I have an 05 ES330 with 155,000 miles and I absolutely love these cars as they are getting less and less common on the road

[@natlovell122]

How often have you guys changed the timing belt?

[@mandfwjames6787]

Nobody talks about the U151E transmission that has hesitation, clunking, jerking issues when mated to the 3.3 V6.

[@boganix]

I've got the same problem on my 3.0L V6 ES300. Hesitates terribly at low rpm.

[@timmy7194]

Ok thought it was just me I bought one a few weeks ago 😊

[@boganix]

@@timmy7194 clean your throttle body...made a noticeable difference for me

[@scottmurray8864]

Especially bad with the AC on, It really does not want to go past 55.

[@milky-ng9mk]

Just bought one today with 97k miles on it. Praying this car gets me through the next few years.

[@AutoMotivate]

Keep up on the maintenance and you should be golden

[@cybhers]

how much you’d pay

[@brwnn5303]

Same just bought one with 101k. Excited for it to last a while!

[@milky-ng9mk]

@@AutoMotivate evap system is already leaking and soaked my floor boards

[@milky-ng9mk]

@@cybhers 17k

[@quesoquavo]

I have a 2005 Lexus ES330 with 262k miles, recently replaced ignition coils, spark plugs, valve cover gaskets, manifold gaskets, & oil changes. Other than a few cosmetic issues, its mechanically strong

[@EeeLife]

Can I ask when did you change the timing belt? I'm looking at some 200k miles ones, but not sure if they have changed the timing belt.

[@stephenumphress5705]

I have a 2003 ES300 with 260K miles and still runs like new. Oil is still clean even after driving 7,000 miles. Just a great car. Unfortunately my cars finally went out, so this is the largest expense I’ve had with it so far. Considering the mileage, that’s not too bad

[@dimitritemples4437]

Love my 2004 es 330 what a gem 💎

[@geedunk13]

My 2002 ES is running like a champ at 285k miles. No reason to sell it with how solid and nice it feels.

[@zakmoon7065]

Awesome! I have an 05 ES330 with 155,000 miles and I absolutely love these cars as they are getting less and less common on the road

[@natlovell122]

When did you guys get the timing belt changed?

[@mdhollie]

Im a proud owner. Love my car.

[@serenenight1119]

Got a 2003 es 300 for 1800 with 180k miles still drive like a dream even with bad knocks sensor

[@researchandbuild1751]

get the knock sensors replaced. Be about $1700 I think, do the spark plugs (and possibly valve gaskets if they have never been done) while in there because it's all the same area. It's worth doing.

[@serenenight1119]

@@researchandbuild1751 I changed it and the light is stu there

[@researchandbuild1751]

@@serenenight1119 if you did the sensors yourself remember to clear the check engine codes they won't go away on their own. Otherwise must be something else involved if the light is still on

[@williamwong12000]

I owned a ES300 for about two years. I bought it when it is almost 12 years old. The engine is still smooth af. It is very quiet. My friend did not even notice I have started the engine already when I told him he could turn on the AC. Reliable, good mpg(conparatively for a 3.3L V6 engine)

[@EeeLife]

Can I ask when did you change the timing belt? at what mileage. I'm looking at some 200k miles ones, but not sure if they have changed the timing belt.

[@williamwong12000]

@@EeeLife my friend got a 300000km one and I think he has the timing belt changed shortly after he bought the car

[@soul2soul429]

"Do you know if these cars are targeted by Catalytic Converter thieves?

[@buddyimgoldn7126]

I have the same car. Was looking for Information on the gears how they work when to use etc.

[@bertog8080]

Bought a es330 sep 2022 with 57k great car I’ve only done oil changes and ac filter although got it checked it out and need new cv axle

[@tayokarate]

I bought the es300 in Nigeria as my Nigerian car when in Nigeria,its an amazing drive even after 267,000 mileage , unfortunately they are not available in uk ,i would have bought one for use there too

[@user-xh5wk4vi8x]

Everything is good in the car but it has timing belt, and needs to be replaced every 60 to 70 thousand miles

[@superslyko123]

Mine is a garage queen that rides on marshmallows. Smoothest ride ever. Gas mileage sucks, but it's one heavy car. Best car I've ever owned. Daily Driver with 265,000 miles.

[@EeeLife]

Can I ask when did you change the timing belt? I'm looking at some 200k miles ones, but not sure if they have changed the timing belt.

[@superslyko123]

@@EeeLife I did the timing belt at 150,000 miles. I had the shop do it, cuz it's hella tight in there. Lexus only shop. They talked me into water pump, alternator, & serpentine belt all at the same time too. I did, there was nothing wrong with the old one's, but because it's hella tight in there & I didn't want to do it later. 😊

[@edcain9492]

​@@EeeLife: Check Car Fax ,Most Dealerships & Large Shops Report tim.belt replacements.Books Say @ 90,000 but I've Heard Toyota Belts are so good,that as long as done by 100,000,You' l be Good& Try Ur Best to get the Asian Complete Sets of everything u'l need

[@iamsmokeyboy]

I love lexus I have 04 es 🏳but it's to small for me need to upgrade bac to the 430 👍🏽

[@josuenunezperez4214]

What was the asking price for that Lexus at the time of the video?

[@unboxbeast3405]

Can I fold the back sets

[@AlephTroll]

Looking at an 03’ ES300 for 5800. Got 170k miles. High for a couple of years ago but it seems to be pretty good these days. Any common issues I should be on the lookout for?

[@yonghangwang5254]

carmx gave $2600 estimate for my 06 ES330 with 118k miles. greedy!

[@JohnNorris411]

It is not exciting to drive and do not love the front end look, a bit too Toyota, but I like the profile and the rear end looks great. It is smooth and reliable and great on gas. Drives like a grandma's car but that is how I like it. The biggest danger of driving this car, falling asleep on long commutes. Also, the leather is pretty thin, even if it looks new, at this age it can tear easily so you have to keep it conditioned and really baby it.

[@azurealpaca]

not really good on gas actually

[@unknownwarrior5672]

​@@azurealpacawell its a v6 it could be worse. 17-19 mpg isn't good but its not the worst thing ever for what you get with this car

[@michaelmerritt9657]

I’m on my second one only bc the first was rear ended. If something happens to this one (God forbid), I’ll get another

[@garywhalen8518]

Can you please let me know if the 2004 es is as good as the 2006??????,04 doesn't have ventilated seats, but no big deal, but is the 04 still a great car sir???😌

[@jaipreist1789]

You can also roll the windows down by holding down the unlock button

[@AutoMotivate]

Geez, thats insane for 2006. Wish I herd of that before creating the video! Thanks for letting me know

[@jaipreist1789]

@@AutoMotivate no problem great review

[@blockmasterscott]

I never knew that. I’m gonna try it on mine! 👍

[@folksurvival]

The Luke Smith car. The ThinkPad of cars.

[@gabsmotors5428]

The ES330 was only produced from 2004 to 2006.

[@bryantreeves6044]

it's back now under that name

[@kyaaron39]

Japan built too for reliability

[@p71owner53]

Mine has 277k miles interior is still good condition and still runs good

[@EeeLife]

Can I ask when did you change the timing belt? I'm looking at some 200k miles ones, but not sure if they have changed the timing belt.

[@p71owner53]

@@EeeLife they should have a sticker somewhere on the engine bay but it’s still running strong at 285k I’m going to change it at 300k the previous owner stated it was changed at 230k and when I drove it,it felt so smooth and everything works still also I would get a 05 and up because those have not just heated but ventilated seats as well and the leather is more strider

[@garywhalen8518]

Looks like all the models from 03 through 06 have front component speakers??? Which is a plus,,,, sorry, meant 2002 through 06

[@octagonmixltd]

How can I buy to Nigeria?

[@michaelwayne1977]

I've been shopping for a new daily driver, and I like these cars, but I wonder: how old is too old for a daily driver? I worry that there will be problems due to the age of the car once we get past 15 years old or so. I'm assuming that even a very well-built, reliable car with low miles will have problems past that point.

[@bobbyc2736]

I bought one to daily …as long as it’s clean with maintenance history you have nothing to worry about …

[@JohnNorris411]

190K on my 2005 es330 Still looks and drives like a new car. I plan on having it for many many more years. During the summer I am putting 100 miles on it per day for 4 months straight. With an oil change the first of every month during the season. I just keep all the fluids fresh and the car is happy.

[@volvo1354]

Lexus uses interior wood from Yamaha, who makes guitars and pianos

[@natlovell122]

Es330 or es350?

[@JohnNorris411]

Parts for this car are very inexpensive, unlike a BMW or Mercedes. I can get a brand new, better-than-OEM radiator with a lifetime warranty for like $100. Oil and trans fluid are easy to change, no sealed trans, just a drain plug and dipstick.

[@depnox]

Gotta stick w/ my 1997 ES300. Better looks IMO & at 144K miles, I've just finally broken it in. 😅

[@ladyanthropology]

Idk why you came home without it, tbh 😒

[@AutoMotivate]

lmao

[@AhRamboRo]

Timeing belt

[@edcain9492]

U.Quoted Wrong H.p.its not 280.h.p. . i have a 2004 Es330 & mine is 225 h.p.& Engs.did not change on h.p.. Till 3.5 came out.But Love mine.Only thing u have to worry about them is changing Tim.belt @ 90,000 ml.intervals.Lexus didnt change to tim.chains till 2007;0n ES s.They dont Lose lot of Value till they have Over 150-175,000 mls Mine only has 71,500mls.& Have been Offered $12,500-13,500 because of low mlg.& Never being wrecked.

[@heeaach]

how much are you selling it for????

[@AutoMotivate]

I do not work for them, it is more of a mutually beneficial deal. But, I think it is under 10k with only 72k miles. If you are near ATX, check them out. www.drive512.com/

[@krabklaw3311]

@@AutoMotivate i have one thats premium that just broke 28k 2005

[@AutoMotivate]

@@krabklaw3311 what broke on it??

[@workingmanaudio2754]

Except when you have to spend 6k to fix a timing cover oil leak.

[@donny2108]

I thought this was the 300

[@accobra4272]

Never open the sunroof on Toyotas folks. Always keep them closed. Thank me later....

[@pragyasinha4365]

He looks like HARRY Potter 🌝

[@bythebooksgaming2721]

Wirs

[@AutoMotivate]

Huh?

[@bookstore101]

Rather get an Avalon.

[@marcianoperez6640]

All what he said is true New car high monthly high insurance high depreciate value Old lexus realiable same as toyota same company Lot of parts aftermarket

[@alonsocristan5458]

what's with the accent?

[@AutoMotivate]

How i speak my friend, what’s wrong with speaking different?

[@alonsocristan5458]

weird cause you don't have an accent sometimes but then you make that youtuber accent every now and then

[@AutoMotivate]

@@alonsocristan5458 KZbinr accent 😂 I have a speech impediment.

[@luism8612]

That’s a pretty rude thing to ask

[@sidramalikmohammad9946]

It is not

[@eclpsecomics]

I have a ES330 I bought with a salvage title for $4k with 109k but it was very clean interior wise and runs smooth now as my daily. Only thing I suggest for current owners is to get a better shell for the fob when it breaks by the key ring. I’m Currently using a shell by AJT that’s for the FJ cruiser since I replaced the shell at my Lexus dealer and it costed $150 with taxes (blade cut and shell [~$400 for full key] ) and it lasted from May 2022 until early December 2022; paying $150 and lasting 8 months is terrible