The 2004 Lexus ES 330 Is A Dependable Budget Lexus For A Price Conscious Shopper

The #Lexus brand may have gotten its #JapaneseBuick nickname from the #LexusES series, but you can't argue with the how reliable and dependable this nameplate is for the brand. While the current #LexusES350 is due for a redesign, those of you not looking to spend $40-50k can easily pick up a used #LexusES330 for about 10% of the price. While lacking in modern tech features, this 2004 #ES330 has all the buttery smoothness you expect from a Lexus vehicle along with the long-term reliability that comes with the badge.
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[@theredline]

Happy Sunday everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! Our newest member of the team, Martin was kind enough to let us borrow his latest daily that he picked up earlier this year. The Lexus ES was never the most exciting car in its class, but it was always one of the smoothest, quietest, most comfortable, and reliable and this week, were in San Diego to drive the redesigned Camry, which should follow suit with a redesigned ES in 2026. Stay tuned for lots of new content coming up this week, including our First Look video on the redesigned 2025 4Runner on 4/9!

[@TheStimie]

Test the 24 es the last real lexus besides the lc

[@toyota420xp]

This was the Lexus that everyone said didn’t do enough to have the Lexus badge. It wasn’t far enough away from the Camry.

[@victorblock3421]

@@toyota420xp I had both. It is far enough away from the Camry

[@TheStimie]

@@toyota420xp let soyfan test it and see if you are correct my brother.

[@UhhhhhnooOOo00oO]

You are not Scotty. He's a dullard, but an amazing mechanic.

[@SOCAL_SHORTS_FACTORY]

I love old car reviews from Sofyan. Brings me back to the good old days of this channel!

[@sachinnair91]

True! It's crazy to think that Sofyan started reviewing cars as a young man and now 15 years later, he's middle aged! He's now a seasoned expert car reviewer at the top of his game! So excited for his 2025 Camry review video later this week! Go Sofyan!

[@chrismcintosh8790]

Absolutely!! Back when he worked at the Ford dealer 😂

[@KR_Diecasts]

@@chrismcintosh8790that’s how I found Sofyan!

[@minipandora22]

Thanks to J.Biden, THIS is all we can afford. shame shame shame

[@MartyMotoring]

Thanks for having me on again! 👍🏼

[@equezada631]

Could you drop the Info for your screen? Or if you have it on your Site will you drop that link. Thank you so much you did an amazing job.

[@pandaman1677]

Just bought for this car for 3000 bucks. 197,000 miles and drives like a dream. Made in Japan! Had a choice to put down 4000 for a Lexus 2018 gs with a monthly payment of 350 a month for 4 years or 4000 down for a Model 3 2019 with a monthly payment of 400 dollar a month for 4 years . Glad I bought this car. Love the 6 disc CD changer and cassette tape deck too. 😅

[@jdmj0]

I LOVE these old-used car reviews! At a time when new car prices are just insane, I think a HUGE part of your audience could use reviews like this to know what great values can be had at such affordable prices.

[@dontarguewithidiots7459]

These things are bulletproof. My dad kept his 2002 for SIXTEEN years. I had to pry it out of his hands. He ended up getting a new 2018 ES.

[@Desertbiker617]

One more year, he would have gotten all new generation.

[@zmir813]

Exactly man. My 2014 ES still drives like it’s only a few years old.

[@The2Coolest2]

No they aren't. The 300 and 330 had many transmission issues. Next gen had bigger improvements.

[@bigh8121]

😂😂😂 like Charton Heston slogan. 😂😂😂

[@CCANGEL333]

​@@Desertbiker617also apple carplay I think 2020.

[@fredgalloway5809]

I had an 2005 version of this car in 2013. I sold my Cadillac for that car and since then I have consistently bought Toyota or Lexus. Man I miss that car.

[@thegish71]

I like this older car review... Either a budget buy or a first car for someone young.. Thanks for this!

[@stephendibari5010]

3 years ago this month i bought my 1 owner 2002 ES300 with "only" 160k miles. Black on black leather, with same California Walnut wood trim. Best sedan car I've ever owned, now with 180,600 miles its still goin strong. the 4th gen ES was one of the best quality ES's ever built. Whisper quiet, solid like a tank and just enough power. The 1MZ-FE engine is one of the best V6's ever made. There is one on KZbin posted about 4 years ago with at that time 596k highway miles on the original engine and transmission. I installed a Alpine touch screen and hardwired backup camera. Original owner had the timing belt/water pump changed at 87k miles at a Lexus dealership and I'm due for a replacement soon. They simply don't make them like this anymore. Plenty of people say its just a glorified camry, wrong. The amount of insulation/sound deadening material is unbelievable. Also, the front strut tower brace and the bracing behind the rear seats sets this apart from a camry. The owners manual recommends 93 octane, and thats what i use. never used 87 and i get 30-32 mpg on the highway. I'll be retiring in 4 years and I'll be holding onto this one for many many years. Mine has optional HID headlights and i installed yellow fog lights. I also replaced my hood strut just a few months ago. There's no doubt you lose plenty of power using regular gas. He got a great deal at $2,250. I paid $4,495 with 160k miles, 3 years ago during the height of Covid, still a great deal.

[@baronvonjo1929]

What makes it more reliable and superior than the current ES in your opinion? Or even the last gen?

[@stephendibari5010]

@@baronvonjo1929 for me you can’t get anything remotely comparable for the price considering mine was 19 years old when i bought it for only $4495. not one switch or button is broken. at 22 years old everything still works like new. so basically it comes down to money. i do like the exterior of the next generation 2007 through 2012 better, but 3 years ago they were about 5-6 k more for a similar ES350

[@caliboyrob]

I used to think these were so ugly. But now as an adult I’ve grown to like them. Always thought the rear power retractable sunshade was cool plus heated & cooled seats on a “fancy Camry” made it even better. Love these retro reviews! Hoping you get your hands on a 1st Gen Scion TC, everyone in high school wanted that car.

[@xFactoryUSA]

Same, even the purple color that EVERY single one came in, has grown on me …😂

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

I have seen a lot of these older Lexus ES models and I actually love the design. It goes to show that they are very dependable and reliable as expected from Lexus.

[@mcfragger2605]

I have this car with the sunshade option equipped. I named it the peasant blocker

[@Reefdevil]

Same. I thought they used to be so hideous with the stretched headlights… but most vehicles have a similar look now. It was waaaaaay ahead of its time.

[@805NAVE]

I’ve got one of these with 334,000 miles in almost mint condition. 05 ES330, Gold / tan fully loaded. Power sunshade, mark levinson audio, chrome wheels, touch screen nav, auto rain sense wipers , heated and ventilated seats. Super Luxurious! Mine has the sport suspension !! Little dial next to the shifter and power sunshade button. I always keep it in comfort haha. So smooth. The sport does help on twisty roads with body roll mitigation.

[@brenrob7403]

Keep the old reviews coming!

[@pierothol2022]

Yessss !!!!! More videos like this please. I love how you're reviewing old vehicles that a lot of people can afford. Or for people who have a weekend car but need a daily driver. But no matter what, I love all your videos. Thank you!

[@sophaman9193]

2 years ago I sold my 1998 camry v6 to my friend very reliable he is still driving until now no oil leak the car have over 300 000 kilometers on it thanks for sharing your video take care bye from milton Ontario Canada

[@2isadventures]

My mom had one of these. Best car ever and super reliable.

[@Kristian_Saile]

Can’t go wrong with these or the Camry/Avalon’s of this era. 6 years ago we picked up a ‘98 Avalon that was one owner, 140,000, retiree owned with complete service history for $2,500 to use as a disposable commuter car. The paint quality, the interior quality, the ride quality is all great and it is so low maintenance. 6 years later and despite other new vehicles, we still drive this regular all 4 seasons. They last forever. We joke about it being a Japanese Buick too. 😆

[@Mac4280]

Please keep making the older car reviews! Love them 😁

[@codyshirk8110]

My ES300 is on 225k miles, running like a champ. Best $1,600 we ever spent.

[@JCondorYTPs]

Glad you’re giving the people what they want, keep the retro reviews coming 🙏

[@AutoRevLife]

Seems like he's going back to his roots! Which is how i found his channel originally

[@wascarperez9672]

I love the older car review 😊

[@mickiemack2748]

I bought a new 2002 Lexus ES300 when they first came out - Alabaster Metallic w/beige leather & Mark Levinson sound (7-speakers). That car was super creamy smooth and quiet. The quality of materials and assembly were perfect and I got an average of 26mpg during 4 years of ownership. The styling then (and now) was rather bland but the car rode so well and I never had a lick of trouble out of it. Sold it 4 years later w/25K miles - a great car that is probably still on the road today.

[@JoshRocks712]

my parents bought theirs new and we still have it at 305k miles. it got my brother and i through driving lessons and college. these things can’t be beat!

[@cuso20]

My mom had her 2004 ES330 for 18 years. Near mint condition, 140,000 miles on. She gave it to me 2 weeks ago. It is beautiful!!!!!

[@KNRS927]

Cant go wrong with an older Lexus ES if you want a cheap, used, and reliable car with some luxury thrown in.

[@victorblock3421]

Excellent presentation. These are the type of cars I drive, cheap and reliable. No new cars for me.

[@vaby100]

The review is spot on!!! I have an 06 ES330. I also have an 06 LS430 so waiting for that review. These things just keep running and never break.

[@labradachig1976]

The LS460 is one of the few Lexus models that Car Care Nut would not recommend. Too many problems. But I'm happy yours is doing fine.

[@vaby100]

@@labradachig1976 My bad, sorry for the typo. I have 06 LS 430 not 460. LS 460 started selling in 07. There is no 2006 LS460. You are right 460 is not that reliable compared to 460 which is why I never upgraded.

[@cobbiek]

I have this car and it drives like a dream! Keep these old car reviews coming ❤

[@Veyronp87]

OGs remember Sofya preferred the Acuras of this generation to the Lexus

[@GOD999MODE]

2-4 year used Lexus models are always a safe bet for long term reliability and overall driving pleasantness for duration of ownership.

[@wayneyim8714]

Loved these older car reviews!!!! Really appreciate how "analog" they were compared to the newer cars, as much as I enjoyed the tech that comes with it.

[@johansenBB]

I had one of this back in 2016, I sold it for $2,600. One of my biggest regrets was selling it, that car was confortable, reliable, good on gas, still missed 😢

[@samt6788]

I’m loving these “retro” reviews keep them up!

[@MrChubbytaco]

keep up theses old car reviews! there great

[@MirsTrip]

This is a great review. I appreciate you not bashing it for being an ancient interior. So many reviewers are spoiled from all the new stuff they get and so they think everything before 2020 is from the dinosaur age. Really well done

[@dimitritemples4437]

This is my exact daily beater and its not a car... its a tank. Literally cost nothing to run and maintain. Plus the car won't die or show its age. One of the best used car gems 💎 you can buy on the used market. Shares all same parts from a camry so parts are always cheap and available.

[@trandizzle5]

Lexus es version of Toyota Avalon and Camry

[@MrSebby125]

I had this but 2005 as my first car! Was a hand me down from my grandfather and it had 317,000 miles when I got it!! I drove it till it was almost at 400,000 and then sold it to a coworker for his son to have as his first car! They are BULLETPROOF! My favorite car ever. I now have a 13 es300h and love that too!

[@kz7432]

Thanks for doing these older car reviews! Really enjoyed this one

[@divineoracle4809]

Yes yes yes redline! I love these reviews. Please keep these up. I used to watch a lot, these are going to bring me back! Love your review style, the used market is popular. Thank you

[@marcelpatel9017]

I have my 2005 Camry which shares the same chassis as this Lexus ES. Amazing car. Over 19 years old and with over 350,000 kms. Smooth car and solid. Toronto, Canada.

[@icecold8974]

2 years ago, I bought a 06 Infiniti M45s with 150k one owner, dealer maintained and garaged. It came with an entire book of maintenance records every 3k oil change. I keep it the exact same way and it’s got about 179k miles now. I love reviews like this.

[@zmir813]

These cars are so hard to break down. My 2014 E350 still drives like it’s only a year or two old. One of the last true and trident V-6 vehicles.

[@kingfu7996]

I listened to this review in my car literally as an ES330 was in front of me in traffic, didn't realise they were relatively limited production. What you said about the handling and body roll is true though. I watched that man hustle that thing at 45mph through a corner and it looked like it was about to catch air lol

[@Soh90]

Sofyan, I'm so happy you brought back older cars to your channel. Keep em' coming! I still remember watching hour Celica review years ago ❤ I got a couple weird cars in my fleet too if you want to take them for a quick shoot brother. Love these ES's. Comfy, reliable, and well built. The Camry of that generation was equally very well built. My mother bought one brand new in 2005 and still has it till this day. Only thing that has failed was the CD player.

[@sagemoonchild333]

I love this!!!!! Keep reviews like this coming!

[@zanhalen4856]

I actually sold a 2004 es330 about a year ago. Only had 78,000 miles on it. It was my grandma's. Loved that car

[@rashadwingfield6111]

Got one 4 months ago, 04, silver 330 at 209,000 miles 😳 6000 mile (full warranty) and now at 213,000 and had to have a transmission replaced, glad I got the warranty 😭 it’s a sweet automobile

[@IndieRocke]

Love this older review! Would like to see more unique/reliable used vehicle reviews on the channel sprinkled in between the newer reviews and reveals.

[@Reefdevil]

My 2005 is still rolling around. Only major repairs it ever had were a new alternator, and exhaust flex pipe replaced. Outside of new plugs, timing belt, filters and fluids… it’s all original. Only one bulb has ever burned out on it… the third brake light.

[@natlovell122]

How many miles on it and how many times have you had to replace to timing belt?

[@bybchucky]

Awesome! Love to see these retro reviews.

[@phillyspitta8147]

189k mark Levi and moonroof in silver been flawless for me 7 years later . I love my 04 es330

[@miamimickey1972]

I totally love this idea. This works for folks who are looking into used cars or for car enthusiasts. 🎉 Thanks for doing this. Hope you do more. 🎉🎉

[@johnhenrymcmahon6878]

Fantastic, guys! I so enjoyed this. Bravo for showing a good buy of a quality piece of Lexus. ;)

[@Windows98R]

My image with older Lexus vehicles is always that they’re mechanically bulletproof but a lot are justifiably totaled on the interior because they last so long and you can drive them for a very long time. Not as much on the sedans but definitely so on the SUVs. So the important part is finding one that isn’t torn up.

[@9trf690]

This video was a pleasant nostalgic surprise!

[@alphaeta53]

This video was fantastic! Please do more of these!

[@jean-claudebertrand7125]

I used to have one 2004 which I sold in 2016. I miss it since then. What a great car for sure.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Sofyan, This is as classy as a FWD can get. 🤩Too bad Martin no longer has the Vibe. 😐

[@Thebusdriverandgamermorefan790]

One of the best used cars & I should buy this.

[@EnriqueGarcia-zh6ie]

I have a 2006 Toyota Solara (Same engine and transmission) I’m at 240k miles and zero issues. Bullet proof cars

[@labradachig1976]

2004 Solara V6 owner here. Man, these engines are built like tanks. Mine has 240k and it sounds like the day it was released. The timing belt kit replacement is one thing that'll hurt your wallet (I paid $1700 in today's market, crazy). Other than that, no issues whatsoever. Materials are on par with ES330.

[@bluegrassbabe1]

When you came to a stop in those cars it was dead silence, you couldn't tell the motor was running!

[@Jamesbaker123]

I love that you mix in some older car reviews

[@TomDeVito]

As a Chevy Guy, I’ve always had a soft spot for the Lexus ES this thing is a tank

[@adrianperez6193]

Loving the older car reviews, would love to see a video with your recommendations of older luxury SUVs that are dependable

[@billbolduc5982]

Wow - great price! For that price, you can spend another $2K to recondition and it will look new.

[@sachemrock]

Thank you for doing these used car reviews. In these times of ridiculous new car prices this is a great service to people who could never afford a new automobile anymore.

[@chrismcintosh8790]

The video is so nostalgic my grandma bought one brand new in this exact color. I was 8 and I remeber it very vividly. *Sigh* would love to go back to this era

[@michaelfields98]

Love these older car videos! I have a 2012 ZDX technology package would be a cool car to review again!!

[@dtna]

You just can't beat the quality, dependability and reliability of a Toyota/Lexus vehicle.

[@SteveLong-kf4wx]

We just bought this exact car a couple weeks ago. 113k miles on it, $7k. Wife is over the moon happy with it.

[@Tartan1206]

Love the used car review!!! Need more of them

[@Mike_221]

Nice review brother!

[@h3e44]

Love the older car reviews 😊

[@9trf690]

The infotainment upgrade he did looks really good! You would never know that wasn’t an original piece.

[@jeffthielke8091]

My dad has this same year and model. 48,000 original miles, always in the garage, battery on trickle charge in the winter. I drove it 6 months ago… like floating on air and it is perfect.

[@regan8372]

I love these!! Can you find a first generation 3.5RL? I still see those around Houston often and it’s also a nostalgic car from my childhood.

[@ruffmadman]

I had that car up until last year. It holds up pretty well compared to cars nowadays, but the fuel efficiency could be better. Its rated for 21 combined, but I'd say in real world usage, its closer to 17

[@ajjax89]

I have the last year model. 2012 es 350. I got it back in 2015 with 40k miles on it. It now has 150k miles on it.. black on black... I put the yellow HID's on mine

[@davidc8694]

Mine was a beast that would not die. I finally sold it to a friend who drove it to nearly 300k.

[@CashMoneyReckadz]

Would not die!! My mom had hers up until 300K miles too and she's like enough is enough 😆

[@805NAVE]

What’s wrong with you guys!?! KEEP it going!!! Mines at 334k and I’m never getting rid of it haha! Hoping to get half mil at least

[@CashMoneyReckadz]

@@805NAVE She joked that she’d keep it until the wheels fell off but that didn’t age well when she realized she’d had the car for nearly 2 decades and she got bored 🤣

[@nicholasbabeaux2052]

OK Sofyan you reminded me of when I first started watching your videos what 10 years ago LMAO I love ES330’s , I guess I’m an old spirit🤷🏻‍♂️ I do like the refresh a lot more. The restyled bumpers, sides skirts, the 17 inch rims and the projector headlights look fantastic. And you could also get adaptive dampers on the ES 330 and I believe the ES300.

[@axelquezada7668]

It’s crazy the difference in engineering from 04 es to 06 an is250 years later technology advanced like crazy

[@user-dw5tm2yq9q]

Great review. i am am Lexus fan and those cars are incredibly reliable.

[@joelfuentes5148]

I really like these used cars reviews. It reminds me of the early days of the channel.

[@snakehandler87]

This generation of Lexus was just incredible the es the GS the SC and the LS all stupidly reliable amazing vehicles

[@mumbojumboplay]

This video was such a treat. Nostalgic. I had a 2003 Lexus ES 330 silver/grey leather. I LOVED that car and loved the wood in it. I traded it in for a 2007 Lexus LS460.

[@MegaRetr]

Excellent presentation)))

[@medgodrs3196]

Marty Lexus legend 🤌

[@Out2theIndoors]

After 332,746 thousand miles. A couple of transmission control shift sensor modules gave out on me. Engine still ran, transmission just wont shift. Got myself a newer lexus now. Those were good enough miles in my eyes

[@user-tk7km1sr7e]

We had ours for 20 years, 155k miles. This car has the original head unit with a cassette tape player and cigarette lighter with ash tray. The cars still runs fine.

[@sethsheldon1807]

300k and still running strong 💪

[@howardkaye8779]

I like driving a pre 2011 Lexus ES because I get to play all my mix cassette tapes in 2024.

[@shinkuflame]

I own a 2006 ES 330 in Oasis Green decked out with navigation, 6 disc cd changer, moon roof, heated and ventilated seats, heated mirrors, rear sunshade, and the list goes on. Insane vehicle with 254k miles and just won't die. Love my car and no, it is not for sale! lol

[@everydayvideos604]

I enjoy the older reviews!

[@tonyp3336]

My grandmother handed down this exact same car to my brother and I. Color and year identical, 331k in the rust belt and hasnt skipped a beat.

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

2000s Toyota and Lexus products will still go on forever and will remain bulletproof 🥰🥰👍👍 this ES is a good example of that. Martin really knows how to buy amazing used cars 👍👍 I loved that Pontiac Vibe but I’m sure the ES will be easier to live with, so good find Martin!

[@poptartsandburgers]

It is absolutely beautiful! Pure satisfaction at 11:30...just listening to that starter of a beautiful Toyota V6. Really sad to see that Toyota is phasing out their tried and true V6.

[@WSG-fv9dq]

Such cool and underrated vehicle

[@tovyaweissberg47]

It's true. We have a 2003 es with over 250,000 miles. Only done repairs that are expected with age like alternator, starter anything with rubber like a cv axle... mines fully loaded too even has an old touch screen & adjustable suspension. The thing just won't die ! Leather interior is still mint with practically no care or conditioning.