2005 Es 330

[SenorDos]

Hi. I'm currently shopping for a 2005 ES 330. I'm content with the standard features on the base model. Maybe 17" alloys, but not really interested in any other factory options. Just looking for some input from anyone whe owns one or is also shopping. Likes/dislikes, advice, etc. Thanks!

[toyotaholic]

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2005/lexu...dex...1.Lexus*

hope this helps. heard 06 model will get 245 hp.

[Flipside909 [SC³]]

Originally Posted by SenorDos

Hi. I'm currently shopping for a 2005 ES 330. I'm content with the standard features on the base model. Maybe 17" alloys, but not really interested in any other factory options. Just looking for some input from anyone whe owns one or is also shopping. Likes/dislikes, advice, etc. Thanks!

It's hard to find a base model ES but there are certain dealers that will carry them. I guarantee you the smaller dealerships in your area will not have them readily available. I would check w/Stevens Creek, Fremont or Concord for that specific model. My favorite feature of the ES for 2005 is the vented/heated seating.

[SenorDos]

Originally Posted by Flipside909 [SC³]

It's hard to find a base model ES but there are certain dealers that will carry them. I guarantee you the smaller dealerships in your area will not have them readily available. I would check w/Stevens Creek, Fremont or Concord for that specific model. My favorite feature of the ES for 2005 is the vented/heated seating.

You're right, a pure base model (with zero options) isn't really common. I'm actually going with the lowest of the three packages that are readily available. It's the only one w/o navigation. It includes nine factory options, including the heated/ventilated front seats. MSRP $35,469.00. s/b driving home with one by mid-week. Thx. for the replies.

[Flipside909 [SC³]]

Good luck. Try Longo Lexus here in SoCal. They're the #1 Lexus Dealership in the US right now.

[xpeed]

I don't think he wants to drive 600 miles down to buy it from Longo at City of Industry. But yes, Longo are one of the best Lexus dealers.

[05Limited]

Originally Posted by SenorDos

You're right, a pure base model (with zero options) isn't really common. I'm actually going with the lowest of the three packages that are readily available. It's the only one w/o navigation. It includes nine factory options, including the heated/ventilated front seats. MSRP $35,469.00. s/b driving home with one by mid-week. Thx. for the replies.

My wife and I were so close to buying an ES then we decided to drive over to Toyota to compare the Camry vs the ES seeing how it is the same platform. We'll while at the dealer we discovered the 05 Avalon Limited that is larger and has more bells and toys than the ES including Nav all for 35,247.00

If you have not made the comparison I recommend giving it a try. The only quality difference I noticed is that on bumpy or noisy roads the ES is quieter, but I was willing to swap that for the larger interior of the Avalon. Happy shopping!

[02RSX90camry]

w00t! congrats man! Those 05 avalons are nice!

EDIT: haha, i thought u were the thread starter and changed your mind. but seriously, good choice anyways

[xpeed]

You're actually getting more for your money with the 2005 Avalons. There so much stuff that you get that you can't get on the ES330. Great choice.

[05Limited]

Well, in all fairness to Lexus the ES has a fully electric steering wheel (tilt & Telescopic) that is tied to the memory selector and the Avalon does not. The ES also uses touch screen for the Nav and Avalon is cursor driven which is much harder to point to locations. The Lexus warranty is better and the Lexus dealer has a small fleet of Camry loaner cars for you to use even for half day repairs. Having said all that I believe that for the money the Avalon is a better deal than the ES and the Avalon has great cup holders

[05Limited]

SENIORDOS,

What did you decide on? Inquiring minds want to know

[84Cressida]

What are the sales for the ES330 right now anyway?

[SenorDos]

OK, so I get the ES, I'm excited as hell, then I come back here to learn what an idiot I am for not looking at an Avalon!

Oh well, as expected, I guess there's a premium for the Lexus label, huh?

Nevertheless, we're very happy. Ended up getting the "High-Intensity Discharge Headlamps (HID) with Additional Options" package (as described on the Lexus site). It doesn't have nav. but has the following:

- High-Intensity Discharge Headlamps (HID) with dynamic auto leveling (includes rain-sensing variable intermittent wipers)
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- 6-Disc In-Dash CD Auto Changer
- Wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob
- Power rear sunshade
- 17" Alloy wheels with summer tires
- Preferred Accessory Package (includes Cargo net, Trunk mat and Wheel locks)

We bought from Magnussen in Fremont. After a couple Hondas (95 Civic & 05 CR-V - great cars as well, btw), it's great to be back in the Toyota family (still have my 91 MR2, had a 78 Celica).

[Toysrme]

Kewl!
Clublexus.com use to be the big ES forum. Now it's spread between Clublexus, and LexusOwnersClub.
LOC is actually busier now a days.

[SenorDos]

As if no one here knows what the ES looks like, here are some lame-ass pics of it in the garage...