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Is there any major difference between the 2008 and the 2009 lexus es330 in terms of engine performance?
I am in the market for a luxury sedan and I am torn between older Lexus models. Car dealers in Nigeria often badge cars incorrectly combining the 2008 and 2009 lexus es330 nameplates even though the engine changed globally. If I am buying a Nigerian registered model from this era what is the actual mechanical difference between the models produced during those years? Is there a difference in the dashboard materials avoiding the melting dashboard syndrome?
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3 days agoThe confusion surrounding the 2008 and 2009 lexus es330 in Nigeria is massive. To be perfectly clear mechanically speaking there is no difference because Lexus did not manufacture an ES330 in 2008 or 2009. The ES330 production ended in 2006. From 2007 to 2012 the model was globally replaced by the ES350 which uses an entirely different engine (the 3.5L 2GR-FE V6) and a 6 speed transmission. If someone is selling you a "2009 ES330" it is either an older 2005/2006 model that was registered late in Nigeria and falsely advertised on the papers or the dealer has slapped an ES330 badge on an ES350 trunk to appeal to Nigerian buyers who fear the ES350 melting dashboard issues.
josh
3 days agoIf we assume you are actually comparing the classic ES330 (2004-2006) with the newer ES350 (2007-2012) the engine performance difference is night and day. The older ES330 produces 218 horsepower using a timing belt. It is smooth quiet and very reliable but slightly sluggish. The newer ES350 produces a massive 272 horsepower using a timing chain. The ES350 is incredibly fast and aggressively responsive. However the early years of the ES350 (2007-2009) suffered terribly from the melting dashboard syndrome and water pump leaks. If you want the modern body shape of the ES350 try to buy the 2010 or 2011 facelift models where Lexus fixed the dashboard material and updated the front grille design.
josh
3 days agoAlways run the VIN (Chassis number) on the internet before buying. The VIN will tell you the exact year the car was manufactured at the factory regardless of what the Nigerian dealer wrote on the paper or the badge on the back.
josh
3 days agoThe older ES330 is better for Nigerian mechanics. The V6 engine is simple to fix. The newer ES350 V6 engine is packed very tightly and replacing the spark plugs requires removing the entire intake manifold which costs a lot in workmanship.
josh
3 days agoIf you buy the ES350 immediately replace the rubber VVT-i oil line with the upgraded metal pipe version. The rubber hose is known to burst suddenly draining all your engine oil on the highway and destroying the engine in seconds.