Looking to buy a 2007-2018 Lexus ES 350 or comparable Toyota vehicle with a V6 engine-in all these model years are there any Toyota/Lexus V6 engines to avoid?
The MZ-V6 is one motor you should avoid due to oil sludge. However this isn't in those model years so you should be ok. Have a mechanic look over the engine before buying and do a compression test if you are worried.
http://www.toyotaproblems.com/oil-sludge/
Always have a compression test, at the very least, of any vehicle you're thinking of buying.
The V6 engines have been pretty solid (bullet proof) on those. Due to the transverse layout and placement, realize getting to the back to replace spark plugs (on the second bank) is difficult and can be costly - not a dealbreaker but something to keep in mind and set aside money for.
Avoid the 2007-2012 years due to sticky dash issue:
Issues for other years:
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Lexus/ES_350/
