lexguynj

I'm wondering if it's a good time to purchase a new 2003 ES300?

With the introduction of the new RX330 and the new V6 Engine coming in March / April of this year, eventually this engine will be used in the ES, definitely in the next model year. Maybe Lexus may even introduce the new 2004 ES330 earlier than expected. Although this has not been confirmed, you know it's on its way and just a matter of time.

But it's only a slight increase in horsepower and the pricing will most likely increase too.

Anyone other fellow members already in the market for a ES have any opinions or thoughts in making this decision?

Thanks!

jpanagia

I hope so. I pick mine up at 3:00PM today. I'm not crazy about the snow that's falling right now.

John P

lexguynj

Congratulations on your new ES! What color combo did you get and did you get the VSC/Traction Control option / All Season Tires?

Even with just front wheel drive, you should still be OK with some light snow.

jpanagia

I got the Mystic Sea Opalescent with Ivory Interior.

Options:
All Season Tires
Heated Seats
High Intensity Lights
Auto Leveling and Rain sensing wipers
Prem Package
Leather Trim Inter w/Memory
6 Disc single feed in dash changer
Vehicle Skid Control:
Brake assist and Traction control
Wood and Leather Steering wheel
Trunk Mat, Wheel Locks and Cargo Net
I also added the extended wood package.

Dealer nocked 2200 off the sticker and 400 off the extended wood.

About the car:

Silky smooth drive train. Shifting seems very responsive. I heard about alot of 02s with a shifting problem. Doesn't seem to be a problem here.

The seats are extremely confortable and the interior is more roomy than the 2000 528I I traded for this car. The rear seating looks pretty roomy too. The climate control and premium stereo are far better than the BMW counterparts. This car is all about comfort and luxary and it hits the mark.

I asked my salesman about the 2004. He said they have no indication that anything will be different. I pressed him about the RX330 and the new engine, he didn'y beleive it would change. I would consider is comments very unofficial.

For now, I look forward to better dribving conditions.

TEXLEXOLD

Great time, in negotiating i'm down to 500 over invoice on a dealer order on a nav/lev! Almost $5,000 under sticker.

500amg

I spoke with a couple of salesman at my local dealership that claimed ignorance with the ES330 for 2004...as I expected them to (either in trying to make a sale now or a real lack of knowledge). The owner, however, told me straight that for 2004 the ES is getting the new 3.3 liter engine. The owner also said nothing else will be different in the car except the engine. This makes sense, because the ES is due for a slight refresh in 2005 (3 years after intro).

I am currently in your boat as well Lexguynj. I'm debating whether or not the extra ~30 horses is enough for me to wait and probably pay a higher price. I can get a 2003 ES300 for 500-1000 over invoice. I'm sure the 2004 won't see those types of discounts for at least 4-5 months after intro. My decision as of now is to negotiate a good deal on a 2003 and go ahead and buy it. Another thing you may want to consider with the new engine is intro year bugs. From my understanding, it isn't exactly the same engine that will be used in the RX330 (it has a few tweaks).

kreativ

I agree with your reasoning. Many potential buyers (the kind who don't follow up on cars) will view the "ALL NEW ES330" as a brand new car. Smart move by Lexus, rather than waiting until '07 for the ES330. They're getting two "new design/model" sales pushes in the same design generation.

So I agree this will keep discounts at bay for at least 4-5 months after intro (dependant on area of course). But I think once the '04 ES330 is made official, prices on the '03 ES300 should drop even lower. You should be able to get it under invoice. In fact, the ES300 has been selling under invoice in Southern California for months now without having to do any bargaining. I suspect if you actually do bargain rather than relying on an online service or buying program, you could go even lower.

tarheelrx

Hi LexGuy -- Not sure if you are still interested, but seems as if the prices seem to be going even lower on the ES. My wife and I test drove one again today, and then went home on CarsDirect ( we are in central NJ). The pricing that comes up on there is about 500 UNDER invoice, so timing may be good. Cannot imagine that it can get too much lower....

LexusPia

You may want to wait till the ES330 comes out to get a super deal on the ES300. Currently you should be able to pick up a new ES300 for about $500 over invoice however dealer may not be willing to do the same on the new ES330. I agree the 10 hp is most likely not going to make a bean of difference however they may include other improvements in the new ES that are not found on the current.