MDames2

iTrader: (1)

I've had my ES350 for about 7 months and 4,800 miles. Recently I went on an extended vacation. I didn't drive my ES for about 3 weeks. I drove a luxury SUV on vacation. When I did drive my car again it was sooo impressive. It is quiet, smooth, lots of power. I could not be happier with my car. It is everything I expected out of a Lexus. I've grown accustomed to the slight tapping sound on cold starts. Since I know it's not a mechanical problem, it's now just some minor, temporary background noise. This car is really a dream to drive.

smexxy

hey everyone, i'm thinking about buying the ES and i've been reading up on all the posts. I'm not a major car freak but i've learnt a lot reading all your posts. I just had a question though, is it possible right now to put in your own sound system and navi? or has no one figured out a way to do it yet? also, how much you think it would cost me to lower the car through lexus?

nyardich

I have 03/06 build. All options except ML, full sunroof.
I have only had slight knock since purchase and dealer says normal.
I drove 3 loaners and same problem.
I have accepted this...............
Just came back from 2,000 mile trip to Myrtle Beach and Penna with nothing but positive comments. Got average 33 miles per gal and even some 38 MPG.
Gps worked flawlessly. Loved the power, especially through NC and VA, lots of hills etc.
Guys I stayed with Golf Guys loved my car and always wanted me to drive.
One had new Caddilac other had new Camry.
I would buy another one with out hesitation.
In warm weather I can barely heare Diesel knock and with this many miles I am confident not a major issue.
I used regular gas most of the time.

LexBob2

Nice report. I'm having the same experience with my 4/06 build car. Three driving vacations, and the usual congested street and expressway driving. The car has been bullet proof to date. On a recent 600 mile round trip to Detroit I got a little over 31 mpg @ 70-80 mph. I too would buy another one in a heartbeat.

mmrfr

Just got back from vacation, Wilmington and Myrtle Beach. Drove about 1000 miles total and the best I got was 28 mpg and ran 93 octane all the way. Ran about 75 most of the way as it was mostly interstate.

LexBob2

Were there hills or mountains where you were driving? On our recent trip, there were only two people in the car and it was relatively flat. When we drove thru the hills and mountains in TN and GA recently, my mileage dipped and then recovered after driving out of them.

mmrfr

Bob, pretty flat most of the way, two adults and one 5 year old, but my wife does over pack so we were loaded pretty good. Still yet I really though I would get atleast 30mpg over the interstate. My car has Bridgestones oem tires could that make any difference?

LexBob2

Ours came with the all-season Michelin's, which I think is common in this part of the country. I'm not sure if the mileage with them is different than the Bridgestones. Are the Bridgestones all-season?

mmrfr

Yes, they are all season. Alot of tire noise but I have found bridgestone to handle well. Never noticed a drop in mpg on other rides when i changed to bridgestones,

RobF350

it has been one year, and about 12k miles.

no slips, no mysterious rattles or squeeks, no trips to the dealer for anything except 2 oil changes.

My dilema is going to be what car to get next if they dont redesign it soon!

Maybe that new IS with the V8 if its not too un-comfortable, wife thinks the LS is too large and a bit mature for our needs.

rjm

It bothers me that nearly 20% of the respondents in this poll say they would most likely trade their ES350 for another car if they could. I wonder if you would get the same response from LS460 owners, or BMW owners, or Mercedes owners, etc.?