nelsjay

I had a 2003 ES300 (and a '93 ES before that), my wife currently drives a 2000 RX. We have loved these cars. Unfortunately, my 2003 was just totaled (I'm fine, thanks for asking). I was interested in purchasing a 2008 ES350 with the ultra luxury package and Levinson, but have been discouraged reading all the complaints on these forums. Before I plop down 45K for a new car, I would like to know: Does anyone here love their ES350?

MD350

Glad you are ok.

Wow, tough question. Do I love it?

Well, I have the UL with ML. Great package (would not buy it any other way)

This car has had some growing pains and I believe the pains are not gone yet. Yes, there are some good ones out there. But there are some problem cars too.

Now that I have had a ton of warranty work done on the car, it is running the best it has ever been. I am starting to enjoy it. But, it was a long road there (pardon the pun).

Would I buy another one, probably not. Would look into a Honda/Acura product. Have owned many and they have never let me down.

codex57

I'd say I love it. I'm noticing more of the reported problems, but they don't bother me as much as the stuff that went wrong on our BMW. I wish they weren't there, but I dunno what other car would have been better.

No TL or RL for me. About to be replaced. If you're not in a rush, maybe wait to see how the new TL and RL are like?

BillP

I don't love it, but I don't love any of my cars and that includes my 70 BOSS 302. I do enjoy the ES every time I take it on a trip when I get 30+ mpg on regular fuel, in a quiet good riding car that has plenty of room. I've driven 500 miles and felt pretty good after the trip. Don't know if I'd buy another one. I'd probably go to a Benz E Series diesel next, but that's a long way off.

nelsjay

Thanks for the replies so far. Unfortunately I am in a rush, since I'm driving a rental car. Other comments/suggestions appreciated. I don't think I would want to go past 45K (originally I was thinking 40, but you know how these things go).

ES350Bob

nelsjay,

You are accustomed to one of the quietest cars ever, ES300.

Like you I had owned 2 ES300 and LOVED them and was looking for more of the same in the ES350. I owned 2 ES350 and neither came even close to the ES300.

Take some time and thoroughly test drive before you decide, that is true of any car out there.

Good luck and glad you were not harmed in your accident.

nelsjay

Thanks Bob, that'll teach me to stop at red lights (two lanes of stopped cars, and a guy coming off the hwy rear ends me at full speed!).

LexBob2

nelsjay, for me "love" is too strong of a word for a car. I don't get that attached to them.

Am I satisfied? Yes, definitely, and I'm fast approaching two years of ownership.

Would I buy another one? Probably, unless something else catches my eye when the time comes.

Good luck with your decision.

Dave Mac

Well, love is kind of a strong word for a car but I have had mine for 15,000 miles and believe it is as good as any car I have ever owned - except maybe an earlier LS. I have had no problems and if I were in your position - having to get a car quickly - I would have another ES350 by tomorrow.

Dave Mac

nelsjay

OK, maybe love is too strong a word for a car. We keep our cars for a long time and value reliability and a nice drive. Yours is the attitude I'd expect from Lexus owners, but seems to be rare on these forums. That is what's concerning me.

Maybe I should have asked: "If you had it to do over again, would you still choose the ES350 over others in the price range?"

LexBob2

Yes! Without hesitation..

ng123ray

i definitely love my car, especially after doing some of my own oil changes and some modifications. it becames a child to me...

i'm saying if you dont love it when you get it... you will... it'll grow on you.. and as far as problems that occur on this car... its not as common as these forums claim to make it... here and there... scattered across the 50 states and canada...

SmokeyES35

i and quite fond of my es350.. and yes.. i would purchase it allll over again

oldcajun

Yes, I love my ES350. When the lease expired on my 2006 RX400h, I decided I wanted something a little quieter for long freeway trips. I'm at 5000 miles now and couldn't be happier with the 2008 ES350. None of the engine noise or transmission problems reported by others. No rattles or wind noise and I'm averaging almost 31 mpg on the Interstates at 80 mph. This one is a keeper! I still have questions about the value of the UL package but really like the contrast of the black glass roof with the Starfire Pearl paint.

Steve

350Dave

I get a feeling of satisfaction and pride every time I drive my 350. It is a wonderful car, the best of my 3 ES's...