Sash

Isn't the current red color on the ES350 already called Matador Red Mica . . . my fathers car is in that color & its an 08.

John_B

The current 08 color is Royal Ruby Metallic (3R5). I really like it, but I am very partial to red (both of my vehicles are red). Since the 08 ES was for my wife, she got to chose the color in the avatar.

John

codex57

Not happening. It would defeat the purpose of the ES and IS. Lexus came to the business decision that instead of trying to please everyone and coming up with a half *** car, they decided to have two models to go for the conflicting aims of smooth ride and sportiness.

They realized it's too hard to have both in one car. So, instead of having a car with moderate smoothness cuz it added moderate sportiness, they decided to have a kick *** smooth luxury ride as one model and a kick *** sporty ride in another model.

superchan7

Now that I think about it, I read that ES is MacPherson struts at all four corners.

So much for even a possibility for aftermarket suspension mods.

lsher

This is the only new color for the 09 ES 350

MrMidnite

Have you had a chance to look through the brochure to see if there are any other changes for '09? I have been looking at '08 models this week. The best deal I have found so far is around $37,900 ($41,450 MSRP). I was told invoice was $36,041.

I am in limbo now trying to figure out whether to get an '08, or wait for an '09. Not sure if they will want to deal as much on an '09 vs the outgoing '08. Here in the Pacific NW the Lexus dealers want to try and always sell at full sticker.

codex57

Don't BMWs and Porsches use struts in their cars? Just cuz it's a strut suspension doesn't mean there can't be aftermarket suspension mods.

lsher

I have looked though the entire brochure and that is the only change that I can see.

toneman

That's what the IS 350 is for; yes the ES 350 doesn't really handle that great in the curves but that should come as no surprise to anyone who's thinking about driving one--the ES has never been advertised as being a great-handling luxury sedan in the same vein as BMW 3-series. Not many models out there in the ES 350's price range that offer both the ride of an ES 350 and the handling of an IS 350.

jagtoes

I bought the ES for it's soft couch like ride. I assumed anyone who purchased this model was not looking for a "handling" type sedan . I believe that what the GS model is for. So for a great cruiser with a lot of creature features at a low price then the ES is the one to get. Leave the handling package to the ricers.

LexBob2

When I was shopping for my ES350 when it came out in 4/06, that's exactly was Lexus was saying about it. For a firmer ride and more sportier handling, they have the IS and GS 350's. The ES is to serve the purpose you stated.

Given the demograpics of the majority of ES buyers, I doubt if they'd sell enough with a handling package to make it pay. I recently read that the Avalon will no longer be available with the Touring Package.

Rash

iTrader: (1)

The 2009 IS will have new changes like

refreshed grill (similar to 2008 GS)
signal light on the mirror (similar to 2008 GS)
and some other stuff

maybe the 2009 ES will have some minor changes just like the GS and IS.

es350owner

I just bought the 2008 es350 and so far there is no rattles, cold engine knock or transmission flare yet... it's been perfect so far... knock on wood!!!

Druha

i love having a car with wood inside, makes it a lot more convenient

toneman

"...more convenient", as opposed to a car that doesn't have wood inside? You're gonna have to explain what you meant with that comment...