MikeP

I bought my 2010 ES in Oct. 2009 and took it in for the 5000 mile service last week. I also made sure my gas tank was at or below 1/4, because I had the recall work done also. I specifically asked for a new pedal to be installed and since the dealer had them in stock, they honored my request. I also got a full tank of gas and another set of plastic fasteners for the floor mats, since I had removed mine. I don't notice any difference in throttle response with the ECU upgrade.

Now the weird part. I was assigned a 2009 ES as my loaner. It was in good condition with about 16,000 miles. It had the same light gray interior as my car, but of course it didn't have the 2010 changes. That in itself threw me a little because I would forget I was driving the loaner. Then I'd reach for some button, only to do a double take when I saw something was different. The biggest surprise for me, was the difference in driving feel. The suspension felt firmer and the steering was a little heavier in the '09. Maybe I missed out on reading about some of the changes from 2009 to 2010, but did Lexus soften the suspension and reduce the steering effort for 2010?

I have to say the service was excellent, except for the empty tray where the chocolate chip cookies used to be.

LexPaul

I'm not sure. I have a 2009 and I did drive the 2010...it is possible that the 2010 was 'lighter'...but for all practical purposes...I think the two cars drive the same. My wife has a 2005 ES 330 and at times I can swear her car seems better put together than mine and that the suspension is tighter. The Lexus ride no matter 05, 09 or 10 is above the wannabes...Buick, Taurus...etc...

jagtoes

Mike there is no difference in throttle response with the ECU upgrade. All it does is cuts the throttle when you step on the brake. The test is go 60mph and while keeping your foot on the gas use your other foot to step on the brake. Engine speed will drop just like hitting the brake with cruise control engaged. As to ride it is a little quieter then my 2008.

IS350jet

Probably just a minor difference in the tires. The loaner, with more miles, would have slightly more worn tires, and, therefore a bit more responsive. No changes were made in suspension dynamics that I'm aware of.

rjacket

I had a RX400h loaner and thought it was a disaster. Poor handling etc etc. When I went to return it, they actually hadn't finished on my car, so I got it back.

Well I drove off thinking I got exactly the same RX400h but they asked me to sign something and pointed out it was in fact a different one.

Well the ride and feel were completely different. It was to the point where the first car I was wondering how could anybody buy it, to the second one being, ok this isn't actually a bad car.

I didn't check the tire pressure or compare the tires, but it could simply have been down to that. It could also have been that the two cars had aged differently or were a different age. Sometimes when you get an oil change you notice a big difference. And I've also noticed a big difference when changing an air filter at the 30k or so mark. They may make cars to a high degree of sameness, but once they begin getting used, they start taking on their own character!

Lexus10

I noticed the same thing when I got a loaner. The service lady said the tire made the differance. the ultras have a differant tire. MikeP I have a question for you. Are the door rest grey or blace in your car?

Lexus10

Sorry I's a bit late I meant to ask, are the door arm rests grey or black in your car?

MikeP

I'm fully awake and I have seen the door panels almost every day for 9 months. I still had to go look just to make sure I was correct. They are grey. Are they the same in your car?

*Batman*

I think its tires. Tires make a big difference, and there are several different tires offered as OEM depending on your region and your option packages.

If you really want to tighten up the feel of the car you should try some stickier tires like the Michelin PS2s. The stock tires are geared for fuel efficiency and so they aren't very sticky and feel a bit loose.

Lexus10

MikeP the center arm rest is grey but the door arm rests are black. I think someone fell asleep at the factory. I'm try to get this corrected but no one at Lexus wants to help me. Looks like i'll have to correct this myself and never ever buy Lexus again.

Richard95

Get real, never buy another Lexus over this!!

*Batman*

A couple of suggestions
1) Is it just Lexus corporate that is not helping or also your service person? You should try both, as well as the service manager. Seems to me this is pretty black and white and they should fix it.
2) if the above does not work go see your salesman. Salesman will definitely take care of it because he is the one who gets hurt by your decision never to buy a Lexus again.