Purchased the 2012 ES350 versus the 2013 ES350
09-04-12, 06:22 AM
#1
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Purchased the 2012 ES350 versus the 2013 ES350
Hello all,
just wanted to share my factors for picking the 2012 ES350 versus the 2013. The core factors that everyone will guess correctly include cost ($4-5K less) and higher suspected reliability and recalls on the last year of a design versus first year of a design. Here are other factors for me: 1) the seats of the 2013 are noticebly firmer with painful seat-bottom side bolsters - for me digging right into my left thigh, 2) 2013 has an impactful wider turning radius - I noticed the difference while parking the two vehicles. I did test drive both vehicles several times. I actually went to dealerships to really focus on the 2013 model with 4" extra leg room in the back and fresh and terrific styling, but just couldn't do it.
Jack99
just wanted to share my factors for picking the 2012 ES350 versus the 2013. The core factors that everyone will guess correctly include cost ($4-5K less) and higher suspected reliability and recalls on the last year of a design versus first year of a design. Here are other factors for me: 1) the seats of the 2013 are noticebly firmer with painful seat-bottom side bolsters - for me digging right into my left thigh, 2) 2013 has an impactful wider turning radius - I noticed the difference while parking the two vehicles. I did test drive both vehicles several times. I actually went to dealerships to really focus on the 2013 model with 4" extra leg room in the back and fresh and terrific styling, but just couldn't do it.
Jack99
09-04-12, 06:29 AM
#2
Hello all,
just wanted to share my factors for picking the 2012 ES350 versus the 2013. The core factors that everyone will guess correctly include cost ($4-5K less) and higher suspected reliability and recalls on the last year of a design versus first year of a design. Here are other factors for me: 1) the seats of the 2013 are noticebly firmer with painful seat-bottom side bolsters - for me digging right into my left thigh, 2) 2013 has an impactful wider turning radius - I noticed the difference while parking the two vehicles. I did test drive both vehicles several times. I actually went to dealerships to really focus on the 2013 model with 4" extra leg room in the back and fresh and terrific styling, but just couldn't do it.
Jack99
just wanted to share my factors for picking the 2012 ES350 versus the 2013. The core factors that everyone will guess correctly include cost ($4-5K less) and higher suspected reliability and recalls on the last year of a design versus first year of a design. Here are other factors for me: 1) the seats of the 2013 are noticebly firmer with painful seat-bottom side bolsters - for me digging right into my left thigh, 2) 2013 has an impactful wider turning radius - I noticed the difference while parking the two vehicles. I did test drive both vehicles several times. I actually went to dealerships to really focus on the 2013 model with 4" extra leg room in the back and fresh and terrific styling, but just couldn't do it.
Jack99
The cost difference is more like $7K- $8K in my area right now.
09-04-12, 02:11 PM
#3
Lexus Fanatic
I don't blame you, the cost difference is substantial.
You know, theres a lot I like about the 2013 vs my 2010, but several things I don't like also. Overall I think the car looks a little "unadorned" on the outside with the body color door handles and lack of chrome trim, I like the spindle grill, but I'm still not used to the hood line gap between the grille and hood. Lack of AFS, no Sirius weather without the UL package, the bare plastic of the console vs wood. Little things, but they do add up.
I still have 9 months to decide, and I'm sure I'll go back and forth but I'm thinking I may buy my 2010 out of the lease and keep it a while, thinking some of my little issues might be addressed in the mid-cycle refresh. Buyout on mine is only $20k...its a lot of car for $20k...
You know, theres a lot I like about the 2013 vs my 2010, but several things I don't like also. Overall I think the car looks a little "unadorned" on the outside with the body color door handles and lack of chrome trim, I like the spindle grill, but I'm still not used to the hood line gap between the grille and hood. Lack of AFS, no Sirius weather without the UL package, the bare plastic of the console vs wood. Little things, but they do add up.
I still have 9 months to decide, and I'm sure I'll go back and forth but I'm thinking I may buy my 2010 out of the lease and keep it a while, thinking some of my little issues might be addressed in the mid-cycle refresh. Buyout on mine is only $20k...its a lot of car for $20k...
09-04-12, 04:27 PM
#4
I don't blame you, the cost difference is substantial.
You know, theres a lot I like about the 2013 vs my 2010, but several things I don't like also. Overall I think the car looks a little "unadorned" on the outside with the body color door handles and lack of chrome trim, I like the spindle grill, but I'm still not used to the hood line gap between the grille and hood. Lack of AFS, no Sirius weather without the UL package, the bare plastic of the console vs wood. Little things, but they do add up.
I still have 9 months to decide, and I'm sure I'll go back and forth but I'm thinking I may buy my 2010 out of the lease and keep it a while, thinking some of my little issues might be addressed in the mid-cycle refresh. Buyout on mine is only $20k...its a lot of car for $20k...
You know, theres a lot I like about the 2013 vs my 2010, but several things I don't like also. Overall I think the car looks a little "unadorned" on the outside with the body color door handles and lack of chrome trim, I like the spindle grill, but I'm still not used to the hood line gap between the grille and hood. Lack of AFS, no Sirius weather without the UL package, the bare plastic of the console vs wood. Little things, but they do add up.
I still have 9 months to decide, and I'm sure I'll go back and forth but I'm thinking I may buy my 2010 out of the lease and keep it a while, thinking some of my little issues might be addressed in the mid-cycle refresh. Buyout on mine is only $20k...its a lot of car for $20k...
I would think like the '10 mid cycle refresh,the new generation ES mid cycle refresh will have the chrome door handles and rocker piece.The car needs it.
The hood line bothers me too..I'm warming up a bit to the spindle.Still not quite there yet.I like it on the SUVs and GS because it's sporty.
AFS isn't important to me.Would like more interior wood too.
Also the UL model w/pano shouldn't have a antenna box on the trunk.It's a 2013 model!
Hopefully that will be gone too.
09-04-12, 05:31 PM
#5
Lexus Fanatic
Yeah, I need to see some out on the road before I pass final judgement. I haven't seen any "in the wild" yet...
09-05-12, 02:59 PM
#6
You're right - -BIG cost difference and as much as I want to like the new styling, I'm just not a fan of the sharply angled features on the nose . . We'll replace my 07 next year, but it'll be with a low mileage 12 if I can find one . . .
CQRT in AZ
CQRT in AZ
09-08-12, 07:13 AM
#7
Hello all,
just wanted to share my factors for picking the 2012 ES350 versus the 2013. The core factors that everyone will guess correctly include cost ($4-5K less) and higher suspected reliability and recalls on the last year of a design versus first year of a design. Here are other factors for me: 1) the seats of the 2013 are noticebly firmer with painful seat-bottom side bolsters - for me digging right into my left thigh, 2) 2013 has an impactful wider turning radius - I noticed the difference while parking the two vehicles. I did test drive both vehicles several times. I actually went to dealerships to really focus on the 2013 model with 4" extra leg room in the back and fresh and terrific styling, but just couldn't do it.
Jack99
just wanted to share my factors for picking the 2012 ES350 versus the 2013. The core factors that everyone will guess correctly include cost ($4-5K less) and higher suspected reliability and recalls on the last year of a design versus first year of a design. Here are other factors for me: 1) the seats of the 2013 are noticebly firmer with painful seat-bottom side bolsters - for me digging right into my left thigh, 2) 2013 has an impactful wider turning radius - I noticed the difference while parking the two vehicles. I did test drive both vehicles several times. I actually went to dealerships to really focus on the 2013 model with 4" extra leg room in the back and fresh and terrific styling, but just couldn't do it.
Jack99
I don't blame you, the cost difference is substantial.
You know, theres a lot I like about the 2013 vs my 2010, but several things I don't like also. Overall I think the car looks a little "unadorned" on the outside with the body color door handles and lack of chrome trim, I like the spindle grill, but I'm still not used to the hood line gap between the grille and hood. Lack of AFS, no Sirius weather without the UL package, the bare plastic of the console vs wood. Little things, but they do add up.
I still have 9 months to decide, and I'm sure I'll go back and forth but I'm thinking I may buy my 2010 out of the lease and keep it a while, thinking some of my little issues might be addressed in the mid-cycle refresh. Buyout on mine is only $20k...its a lot of car for $20k...
You know, theres a lot I like about the 2013 vs my 2010, but several things I don't like also. Overall I think the car looks a little "unadorned" on the outside with the body color door handles and lack of chrome trim, I like the spindle grill, but I'm still not used to the hood line gap between the grille and hood. Lack of AFS, no Sirius weather without the UL package, the bare plastic of the console vs wood. Little things, but they do add up.
I still have 9 months to decide, and I'm sure I'll go back and forth but I'm thinking I may buy my 2010 out of the lease and keep it a while, thinking some of my little issues might be addressed in the mid-cycle refresh. Buyout on mine is only $20k...its a lot of car for $20k...
I agree with much of what you posted,Steve.
I would think like the '10 mid cycle refresh,the new generation ES mid cycle refresh will have the chrome door handles and rocker piece.The car needs it.
The hood line bothers me too..I'm warming up a bit to the spindle.Still not quite there yet.I like it on the SUVs and GS because it's sporty.
AFS isn't important to me.Would like more interior wood too.
Also the UL model w/pano shouldn't have a antenna box on the trunk.It's a 2013 model!
Hopefully that will be gone too.
I would think like the '10 mid cycle refresh,the new generation ES mid cycle refresh will have the chrome door handles and rocker piece.The car needs it.
The hood line bothers me too..I'm warming up a bit to the spindle.Still not quite there yet.I like it on the SUVs and GS because it's sporty.
AFS isn't important to me.Would like more interior wood too.
Also the UL model w/pano shouldn't have a antenna box on the trunk.It's a 2013 model!
Hopefully that will be gone too.
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09-08-12, 12:02 PM
#9
I also have 2012, for me biggest deciding factor was that it was last year run with all the issues/TSBs worked out. The last run was the most reliable run. New car looks and designs always going to come in, but if you want to keep it for long time and minimize chances for reliability issues, then 2012 is your best bet.
03-10-15, 02:28 PM
#11
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1st ES Post
I just bought a 2012 but was going back and forth on a 2013 since it had less miles and was of course a year newer. But my wife vetoed the 2013. She didn't like the new grill. We're both very pleased with the 2012 far. Another factor in selecting the 2012 though was that I think we got the “Touring Edition” ES. It has the rich-looking saddle colored leather and some very red-looking maple trim. Also came with the navigation system, backup camera and those neat ventilated seats. Nice ride!
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