singhcr

Hi there,

This is my first post and I wasn't sure where to put this so I figure I'd put it here.

I have developed a hyper-sensitivity to shock and vibration. My current vehicle (1999 Mercury Grand Marquis) has an issue with the active suspension computer where it rides like a rock so it really aggreviates my hands and legs from the vibration from the steering wheel, petals, floor, etc.

Most cars that I drive or sit in like a Ford Taurus or a newer Grand Marquis still bother me if I sit in them long enough, with the exception of my friend's 2003 ES300. I had never considered a Lexus before that but after riding in it and driving it I really appreciated the smooth ride with almost no vibration from the road or engine and it handles bumps in the road quite well. It's also very quiet.

If money were no object I would buy a new Lexus but I can't afford that as I only have around $15-18k to spend which means I can get an ES300 or 330 with anywhere from 60-90k miles or a 350 with around 80-90k miles.

My top priority is the ride quality followed by reliability, although I am attracted to the 350 because of the larger interior as I found the rear seats to be quite cramped for my 6 ft frame. I won't have many passengers other than perhaps one person so it's not the highest priority for me, but it's a factor nonetheless. I've test driven two other ES300s and find them to be nice and am hoping to test a 330 and 350 soon. From the reviews I've read that the 330 rides much like the 300 but the 350 is more "sporty" (i.e. stiffer) suspension-wise even in the normal suspension mode and there is a bit more engine and road noise.

Given my top factors of ride quality and reliability, which model do you recommend that I go with? I am leaning toward the ES300 due to the higher Consumer Reports scores for transmission quality, but I figured people who've driven these cars would know best. I see 03 ES300's, 05 ES330's, and 07 ES350's in my area and nothing else so that's what I have to choose from.

Thanks in advance!

hypervish

Welcome to Club Lexus!

I'd stick with either the ES300 or ES330. The 4th generation ES is one of the best built ES's sold, I consider it a mini LS.

IMO, Cost cutting started in 2007 and ended in 2010.

SW17LS

I had a 2003 ES300 and a 2010 ES350. From a looks and drive perspective the 350 was superior. The 350 is a little tighter, but not really stiffer. Ride comfort and isolation are very similar.

The 300 and 330 have nicer interiors with better materials though. Unless you could swing a 2010 350 which you probably can't at that price point, I would look at a 2006 ES330. Remember though that in 2005 the ES started coming with 17" wheels where the 2002-2004 had 16s. If ride is the most important thin foot you, you may want to think about swapping for 16s.

lexusfan05

Have you considered older LS, a late model 430 or early 460? That will be a little higher mileage if you want to stay at that price point and it is less fuel efficient, but the ride quality doesn't have any match.

SW17LS

I also would consider an older LS. If you're going used anyways, might as well do an LS. His price point would have to be a 430, no 460s anywhere near that price yet.

John U

Keep in mind the older the car the sooner your will need to replace the struts for the best ride. New, softer tires are also called for to replace older/ hardened threads.

hypervish

Worn struts generally actually ride softer.

SW17LS

Yeah I drove my old 2003 ES300 today, 165k on the original struts and it rides great. What a great car...

singhcr

A very long delay in responding to you, my friends.

A little under two years ago I bought a 2003 ES300 with 64K miles on it and put on Michelin Primacy MXV4 tires on it. The ride is super quiet and so very smooth.

jgcec

I am going through a similar decision making process.
What I have found after test driving about 20 cars is that between
a 330 and 350 with the same amount of miles, the 330 will have a much better ride.
Are you still happy with your car and the ride?
How many miles have driven on it?
What did you pay for the car?

singhcr

I put about 64,000 miles on my car so far and I still love it. The ride is excellent, even in the bitter cold. It drives well in the snow and ice.

I paid $11,500 for my 2003 ES300.