Jets

Maybe.. My guess is many people there would pick the ES over the ILX also, but then they would steer him towards the TLX. Isn't the ILX based on the Honda Civic? It's not even in the same class.

LexBob2

Good points. The ILX/ES comparison is almost apples to oranges. The TLX would certainly compete more with the ES..

Canesguy

I agree, a better comparison is the TLX Vs. the ES300h. The way I see it is the TLX has better performance but much worse mpg, less status, plus it's ugly.

ls430lover

ilx has horrible ride characteristics while the es 14 is the best fwd drive ride car in market.
no brainer sporty buy ilx, ride value, comfort buy es

Superes350

Considering the ILX is a Honda Civic, it's not comparable. And I wouldn't call an upgraded Civic sporty, just sportier than a ES300H.

marinrain

Thanks for the input - bought the Lexus - very happy...actually getting high 30s mixed milage - any opinions on grade of gas? some say regular OK? (Im in California if that matters)

Arty101

Congrats on your purchase. I think you'll enjoy your car, but then again we're a bit biased in this forum.

Regular gas is fine. Premium is a waste of your money, but you can try a tank or two and compare for yourself.

One question I got to ask: Is there rains in Marin ?

marinrain

unbelieably a few drops 4 or 5 times in the summer! including yesterday morning - enough to wet the newspaper in the driveway -- hopefully a lot more - but not too much! (when I set up this login name it was raining -- not a surprise)

ls430lover

use regular unleaded and use shell and chevron, or texaco which is chevron gas as much as possible.
if you want to save money costco gas additives are ok as well but long term best with the first two
enjoy the new ride great car and great gas mileage
use the car in good health

dchar

That is pretty much a myth that some of the stations listed are better for longevity than Costco since all the stations are "top tiered" so any of those would be fine.

lesz

+1
I agree 100%. I've watched the same tankers deliver gas to the supposedly "top tiered" stations and then drive down the road to fill up the tanks of supposedly non-top tiered stations.

I've had my ES for 2 1/2 years. In this area, we only have access to 10% ethanol 87 octane gas. Using that gas, my mpg has stayed right at 32.5 mpg with my ES350 (almost none of my driving is in stop-and-go conditions). Not only has the fuel economy stayed steady, but there are no signs of performance issues either. With my 10 year old GX, Lexus "recommends 91 octane", but they say that a minimum of 87 octane is acceptable. I've been using the same 10% ethanol 87 octane fuel in it for 10 years, and my overall mpg has remained at a bit over 20 mpg (while the vehicle is EPA rated at 19 mpg highway).

DrDDay

Well, you could buy a civic with leather, or you could buy one of the best reasonably priced luxury hybrids in the game today.

To be honest, the RX450h changed my mind about what hybrids were, and the ES300h made me realize it was something I could live with everyday and not feel like I had compromised.

DrDDay

Whatever you decide, pick one grade and run that continuously. The ECU adjusts timing based upon oxygen in the fuel, but it takes nearly 3 full tanks before the changes are fully made. If you bounce around, your car will be slightly confused and you will see poor mileage and performance. Whatever grade you decide to run, stick with it and you will be fine.

Also, DO NOT run Arco fuel. I have bought lots of fuel all over the place, and the only stuff I ever saw that was consistently garbage every time I bought it was from either a Clark or an ARCO.