hoppysport

I am going to purchase an ES350 soon. I originally budgeted around $25,000 for a preowned 2010-2011 ES350. I've been waffling between buying that car or stretching the budget to buy used 2013 for around $30,000, which would obviously be a base model.

The 2010-2011 would be optioned out...a certified ES with the Ultra Luxury Package and around 35,000 miles. Are there any thoughts on what you'd choose? Are the features of the Ultra Luxury Package worth getting the previous model (which bodystyle I really do like) or should I go for the new body with less options? Thanks!

mlacomb

If you're looking to buy; I'd go with the 2010-2011, especially since you like the looks more - and you'll have more options. The only other option would be to potentially lease - and I know some are not wanting to do that, myself included - but it's an option to get what you want at a reasonable cost. Mileage doesn't really factor in on these cars, since they can last a long time with proper maintenance and the Certified programs add value and worry free driving.

igzy

I would get the older one considering that it has low mileage, is still under factory warranty, has more options and would cost $5,000 less...

Rogarven

I was able to get a '09 ES350 , 16,500 in mint condition for $23K. Garage queen. I feel that it was a fair deal

Lexi66

Sounds great! Congrats! Were you able to do a car fax on it? Is it CPO? Does it have NAV?

Rogarven

No, this car belonged to a fellow going through a divorce and he didn't need it and the Honda van he took his kids in. Ex must have had her own car. It is mint, and I didn't bother to take to mechanic or run CarFax on it. He had the paper work from the stealer where he had it serviced and had put a new battery in which I would have been concerned had it had the original battery. I did have the oil changed and the mechanics said it was like new. I say that is was "a gift from the Lord" as we have never bought a used car . It was advertised in the newspaper. I was getting the feeling that we needed to part with my wife's 03 Accord V6 because of the tranny problems that model had. It had 86K on the odo. Sold it on New Years Day. As far as the Lexus, it does not have the NAV or the parking sensors but just about everything else. BTW, he parked it in the private garage area at work ( no parking lot dings) and parked it in his garage at night so the paint looks great. The dark red color.

ThumperPup

I'd go with the 2013 but I would stretch the budget a little more to try and get navi
I drove a 2013 for 3 weeks and loved it but I also love my 2007

MCSCOTT

Sounds like you got a great deal on a really well kept clean car. You will love it.

Rogarven

After looking at the owners manual and the big section on the Nav system, I am sort of glad this one didn't have it. Looks confusing. Besides, we have a Garmin and we are old fashioned, we LIKE maps!! LOL

LexBob2

Actually the navigation works well and some other functions are well integrated into it. We're old fashioned too but do like factory nav. I also like the way it looks in the 2007-2010 dash. Gives it a more complete and filled in look, IMO.

LexBob2

It sounds like your color is Royal Ruby Metallic. Nice color. It was replaced in the lineup by Matador Red Mica.

ThumperPup

yeah that Royal Ruby Metallic is awesome I have it on my 07
and love it

hoppysport

Thanks to all. In looking around, a CPO 2013 Lexus ES350 with Nav will run about $33,000. For $10,000 less I can get a 2010 ES350 with around 35,000-40,000 miles...with one of the Preferred Luxury Package. I really do love the leather seats that come with this package. The savings is considerable at $10,000.

I have drive the 2013 and 2010 and really like the ride on both. Benefits of the 2013 include a much more spacious backseat and legroom...plus it's three years newer.

I actually started looking at the 2013 Honda Accord EX-L V6, which is a very nice car. Then I was driven by a friend in their 2011 ES350 and was blown away by the ride, refinement, and quality. It was a totally different level.

I tend to keep my cars a long time. I had my 1991 Toyota Cressida (Super White with a Dove Gray Leather Interior) from 1991-2007. It was basically a smaller LS400. When the head gasket went, I sold it to a mechanic for $6,700. That's $6,700 for a 17-year-old car with 115,000 miles on it.

I had actually considered fixing it, but the car didn't have airbags...just the automatic seat belts. But the Cressida never failed me, and looked as good the day I sold it as the day I took delivery at the Toyota showroom. Besides taking care of it, I believe that the white color kept the car looking fresh.

Sorry to digress...Just wanted to thank everyone for their suggestions.

Rogarven

DId you state the mileage on the odo on the CPO '13? That sounds pretty good IMHO. I would go for it if it were me. I was happy with our deal as I doubt we could have gotten a new loaded to the gills Civic for that much. Certainly not a V6 Accord EX. I have explained before that we were disappointed with this last Accord. Didn't seem to have the "body integrity" that the other Accords of old had. Also, was worried about that V6 tranny which has caused problems.

hoppysport

Rogarven, the mileage on the CPO I looked at was 37,000. There seem to be a lot of CPO choices out there. I just saw a CPO on Auto Trader with 65,000 miles for under $21,000.

When I started my car hunt, I was hot for the 2013 Accord EX-L 4-cylinder. Then I learned that it had a CVT. Bye, bye...I would never own a CVT. Too many unknowns and terrible behavior. So I looked at the V6, which drove beautifully. But I noticed a bad vibration between 1600 and 1800 rpm and requested to drive another. Same problem. Plus the seats are HORRIBLE. I couldn't find a comfortable position, leather is junk, and the headrests push forward into your head.

Hey, I can understand getting the transmission wrong, but seats? C'mon Honda.

Then I went in my friend's ES350 and began thinking rationally. Even with some niggles mentioned on Club Lexus, there really haven't been any horror stories. With the ES350's incredible reliability and relatively trouble-free longevity, purchasing a CPO or used 2010-2011 ES350 over a new Accord or Passat started thinking like a no-brainer. A used ES350 is the better choice over a new midsize.

My driving--like most everybody else--is in-town and highway. I'm not carving the canyons. I want a quiet, refined ride, and being transported there in comfortable seats.

I also drove a 2012 Acura TL. Nice car, but the 2010 ES350 was so much quieter and refined. I will be getting my car within the next month.