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I also hate the word "entry level" because no matter how you look at it, the ES in my opinion blows the IS series out of the water in comfort.
But thats not what the IS is designed to focus on. Lexus has two entry level entries (if you don't count the CT, which I don't because its a niche vehicle), the ES and the IS, They are pretty similar in price, and pretty similar in quality and amenities. The ES is the comfort and luxury focused car, while the IS is the smaller, nimbler sport sedan. The ES is more comfortable and luxurious than the IS for sure, but the IS is more fun to drive, a much better handler. Just different cars...but BOTH are entry level cars.
My ES350 2008 ultra luxury has been kind to me and i loved it. The good points about it:
1. reliability x 1000
2. parts are fairly cheap, hence camry
3. got the car with all the options available: panoramic roof, ML, rear sunshade ,nav, Those toys keep me amused every time i drive.
4. good fuel economy and good horsepower
5. interior materials are solid, easy to maintain
6. L finesse body is still modern and classy
7. roomy and silent
Cons: need AWD for winter, the car is not great in winter, even with good winter tires.
I don't regret a bit for buying this car, worth every penny. I'm at 200 000km and preparing to replace what needed for another 200 000km: water pump and spark plugs.
I'm thinking getting something different, a LS460L AWD 2010,but after thinking of all the good things abouit my present car, il is hard to justify going to the LS
this is a great thread for someone that is thinking of joining the ES350 family, all true infos.
I am a young adult, 24. To date I have owned 1998 Volvo v70, 2003 Mitsubishi Galant, 2004 Volvo s60, 2000 BMW 528, 2008 Audi A4, 2009 VW EOS. And now 2011 ES350.
I wanted Japanese luxury. Reason I chose ES350 - reliability, smooth ride, luxury features, very good resale value. Honestly, I love European cars, I just wanted this legendary lexus reliability and smooth ride.
Some really excellent reasons. I knew when I started the thread that the answers would be very "Individual". Everyone has their reasons. But I have always found similar threads on other topics very helpful. Not only in the decision making; but also for learning more about the item.
There's so many cars. So many fall into similar categories. I grew up in the time and land of the "Muscle Cars". Even then, deciding between the stang, camaro, firebird, 442, olds, cuda, etc... was so difficult. Times change but car buyers haven't. Deciding between the various lexus, cadi's, bmw, audi, infinity, merc, etc... is just as difficult. As long as we're all happy with our cars, that's all that matters.
Once thing I have noticed on the Lexus forum. There's a lot LESS COMPLAINTS. Yes, there's the occasional issue, but it's usually not a "Wide Spread" issue with all the cars. Every car; from the cheapest KIA or Ford Focus, the most expensive Lexus, Cadi, or Mercedes has the potential to have issues. I just see a lot less in the lexus forums than in most.
Bought a 2010 ES350 last year (see pic in signature) and moronically traded it in on a 2013 Tacoma. After driving the truck for 8 months I'm getting another 2010 ES350. Everyone makes a mistake, right? first one was black this one is red.
Last edited by Gapwedge; 07-30-14 at 07:19 PM.
Reason: Typo
Bought our 2007 and then a 2011 because of looks, Lexus reputation, comfortable interior, wonderful smooth ride. Its a great car, no quality issues withe the 2011. Had transmission replacement and window fell out of its track on 2007. But all in all a great car.
Yeah, it's no secret that the ES is favored by a mature crowd. It's always been that way. The average age of the buyers of new ESs has always been up around 60 + or -. Pre-owned or second and third buyers tend to be younger.
Originally Posted by garsarno
Bought our 2007 and then a 2011 because of looks, Lexus reputation, comfortable interior, wonderful smooth ride. Its a great car, no quality issues withe the 2011. Had transmission replacement and window fell out of its track on 2007. But all in all a great car.
Was the 2011 a pre-owned? What's the mileage on it now?
Had a 2002 ES and loved the comfort, quietness and looks. Hated the lack of power and the handling! Wanted to go back to a BMW or MB but their cost of operation was just unreasonable so settled on an 2008 Avalon Limited. Liked the quietness, power and equipment but lost the comfort and still didn't have the German handling. Researched and tried out a number of German replacements but the cost of operation was improved but still fairly high. Went back to the comfort, quietness, looks and improved handling with a low mileage 2012 ES. Now to find those tires that will improve the handling even more.
I was looking for an upgrade from my Honda Accord. I researched the 2011 BMW 525, 2011 Mercedes E-350, 2011 Acura TL, and 2011 Lexus ES-350. The BMW was outside my budget and I was told it handles a little rougher than I wanted (it's a sports car). The Benz was nice but also a few dollars outside my budget (plus two of my friends have this car). The Acura was too similar to my Honda. I test drove the Lexus and fell in love. It's spacious. Has lots of bells and whistles. It was within my budget. And it's very.....classy. I've named her Ruby. LOL
2007-2012 ES350 looks beautiful and elegant. After lowering the spring (Eibach) and the changing the dampers (SV, for the 6/6.5th Camry), the controllability is greatly enhanced. Driving this ES350 has a lot of fun.
Well, I'm 29 yrs, I went to the dealer to check the new IS 350 2014 F-Sport. I did a test drive, I thought it was too similar to my Mercedes C-Class to justify the expense. The sale guy took me on a ES 300h test drive, I did not like the car. Handling was poort and it was front wheel drive, eurk.
So I end up having 4 more months of fun driving my "sport" car, then I decided it was enough, I wanted something quieter and more comfortable (hey, at some point you have enough of that nice exhaust sound and fast curve) So I decided to road test the ES again. Now I have a 300h 2014 in my driveway.
What I like about the car, it's quiet, it's cheap on gaz (who like to give money at the pump even if you have money to waste?), it's very comfortable, it have lot of equipment, real leather, cheap to maintain, lot of room even if I'm small and I have no kids.
What I don't like, it's not AWD, wood on the steering (still unsure about this), I have yet to see a guy (or a girl) of my age behind the wheel, Mark Levinson sound system could be better (why they did not put tweeter on the front door? They managed to put 15 speakers and only 5 of those are in front of the car...), the look is not as great as a MB.
I plan to change to an LS in a couple years from now or maybe I will grab a new NX next year, I will see.
03-30-14, 02:29 PM
first one was black this one is red.
