Loaner Car: 2013 ES 350
#62
When we were shopping around, we went to 5 different Lexus dealers in across two different states. We chose to take a test drive in each instance so by the time we finished, my wife and I had driven the ES for about two hours on different roads and in different conditions. We both liked the feel of the car, the way it handled and the overall experience we had.
The main thing is that you ultimately like the vehicle that you purchase and it provides you with many a year of trouble free service.
#63
Lexus Fanatic
Consumer Reports tested the ES350 in their Jan 2013 issue and wrote: "Although the ES still rides well, it's no longer luxury car plush, feeling instead like a generic family sedan. At first glance the cabin materially look really good. But a closer inspection reveals some cheaper materials than in the past and the general impression of cost cutting. And despite Lexus's claim of injecting more sportiness into the ES, it's no more agile or fun to drive."
BUT, what I have always said was that I have driven the 2013 extensively, back to back with my previous 2010 ES, and when it comes to ride, to me they both rode exactly the same. if you closed your eyes you would be hard pressed to know which car you were riding in.
I found that a lot of reviews that took issue with ride had pictures of cars with 18" wheels.
CR was also critical of the Cadillac XTS and Lincoln MKS and said: "Neither car has a true luxury-car ride. The MKS's suspension allows impacts to come through harshly [even when driving in Comfort mode]".
#64
Consumer Reports has found all the latest model Toyotas ride harder, not just the ES350; e.g. the latest Camry, the Venza, newest RAV4, Tundra, etc. and have lower material quality interiors.
#65
Pole Position
Unless you have computer controlled suspension, a better handling car will be stiffer. That could be what Toyota is doing. I test drove an Acura TL AWD and the ride was extremely stiff but it handled like it was on rails.
Also, a lot of newer cars have low rolling resistance tires to have better advertised MPG. These tires can also stiffen the ride. There's a compromise to everything.
Also, a lot of newer cars have low rolling resistance tires to have better advertised MPG. These tires can also stiffen the ride. There's a compromise to everything.
#66
Lexus Fanatic
Both of Consumer Reports test ES350's (one gas, one hybrid) had the 17" wheels one with Michelin Primacy tires and the other Turanza EL400's. So even the 17" ES350's have a "generic sedan" quality ride rather than a luxury car ride in the eyes of Consumer Reports (& Motor Trends) testers.
#67
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I was also given an ES 350 2013 although the interior was a little cheap compared to the LS the ride in city was quite nice, I just purchased an 09 LS AWD and fine the ride a little rough and the transmission acts up around 35MPH and 40 MPH. I have to switch to manual to keep the car running smooth. I think I should have purchase a RWD not satisfied sold 09 ES no room needed the bigger interior but ride is not nearly as smooth.
#68
Lexus Fanatic
What PSI are your tires aired to on the LS, and what kind of tires? Do you have the 18s or the 19s?
You shouldn't feel your LS isn't as smooth as your old ES.
You shouldn't feel your LS isn't as smooth as your old ES.
#69
I was also given an ES 350 2013 although the interior was a little cheap compared to the LS the ride in city was quite nice, I just purchased an 09 LS AWD and fine the ride a little rough and the transmission acts up around 35MPH and 40 MPH. I have to switch to manual to keep the car running smooth. I think I should have purchase a RWD not satisfied sold 09 ES no room needed the bigger interior but ride is not nearly as smooth.
#70
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Tires are the Conti DWS had a power issue and took it back to dealer. I'm running on 19in rims AWD when starting off making a turn I hear the transmission make a romping noise like the computer is trying to get proper distribution to the transmission. Dealer said he was going to reset computer and check allignment with the new tires should get back this afternoon and will keep you posted.
#71
Lexus Fanatic
Yeah those aren't the greatest tires, and coupled with the 19" wheels thats where you are experiencing your ride issues.
If its really an issue, I would look to swap your 19s for the 18s and put a nice set of Michelins on it...
If its really an issue, I would look to swap your 19s for the 18s and put a nice set of Michelins on it...
#72
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The dealer says he has cured al;l my problems but back to the ES I had the opportunity to driver the 2013 for 2 weeks as a loaner and thought the car was really comfortable and much more space than the 09ES I just got rid of for the LS.This time they provided a 10ES for a loaner and I am miserable.
Give LExus credit the comfort in the 2013 is a huge step up over the previousyearsl but i am looking forward to getting my LS back tomorrow roadtrip down south.
09 LS460 AWD
09 GS350 AWD
Give LExus credit the comfort in the 2013 is a huge step up over the previousyearsl but i am looking forward to getting my LS back tomorrow roadtrip down south.
09 LS460 AWD
09 GS350 AWD
#73
Lexus Champion
It's was previously discussed on this thread, but for those of you that like the Lincoln MKZ, check this article out about the MKS, since this could be the trend on this model:
http://autos.yahoo.com/news/10-vehic...021709767.html
Another reason to get a Lexus.
http://autos.yahoo.com/news/10-vehic...021709767.html
Another reason to get a Lexus.
#74
Pole Position
It's was previously discussed on this thread, but for those of you that like the Lincoln MKZ, check this article out about the MKS, since this could be the trend on this model:
http://autos.yahoo.com/news/10-vehic...021709767.html
Another reason to get a Lexus.
http://autos.yahoo.com/news/10-vehic...021709767.html
Another reason to get a Lexus.
#75
Lexus Champion
And the 5 year residual value of the MKS is 22% . Now that's really scary. That means the car is worth about $10K? I think the ES retains over 50% of it's value over 5 years. Much better.