VADriver

Hi Everybody,

I'm new to the forum.

So my BMW Z4 auto transmission blew up on me at 95,000 miles and I need a new car. I'm thinking luxury sedan this time because I'm ready for the comfort on the road and luxury features like the nav. and phone interface.

I am seriously considering a 2013 Certified pre-owned Lexus ES 350 with about 30K miles on it. The reviews seem generally pretty good, that it's what you'd expect from a Toyota, and apparently 2013 was the year of a really nice interior revamp. Heck, you can see the exact car here: http://www.lexusofrockville.com/Vehi...-MD/2542158673

I don't know if you've read the MotorTrends review of this car, but they tore it to shreds in 2013. Even said the Hybrid was better! I'm not sure if it was fair. They conclude with ". . . a disappointing, an uninspired effort . . ."

There are sparse, anecdotal reviews of people saying they've had quirks and problems with this car.

Anyone driven this car or know anything about it? Common problems?

MotorTrends said that they were hoping some of the DNA from their $350K concept car would permeate "everything they make, like BMW", and I say horse-****. All beamers do is start to fall apart with $2,000 - $6,000 repairs.

But I have also been seriously recommended to consider a new Hyundai Sonata or Kia Optima with the same features, but I work with someone who is "enjoying" her 10 year/100,000 warranty, and 2 years in stuff is already going wrong with her turbo Sonata. She's already had to take it to the dealer for repairs.

What would you guys recommend? Is this car a safe investment or can I plan to be on the side of the road with it in a few years? How do you think it stacks up to those Korean models?

VADriver

47 views and no responses? Looks like I've got this forum stumped! A Lexus forum should have somebody who might chime in about the 2013 ES 350

jollick

All I can say is the drivetrain has been around for a long time and is extremely reliable. If the price is right and it has the options you want, go for it.

bc6152

I own a 2013 350 and can report, after 3 years, that I have not had to return to the dealer for any warranty related issues. I am very pleased with the car and am happy I bought it. As far as Hyundai goes, I believe that their 10 year 100k warranty does not cover the entire car for 10 years, but just the drivetrain. I could be wrong but think that's the coverage. My son's 2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo is not doing well. He's sorry he traded his VW GTI on it. Like Jollick states, the tranny has been around and the engine is bulletproof being used in the Camry, Avalon, and Lexus models for about 10 years.

Mike728

Did you link the car you're looking at? Guessing no, since the linked ES is a 2014 with 12k miles.

Search the forum. You'll see that the majority of us owners are very pleased with our vehicles. I've had my 2013 over 2 years without ever having to take it in for anything outside of routine maintenance.

VADriver

I searched for it. It's been pulled from their inventory; looks like it was sold.

LexRuger

I've owned the ES and GS and since you're coming from a very sporty car I think the ES would be just a bit too laid back. I think you'd enjoy the non F-Sport GS more. Very comfortable and also a little sporty. Test drive both.

As far as Korean brands, I wouldn't own one past the 3 year bumper to bumper warranty.

2merc3lex

My experience with an 06 GS, 07 ES and now a 13 ES, (all new at purchase) has been astonishing as far as reliability. None of these vehicles required any warranty work. The 07 ES was recalled for trimming the gas petal, which I personally think was unnecessary. Now, I will admit that some other brands turn my head as far as "looks" and I have been tempted, but the memory of the unreliability of the two Mercedes (C & E class) in early 2000 that I had has kept me with Lexus. I currently have the fever again and am looking hard at the 2016 NX when it comes out.

lesz

In the last 15 years or so, I've owned 3 Lexus and 3 Toyota vehicles. When I've replaced them, there were anywhere from about 60,000 miles to over 150,000 miles on them. There was not a single warranty repair needed on any of those vehicles, and, in total, I've had only a couple of relatively small repairs needed that I had to pay for out of my pocket. I have more confidence in the reliability and durability of Lexus and Toyota vehicles than I would have in vehicles from any other manufacturer.

Lex2015

I traded my 2011 BMW 528i for a 2015 ES350 and I have been very pleased. It isn't a BMW, but it is still a very nice ride. I also like being able to use regular gasoline.

VADriver

I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the deal. I drove a 2012 ES and found it a bit boring but well appointed.

Then I took out a 2013 GS and was sold! 29K miles, certified preowned, and I still opted for the extended warranty to make the 100,000 miles bumper to bumper and add 3 more years. So it'll be warrantied for entire time I'm financing it. Now that's piece of mind!

It's quite a car. It's got the luxury package with the power sunshades and new Nav; I'm still trying to figure out what a lot of the buttons I've never seen do. (BSM?). It'll get up and go too. It's funny that it's the same motor and somehow they can get more HP out of it.

LexRuger

Great choice. I believe the extra horsepower comes from direct injection and/or compression ration. But don't quote me on that. Bsm=blind spot monitor.

chromedome

Good choice on the GS, it's a step above the ES in terms of ride comfort, handling and interior materials. How much did you get it for?

VADriver

I got it for 35,700; it was stickered at $35,900 and even using my NADA app on my phone it looks like they should've been selling it for more like 40K. The manager knocked off a couple hundred because I asked, but did say they're a "True Price" location, whatever that means and couldn't flex much.

The sales guy told me I know I've got the luxury package bc of the rear controls and little display in the backseat armrest. I believe there's some sort of sport package but I wouldn't know how to tell if I've got it.

How does the blind spot monitor work?

SW17LS

Congrats, I had a 2013 GS with the luxury package until last month when I upgraded to the LS. If it were 10k more miles I'd think you might have bought mine!

Check out the 4th Gen GS forum on here. Good group of folks. Good group here too, but this is the ES forum.