slimjimtel

Again, in my opinion and I think others will agree,

THE LEXUS NAV REALLY STINKS!!!!!!!!

Read around here in the forums and you will see a lot of discussion regarding the weak NAV system Lexus I putting out.

Trust me...get a Garmin, it is worth every dime...the Lexus isn't worth a dime.

euroja153

I had my car serviced today and they gave me a 2009 ES350 as a loaner, so I thought I would add my 2 cents worth on this topic. I couldnt believe how horrible the interior of the ES was, I almost laughed at the steering wheel, it was so thin and the buttons looked so cheap. I guess the ES came out during the lifetime of the 2nd generation RX so its unfair to compare to the current RX. I cant think why anyone would prefer the ES over the RX.

atomarchio

I am 22 months into a 36 month lease. The ES overall has been a disappointment I must honestly say.

LexBob2

IMO you can't go wrong with either the RX or ES whichever fits your needs. Two different, but good, vehicles.

I had a problem free '07 ES and now have a '10 ES. We were real close to buying a '10 RX (we went to the dealership to select a color) but in the end decided that we didn't really need the extra space and the sedan fit our needs a little better.

atomarchio

It sounds like you leased based on model years. Was the price about the same for either vehicle?

LexBob2

I bought both of the cars. I bought the '07 in 4/06 right when the current gen came out, so they weren't dealing much at all. Got a better price on the '10 due to more inventory and the fact that the current gen has been out a while.

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

I found that the ES I owned rode a bit smoother and was quieter than my RX.I'm still happy with the ride and quietness of my RX.

tardorange

The RX350 does not have a much better steering wheel and I think the interior is the same and if not worse then the ES. I did not have nav in my RX and found the ugly display pointless.

The ride quality of the RX is rough compared to the ES it is NOT the same. My RX averaged around 16MPG while the ES gets 30MPG its NOT similar at all.

Hence why we got rid of the RX after only 12k miles. For 40k much better SUVS can be bought then the RX. Just my .02.

caddyowner

Unless you can get a smoking good deal to do an early termination on your ES lease and get into an RX, I would go to Discount Tire or your local good tire store and get a set of winter alloy wheels and tires for the ES. You should be able to find a good set for about $1,000 or less and be able to sell them after your lease for 50% of what you spent or better. This will also save your stock tires and keep you from having to possibly replace them before the end of your lease. If your ES has TPMS you'll have to research this and determine the best solution: spend $$ on TPMS sensors on the new wheels or ignore the tire pressure warning light all winter.

atomarchio

[QUOTE=caddyowner;5848985]Unless you can get a smoking good deal to do an early termination on your ES lease and get into an RX, I would go to Discount Tire or your local good tire store and get a set of winter alloy wheels and tires for the ES. You should be able to find a good set for about $1,000 or less and be able to sell them after your lease for 50% of what you spent or better. This will also save your stock tires and keep you from having to possibly replace them before the end of your lease. If your ES has TPMS you'll have to research this and determine the best solution: spend $$ on TPMS sensors on the new wheels or ignore the tire pressure warning light all winter.[/QUOT

I'd probably just replace the tires completely at this point. What about a good "all season" tire? Would that work or do I need to have 2 sets of tires?

I'm wondering if better tires would improve my winter/snow driving experience with the ES. That would be a huge relief but is it realistic?

caddyowner

A good set of winter tires, and common sense driving, make a world of difference on snow and ice. All season tires are generally mediocre in all seasons. Two of my recent winter drivers, a Dakota pickup and a CTS - both RWD, handled quite well in Michigan winters. I was planning to keep the Dakota for another winter, but it became a member of the repair-of-the-month club.

clublexus9

I am have a 2010 RX 350 with about 9,000 miles. The engine has developed
loud valve and tappet (I think) noise after about 5,000 miles. I am working with Lexus to find a resolution to this problem and have worked with the local service manager, the actual technician and a regional specialist. So far they have given me an answer that I don't think I or other RX350 users are going to like; which is "that's the way the engine sounds". Interestingly, I test drove a loaner with 700 miles (no noise) and a loaner with 12,000 miles (same bothersome noise as my auto). This could be a really big problem for Lexus in that owners buy their product for comfort, power and a quiet ride. This will also kill their off lease sales because all of these cars will sound like a loud sewing machine.

My RX is on lease and I would like them to take it back. Any advice on that would be appreciated.

Joeb427

iTrader: (1)

My '09 RX350 had a rapping sound when cold and would go away after engine warmed up.Very annoying and I was told it was normal too.

If you owned the RX,you probably would be more aggravated.
Keep bothering dealer service and call Lexus customer service.

atomarchio

After reading these posts, I am now concerned about the RX350.

Guess I should start research tires for my ES350, right? I don't want 2 sets of tires so I'm wondering if anyone has experience with an "all-weather" tires that does well with snow/ice?

LexBob2

In the new issue of Consumer Reports they rate all season tires, and the ratings are for the various speed ratings. I believe on the ES V rated are recommended. Might be worth a look.