Bad move IMO. Spending money on a 9 year old model vs a newer model is not a wise decision. The new more modern ES makes up for the difference in vehcile quality IMO.

 

You said that 4 months ago when this thread was started lol

 

I would go with the LS. Especially if you are able to find a good example that has a proven service history. For me, all ES 350's from 2013 forward, are uncomfortable to drive due to the intrusive head rest. And, a cheap looking interior.

 

Definitely agree about the headrest. The whole seat, and especially headrest, creates a sort of body glove, but not in a good way for me. Feels confining and pinches my shoulders.

 

Yes! Some one that finally agrees with me! lol..Last month, I was given a 2016 ES 350 as a loaner from the dealership. Engine performance, transmission etc. EXCELLENT! The car is easy to manage. Compared to my LS. But after 2 trips to the office, Ii was ready to get my own car back. My neck was KILLING me! A very unfortunate seat design on an otherwise good automobile. Save for some cheap plastic interior materials.

 

Did you trying adjusting the headrest? The 2013+ ES has a headrest that can be adjusted fore-and-aft in a number of increments. Just keep pulling the headrest forward through its various increments and once it is as far forward as it will go, it resets itself to the rear-most position.

 

It's the shape of the headrest that I take issue with, Sulu. You can adjust it all you want but it is shaped to cup the back and top of your head. Based on appearance the headrest looks like it would be good and supportive in a crash as it cradles your head. In practice, I found it uncomfortable to feel the head rest all around my head and atop my head regardless of adjustments. It felt cozy at first and was fine for about 10 minutes but then started to bother me. I can only imagine the aggravation on a long-distance drive because it feels like it forces my neck into an unnatural angle.

 

I bet the headrest was adjusted all the way forward. If you had adjusted it all the way back I think you would have felt differently.

 

Well, last year I was almost ready to sign on the dotted line for an ES350 Ultra Luxury Sedan. I could not find anyway to make the head rest more comfortable. So, I purchased a CPO 2011 LS 460 AWD with only 18,000 miles instead. Much more comfortable for me.

 

You could of just got any Toyota headrests and put them into the ES. They should all fit?

 

Or he could have just bought a better car for him, which he did.