Torn between UL and Premium
Lexus Champion
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,834
Likes: 6
From: PA
That's what we thought about the ES350. We considered another Town Car but even with the rebates / discounts on a leftover 2006 Town Car Signature Designer Series, the cost was $41,000 on a list of almost $53,000. The wholesale value drops like a lead anchor during the first three years and it's still a Lincoln versus a Lexus. Not looking back with the ES350 UL, a car we went back and forth on and now enjoy. No more limo service for relatives, friends etc. Who fits in the car, fits!
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,192
Likes: 3
From: none
Agreed.
While far from a perfect car, for the money ($44k for a fully equipped UL) it's positively a steal. The way I see it, it's natural competition is the M-B E Class (not the horrid C Class), the BMW 5 Series (not the admittedly great but way too small 3 Series) and the Audi 6 (not the 4 which is a nice enough car but also suffers from the BMW 3 disorder....too small).
A M-B E 350 or BMW 530i with the kind of options the UL car has will each set you back about $58-60k. The Audi 6 is a little more friendly on the wallet at about $54-56k but is dreadfully underpowered with it's anemic 3.1 (though they lie and call it a 3.2 it's actually a 3.1 engine). Off the line acceleration is way beyond 'leisurely'....you can read an entire book until it gets up to 30mph.
So yes, for the money, the ES 350 is positively a steal.
That said, it still doesn't mean it doesn't have a number of quite significant weaknesses.
While far from a perfect car, for the money ($44k for a fully equipped UL) it's positively a steal. The way I see it, it's natural competition is the M-B E Class (not the horrid C Class), the BMW 5 Series (not the admittedly great but way too small 3 Series) and the Audi 6 (not the 4 which is a nice enough car but also suffers from the BMW 3 disorder....too small).
A M-B E 350 or BMW 530i with the kind of options the UL car has will each set you back about $58-60k. The Audi 6 is a little more friendly on the wallet at about $54-56k but is dreadfully underpowered with it's anemic 3.1 (though they lie and call it a 3.2 it's actually a 3.1 engine). Off the line acceleration is way beyond 'leisurely'....you can read an entire book until it gets up to 30mph.
So yes, for the money, the ES 350 is positively a steal.
That said, it still doesn't mean it doesn't have a number of quite significant weaknesses.
Thread Starter
Rookie
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Ca
Just as an update. I just took ownership of my Granite UL yesterday. It's a great car with more amenities than my old LS430. So far I've averaged 28mpg, which is very impressive. I haven't had gas mileage like that since my old 93.5 Acura Integra GS-R. I am very happy with everything and excited to learn about all the new features. One little gripe is I can't find a comfortable setting for my seat. I will have to play with the car a little more. Will post pics later.
Sam
Sam
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 460
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From: lA
Pole Position
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 216
Likes: 1
From: Missouri
Actually, xenon is not a halogen gas. Technically, xenon is a noble gas and xenon lamps can be purchased for any car and run on 12 volts. They produce a different spectrum of light that visually is a "purer white" with a blue cast. The actual measurement of light (candlepower) is not much greater than standard bulbs, they just appear brighter.
This is different than HID's. HID's run on about 20,000 volts which is required to "excite" the halogen gas and produce a cleaner white at much higher candlepower than conventional lights. That is why they use projector lenses which carefully focus the light so as not to blind oncoming drivers.
Pete
This is different than HID's. HID's run on about 20,000 volts which is required to "excite" the halogen gas and produce a cleaner white at much higher candlepower than conventional lights. That is why they use projector lenses which carefully focus the light so as not to blind oncoming drivers.
Pete
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,792
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From: Brooklyn, NY
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 12
From: NC
Here's alot of info on HID's: http://members.misty.com/don/d2.html
Correct on the xenon, ESsearch.
Has anyone listened to their HID lights? Just stand in front of the car when someone turns them on. They make quite an interesting sound when powering up.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 250
Likes: 19
From: California
dang you got one at a discount when the supply is so low. You lucked out brotha. i have seen about 15 ES350s on the road since i got mine, and NONE of them are ULs. This rarity makes the ride more special. 
I think the mentality is that most ES owners are people who want the most bang for their bucks and the UL somehow crosses the line a bit. The extra $6 - $7k somewhat brings the ES out of the entry luxury car price range, though I cant really find another car of the same caliber at the same price as the UL. I think at $40k+ the UL is still the best value for a luxuary sedan.
I think the mentality is that most ES owners are people who want the most bang for their bucks and the UL somehow crosses the line a bit. The extra $6 - $7k somewhat brings the ES out of the entry luxury car price range, though I cant really find another car of the same caliber at the same price as the UL. I think at $40k+ the UL is still the best value for a luxuary sedan.
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 621
Likes: 0
From: California
I'm not disagreeing with your statement as to why projector lenses are used/preferred in HID setups, but I am saying that HID setups do not absolutely require projector housings.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 733
Likes: 2
From: CA
I notice the HID is more direct. It focuses on the area a few feet above the road.....kinda just below the horizon line. Man it's bright....but not painful to look at directly. I notice when you see this bluish tint headlight from far away, you know it's a nice car approaching. So far it's all luxury cars I notice. 
I like the way when you turn the light kinda "floats" in that direction... very fluid and smooth. I live up the hills, so I go through some serious curves every day. Kinda entertaining for me.
I like the way when you turn the light kinda "floats" in that direction... very fluid and smooth. I live up the hills, so I go through some serious curves every day. Kinda entertaining for me.
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