OK, it is time to replace our RX. With present fuel costs we think we can give up the RX AWD with a 2012 ES. Better mileage, regular fuel are the big Pluses.

No AWD, no hauling the big boxes etc. available & no higher level of sight are the minuses

What to do?? What to do??

What do you like about your ES??

 

If you can get along without the hauling capacity of a CUV/SUV and are looking for a smooth (soft) riding, comfortable sedan I'd recommend the ES350.

They can easily get over 30 mpg on the highway on regular gas.

The ES350 certainly isn't a sports sedan in terms of handling but it does have nice straight line performance. I've had two of them ('07 & '10) both problem free and a decent value IMO. Good luck with your decision.

I'd recommend a couple of good test drives of an ES350 to make sure it's what you are looking for. More than a few people have commented they bought one and then found out they didn't like the ride/handling.

 

Thanks, we would take an ES for at least a day 1st to see if we can live with it.

 

Chief, did you check to see when the next gen ES350 might be coming out? I've heard rumors that it might be a 2012 model but no confirmation either way. If it's 2012, you might get a good deal on a 2011 or you could get the new model if it comes out as a '12.

 

Always like the new model but I like to wait a year or so too till the work all the bugs out. In this case I don't think they can make BIG changes so we would wait for the 2012. I wonder if they will not be available due to the disaster in Japan??

 

Unless you are a working musician or a contractor there is little reason to have anything near as big as the RX IMO. I wouldn't worry about the safety issues too much as long as you are staying Lexus or Toyota etc...
If you plan to tangle with a semi/train you will loose regardless of what you are driving.

 

Now for the AWD issue, here in Wisconsin it might just be a issue. We have had a 4WD or AWD for the last 20 years. Not sure if we need it that much but it sure has come in handy at times.

 

When we bought our current car we strongly considered the Infiniti G37X for the AWD. In the end though the ES350 met our various needs better.

Around here in IL even after a big snowfall the streets and roads get cleared quick enough that the FWD, TRAC and VSC allow us to get around without a problem. AWD would be nice just in case.....

 

They make a GS350 AWD if that might fit your needs more. The car cost little more but it will have AWD

 

I am actually getting rid of my 04 rx330. Great car just creeping up on 100K miles and I have a great opportunity to buy an 08 es 350 pebble beach edition with only 33000 miles for a great price of $22K. Deal I can't pass up. I will miss the suv but the es is a great ride.