Much I like about the car: super quiet, pretty clever nav once you get the hang of it

BUT, I also own a 2011 Golf, which--on the highway--is in a totally different league... drives without lean, with total bump absorption, completely perfect around long curves and short turns, just phenomenal handling at any speed.

SO..... I was rather unpleasantly surprised by the 350 (only 3000k /1700miles) it pulls to the left in the left lane (the golf doesn't); it is unsure over 60mph (the little golf rides straight as an arrow under all highway conditions; the 350 steering wheel vibrates along with the entire body when riding over bumps or uneven road conditions (the little golf is smooth as silk on all roads).

So we own 2 cars: a cheap golf, which is somewhat noisy at high speeds but handles safely, predictably, and impeccably under all conditions.... an expensive LEXUS 350 which is dead quiet, but which weaves, bounces, and leans all over the place. Not in the same league in terms of stability on the highway as the little Golf.

Second es I've owned. Like the quiet ride. And I can't believe the front-end, handling of this vehicle.

JG

 

johnlewisg......did you mention the "pulling" to the left when you took the car in to the dealer for the 1600 km check? You have to have the car on flat/level ground (like a flat/level parking lot) when checking for "pulling" anyway. Is the steering wheel centered? My 2011 does not pull (nor should any car) and the steering wheel certainly does not vibrate. It's been to 140 KPH and is rock solid on the highway. I tend to wear the outer edges of the front tires on all my cars because I tend to rip around corners, so I did increase tire pressures to 34 PSI which may have helped handling slightly. When I test drove the ES I was very happy with the handling, especially considering it's a 3600 LB+ FWD car, and is riding on 215/55 tires. Sometimes I wonder if MT and R & T actually test drove the ES. Did you test drive an ES before you bought it?

 

The ES350 is not known for its handling. Nearly all of the enthusiast and consumer oriented test drives confirm this.

However I've found it to be competent and predictable on the road. Both of mine (2007 & 2010) have tracked straight with no pulling or wandering and are quiet and solid (yes a bit isolated) over rough roads.

IMO overall a very nice quiet, comfortable cruiser that will get around 30 mpg on the highway.

Hopefully the pulling issue is something that can be corrected.

We have a 2011 Mazda3 which is really fun and enjoyable to drive. My feelings about it mirror yours towards your Golf. A great little car.

 

My 2008 has been flawless since new, and I now have 47,000 miles on it. It is very smooth riding and a comfortable highway cruiser.

 

Need HELP on this...anyone?

Rear Bumper Cover w/ Sensor holes.
Is it the same as the 2010?
Part #
In addition...the Rear passenger Bracket that
holds it in place.
Not to mention the Decal.

Clearly I need PRICE HELP.