1 year old today
 

It was one year ago today that I brought Loudella home from the dealer. 10,400 miles.
Yes, she has spent her time back at the dealer:

1. ML with non-functional right front speaker
2. Rattly dash
3. Broken ABS sensor (my fault)
4. more rattles
5. 2 oil changes

My complaints
1. Loud tires (Crummy all-season Michelin's, Yokohama AVS next time)
2. Rattles (they're mostly fixed now)
3. Mrs. Lexus's speed lockouts (fixed)

My compliments
1. Styling
2. Comfort
3. Power and speed. Mine really takes off when asked to do so without any more hesitation than my Benz or Nissan Maxima had which wasn't much. If driven correctly it is very responsive.
4. No transmission problems here
5. Cool features (Too many to list on my UL) like the panoramic roof and the ML stereo.
6. Mileage. Overall, not reset for a year, Shell premium V-power usually, 25.4 mpg mixed highway and city.

Modifications (sort of)
1. Vais tech i-Pod interface
2. Sonartech's wire mod to get rid of speed lockouts
3. Parking/back-up sensors
4. Sirius sat radio (06 ES330 unit)
5. NEXT replace DRL with PIAA Xtreme
6. NEXT additional wood kit for dash

Wish list: Parking brake DVD over ride (COME ON YOU GUYS!!!)

Overall: I'm happy. The car is a 9.8 on a 10 scale and I'm proud every day.

That's actually quite high!!!

I've driven my brother's UL ES350 and I would give it a 7 out of 10. It does have "entry-level" issues for a Lexus, but I wouldn't take off points for that.

I like the car's design and look and feel, except for that damn cassette player that is 15 years out of place. Bulbous center console is unique and fresh, as well as odd and laughable.

As far as performance and handling, it has a peppy engine but lacks the proper balance between tranny, suspension, and braking. This is not a performance car, and it will remind you of that fact if you ever try to make it perform like a sports car.

Technical and electronic issues are about, but I have not experienced it. My brother has no qualms about tranny flares or rattling or the such, and he drives the car practically everyday. If there is ever a concern, our Lexus service tech takes care of us very well.

It ain't perfect, but it does a great job in providing luxury comforts.

on my next car, i won't service rattles until the warranty is almost over. those guys just make things worse

I rented a G35 to drive back from South Carolina to Missouri, about 1100 miles when my 07 TL was totaled by a truck running a red lite and was extremely disapointed. I would take an extended test drive if I were you. You may love it and I am told it is an excellent car but I would not trade it for my TL or ES. That said, however it is just one persons opionion and if you get one I hope you like it

Congratulations on one year! I can see why you are pleased. If you compare your experience to the host of other new car experiences out there, Lexus holds up very well. Every car has issues, and I would rather take my chances with my 07 ES 350 at 3000 miles than I would on a new Cadillac, Audi, Volvo, or other competitor. If cars were perfect we wouldn't need warranties, and if a new car torments us, then get rid of it and try again. Good luck with the next 10k miles.

I took mine in for the 10K service just last night. When the service writer went to put the paperwork in the car he noticed my inspection sticker was set to expire.

Man how quickly...and quietly...that year flew by! ;)

Congrats!

You seem very satisfied with your vehicle. If only they made an ES hybrid.

Wait a couple of years... :D

Congratulations on the one year mark. You'll enjoy many years with your ES 350 and the resale value should hold up very well if you ever want to sell your ES 350. Happy driving...

My ES 350 is now 13 months old. I have 5900 miles on it. Only problem is wind noise, which they say is normal. I don't like it. But I love everything else about the car. And it has treated me very well. I should have leased at those miles though.

heh Jeff. My ES350 is 11 months old and I also have low mileage (less than 5k). You must have used your ES300 as a daily beater huh?? :D

Gee wiz, mine is 8 months old with 14K miles on it. Am I driving too much? ;)

Actually, my other half uses it to go to work every day. Mine is just to and from the airport. I think the longest trip I took in it was to Palm Springs Memorial Day last year (where, having it less than a month, someone hit the rear bumper and I still have two bumps on it). But I still love it.

That's not too many miles you've driven. At 8 months old with 14K miles that equates to 1,750 miles per month. I drive about 3,600 miles per month...