2008 Es350, made in Japan,122,000 kms (76,000 miles). In the process of changing from all season tires and rims to winter, I noticed that the front pads were very close to needing replacement. I jumped into my Camry and went to my local Toyota dealership and purchased a set of pads for $128.64. Toyota part# 04465-06100. I thought this seemed a bit steep but since I had the tires off, it was appropriate to replace them now. I cleaned and greased the backing plate, piston and the calipers. The job turned out good.
After road testing the car I decided to call the 2 local Lexus dealers 15 to 30 miles further away I discovered that their prices were substantially lower but virtually the same. $74.95 but the part# was different. 04465-AZ020. I asked them both what the difference was and they said they do not and have never stocked the 06100 version. Their only answer as to the difference between both was that the other is a cheaper replacement. I then visited the partsman and the parts mngr. at Toyota only to be told that they only sell top of the line toyota oem replacement parts and that the AZ020 were lower quality replacement part. Hmmmm.
I did some research and as near as I can figure out, the AZ020 version is ceramic. It creates less dust, meant for track enthusiasts and spirited drivers but wears much quicker than the 06100 version which is semi metallic but longer life. Amazon.ca was selling theAz020 for $85.83 and the 06100 for $64.81 plus tax and free shipping. Genuine Toyota (04465-AZ020-TM) Brake Pad, Automotive - Amazon Canada Go figure. I`m thinking that Japanese made Es350`s use ceramic pads and USA made use semi metallic. Can any one confirm or deny?
I sent an email to the owner of the Toyota stealership wanting an explanation as to why his 06100 is so much higher than the Lexus dealerships. He replied that he would gladly want to meet with me to clear this up. I will keep you posted. 72% higher is exorbitant.

 

I used Semi Metalic on te rear and ceramic on the front the past time i had to get my breaks done
however i belive sem metalic is what came on these vehciels form the factory and should be fine.

Reson i went with Ceramic on the front this last time was because i found a great deal on akibono on amazon i think paid 30.00 dollars for the front ceramic pads.

 

Pads for the 2007+ ES350 are 04465-33450. These are from factory and they can be purchased for $118 at a dealer.


04465-33450 and 04465-06100 are identical but for some reason Lexus use different part number.

 

Replaced the fronts on our 2011, garage got from Lexus, ceramic pads. Aftermarket rotors, all came to $295 with tax installed for 2 rotors and 2 sets of Lexus pads

 

Thanks guys. I want to rephrase one sentence in my original post as I may have thrown you off with the way I phrased it. What I want to know is what THE CAR FROM THE FACTORY comes out with installed on the vehicle not whats available from your Lexus dealer as a replacement. The cars manufactured or put together in the US appear to have semi metallic on them and the ones manufactured in Japan appear to have ceramic installed.

 

No way they have ceramics.

 

^^^Why not?

 

Because they are not sporty cars.

 

Oh...I was under the impression that some OEMs use ceramic on occasion because they dust less.