jgcec

I test drove a 2010 es 105k miles, today with ultra luxury package and mark levinson sound, at a very reasonable price.
I absolutely loved the car and was ready to buy it, except for one thing
the suspension

What are components of the suspension that wear out.
What would be the parts only cost of replacement and cost and labor considering cheapest possible way?

12jimmyjam

Are you talking about the ride quality of the 07-12 ES? They changed the suspension in these models so they rode a bit rougher than previous models. Definitely doesn't mean the suspension is worn out.

I drove an 00 for 7 years and welcomed the change as it had better handling. But now I'm missing that soft ride!

Clutchless

You should have an independent mechanic do a used car pre-purchase inspection, usually around $100, to determine the condition of the suspension and overall vehicle.

jgcec

I test drove a 2006 es 330 with 60k miles on it and it was the best ride next to a LS 460 that I drove just 30 minutes later.

I just wanted to check my thinking here.
If a new 2007 es 350 has a ride of an 7-8 compared to a 330, does that sound about right?

If a new 2007 has a ride of a 10, then a well cared for 2007, should have a ride of a 8?

Or a poorly cared for or just one that drove mostly on bumpy city driving as apposed to freeway driving on good roads,
would also have a ride of a 5-6 after 10 years and 100,000 miles compared to new?

I have started to consider getting a 2014 Ford Fusion or 2016 Hyundai Sonata with 30k miles on it

jgcec

Yes 07-12
I leased a 2010 and I thought it had a good ride,
but it was new.
The 2006 330 was better with 60k miles than the 350 was new.
Maybe I remember the 350 ride as being better than it actually was?

A good ride is easy to explain:
reduce the impact of the bumps while still giving you good road feel and handling.
I drove a four year old 1980 Mecedes SEL 450, many times and that is what I am talking about.
A great handling car that would just absorb the bumps of the road and you wouldn't even feel them.

The 350s that I have driven lately with around 100k mile on them don't absorb the bumps well or handle well.
But they are very comfortable interiors, have a quiet ride, look great and are Lexuses.

Clutchless

The 2014 Ford infotainment system and Nav is about 1000 times better and more modern than what is in Lexus. However it depends if you like the way it operates.
One issue with the ES330 models is terrible shift lag on the automatic transmissions, I thought it was so bad as to be dangerous and traded in my car.

chuyrobles

To answer the original question about replacing suspension components...there are no known suspension components with the ES350 that are known to wear out prematurely. On any car with 100K miles, you are right to be concerned about how the car was treated. You want to check for excessive wear on ball joints, wheel bearings, bushings, shocks, and warped brake rotors, hubs, and wheels.

ESh

The rear sway bar bushings are known to go south prematurely. Other than that...