Waltblon

I'm in the market for a preowned Lexus ES 350 and trying to decide whether to go with the 2012 or 2013. The 2012 ultra luxury is available with Nav for less money and 2013 is about $3k+ more on average. Not sure which direction I want to go in as this will be my first Lexus. Waltblon

12jimmyjam

I'd go for the 2013. It was the start of the new body style and will look much less dated. Same drivetrain though. Worth the price difference IMO.

Also the navi on the 2012 will be pretty much worthless in comparison to the google maps app on any phone. Don't get hung up on that.

ESh

I think 2012 UL is better car. If you care about that that go for it. If you like the new body then go for the 2013.

Waltblon

I guess you're right, it's a matter of which one you like. Of course I like how the 2013 looks inside better than the 2012. However the UL ES is really very nice and has everything. Does the navigation system in the 2012 have updates so that the maps aren't totally outdated? I too prefer Google maps, but wondering if the Nav will be totally outdated with the 2012 UL ES. Not too mention I've seen a few nice 2013 ES 350s, but they don't have Nav and they want a lot compared to 2012 UL ES with low miles and showroom ready. Just don't want to have buyers remorse, esp. since this will be my first Lexus. Any opinions one way or the other.

nguyent8

+1 for 2013, new body style and it doesn't have a tape player

ThumperPup

i don't think the 2012 has a tape player either i think they stopped putting tape players a few years earlier burt maybe im wrong i just don't think i remembr seeing it in a 2011 that i drove once.
i would go for the 2013 just beause i like that body style.

hypervish

Correct, the MY refresh removed the tape deck; so none of the 2010-2012 ES350 had one.

ThumperPup

off topic here
anyone know the 2010 Navi unit will work in a 07 as a plug and play i mean a 07 that has Navi already will a 2010 11 or 12 unit plug in and play in my 07 im wondering because from my understand it would be the USB navigation not a DVD i get ride of that damm Tape player that makes me look dated and also would then have Blue Tooth Audio built in i have a option from a friend to get a navi unit from him on the cheap from a totaled 2011 that he has

scfz1000

2012 would be a better car in my opinion...don't forget the 2013 is the first model year car so i'm sure there are some hiccups versus the 2012 should be well sorted out. you will miss out on new stuff like heated steering wheel and maybe bsm though