I loved my 2007 ES 350. I don't like my 2010 ES 350 (with navigation) because the headlights are too low and I feel like I am driving in the dark. I tried to get the dealer to raise them - they gave me various reasons why they couldn't (I would blind a car driving towards me, I would get a ticket, there was no way to raise them). I even got a Lexus engineer on the phone who admitted to me that he's heard complaints but said it was impossible to raise them. Because of this I rarely use the car at night. (I should add here that I am not a "car person').

Time for a new car. Is there a 2013 ES350 with "normal" headlights? And could you tell me exactly what to ask for? My only other requirement is navigation.

Thanks so much for your advice.

 

I suggest you test drive a non HID equipped ES and a HID equipped ES at night and see which you like best.

 

What do you consider 'normal'? Have you considered HIDs (high intensity discharge) lights? They're much brighter, especially for older eyes that could use all the help they can get. Worth the money.

 

It is pretty much impossible to test drive a car in NYC at night and get an accurate feel for the lights - it is just too bright here.

I have HID lights now, I think, and they are too low, in that they light the road immediately in front of the car, but not my field of vision ( street signs, etc.) If that makes any sense.

 

See if they can let you take a loaner home overnight and test them on a dark road.

 

I agree with Lex, that's really the only way to tell if the headights meet your needs. If the Lexus lights aren't right for you, try some other brands of cars.

Like you, I had a 2007 and a 2010, both with HID's and really liked the headlights on both of them, but that's a personal preference.

Good luck with your search.