Well here I am driving a Lexus for the first time. Traded in my Acura 2012 TL , wife had me put a new front bumper on the car if you know what I mean and minor body work . The TL was never the same in my opinion. I really like the Lexus ride but I do miss the Acura performance and the more rigid suspension. Maybe should have bought a GS 350 but did not see the $ difference.

I am not to sure about the standard Leatherette interior. Is it just a cost cutting move and Lexus says less environmental impact ?? Also wish it had Michelin tires instead of the Bridgestone again cost cutting . Not sure ?

The ES350 had quite a few options added to the sticker, the Acura had all these included in the base price.

All in all it is a great car and I think I have found a new vehicle brand home.

 

Congrats and welcome to the Club.

Yes, the ES is more of a luxury ride, and definitely not a sporty firm ride. IMHO, the leatherette isn't the same as real thing, but some here on this board like it. Some of the ES have Michelin tires while others come with the Bridgestones, definitely not in the same league or quality.

Agreed on the options. But all in all, I hope the ES will not disappoint. Most of us here LOVE it.

Art

 

Arty,

Thank you for the response. The Lexus service appears to be a cut above the other guys. The car is classy and discrete in its design. It is responsive especially in the sport mode and as I mentioned a great ride, I am sure on a trip would be a delight.
Very happy to be a member on this Lexus club.

PS- says Reg 87 gasoline OK , any thoughts on using a higher octane ?

 

Agreed on the Sports Mode; very fun. No need for higher octane fuel. The ES, both 350 and 300h are designed to run on 87, another attribute of this car.

You'll learn a lot from this board, and do some searches on things that might peek your interest. It was probably discussed here before. Have fun.

Art

 

Agree, no need for premium unleaded. The full range of Toyota & Lexus vehicles using these two engines recommend regular too. The ES350 used to recommend premium but that was changed with the 2011 model year.

 

By reading thru this forum, you just saved yourself $120 per year, based on 15K miles/year, 25 mpg, and $0.20 per gallon difference between premium and regular....lol.

 

Welcome to the forum. As Art stated, you'll find answers to just about anything connected to your new car, make some new friends, and probably feel compelled to comment now and then. Good Luck!

BC

 

Thanks to all for your responses, great information !!

 

Yeah like Arty said 87 is all you need, putting in super doesn't help no gains from it. The long drives is where this car really shines you will truly enjoy it.

 

Around here it is a $.30 to $.40 cent difference, which I note when fueling my 18 mpg MDX compared to my wife's 39 mpg 300h.

 

$.40-$.50/gal. difference around here.

 

Welcome to the club. What color and package? Although I own an UL, I found the nuluxe seats in the loaner ESs I've driven to be very comfortable. They're also way better looking than other leatherette seats in other brand cars.

 

Of all the interior packages only the bottom of the line have nuluxe.....all other have perforated leather. If the car you test drive has perforated seats, it is leather.

 

All of your responses are appreciated. The color OBSIDIAN ( Black w Black interior )
8-Speaker Display 7" screen back up camera
Heated front seats ( NuLuxe seating )
Intuitive Parking assist
Premium Package ( memory seats )
Rain sensing wipers
Wood & leather trim shift **** & steering wheel
Cargo net pkg
all in all I think nicely equipped

I do like the exhaust on the GS but Lexus needed to differentiate for sell up features.

 

Hi Art,

I really enjoy reading the posts mostly by ES350 owners. The folks on this forum are very knowledgeable much more than myself about vehicles. One fellow says upsetting about cars parking right next to his in a mostly empty lot. Definitely upsets me also. One observation I have made is when you look inside the car parked beside your car it usually looks like a trash container, go figure.

I love my ES350 and have already gotten over missing the TL Acura blues.

Travel Safe !!