Is the UL package worth it?
 

I've got 2 deals working. First car has 52k and the UL package for $22000, and the second has 36k with the luxury package for $23000. Is the UL package worth the price, or should I just go with the lower miles?

The UL package would be a bonus for you. I think the bigger question is what the UL-car has versus the non-UL. The less the non-UL has, the easier decision it may be for you.

I would always lean towards a car that is "fully loaded," so I am biased for the ML. Over the course of a few years, and under the grand scheme of things, the 16k mile difference between the two is negligible. I personally think 52k miles is barely breaking in a Lexus.

Does the non-UL package car, at least, have the Luxury package and Navigation Package?

As far as market value is concerned at this point in time, for a 2013 ES, the UL package should be adding about $2000 to the value of the car over the value of a car with the Luxury package and a Navigation system. Also, at this point in time, every 9000 miles or so subtracts about $1000 from the value of the car. So, for the two cars that you are considering, the value of the UL package on the one car should be just about offset by its higher miles if the non-UL package car is a Luxury package car with the navigation system. If that is not the case, the UL package car, even with its higher mileage, would be valued at as much as $4000 more than the non-Luxury package car that doesn't have either the Luxury package or a navigation system. Of course, all of that assumes that both cars are in similar mechanical and cosmetic condition.

The only differences in the cars are the one with 52,000 miles has the ML system, thigh support, and pano roof. It's in slightly better shape outside as well with no noticeable door dings.

The other car car just has lower miles and has never been to another dealer for service. Neither show any accidents or real service work.

Mat this point I'm leaning towards the higher mileage since I drive 35,000 miles a year anyway.

That being the case the UL does sound like the better buy. The one advantage for the non-UL that comes to mind is that, depending on when it was originally put into service, it could still have some of its factory bumper-to-bumper warranty left, and, even if the amount of the warranty left is only a few months, it should be long enough for you to be able to identify any issues with the car that could still be taken care of with the factory warranty. On the other hand, with the UL being at 50,000 miles, you won't have any of the factory bumper-to-bumper warranty left.

Also note that, besides the ML sound, thigh extender, and pano roof, there are a number of other features included with the UL package that are not available, even as options, on a non-UL ES. Those include semi-aniline leather, ambient lighting, the rear passenger sun shades, front passenger seat memory, and a few others.

I have a 2014 ES/UL totally loaded. I enjoy it very much and am glad I pulled the trigger on it (got it new two years ago). Personally, I'd go for the UL and like other posters said, the ~15K miles isn't that big a deal. You'll enjoy the extra goodies in time. Have fun buying whichever one you get!

I don't have an ES, but I would vote for UL. I simply have made the mistake too many times of thinking I didn't need those features only to wish I had them over the next several years of ownership.

ES350 ultra-luxury package definitely worth it, just in the improved leather. Throw in ambient lights, few other extras, is a no brainer, just hard to find them when new, few made.

YES it is worth it... The cost difference is only $1K, you'll kick yourself for not getting it everytime you come to this forum and ask how much it would cost to add in something that came with the UL.

I also think semi-aniline leather is something that is only available in the UL package. In my opinion, they are the most comfortable out of all the upholstery options

Given that you spend 35k/miles a year in a vehicle, you will actually reap benefit & see value in the additional features the UL vehicle has. I agree with everyone on the ML system as a "must have".

We had a 2013 ES300h for three years and recently purchased a 2017 ES350 with the UL package. The ML system, upgraded leather and black roof are really nice. I would drive both before deciding. As previously noted, you don't see many UL's on the road.