LexBob2

Hopefully diagtime will weigh in, but since the 2013 has the same powertrain as the 2007-2012 ES350 I would think it has a timing chain just like those models.

SW17LS

I can tell you the 2005-2006 has a belt, and the 2007-12 has a chain...so my guess like Bob's is its a chain...

diagtime

I'm sorry, my phone only annoys me on monday morning at 3:30 AM to tell me i need to respond to a thread. Like you guys have guessed, it is a chain motor. The same motor actually. 2gr-fe. Only it takes 0-20 synthetic oil good for 10k oil changes.

This engine has been out for 6 years.......all we've really see go wrong is a stupid rubber oil line leak which was fixed by a campaign......and a timing cover oil leak which "seems" to be corrected. Overall, the 2gr-fe is a good engine.....it's powerful, efficient, and on an overall scale, quite reliable.

it's funny you ask about timing chain or belt....because when it comes to a toyota/lexus engine, i'm pretty much impartial. we don't have problems with chains or chain guides (like MINI and Jaguar).......but in reality, the belts never really broke either (like Honda, Kia, Hyundai, etc). I've seen belts with 280k and 20 years on them that seem to be ok. But as en ES330 owner knows, the cam seals will leak long before the belt has a problem......so you just replace the belt at that point anyways.

I can name many incidents I've seen with the 2GR-FE (or actually components on it like the water pump), but i could do that with any engine from any manufacturer. There's just no point in pointing out small percentage problems. Overall, it's a good, modern engine that Lexus has had 6 years to refine. It's one of the last things I'd be worried about.

Rockville

It didn't take long to notice the how calm and collected the new ES is over rough road surfaces. It is a big car inside but doesn't handle like a boat. They added about 90 more welds and cross bracing. Super quiet too for those NVH critics.

The seats are comfortable front and back with loads of rear legroom. I think this might be the ideal car to take a long road trip in and arrive fresh as a daisy.

It takes many years of experience and certifications to become a Ditech with Lexus and they have seen everything warts and all. These are über techs and their opinions are like gold. They also shoulder a lot of responsibility on a daily basis and are quick to report in to Lexus if an issue crops up. These Diagnostic Specialists are busy chaps so for one to take the time to post here should be applauded.

I don't know you but you are my friend...

Rock

donmatt

diagtime,
Thanks for all the good information. It is so delightful to read statements from an experienced tech that works on these fine vehicles. I am considering trading my '07ES with UL package and only 27K miles for a new 2013 ES with UL package but just haven't been able to pull the trigger due to fine (new) condition of my '07. Are the differences in the vehicles enough to justify the expeniture? Mine has been trouble free, except for the oil line recall, and is still ujnder the Lexus warranty until 2014. Your opinion would be greatly appreciated. A PM would be okay if you prefer. Again, many thanks for all the info and welcome to the forum.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

there is a huge difference in just build quality. Check one out at a dealer and the differences will be very apparent. IMO the last two gens of ES were way too camryish. The new ES is a LOT more upscale feeling being on the Avalon chassis instead of the Camry

sdloeffler

@diagtime have you noticed a lot of difference in the ride between the 17 and 18 wheels on the ES?

noncom23

To the tech and to all, anyone have opinions about initial acceleration
from a stop?
Primarily, any hesitation issues at all?

MY100thcar

#1..If you were to buy a 2013 ES300h you will get appox. 53% more MPG (give or take a little).
#2..You will have a completely new & larger ES (rear leg room has increased 4.1" & is the same as the new LS)

I had a 2007 ES350 From day 1 till I traded it for a 2012 RX350 @ 35,000mis. I avg'd. 26.4MPG ( mostly highway )
I generally drive 65 to 73 mph, or 5 to 10 mph max over speed limit.
As of today I have 524 miles on my 2013 ES300h and I avg'd. 40.3 MPG..(mostly highway) ...
That's a gain of 52.6 % over my ES350.

donmatt

Thanks my100,
I drove the 2013 gas and really liked it but not enough yet to pull the trigger on purchase. The Dealer did not have a 300h available or I would have driven it also. Since I would have to special order an ES with the UL package I plan to wait until the 14's come out next year and see what tweaks Lexus makes, or if they come out with specials in Dec I may respond favorable to that.
Buying the first year of redesign doesn't bother me. My '07 proved that because it has been the perfect vehicle (purchased in 04/06).

TerdBath

Great write up. Thanks !

diagtime

there's always some difference when you pick a bigger wheel. bigger wheel always ride more firmly. The ES with the 18's still rides comfortably, personally I have no problem with it. Is there a difference.......yes. but it's small.

just request to try both and see what you think. Choose which ever feels best to you.

diagtime

No, acceleration is pretty much the same as the last ES. Meaning...good torque. so good that the tires don't handle the power very well in first gear and sometimes traction control backs off the throttle. too much torque is not a problem in my book.

But if you've driven the last ES, accel is about the same. and yes, when driving full throttle you can still feel some engine vibrations over 4,000 rpm. Most people probably never drive it that hard and would never notice that. It's not a big concern.

diagtime

Toyota has come such a long way with the hybrid technology. It's reliable just like it always was, but now is significantly more efficient.

The 300h was a good choice. You will be happy with it. And it accelerates well enough to keep it interesting. Even I was surprised by what they managed to pull off with the 300h.

Akachan LS

Thankfully, during the last 10 years or so, Toyota/Lexus has moved away from timing belts. Almost all of Toyota's modern engines use matenance-free timing chains now, although timing gears would probably be the best solution.

The timing belts on past Toyota/Lexus were reliable if replaced in a timely manner and correctly. However, I, and many others prefer a maintenance free timing chain because it is less maintenance, less cost to operate, especialy if you keep the car for an extended period of time and put lots of miles on it like I do. It is just something less to worry about. Not to mention the less likihood that an incompetent mechanic will do a shoddy job intalling the belt and all the other parts associated with the job. It is a very involving proceedure, and a lot of parts have to be removed to replace it. There are lots of potential things to go wrong doing this job.

I'm of the opinion that the less major mechanical components have to be serviced, the better it is for the long term reliablility of the vehicle.