sharmila19

I am considering a 350 but I am curios - is 350 more safer than camry?

Is it stronger? Is it more expensive to maintain this car?

LexBob2

No. No. Yes.

But there are more things. To consider.

lesz

The ES will definitely be more expensive to maintain than a Camry (or Avalon) if you use a Lexus dealer for your maintenance; however, many of us have been using Toyota dealers or independent shops for maintenance. If you use a Toyota dealer, the maintenance costs should be basically the same as if you owned a Toyota.

bc6152

So if I take my Lexus to my local Toyota dealer for an oil change it will cost less than a Lexus dealer oil change? Even if the filter cartridge and oil (synthetic) is the same? Does anyone know what the difference in cost is? I'm aware that the engine is the same as the Avalon.

lesz

I'm sure that there is variation from one Toyota dealer to another and from one Lexus dealer to another, but my Lexus dealer charges about $135-140 for the full synthetic oil change. The local Toyota dealer, using the same filter and the same synthetic oil is at somewhere just under $55.

Similarly, on my GX, when a leak developed in the air conditioning line, the Lexus dealer wanted $1800 to replace the line. The Toyota dealer quoted me between $800 and $900 for the same repair, but, before replacing the entire line, they suggested trying just to replace the fitting where the leak was. They replaced the fitting for $150, and it has been fine for 3 years. Thus, I could have paid the Lexus dealer $1650 more to get the same result.

bc6152

OK, Thanks lesz. I'll try the Toyota dealer...

LexBob2

The 3.5 V6 is also used in the RX350 as well as about 6 Toyota models so the Toyota shops are very familiar with it.

bc6152

Good to know... Thanks..

lesz

There is virtually nothing in what you have said that is factually accurate. First, the ES now shares many components with the Avalon and not the Camry. Thus, you start out wrong by saying that the Camry and the ES are the same car. Further, the ES has a fairly long list of features not available on the Avalon or the Camry, and it uses higher quality materials, has better sound insulation, etc. than either the Avalon or the Camry. Then, regarding price difference, the price difference between an ES and comparably equipped Avalon is more in the $2000 range. The price difference between an ES and a similarly equipped Camry is marginally more, but still only a very small fraction of $15,000.

Finally, I'm not sure what the relevance is of you having "bought a 460 (an LS, I assume) and NEVER looked back". You are talking about very different cars intended for very different groups of buyers. What you are saying would be comparable of someone telling you to "forget about buying an LS. Just buy a Bentley, and you will NEVER look back".

LexBob2

A good portion of the 70k people who will buy or lease an ES this year alone, would probably disagree with you.

Mike728

LOL! Troll post of the day!

Lexusxoxo

Lmao!!!

gemigniani

Pretty much true in terms of seat and ride comfort and noise, vibration and harshness. The 2012 es 350 was clearly superior to today's Camrys in those characteristics, but not the current es350.

LexBob2

I agree. Someone just trying to stir the pot.

larrytstar

Rather than everyone sharing assumptions, guesses and subjective analysis, does anybody know the actual differences? A body-man friend of mine mentions that there are significant differences in bracing, brackets, etc which contribute to the solid feel of the ES over the Camry. I hear about sound deadening glass. Folks also mention sound insulation materials being different. What else is there. I would be interested to see an actual, factual list of the differences.