I have to call foul on this post.

First and most important, Stoodo is absolutely right that the reliability and durability of the Toyota hybrid system has been proven beyond all reasonable doubt. It's been flogged up to 300k and beyond in NYC taxicabs. Old Priuses (Prii?) have continued to compile excellent reliability scores in Consumer Reports' owner survey for 7+ model years (the oldest they go at a given time). Toyota has such confidence in the life of the batteries that they now warranty the new ones for 10 years or 150,000 miles. (I personally am married to a Prius owner who's up to nearly 14 years, 150k miles and counting.)

Second, it's deeply misleading to smush together EVs with hybrids when you say they're not selling. EVs are not selling. Toyota hybrids like the Sienna and the RAV4 plug-in are selling like hotcakes. Try to get one at MSRP or in less than 12 months. My nephew failed last year and gave up on his Sienna order after 6 months of waiting with no end in sight. He's one more than "nobody," and it sounds like there are some others like him.

Bottom line: Yes, Toyota hybrids are in fact durable and selling.

https://www.npr.org/2023/02/24/11583...climate-change

 

In a survey of the most and least dependable cars aged up to five years old, hybrid models are the most reliable, new research suggests. Hybrid cars ‘more reliable’ than petrol, diesel and electric models By Gareth Roberts | 28 September 2023

 

Well, I get that, but the reality is that given the pace of changes in tech that will be true about many, if not, most cars. Manufacturers likely even hold back improvements so as to be able to offer something new each model year. This is only news though it used to be appearance rather than technology. Unless the car you are choosing or wanting has a substantial improvement versus incremental, then you will forever be longing for the newest and latest almost every model year, something the manufactures know and count on. This is why, for example, Apple wants to release a new iPhone almost every year and people will line up to get the latest features even if their one year old phone real does everything they like - the appeal of "new" (assumed to be "better) is very strong. Sometimes it is a trade-off - you will no doubt get some new features in '25 but what might you lose? Perhaps the seats or ride will be less comfortable, the styling may change in a way you doin't like, etc. So, bottom line, almost every car will be dated when the new models come out, that's the way it just is. The real decision will be how much that really matters to you in your ownership experience.

 

Your post started out with random incorrect statements, then it just went unhinged. lol

I’m on my 7th Toyota / Lexus hybrid dating back to 2007. I haven’t had a problem with any of them. 2007 doesn’t even make me an early adopter. Toyota has had a hybrid out for 25+ years.

But you do you. “V8 go fast, me likey!” 🤪

 

After doing alot of research, I am going to take the plunge on the 2024 UL ES350. It is clear from everything I have read that the next model (whether is likely late '25 or '26) will not have a naturally aspirated v6 which is really one of the main factors that makes this car as smooth and reliable as it is. And if they stick a more powerful turbo engine in it beyond what is in the new camry, it will likely require premium gas. So added complexity, more operating roughness and premium fuel; not interested. Hybrids are great but power is down from the V6 and they too are 4 cylinders with some inherent roughness although it will probably be well masked. The new ones will have the Version 3 of their safety system but based on the reviews I have read of the new RX, this version of the safety system can be a bit overbearing. Seems like version 2.5 which is in the current Lexus ES if probably as far as I want to go. I am not a great fan of the huge grill on the current vehicle, but that is a fairly minor issue when it comes to getting a car with a super smooth and reliable V6. The current generation is refined, quiet and well built; I don't see alot of things can could wow me on a new generation. Just my 2 cents or should I say 50 thousand+.

 

I’ve removed several rude and overly aggressive posts, let’s keep things polite and mature or do not post.

Vertdafert I’d like for you to exit this thread.

 

Moose: I made the same call as you to get an ES 350 UL last month, and my prediction is that you will love this car. The V6 is the same one I had in my RC, and almost the same one I had in my RX, and it is smooth, quiet and reliable. (The only engine I ever had that was better was the V8 they had in my SC400 and SC430, but this new V6 has more horsepower and more torque than the older V8, which was the original engine for the first Lexus cars.)
Most don't think that the grille is not too big and generally it has received positive reviews, unlike those giant grilles on some of the new BMWs.
I love the quietness and smoothness of the car; having all the safety features and the big screen is very nice, and the "luxury" options are quite enjoyable. Be sure to toss them an extra $100.00 for the "Smart Key Card" option - elegant, convenient and fun.
Happy Motoring.

 

I echo tfischer's comments 100%. The V6 engine is a perfect match for this car, buttery smooth but has guts. I have the $100 smart key card but tend not to use it since I can't disable it like on the button FOB (worried about car theft around here).

I have a couple complaints - the rear window visibility is not great because they sloped the rear to much and I wish I was not forced into the low profile 18" tires, but other than that so far so good.

The cabin soundproofing is amazing, my wife was hollering at me from inside the car while I was nearby and I never heard a word she said

 

We all need a little more of this in our lives

 

tfischer: Thanks for the feedback. Will definitely get the smart card.

 

Yea but you cant beat that SMOOOOOTH bullet proof V6

 

Agreed the 430 v8 was amazing my LS430 was my favorite car ever even moreso than my Jag XJ8, but the current 3.5 V6 is awfully smooth and gutsy.

Ive also got the $100 wireless key card thing but I never use it because it makes my wallet too fat. If I was a woman with a purse though it might be nice. But then I wouldn’t be able to remotely start the car or pop the trunk or open the door for another person closer to the car than me. I basically just keep it at home as an emergency backup.

 

The other problem with the wallet card is you can't easily deactivate it like you can with the pushbutton FOB, to prevent car theft.