Should I Wait?
 

I've got lots of questions but I guess I should start here.
I have a 2007 ES-350 and am looking for a new ES-350.
I see that the 2024 model is the last for the current series.

What are the upsides for buying the 2024 model and what are the downsides?
ie. would waiting for the 2025 model be smarter?

There will be lots of opinions on this interesting question. Here's mine:

•From an automotive perspective, don't wait. The 2024 ES 350 has the bulletproof, smooth and harmonious V6. It is the last ES that ever will. The new RX foreshadows the powerplants that will be offered for a '25 ES 350. Testers are not impressed with their rough and cheap feel, and some variations are reportedly having un-Lexus-like reliability hiccups as well. I bought my '22 ES 350 partly for this reason, so I practice what I preach. Get the real thing while you can.

•From a personal finance perspective, not buying may be wiser. With interest rates high, this is a bad time to buy a car on credit. That won't get better soon, and it probably won't get better for the 2025 model year either. It's an argument against going into installment debt for any new car at all.

•If you like your '07 ES 350, you'll probably like the 2013-2018 ES 350, too. They've shown outstanding reliability and durability, even better so far than the current generation, and they're obviously more affordable at this point. If you can stand their rather wallowy ride and wretched cursor infotainment interface, there's very little else to dislike about them, and you could get one in fine condition with a much smaller loan and be set for years to come.

Basically, it depends on your priorities and your situation. All the best to you, whatever you decide.

Thanks LexFinally for your input! It does help me.
In my situation, I'm not really trying to save money by waiting etc. The purchase would be outright (cash) and hopefully with some trade-in value.
My 2007 has only 100,000 Km.
I like what you said about the 2024 from the automotive side. I'm always in favor of quality in this respect.

Truth be told, I really have few dislikes with my 2007. It has a few dents and scratches and my family has been strongly encouraging me to update it.
As long as an update (really want new) will be as quiet or quieter than what I have now I think I would be happy.

One of the reasons I have been delaying my new purchase the past few years was because of the big black front grill that almost all cars have now (including Lexus).
It seems I could wait another decade and it would still be there. :(

I think the '24 ES 350 would satisfy you with its quiet, especially if you choose a Luxury or Ultra Luxury model with their quietness upgrades to the wheels and glass.

I also think you're right about the grilles. Contrary to popular belief, it's not because stylists have suddenly lost all their talent. Modern cars have to meet standards for not maiming pedestrians. This basically means the whole front end has to be a giant, flat or rounded deformable surface. As a result, stylists are stuck trying to fill that massive area with something that disguises the bulk—hence the giant cheese graters we're seeing from multiple brands. We're left to choose the cheese grater we dislike the least.

I have 07 ES350 as well and would like to replicate that ride as close as possible. My choices are 300h vs 350. I am willing to go for older es350 if this is the last of it's kind. Would you say current gens have tighter steering and not as smooth ride?

The ES 300h is a fine car, but the newer V6 models will certainly come the closest to replicating the feel of the older V6. There are probably others on this board who have experience I don't with previous ES editions and can better answer about those previous generations, but most reviewers do say the current car has better handling and tighter steering at a minor sacrifice in ride quality (worse in F Sport Handling) compared to previous generations. That's another reason you might want to compare it to the cushier 2013-18 6th Gen model.

We upgraded from a 2010 ES 350 to a 2019 ES 350 FSport, which are basically the same cars you're asking about. The 2010 was a very plush, smooth driving car. My wife loved the seats and would regularly make 12-14 hour drives in it without leg or back pain. The 2019 FSport has firmer seats and a much firmer ride - some of that coming from the 19 inch wheels. We haven't taken a trip that was longer than 4 hours in it so far. I like the seats just fine, in fact like them better. My wife has started hurting after about 3 hours in the car. Everything else is so much better - the technology, the power, and the safety features. We have the triple LED lights and they are the best lights I've had in any car. This is considered to be my wife's car, but I drive it whenever I can. I didn't feel that way about the 2010 ES. I would much rather drive my Infiniti than that car. Mid-summer we took it over Snoqualmie Pass at midnight on I-90 and everything worked together so well - the automated cruise control, the lights and the great sound from Apple Carplay over the audio system. I've driven some of the newer cars with the turbo 4s and those with hybrid systems. The engines just don't do it for me, sound loud and tinny and I especially hate when they're mated with a CVT transmission.

Good luck with your decision. I don't think you'll go wrong with either year.

There's definitely some objective points to be made when debating between the two model years:

2024 - you're getting about as refined as an ES can be for this generation as it's expected to be its last. All the bugs have been worked out as this generation has been in production for awhile. IF there are any bugs I imagine it would be in the new infotainment which can at least be updated OTA and have fixes delivered as needed.

2025 - a lot of people for whatever reason advise against a brand new model in its first year. I've had two vehicles that were brand new in their first years; a 2013 GS 350 F Sport and a 2015 Acura TLX. Neither gave me any issues except the TLX which needed a new transmission, but this is a known issue with the specific ZF9 (complete garbage of a transmission imo). Other than the transmission the TLX gave me zero issues and was a wonderful car. The GS we still have in the family, I just drove it today, and it handles and feels as good as it did on day 1, 77k miles ago. The only major issue wiht the GS we had over the 10years of ownership was one front driver's side suspension needed to be replaced as it suffered from a high impact due to the quality of roads we have here in the Bay Area...

I personally wouldn't be afraid to hop into a 2025 if you end up liking it. You'll get a killer deal for the 2024 though I'm sure and if you can "live with outdated technology".

I'd encourage a decision that would minimize "regret".

It doesn't sound like you are needing a car today so you have time on your side. The current 7th gen ES is fantastic car. I have a 19 ES 350 and love it. Lots of good folks on the forum praise their ES's as well (you included) :)

However, what I'd hate to see happen is that you buy the 24 ES and then in another year, the 8th gen (I use the 8th generation nomenclature because we don't know for certain the 25 model year will be the all-new design although rumors are saying it will be) is introduced. The V6 will likely not be an option on the next gen car but the hybrid drivetrains will be a new generation with more efficiency and power. And the chassis will likely have more road isolation, better driving dynamics, other enhancements and features. If you end up seeing the 8th gen after already purchasing your 24 ES, you might feel bummed that you didn't wait (regret). And if you do end up trading in, that's a good chunk of money that you will have to forfeit (trade-in value, fees, depreciation, etc.)

That said, if you hold out for one more year, you will be able to literally compare side by side with the 24 and new 8th gen before committing to purchasing either. And let's say you prefer the 24 (maybe the 8th gen will be hideous... who knows) - well no issue because you know that you tried both (no regrets) and you will probably get a killer deal since the dealers will be trying to clear out the 24 inventory in favor of the 8th gen.

I love my 2022 es300h the 2023 I Dont like it’s cup holders which removedes the track pad.
on the 2022 I think it’s only only one with the trackpad and the touchscreen and at night it looks really nice.
quiet and smooth is a joke on these cars are a joke . There’s been many times that I turn off my car realize in my car was already on so I have to we start the car again because it’s so darn quiet in these cars.
These car, trouble free, and Toyota maintenance prices to fix if that ever happens

I said, don’t worry find the best color exterior interior to your liking with the options because these cars are hard to find especially ultra luxury

next car would still be an ES if they don’t ruin it

if op doesn’t mind waiting They should wait for the second year of the new version of the es.

The only reason to buy the 2024 model is if you want the V6.
The 8th gen will not have it. Hell, I am sure it will not be a version without the hybrid power plant.


I would wait for the 2025 hybrid.

For me, Im not going to consider a hybrid drivetrain until I absolutely have no other choice. Reliability hasn't been proven. Power is down.. I also have turbo 4's.. Turbo's fail... Ive own several cars like this over the years and they just don't keep up.
V6 for me is the way to go.
I also do not like CVT transmissions. I owned two cars with them and they sucked. Plus the transmissions (atleast in those) were not serviceable. They break they go. Out of warranty... you have a new transmission on your hands.

I care just enough about MPG not to have a V8 in a commuter because my drive back and forth to work is 85 miles total.

2024 model year.. you have a bullet proof engine, transmission and drive train. Its a no brainer.

Maybe I missed it but has it been definitely stated somewhere that the V6 will be eliminated in 2025? That the car will be offered only as a hybrid? Or even that gen 7 won't extend to 2025 MY? I think a lot of guessing going on here without basis. If I needed or wanted a new car I'd buy a 2024... The prices are going north and interest rates aren't going down anytime soon IMO. I don't think that anyone really knows what Akio Toyoda has in store for the future but seems that he's hedging on EV's....

What? What?