My first bruise...
#31
Getting that first bruise - it will happen to all of us sooner or later! As I’m approaching my first year driving and 10,000 mile maintenance, I’ve learned to “go easy” over those bumps and watch those side curbs. From a value standpoint, I will go the mobile repair route to get my battle scars fixed - repair will also include fixing minor chips in the front from normal wear and tear. It’s not a show car. I consider the scratches minor and cosmetic, so I didn’t feel a need for a full removal and painting. I’ll share pics when it’s all done. Overall, I’ve been very pleased with my ES 350 F Sport. Mechanically no issues - reliable and runs as advertised!
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AnthonyMJ (07-18-19)
#32
#33
The curb was below the sensors. I could have seen it with the camera showing the spoiler swinging out over the curb, but I was looking out the windows at the car behind me. It seems we just can't be too careful.
#34
Take a look at the picture in the first post in this thread. That parking curb is not that high, but it looks like it would scrape that bumper if the driver pulled in a little more.
#35
Lexus Test Driver
This seems like a very poor design to me. Why should I have to "drive on eggshells" around town? I like to zip around. Now I have to worry about going a little too fast over every bump?
Take a look at the picture in the first post in this thread. That parking curb is not that high, but it looks like it would scrape that bumper if the driver pulled in a little more.
Take a look at the picture in the first post in this thread. That parking curb is not that high, but it looks like it would scrape that bumper if the driver pulled in a little more.
#36
#37
Lexus Test Driver
#38
Pole Position
Lexus indicated they have lowered this generation of the ES. I will not be testing mine on any 6” curbs! Now with that said, our sixth gen ES had a scrape on the bottom of that lip. You couldn’t see it but I had to slightly trim the clear bra so the frayed edge wasn’t showing.
#39
Lead Lap
The reason why the ES is susceptible to scrapes like that is not just the amount of ground clearance to the front lip. It is also because of the longer overhang from the front wheels to the front of the bumper. When the car is on pavement with a downward slope, the longer overhang reduces the clearance to the bottom of the bumper when the car approaches the spot where the pavement levels off.
That longer overhang is typical for front-wheel drive cars. Thus, if a rear-wheel drive car, like the LS or GS, had the same amount of ground clearance as the ES, it would still be less susceptible to these kinds of scrapes than is the ES.
That longer overhang is typical for front-wheel drive cars. Thus, if a rear-wheel drive car, like the LS or GS, had the same amount of ground clearance as the ES, it would still be less susceptible to these kinds of scrapes than is the ES.
Last edited by lesz; 07-20-19 at 05:33 AM.
#40
The reason why the ES is susceptible to scrapes like that is not just the amount of ground clearance to the front lip. It is also because of the longer overhang from the front wheels to the front of the bumper. When the car is on pavement with a downward slope, the longer overhang reduces the clearance to the bottom of the bumper when the car approaches the spot where the pavement levels off.
I'm considering buying a 2019 ES. Now, I'm afraid that when I drive it home, I'll scrape the bottom of the front bumper pulling into my condo.
#41
Intermediate
I live in a high-rise condo building with parking in the basement. The driveway leading up to the garage door is at a downward slope, probably about 15 to 20 degrees. I'm considering buying a 2019 ES. Now, I'm afraid that when I drive it home, I'll scrape the bottom of the front bumper pulling into my condo.
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19LexusDad (07-20-19)
#42
Is anyone bottoming out going over speed bumps?
#43
#44
Lexus Test Driver
Honestly I heard it in one of the earlier commercials - I will search myself and see if I can find for you.