I'm really close to buying myself a 300h. Any advice from those of you who have one already parked in your driveway? Are you loving it? Anything you don't like about it?

Thanks!

 

The only knock I read and saw on Motor Week was the hybrid has some engine noise in the cabin which is hard to believe..

 

I've read that. I did test drive this model on both freeway and city, and didn't hear anything. I'm a previous ES owner (2008) and current RX owner (2011) and I certainly wasn't offended by noise on the 2013. Then again the car had ten miles on it and I was likely distracted by the other features of the car. Thanks!

 

No doubt should ride better and quieter than an '08 ES and a RX.
1sicklexus may give us his opinion when he goes to the Lexus event posted here.

 

I'm thrilled with mine. Graduating from an HS250h, this car is smoother, quieter, and seems more powerful than the HS. I hear very little engine whine, unless you punch/floor it; and if you do that, you're gonna be in for an astounding amount of power. I kid you not.

This feels just like my '06 GS300, except the GS had jerky transmission issues the dealer could never fix (it was another Lexus that I bought as soon as it came out...later models solved the tranny prob).

I only wish Lexus would use an electric parking brake switch, rather than this bloody push to set, push to release brake pedal. It's so so cumbersome; at least they could hang a mechanical brake release under the dashboard -- like cars have had since the 60's.

Other than that, I have absolutely no quibbles. This is my 8th Lexus, and although I liked the HS, I finally have long-wheelbase, true luxury using regular gas -- while getting a true 40 mpg in town.

 

You need to change your car of record!

 

Test drove a ES300H. Nice car. Quiet, until stopping. Hybrid braking systems are beyond terrible. Grabby brakes and sounds like a saw blade stopping. Power is pretty soggy, but ok, I guess.

Next was a ES350. Way nicer car. Much smoother braking and about double the power. Felt what a Lexus should feel like. Engine (V6) is so much smoother. If I was going to buy a Hybrid, I would just buy a Camry and be done with it. Just can't see spending more money for a Hybrid and getting a lessor car.

The ES350 just completely blows the 300H away!

 

This was my opinion too. The hybrid just isn't for me...

 

I love the sound of stopping my hybrid! Its a gentle reminder that Im driving a hybrid!