jmr32

My 2001 GS 350 is finally needing to be replaced. I LOVE this car and am torn on what to buy next. I do not care for the newer model GS cars so that is out. I have a chance to get a 2009 ES with 46,000 miles for 12,500 and a 2010 RX 76,000 miles for 15,000. I know they are completely different cars. Just curious to hear what you like and dislike about your car. Thanks for your opinions.

jmr32

My 2001 GS 300 is finally needing to be replaced. I LOVE this car and am torn on what to buy next. I do not care for the newer model GS cars so that is out. I have a chance to get a 2009 ES with 46,000 miles for 12,500 and a 2010 RX 76,000 miles for 15,000. I know they are completely different cars. Just curious to hear what you like and dislike about your car. Thanks for your opinions.

SilverRX30

SW17LS

I've never had an RX, but I've driven many of that era as loaners. I did have a 2010 ES350 from new for about 3 years. That ES is a pre-refresh car, I would want a 2010 or better since IMHO that refresh did a ton for the car, especially inside. I liked that car very much, good riding car, smooth and quiet, they're very reliable and at 46k miles its just getting started.

The RX...do you need or want an SUV? I don't like the look of the pre refresh 3RX outside, and inside there are a lot of very poor quality materials. ES would be my choice unless you really need or want an SUV.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

You mean your GS300 right? GS350 did not appear until 2007

97-SC300

iTrader: (17)

MODERATOR EDIT: 97-SC300 exit this thread, no need for the rude personal commentary here.

JDR76

I haven't owned an ES but we had a 3rd gen RX (ours was a 2013). Phenomenal vehicle. We really loved it and would have kept it had it not been for the lack of a 3rd row seat.

theory816

Id go for the RX. Its more practical. In case of an accident, youre less likely to get hurt since the RX is heavier. Night time driving you can see more of the road since the headlights sit higher. You also have more room to store things just in case.

mmarshall

In the past, SUV stability in handling, with their higher centers of gravity, was an issue, but the near-universal adoption of electronic VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) and tire-pressure indicators to warn of dangerously low tire pressures have gone a long way towards addressing that. The higher center of gravity can still be an issue, though, if the wheels hit a curb just the right way and toss the body over...and some VCS systems, like the ones pioneered at Ford and Volvo, also react to sharp body roll....others do not, reacting only to oversteer/understeer.

Toys4RJill

703

RX in NC

You need to decide what characteristics are most important to you. Sedans typically ride better. SUVs offer more practicality and typically have a higher resale value. Think about the pros and cons of each and then drive the best deal you can manage on the one you decide to pursue.

Clutchless

I have owned both and agree with the posts above. You need to drive both and decide which you prefer and which type of vehicle better fits your needs. I had a 2008 ES350 and recently spent time with my mother's 2010 ES350 doing work on it before she gave it to her granddaughter and I did not notice much difference between them as far as driving or features.

vlad_a

ES and RX are not that much apart - both are sitting on top of the Camry platform.
If anything, your GS is a much different animal, being on RWD and not FWD platform like the RX.
I was never a big fan of RX being FWD and now that it's gone, don't really miss it that much.
If you want a real SUV, take a look at the GX. That thing has RWD underpinnings with a real center differential to run in continuous AWD mode, aka full time 4WD.
IS and GS are the two other options on the sedan side.

salimshah

Which vehicle is right for you, should be really be based on at least a day of normal driving by you. The 10 minutes test drive has only helped me choose one of the two of the same model [apples to apples comparison].

You can eliminate the wrong model for you by placing the purpose/need at the head of the list. Be prepared to switch you preferred model to the second option based on opportunity [condition-sale_price] etc but you should be very clear which is your top choice.

With 20+ years with Lexus, I have stayed with GS, SC and RX. GS is for prowess/fun, RX for utility and 95 SC400 for shear beauty. Nothing wrong with ES, but for me it was never a contender. When I see ESs on road, it tells me that does address a good proportion/segment of population, so it must be good.

See if the seller or even Lexus dealership with their loaner program can arrange a 24 hr test drive for you.

Salim