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Lexus ES 300/ES 330

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Comments

  • fredvhfredvh Member Posts: 857
    Could you gentleman advise me on approximately what kind of gas mileage you are getting on the ES300? I see that the 2002 will have a 5-speed auto and am concerned about mileage especially since what happened to prices earlier this summer. Thanks.
  • gambhirgambhir Member Posts: 64
    Feel happier that I could get the good looking ES before the new one came and platinum series is good--installed a 7" DVD alpine nav a yr back so with no addl power, don't think I care much for the new car--at least not yet
  • lenscaplenscap Member Posts: 854
    The 2002 will get better mileage than the 2001, although not much.

    2001: 19/26
    2002: 20/29
  • ctrowland1ctrowland1 Member Posts: 31
    Have only checked mileage once with 1,000 miles on motor. Avg. 21.5 mpg combined. But engine was new. Have approx. 4,300 now. Will check on next fill up and post.
    By the way, Lexus was offering $1,500 "Dealer Cash" and $500 Customer Cash for previous owners BUT that ended 7/31. Anybody know if Lexus has extended offer?

    dardson1, what are you averaging? How and where did you add Nav. system? What did the "Platinum" edition have on it?

    Chip
  • gambhirgambhir Member Posts: 64
    Hi-I think ctrowland--were u referring to my platinum--u say dardson1--well anyways I will try to answer ur question as well-my platinum had wood.leather steering, textured leather, embroidered floor mats, polished alloy, HID lights, heated seats and moonroof, 6 CD, etc
    I installed the alpine DVD system from cartoys for around 3K and it is really amazing.
  • afinegoldafinegold Member Posts: 57
    Gambhir,

    I too have a 2000 Platinum II (w/Nakamichi as well as everything else) and it is truly a wonderful machine. Am interested in a couple of more details about your Nav. You say that you installed the system from CarToys--does that mean that YOU installed it or that they installed it for you for about $3000? Also, how and where does it mount, and what does it sit in front of (ie., does it interfere with any of the controls behind it, does it look sorta funny sitting there even though it does a great job, etc.) Finally, does in work about the same as a factory-installed one works on an LS400 or 430 (ie, voice information, colored screen, one DVD disk covers all or most of the country, accurate and precise turn-by-turn directions and results, etc.)?

    We have a CarToys place near us in the Seattle area that I will drop by if you say it's a solid item and looks pretty good even though it's not built into the dash.

    Al--
  • ved3ved3 Member Posts: 43
    I don't blame you guys for being happy you
    went for the 00 or 01 ES. The new ES is good
    looking as stated by some car mags. but I
    think it lost some of the elegance and classyness
    that the previous one had. It really looked
    more expensive than it actually was. The two-tone
    paint was also an ES trademark that set itself
    apart. and car looks very exciting, not boring at all. Don't know about you guys but I think
    Lexus is taking a big risk by going revolutionary
    instead of taking the safe route of evolutionary
    design with this new ES like pretty much all
    other luxury car makers do. Perhaps lexus will
    take another look at the previous gen and provide
    better link as they improve the new ES.

    However, its interior is where they display their
    design brilliance. It really took some cues
    from the LS430.

    question: Shus226 comment raised an interesting
    concern for me. Has anyone ever
    had their ES tranny replaced or
    rebuild? don't have a problem but I
    don't think this was ever brought up
    before in this forum. When would be
    good time to replace it? I stated this
    before but in cold weather, the car
    shifting into 2nd is sluggish.
    normally it is "almost unreal" smooth
    so sluggishness is uncharacteristic.

    anyway, if I didn't have a previous gen ES, I would miss it. but since I do own one, I don't
    have to.
  • ctrowland1ctrowland1 Member Posts: 31
    I was referring to your Platinum. Sorry for the mistake. Sounds like it came with the same options as my Coach. I too am interested in where you mounted the Nav. and how it works.

    fredvh: Filled "her" up yesterday. 22.5 mpg combined with A/C on.

    Got my Car and Driver in the mail yesterday. They do a "Preview" of the new ES. Lexus and C&D say the IS 300 will target the sport market while the ES 300 is "assigned...full time to the luxury beat". They talk about how it is longer, taller and wider. How wonderful the interior is and about all the new and previous safety equipment. BUT what they don't talk about is the new style. Not one word. (things that make you go hmm...) The title of the article is "Luxury seekers face a quandary. There are still no satin sheets." Patrick Bedard, author of the article, held his cards pretty close to his vest. I'm not sure if he likes it or not.
    A word on price. The article says "At $31,000, plus or minus a few bones, depending on your restraint with the options, splendor seekers will find a lot of Lexus for less."

    Chip
  • tmttaxattytmttaxatty Member Posts: 4
    Ctrowland1, I too read that article in my mag which arrived yesterday. That was my first look at real pictures of the 2002 and like most I've read on this board recently, I'm left thinking the exterior design is lacking. I purchased a 2001 at the end of July before I had any hard data or accurate looks at the 2002 and I'm now very glad I did. It just looks more stylish and sleek than the 2002, in my opinion. Particularly the back end. What is up with the 2002? I took one look at the pictures in the magazine and "Camry Solara" screamed out at me.

    I will say that the pictures of the interior look fantastic. I like my 2001 but the interior of the 2002 looks to be an upgrade, especially with the same leather now found in the LS. Having more interior room I'm sure will be a plus for the new model too. Bedard specifically stated that the 2002 would have more room than the current GS (much like the new Altima is supposedly bigger than the Maxima, I guess).
  • ctrowland1ctrowland1 Member Posts: 31
    tmttaxatty and other ES owners. Almost without exception, owners of the "good looking ES" are happy they have one. It will be interesting to see how many of the new style Lexus sells. In the Car and Driver article, Lexus said they are shooting for 50,000 per year. That would be a 10,000 increase over the previous design. Lexus is very good at targeting their customers. AND they make great cars. Time will tell. As I sit on the side line and watch, I will take comfort in knowing I own a great, good looking car. (IMO)
    tmttaxatty, which ES did you get? How do you like it? Check gas mileage yet?

    Chip
  • ctrowland1ctrowland1 Member Posts: 31
    Hey Guys (and Girls),


    While snooping around Chrysler 300M Town Hall Board, I discovered a web site that studies the construction of many oil filters on the market. If you are concerned about what oil filter you use, check out this site, very informative non biased study.


    http://members.nbci.com/minimopar/oilfilterstudy.html


    By the way the Chrysler 300M Town Hall Board is a very "tight" board. Good group of owners that share information and ideas about their cars. They seem to "love" their "M". I do not own a "M" and have no interest in it, but the people who by them seem to be a pretty good group.

  • tmttaxattytmttaxatty Member Posts: 4
    I purchased the non-coach version of the 2001 ES. Graphite grey, black leather. I purchased pretty much the "standard package" offered by the dealship I used, Sewell in Dallas (how they get almost every ES on their lot). That configuration has the Value Package, wheel locks, trunk mat, wood/leather steering wheel, and 16" tires. The only dealer option I added was tinted windows (almost a necessity here in Texas when you have a dark car with an even darker interior).

    I have not made any gas mileage checks yet. I've only owned it 3 weeks and I've only got 520 miles on it, almost entirely city commuting (I've been swamped at work since literally the day after I bought it). So far, what little I've gotten to drive it, it's been fantastic (then again I'm not hard to please after having driven almost exclusively Taurus' the past 5 years).
  • d119d119 Member Posts: 1
    I am sure this must have come up before but couldn't find the re posts.

    How much did you pay for your stand ES300 with LP package. The dealer wants me to cough up $31,000 is this OK!
    Thanks in advance for your response.
  • tmttaxattytmttaxatty Member Posts: 4
    Is your ES with Luxury Package to come with any other add-ons? As I stated earlier, my car had about $500 sticker in additional options (wood steering wheel, wheel locks, trunk mat, and 16" tires) plus about another $300 or so (sticker) in window tint. Purchased mine for just under $30,500.

    Good luck in your negotiations!
  • ucsdsigucsdsig Member Posts: 10
    I attended the Lexus 2002 ES introduction event today in Southern California. Lexus started w/ a little introduction of the 2002 ES, then we were able to test drive the new ES on a "performance" course. Ha, they should have renamed the course since they wanted everyone to drive below 40 MPH! Other cars available for comparison on the course were the MB C320, the BMW 325, and a Volvo (sorry, can't remember the model).

    There has been great debate on the looks of the new ES, but I have to agree that viewing the car in person makes a world of difference. I may be in the minority here, but I found the previous generation of ES's to be a bit bland. I'm not saying the car was unattractive, but just too vanilla for me. Upon seeing the new ES in person, I found the styling more to my liking. I wouldn't say it has the love it or hate it styling of the GS, but at least the new ES evokes a reaction out of people.

    The interior of the ES is absolutely fantastic. It doesn't take long to see that Lexus did a great job improving the interior over the previous ES. Just see for yourself, I'll bet you'll be impressed. For me, the Nav and ML system are must have options, but hey, I love toys :-)

    Driving wise, the new ES was what I expected. It had decent pickup, a nice ride, and preferred straightaways to any hard cornering. I know that there are those individuals who will continue to cry that Lexus screwed up by not increasing the HP on the new ES. I too was surprised, but I doubt Lexus will have any problems selling every new ES they build. I doubt the typical ES buyer will be overly concerned w/ HP numbers and 0-60 times. Will they care that the new Altima will have 240 HP, or that the Acura TL-S makes 260 HP? IMHO, the majority will not. They would rather have a car that is safe, reliable, and luxurious. I highly doubt the any new Nissan will be able to touch the interior of the new ES. Although the current TL interior is nice, the new Lexus is in a different league.

    If I were to buy a car in this segment, I would be hard pressed to choose between the TL and the new ES. Being that I prefer a sportier car (thats why I bought a GS), I would probably lean toward getting a TL-S. But then again, there is a part of me that appreciates the overall luxury of the new ES (at the cost of losing a lot drag races!) Overall, I found the new ES to be a terrific car. I think Lexus did a great job with this redesign. I doubt any potenital new owners will be disappointed.
  • larichlarich Member Posts: 3
    ved3,I posed the sluggish shift question to the service dept. and was told it is computer controlled - the time it takes to shift to second depends on the temperature-the colder the longer. You will notice this becomes more pronounced as winter approaches.
  • lievliev Member Posts: 93
    so i guess changing oil at 5K (vs. 7.5K as recommended by manuf.) is safe for the car. I'll have major maintenance service at every 15K i think.

    i think this is the forum for es300 owners to discuss, question, provide useful information and advise on anything related to the es300 so that other could benefit from it. don't worry... so long it's not a bashing, we should be ok.
  • domettgdomettg Member Posts: 55
  • domettgdomettg Member Posts: 55
    I just received an intro. brochure in the mail and it has a great picture of the ENTIRE interior. I think the interior is gorgeous, however, I noticed that the doors don't have tufted leather any more. It is smooth leather, reminiscent of the first generation ES300 except that the door panels are not concave like the original ES300 and the leather is richer looking along with the addition of the wood trim. I'm not quite sure but I still think the tufted leather has a certain richness to the look. I think I'll have to reserve final judgement until I see it in person. Has anyone seen it yet? Care to comment?
  • maxamillion1maxamillion1 Member Posts: 1,467
    and I must say, the new ES300 is starting to grow on me.
  • gambhirgambhir Member Posts: 64
    Hi
    You can send me an email at puja8@hotmail.com if you need further info
    My nav was installed by the car toys folks (can not do it myself :)--it is inclined and position right where you have the cigarette lighter (much before the gears)--that way I have an excellent view, no sunlight draining, etc
    The Nav is very comprehensive and is the same Alpine system used in Lexus--it was recommended by Lexus dealership only. i even negotiated a 5 yr warranty for the nav within the 3K which included labor--you get back 200 bucks if you do not use the warranty--so it was a sweet deal-the 7 inch is awesome--the 3D graphics are amazing--route countdown and rerouting is awesome

    Currently nothing entices me to leap towards the 2002 ES300-I get compliments on my nav (you see no wires--you can't make out it is installed after market)
    Only if the engine leaps to at least a 3.3L, will I consider--otherwise a downgrade from 7.7 seconds to 8.1 seconds (0-60) and paying $7+K for the downgrade will be lousy--if anyone like swood--lexus can always add genuine wood trim for 1100 bucks
    Would like to see powe tilt/telescope from lexus
    The current nav in the new car seems flimsy--Motor Trend refers to it as ready to break (The way I understood the cons)

    Anyways hope I answered your ques
  • juny4158juny4158 Member Posts: 2
    I went to Lexus dealer in oregon and sales person is so arrogant and self-sufficient for their car.
    He just says the price is 33,300 for silver one with Value package and (HID, Heated seats, Wood Steering wheel, MAT, 16' alloy wheel).
    There is no further talk about the deal.
    He says you gonna lose it next day unless you put $500 deposit on an ES300. How about the price?
    (I think 31 or 32K is reasonable.)
    Thanks in advance.
  • afinegoldafinegold Member Posts: 57
    Yes, $31-32K is much more reasonable for a car that is about to be superseded by a new design.

    Why don't you try calling one or all three of the Lexus dealers in the Seattle area (Tacoma, Seatle, Bellevue) and ask if they have the car you want. Let them each know that you're calling around to the others also, and that you're shopping in the Pacific Northwest for the best deal on an ES300. You might first want to get quotes from a couple of the on-line services and have those figures available. If you do, ask for the Internet reps when calling the dealers.

    If you did have good luck dealing in the Puget Sound area, I'm sure it'd be worth a trip up from whereever you are in Oregon. Don''t forget, you can always have your car serviced at, and get warranty work done at, any Lexus dealer anywhere, and you can get just about equivalent routine servicing at about 1/3-1/2 the price at any Toyota dealership.

    Al--
  • gambhirgambhir Member Posts: 64
    Hi Juny 4158-- I can give you the name of my saleswoman--she will surely help you-- you can take my name if you wish--Vineet and she will give you a good deal--I have bought two cars from her so I have a good standing and I don't mind if some one else can benefit--besides she is very good--Her name is Audrey Wynn and she is at Lexus of Portland at 503-297-9017
    Hope this helps and best of luck
  • 350350 Member Posts: 9
    What is a competitive price now for a new '01 ES Value Package in the Los Angeles area? Which dealers offer that?
  • kschlinkkschlink Member Posts: 6
    I paid $30,500 for a Coach Edition (Oyster Pearl color) ES300 at Santa Monica Lexus 2 months ago. My salesman was Joe Magana. He was great! When I called him, he told me he would meet my internet price. First I went in by myself and discussed the deal, then my husband and I went in and he didn't try to change the deal. The purchase was very simple. He was a straight-shooter, and my husband and I were very happy with his service. I was referred by a couple that had an equally great experience buying from Joe. He told me that he liked buyers that had done their homework on the internet, because it made his job easier. Joe's cell no. is 818-298-8515--it is the easiest way to reach him, and if you wish, you can let him know that Karyn & Mike referred you.
  • rollomanrolloman Member Posts: 64
    Haven't seen the 02 ES on the road yet but I did pass an 02 Toyota Camry a couple of days ago on the freeway here in Houston.

    WOW!...major improvement. Enough for me to consider trading my 96 ES for an 02 Camry.

    New Camry exterior style doesn't seem as over the top as the new ES. I have to admit that the ES interior is awesome from the pix I've seen.

    The sales between the two should be interesting.
  • lenscaplenscap Member Posts: 854
    You won't see the new ES until October because it doesn't go on sale until October 1.

    I don't think you would like trading in your ES for a new Camry. First of all, the new interior is very blah. Second, don't expect much in the way of service from a Toyota dealer. No loaners, no car wash, no Saturday breakfasts, an average-poor service department, etc. Lexus service can definitely spoil you!

    I have the same car as you but mine is a 1995. Can't wait to buy the 2002 in a few months!
  • ctrowland1ctrowland1 Member Posts: 31
    Thanks for your response concerning your after market nav. system.

    Chip
  • fredvhfredvh Member Posts: 857
    Can anyone tell me how long they will continue building the 2001 ES300? I just cannot get used to the looks of the 2002 ES300. I have not seen it in person though.
  • alpha01alpha01 Member Posts: 4,747
    01 Camry production several weeks ago, so I can't imagine they'd continue very long with ES production. My guess is that everything is out there, or being shipped. I doubt you'll see many more, and certainly, you won't be able to order one.
    ~alpha
  • ripinrocketripinrocket Member Posts: 157
    2001 Camry production stopped about a month ago.

    And your Lexus dealer won't be getting in any more 2001 ES300's. 2002's should start arriving in a couple of weeks.

    fredvh,

    They have to stop building 2001's so that they can start building 2002's. And because of the product change, there is usually a couple of weeks of downtime at the factory so that they can retool the factory to produce a totally new vehicle.
  • rollomanrolloman Member Posts: 64
    I just so happened to receive a brochure from Lexus in the mail today with new pix/info on the 02 ES.

    I really dig that interior. They finally added Nav and other options from LS. It's awesome.

    The exterior looked a little better in the brochure. I guess it will grow on me. It's going to have to be worth the additional $$$ for me to trade in my 96. It has 113K and still drives and looks showroom. It might be hard to justify financially. I'm sure Lexus will keep working on me.

    Let us know when you get your 02. I would value your input.
  • lenscaplenscap Member Posts: 854
    I'm going to test drive the new ES next Saturday along with several competitors at a Lexus-sponsored driving event. I'll let you know how it goes (I hope it doesn't rain).

    I'm waiting for the dealer to provide prices and equipment on the first batch of 2002 cars. He said they may all come in a certain way, and if I want it equipped different I may have to wait several months.

    My 1995 ES only has 36,000. Like yours it is in perfect shape. Not a rattle or squeak or anything. Still drives beautifully.
  • fredvhfredvh Member Posts: 857
    Can any dealer tell me if more 2001 ES300's are being made or if they still will be getting some more 2001's in yet?
  • rollomanrolloman Member Posts: 64
    Lucky dog! Hey, please let us know what you think of the new ES.

    How can sign up for one of those driving events? Do you have to be in the industry?

    Thanks.
  • gambhirgambhir Member Posts: 64
    Hi Fredvh! I bought my ES 6 months back and installed after nav DVD-it is a platinum series--my wife wants the new ES--You are welcome at your discretion to contact me at puja8@hotmail.com .I am in two minds right now about selling my car but thought I will mention it if you really like the previous ES and no new ones are coming in
  • godeacsgodeacs Member Posts: 481
    Sticker prices in my area are $34,473. Any idea how much off that figure a Lexus dealer will go since it's clearance time thorugh 4 Sep...thanks!
  • ctrowland1ctrowland1 Member Posts: 31
    Depends on inventory and what part of the country you are in. Myself and others that have posted on this board have paid a few hundred dollars over invoice. If you want details, click on my name and look at "what I've been saying".
    I've noticed by looking at your previous postings, you are looking closely at an Accord. I have a 1989 Accord Coupe Lxi. Great Car! 204,000 miles, original owner. However, I've been reading the boards concerning Honda and quality. Although Honda still builds a good/great car, seems like they don't build them like they used too. I looked at Accord and Camry before I bought my 2001 ES 300. I test drove both. The interior did not impress me on the Accord and Camry exterior did nothing for me. (Just my opinion)
    There, however, does seem to be something to the Lexus "pursuit of perfection". The car has been perfect. The dealer top notch. Lexus, discounted close to invoice, costs 5k to 6k more than an Accord, but you get much more.
    Good luck.

    Chip
  • godeacsgodeacs Member Posts: 481
    Chips - thanks! Wasn't sure how low an offer I could make w/o being laughed out of the Lexus showroom! Only reson I'm considering Honda is because I think you get a lot for your money. If I can save $7-10K over a luxury car (and get a reasonable trade in quote), I'd probably go for the Honda Accord EX V6. Been driving Volvos for 19 yrs and have considered the S60 (not real fond of the new style and the reliability issues of late), the Saab 9-5 (only because I can get over $8K off an overpriced car (but depreciation sucks) and the Audi A4 1.8 (my 1st choice). Probably will try to rework a deal with them on 1 of the remaining 2001s...
  • ctrowland1ctrowland1 Member Posts: 31
    I've read many good things about Audi and VW lately. They seem to be building very good cars. The Audi's do stir the soul.
    Although Honda's don't seem to be as good as they used to, I believe they are still the best car for the dollar.
    When you get your new car, post back on this board or Accord board. I'll be interested in what you decided on and what your experience was buying the car.

    Chip
  • godeacsgodeacs Member Posts: 481
    Will do, Chip. All I know is I've been shopping for weeks now and something always seems to come up to postpone the final decision... Priced out the ES 300 last night and based on what you said, I'd have to pay just under $31K to drive one home (less tax/license)....a tad too much I think...
  • peter7777peter7777 Member Posts: 24
    Did anyone see the new ES300 on the PBS TV show "Motor Week"? Seeing the car in motion helped me to get a better understanding of how it will appear "in person". The interior panned shots were electrifying. I'm definitely getting more warm and fuzzy feelings about this car.
  • lenscaplenscap Member Posts: 854
    The driving event for the new ES is something I got an invitation to in the mail. I have no connections to Lexus. They must have just received my name off some mailing list, although I have been invited to several of these events in the past for Lexus, Cadillac, Mercedes and some others. Lexus is actually having the ES "alluring drive" (as it is called on the invitation) at several major cities across the country.

    I will report back after the drive. It should be fun!
  • juny4158juny4158 Member Posts: 2
    Finally, I am gonna pick white one up this week Sunday and it has a VP with other options at 31K. How about you guys opinions for this price?
    Another wonding thing is that Odometer for the car is currently 184. Isn't it too much? or OK?
  • rvaccharvaccha Member Posts: 1
    Hi,

    I have a 1998 ES300. I am interested in upgrading the rear view and side mirrors from the normal mirror to auto dimming mirrors.

    When I asked the parts department at the dealership, they told me it was not possible due to certain wiring not present in the 1998 ES300.

    Does anyone know differently or own an 1998 model with auto dimming mirrors.

    Thanks,
    RV
  • mwiklemwikle Member Posts: 62
    Yeah I have the service manual, it is pretty integrated system does not look practical at a glance to me...
  • fredvhfredvh Member Posts: 857
    Can anyone tell me if CarsDirect is a good way to purchase a vehicle? Has anyone done this or have taken the quotes to the local Lexus dealer and had them match the price? Are any other web car-buying sites better than CarsDirect?
  • lenscaplenscap Member Posts: 854
    Toyota has put the 2002 Windom (ES 300) info on their Japanese web site. Go to http://www.toyota.co.jp


    They have some unusual options over there, like a spoiler on the trunk and wood trim that covers the entire center console.

  • ctrowland1ctrowland1 Member Posts: 31
    Funny you should ask. Just helped my sister by a Toyota Camry. First I used edmunds and autobytel "buy" service. Input what car you want, dealer from your area will call with price. After dealers called with "best" price, then went to carsdirect.com. They give you a "guaranteed price". The catch is you have to give your credit card to "guarantee" price. Called carsdirect.com, 800 number is on web site, they said they do not charge your card. A carsdirect.com person will call with information on availability of car in your area. (they pull from same dealer inventory as dealers pull from) If you agree and want the car, they fed ex paperwork to you. Fill it out and fed ex back. Then they tell you where to pick up car. (they said within 50 miles of your address. Did not use carsdirect.com but did use the best invoice price I could find on internet. Then called dealers back that had given me their "best" price. Told them the best invoice price I found. One dealer would not touch the price. Told me if I could get the car at that price to go ahead and buy it. But he wouldn't budge from his price. (difference was about $550.00) So I knew I was in the ballpark of the lowest price I could get. Called the other dealer and offered him $100 over best invoice I found. He accepted it. Picked up Camry yesterday.
    Good Luck Fred.

    Chip
This discussion has been closed.