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Lexus ES 300/ES 330
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Does anyone know if there was some agreement on installing the chip?
See if your Toyota dealership has a Express Lube service; if not locate another dealership that has. I think your Toyota dealership is unnecessarily charging you a high amount- as other Toyota dealerships.
But then if your Lexus dealer does an oil change fpor $35, its ok because mine wants $85!
The Accord blows away the ES300 when comparing the engine responsiveness and the smoothness of the transmission.
The Honda lacks the beautiful woodgrain interior of Lexus, but for 10 grand in savings I could probably live with that.
In the winter time, if I don't want the A/C to come on (I just use the fan at a warm temp) is there a way to keep the A/C from turning on everytime I start my car?
And, the same goes for the auto-dimming mirror: If I don't want it on, can I or Lexus program it so that it stays off?
Thanks
LexHeads
I would like to program it so that I don't have to keep hitting the on/off buttons.
Leak: I just discovered a very wet spot under my left rear floor mat that is nearly half the size of the floor mat. Has anyone else had this problem. There is no obvious source of the leak.
Brought my GS in for a service. I got a Es300 for an hour to go get lunch and test drive it.
I saw almost right away the problem with the shifting. That everyone has been complaining about. It was a rough shift around the 3000 to 4000 RPM range. Happened almost everytime.
I heard the engine make a lower roar than the GS300. That is because of the V6. not a problem for me.
But that stupid wood on the stearing whell drives me crazy. Also it was cold to the touch. Slimy.
The stearing was loose compared to the GS300
When I left I went right into the Infiniti Dealer and test drove the I35. I was Suprised I liked it alot. Including the heated Stearing wheel. I was quoted $404 a month for a 48 month lease with 12k. I am sure it can be got for a cheaper price.
I don't know I might change to Infiniti. I still got months to think about it. Of course If I can get a GS300 for $404 a month I would stay lol
BTW the cabin noise did not seem more than my Lexus. That was the major complaint I seen on message boards.
It is noticeably faster with my manual downshift to 3rd. I know that if the automatic worked the way one expects that I shouldn't have to do this, but it works. And the owners manual indicates that you can go up to 90 mph in 3rd gear, so there is a wide range for extra power. (I haven't gone over 70 in third before upshifting to fourth and fifth.)
The 5 speed on the ES300 is new for the new shape, and I think this is perhaps a different issue.
Anyway, I am now happy with my LS430. It does have a few rattles (surprise!) abd I had to get a complete new set of tires because of problem with the OEM set, but I think I could live with this car for the next few years.
I love my GS300 But I think I would be wrong in spending $479 (old price) or $500+ for a new lease. A $100 a month price difference would be $4800 + tax for 4 years.
Might not sound like much ,but with a wedding and possible baby in the next 2 years. It would be wrong t o spend that money on a car.
Of course I want a nice car and safe car. So my budget is $400 a month.
Can you tell me what other cars would fit my budget and be close to my GS300?
We got a loaner of a Es300 for a hour and we noticed the shutter everytime I punched down the gas.
I guess it comes down to what bothers you more about a car? The noise in cabin or a shutter or no tilt stearing wheel in I35.
I do love Lexus. I want to stay, but I can only afford $400 a month lease (48 month, 12k) So it comes down to what car gives me more. I am really leaning toward the I35
Any other ideas?
Best of luck with your new car.
Nick
and the new accord though nice still has the same small cabin. Bottom line is I am not comfortable in the car
Sorry...
I am disappointed to have this type of problem in a new Lexus (7 months). But since the dealer didn't have a loaner Lexus they put me in a Mitsubishi Diamante. That has made me miss and appreciate my Lexus. There is no comparison to the ride, handling, road, wind, and engine noise. I expected the Lexus to be better, but I was surprised at the gap! I just hope my leak is a fluke and the car lives up to its reputation for quality.
Thanks Nick
I test drove an '03 Avalon XLS with VSC, and made a quick lane change from the left to the center lane on a multi-lane highway. Nothing radical, but a fairly sharp, quick turn on the wheel at about 50mph and some brisk acceleration (but by no means flooring the gas pedal). It felt like the car was holding me back -- almost a molasses effect.
The road was empty, but if it had been congested...
I know the Avalon is not the same as the ES, but the engine is and maybe the VSC set up is, too.
Also test drove an '03 #ES, but during rush hour, so didn't try the same move.
I mentioned the Avalon episode to the Lexus salesman, who thought there must be something wrong with the Avalon, and that the Lexus VSC only engages on slippery surfaces, i.e., there's no way you should feel it on dry surfaces (unless, presumably, you're sliding sideways down the road! :-).
So my question for ES owners:
1. Does your VSC kick in when you try quick lane changes? Or create any dicey situations for you?
2. Is there a way to turn it off?
(Our local dealers say if you order the ML/Nav package, it automatically includes VSC.)
Thanks for your thoughts,
Bill
P.S. I thought the Avalon XLS had a very attractive interior. But the Lexus interior is spectacular.
http://powerdog.com/tiresize.cgi/
A nice place to go virtual shoping for tires and wheels is www.tirerack.com
Congratulations to the people who produce and drive these fine automobiles.
Nick
Thanks Nick
"The ML radio has just 0.50 less distortion than the standard radio. You'll only hear the difference with a CD."
GAS OCTANE:
"Some of our customers swear performance is better on 89 or 91 octane, but most run on 87."
So what's your take? Anyone here using 87 and liking it? If you switched to higher octane, does it boost performance? Does higher octane help with the shifting problems (hesitation) noted on the board?
And on the radio, is there a clear difference between the ML and the stock radio?
I am surprised and disappointed to have a new Lexus with rattles that are louder than any other car that I have driven.
Gas: I have followed the advice of my Owner's Manual and my dealership and only used Premium Gas in my car. I have not had the Transmission issue described by some on this board.
Stereo: I have the standard sound system with the six disc CD Changer. It sounds as good or better than the Bose system that I had in my Infiniti and I cannot imagine paying extra for the ML upgrade.