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Lexus ES 300/ES 330
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Comments
POSITIVE
1. High quality finish, both interior & exterior. My car was sitting next to a brand new 2001 3.2 TL Acura and the superior finish & layout of the ES 300 was obvious to me (though I will say that the 3.2 TL is one of the great values in the market today, especially with the 2002 just out).
2. Smooth and powerful engine, more than adequate power unless you lust after an M3/M5 or a 911 turbo :-).
3. Looks refined and sporty at the same time. I don't think it resembles a Camry as many in this forum have stated.
4. My CDs sound great on the Pioneer CD changer/system
5. Comfortable leather seats, easy to adjust to suit your frame
6. Excellent dashboard and control layout. Controls are intuitive and easy to reach.
7. Put 300 highway miles on the car yesterday and had no problem with wind noise, as many in this forum seem to have experienced. Yes, you could hear the wind at 85 miles an hour (barely), but in now way was this excessive or obtrusive.
NEGATIVE
1. I found the two compartments on either side of the trunk filled with water. Apparently there are tubes in the frame which channel the water away from the moonroof through the trunk to the road. Someone had pulled these tubes out and when it rained on Friday almost 6 inches of water had accumulated in the compartments. Imagine my surprise when I opened the trunk to check on the spare :-). Anyone else have this problem?
2. The front tires look semi-deflated. This may be due to the ES 300' s long nose or the weight of the engine. But still, the difference between the rear and front tires is substantial. I initially though there was a problem with both front tires and replaced them with new Michelins. The new tires looked a little better, but if I don't know better I would still think they needed air (they are at 32 psi as per Lexus's reccomendation)
3. Only one setting on the heated seats. This was changed to dual levels on the 99 model so buyers of newer models will not have this problem.
4. I find myself slipping forward in my seat sometimes, when I apply the brakes suddenly. This may be a universal phenomenon with all leather seats.
5. The ride is too smooth, too polite (probably not a negative for most but I prefer a tighter ride)
6. The seat belt does not pull itself taut when I unhook it.
7. The ashtray rattles when I go over bumps. I leave it open half way to avoid the rattling.
(For those of you who have faced similar problems, I'd appreciate your feedback)
All things considered I'm extremely happy with the car. The fit and finish is superb, the engine powerful & smooth, and the ride excellent. Lexus's attention to detail really has paid off, and this manifests itself wherever you look. Yes, there are minor problems that need to be ironed out, but then which car is 100% perfect? The bottom line is that its difficult to go wrong with the ES 300.
You have to expect these things to crop up on your new car. I expect you'll have many more miles of enjoyment with your new car -- I wish you the best luck.
For some of the rattle -- try wedging black pieces of felt between plastic parts to eliminate -- then close the ashtray.
Air pressure -- i noticed a similar phenomenon on my '94 -- set air pressure to manual specs -- and maybe a little higher for crisper steering.
I've had both ES300 seatbelts in the front replaced under lifetime warranty because they wouldn't recoil. It's a common problem on many vehicles -- mostly on my '94. They will and should replace this no charge.
Those tubes should have been replaced under the Certification Agreement -- that is, if you bought it Lexus Certified. Check into it -- otherwise, take it to the dealer. I have never had a problem typing out a list of things wrong w/ my '94 ES and handing it to the service. rep., and just driving off and trusting they would take care of all of them.
It is possible to change the steering wheel in your 2000 Es300 to a wood/leather steering wheel like in the 2001 model. But buying the factory wood/leather wheel is expensive(very). I would expect you are looking at about a $1500 bill. Check with your dealer on the exact price.
Good to see you're happy with your car. Those are 7 small complaints.
I'll try and address some of your complaints.
2) the tires on the front do tend to look underinflated. Why? The ES300 is a FWD car and a heavy FWD car at that. If you put the same tire pressure on both ends, the front tires will look more underinflated because more weight hangs over the front wheels. As long as the cold PSI in the tires is what Lexus recommends, you are fine.
4) Yup, it's a phenomenon with leather seats on "most" cars.
5) Ride too smooth? Easy to fix that. Buy some 16" wheels/tires & buy some stiffer shocks/struts. That is if you want to spend the money.
7) Never heard of this problem. DOes it rattle with coins in it?? You could try to glue some thin foam strips to the bottom of the ashtray. It may get rid of the rattles.
2) A number of months ago, there were many folks complainig about rattling ash trays. You might look back and see if there were any home-grown fixes you could apply to yours.
3) Try using Lexol on the seats. It cleans, moisturizes and protects them without leaving them slick.
4) As remus mentioned, you can modify a car to ride and handle any way you prefer. All it takes is money.
I also got a 3 yr 100,000 mile Lexus warranty.
The dealer initially said 24,900, I got him down to 24,000 and signed on the spot.
I picked up the car on Friday and it looks great.
just wondering if this is as good a deal as my dealer said I was getting.?
One more question I am interested in making my car radio a little stronger but I heard it is difficult to upgrade a Lexus stereo system. any advice?
I will look into replacing the struts/shocks/wheels and provided this is not obscenely expensive I will seriously consider going ahead with the upgrade. The car has 50K miles on it and could use new shocks/struts anyway. What shocks/struts do you suggest?
rickc5: the tubes are there they just weren't inserted into the holes (no pun intended :-)). But your point about a possible rear-end collision is noted and I will get this checked out by the local nexus dealer over the weekend if possible. Will also give Lexol a try.
remus26: the ashtray rattles when it is empty. Maybe "rattles" is too strong a word to use, but there is a mild rattling/clicking sound nevertheless. This happens only when I am driving over a bump road, on smooth stretches there is no problem. I've found that leaving the ashtray half open completely eliminates the rattle. Will try sticking sorbothane or felt in the gaps as you suggested and see if this helps.
tlswhiz : will check w/ the Lexus dealer about getting the seat belts replaced. Unfortunately this is not a Lexus Certified car (bought this at the Acura dealer) so this may present a problem but I will try anyway. The markup for a Certified Lexus ES 300 was huge and at that price it makes more sense to sustain the extra damage of $6000 and spring for a new ES 300.
Will keep you updated ....
great sense of humor. thanks for your concern
but it's all good. actually my car has had
problems but all minor. no major ones like tranny,
engine, suspension, brakes, belts, etc.
ugmd20,
hey congrats on your new ES. welcome to the
lexus ownership.
r3fico,
I had a slight noise in the ashtry area, like it's
coming from a small rattle snake, but I could
never pin point the problem. then it just
disappeared. I didn't think it was the ashtray
until I read about it on this forum. I'm still
not sure whether it was the ashtry. but it's gone
so mine is ok.
I never had a problem with water in the trunk or
anywhere.
about the leather seats, I only find it slippery
when I try to moisturize it with synthetic cleaner
that is used on leather. now I usually wipes it
with warm water and it's fine.
dp03798,
congratulations! you can try to upgrade to
Nakamichi but I have no idea how much it would
cost. if the upgrade is not done by lexus, it
may affect your warranty. only way to be sure is
to ask the dealer.
Highly suggest buying struts from either Koni or Tokico. And I would look at some aftermarket performance stores and shop prices around. The performance struts/shocks will still keep the ride nice & comfy but will also improve handling in the turns. Replacing all 4 struts/shocks and installation should cost you under $1K. That is if you take to someone other than a Lexus dealer.
I would recommend not even trying to upgrade to the Nakamichi stereo in a ES300. First, it will be extremely expensive(you're looking at upwards of a $3K bill). Why? You have to replace basically the whole stereo system. The head unit has to be changes, the speakers have to be changed and the amplifiers have to be changed. VERY VERY EXPENSIVE job.
I would suggest checking out and/or calling some places. First is www.rodmillen.com Second is www.trdusa.com Get the numbers for technical assistance from both websites and call them and see what they have that will fit your model year ES300. TRDUSA website doesn't have anything for the ES300 listed, but struts/shocks for the 97-01 Camry should fit the 97-01 ES300.
My brake guy will do it, if I purchase the bushings from Lexus. Cost around $600 plus labor.
Can I go somewhere else besides Lexus that stocks these bushings? Will Toyota parts fit ES for a better price?
Help....Please respond if you have knowledge in this area. My steering is starting to crackle when I turn and I'm concerned things could get worse soon.
Much appreciation!
The Horn Switch was damaged on the steering wheel. They fixed it today.
QUESTION: The horn doesn't sound the same. I was looking (listening) under the hood for the horns but I found only one. Can someone tell me where the horns are located on this car?
Last week I leased a new 2001 Coach Edition for $498/mo + $25 (5% tax rate) = $523/mo (15,000 mile allowance per year). The lease duration is 39 months. This might not be the best deal out there, but I thought it was pretty good. This particular dealer gave me more for my trade-in than Carmax was going to. We put no money down and walked away with them owing us money. We drove away that day giving them only the first month's payment and tax,tag, title.
We are Costco members, so that may have helped out a little. If you live in a bigger market with a Costco and a participating dealer you will probably get a better price than someone off the street.
I would also recommend going for the Coach Edition. It's not much more.
Since your accident was to the front end of the car, it's quite possible the horn was damaged too.
The ECT button changes the shifting points in the transmission if you are using full-throttle accelleration, keeping it in each gear for a few hundred more RPM so you get the maximum power benefit. You will notice no difference when driving normally.
Both of these features should be explained in your owner's manual.
No one can compare it to what they have or have seen.
The dealer may have factored in what he was giving you for the trade-in and what he could do with your old car (either good or bad) when he offered you that deal.
Actually, we went over all of the numbers before he knew that I was going to give him a trade in.
QUESTION THE FIRST: the O/D OFF light, which didn't blink before, now does. According to the manual, this indicates a transmission problem. AAMCO connected it to a 'diagnostic machine' (yeah...right) and couldn't clear the error from the computer; they claim the O/D sensor needs replacement. Should I make a stink if they try to charge me for this part, or should I suck it up and pay? I feel like this should be included in their service; I'm also skeptical that replacing the sensor will even solve the problem.
QUESTION THE SECOND: Now that the transmission has been rebuilt, should I have the front end re-aligned? I recently bought 4 new Yokohama AVID touring tires for it and don't want premature tire failure.
QUESTION THE FINAL: I've never changed either the struts or shocks on this car and I'm pretty sure the original owner didn't, either. At 70K miles and 8+ years, should I just do it anyway? What could I expect to pay for this? The ride could use improvement.
Whew... I think that's it. Thanks!
Both cars will get you to where you want to go in style.You will pay more for the Lexus name but will also get an even nicer vehicle with a better "cockpit" in look and feel. You will have much better leather - I noticed that immediately - a better stereo system- the insrtument panel is better, etc. Your resale value will also be similar by percentage to Toyota so you will get back the 4-5K margin if you sell later. I had great service with Toyota, but Lexus is even better. A limo to and from the dealer, a free wash with each visit, a leather lounge while you wait and most important a real sense of satisfaction that you were treated not only in style but professionaly and fairly.
The real question is do you have the $4-5K to spend on a car. If not, feel great with the Camry, if so get the ES300 and you will see a world of difference.
Those who say they are the same except for the name know little about both cars and do not have the experience that I have had driving both.
I really liked my Camry, but love the fact that I drive a Lexus and that it is an even better car.
The ES300 is known as the Toyota Windom in Japan. It is not "based off it", It is "it". Both currently and in the future. Also, the Camry, the Avalon and the Toyota ES300 are based on the SAME PLATFORM. They share the basic engine architecture (with variable valve timing heads in the ES version) and the exact same transmission. Also, MOST of the non-externally-visible mechanical parts (platform) are IDENTICAL. The Lexus RX300/Toyota Highlander is also based off the same platform.
The ES300 is definitely a step-up from the Camry XLE V6. No question about it. It has got quite a few styling differences and also a lot more content - similar to the Infiniti I-30 vs the Nissan Maxima (who share the Engine/Transmission/mechanical components between them) and the Honda Accord EX V6/Acura 3.2 TL (even though the Engine in the Acura has got a larger displacement - 3.2L vs 3.0L, and the transmission in the Acura is a totally different 5-speed adaptive sportshift automatic vs the 4-speed transmission in the Accord V6).
I sure think that the next ES3xx will definitely sport a 5-speed transmission like the Acura 3.2TL and maybe have an engine that is larger than the Camry V6 (similar to the Acura vs the Honda).
Later...AH
The 2002 will probably be nice, but as usual, it will be priced significantly higher than a TL or I30 when similarly equipped.
Some people will be willing to pay the premium price to get the most prestigigous names and most luxurious models, but many will want to save several grand and live with simiulated wood as opposed to real wood trim in a TL.
I think most people would prefer an ES300 for about the same price, but they are not near the same price.
the best way to be sure is to visit lexus.com,
order a test drive of the ES near you, and
compare this experience to how you felt driving
the camry. I think most honest people who have
experienced both cars will tell you that they're
not similar. but a lot of people have said
they're similar. maybe this is a toyota strategy
to boost camry sales I don't know. if it is, it's
working big time. some people actually have
started to say that they look alike. this can
happen when they believe what others say more
than they believe their own eyes.
it's not to take anything away from the Camry
which may be the best average family hauler but
I think the ES is better in every possible way.
so if you can afford the extra $5K, I'd do it.
don't buy it yet. drive it for yourself, play
around with all the amenities inside, and you'll
see what I mean.
take care everybody.
Acura is a great brand but there are reasons why they are priced below Lexus.
I suppose Aura could use the same leather and wood in a TL and only raise the price by a few hundred dollars to reflect their added cost, but they choose not to.
I looked up the 2001 ES300 in Carsdirect.com today and you can order one for about $300 over invoice in my zip code. That price is tempting, but I really like navigation systems. I rented a Hertz Taurus with an add-on navigation system and even that was pretty cool.
I wonder if the 2002 ES300 will have it?
Of course when the 2002 first comes out, you will probably have to pay full MSRP so real world street pricing will be much higher than any MSRP change will reflect.
Also, in addition to "cool toys" like the Navigation system, the Acura also has a 5-speed Sportshift Adaptive Automatic transmission that is a class-exclusive. All other vehicles in its class including the ES300, the Infiniti I-30 etc., soldier on with 4-speed transmissions borrowed from their pedestrian siblings (Toyota Camry, Nissan Maxima). Also, the Acura has triple-sealed full-frame windows, window-glass that go all the way down (unlike competitors like I30, ES300 where the rear glass sticks up a few inches over the window). It also has a turbine smooth and powerful 3.2L V6 engine (0-60 of the Acura is 6.4Secs vs 7.9 Secs for the ES300 & I30 - as per Motortrend), rear-vents for the AC controls (similar to the one present in the LS430, GS430), expensive Double Wishbone suspension on the front and Multi-link double-wishbone suspension in the back (the exact same suspension present in the LS430, GS300, GS430, SC430 unlike the ES300 that employs the cheaper and less-dynamic Macpherson Strut suspension on all 4-ends), standard HID lighting and a variety of other subtle and not-so-subtle differences. Incidentally, with the double-wishbone suspension, you can actually feel the "planted-ness" of the car, particularly noticeable at higher speeds, when other cars with less dynamic suspensions develop a certain floaty-feel.
Acura has cut costs by employing "simulated wood" as opposed to "real wood" and you can find more vinyl on the interiors than the ES300, as you pointed out. Whether that merits a higher/lower price is upto the buyer. To each his own...whatever floats your boat...
Later...AH
I am still puzzled about the 0-60 in 6.4 secs. Is this the regular or the TL-S you are talking about?
If most people would prefer a ES300 for about the same price, that basically justifies why it would cost more money!
No question about the dealer service. Acura has got miles to go before they can even touch Lexus. Acura dealers are also greedy - as seen by the no-discount policy adopted while selling the MDX (for basically 30 minutes of paperwork).
Anyway, here are the acceleration figures of the comparison test done on the 2000 3.2TL, 2000 Lexus ES300, 2000 Infiniti I-30 and 2001 Oldsmobile Aurora V6 (Motortrend - June, 2000 issue)....
---------Acura 3.2TL-----Lexus ES300-----Infiniti I30--
0-30------- 2.5 ------------ 2.8 -------------------- 2.9
0-40------- 3.7------------ 4.0 -------------------- 4.1
0-50------- 5.1------------ 5.9--------------------- 5.9
0-60------- 6.7------------ 7.9--------------------- 7.9
0-70------- 9.0------------ 10.1-------------------- 10.0
0-80------ 11.5------------ 13.3-------------------- 13.0
0-90------ 14.3------------ 17.0-------------------- 16.6
Qtrmile--- 15.2@93.1 ----- 16.0@87.5 --------- 16.0@88.5
As you notice, the other cars did not stand a chance from right off idle to much higher speeds....the Acura always held the upper-hand....incidentally, the 1999 3.2TL (with the 4-speed transmission and a non-free flowing intake-manifold) was slower than the 2000 and beyond 3.2TL. Engine modifications in the 2000 TL improved low-end torque and mid-range power, even though peak hp/torque numbers remained the same. Of course, with the advent of the 3.2TL-s, all these figures have been bettered......
Also, the Acura (EPA classification - midsize) is heavier than both the Lexus ES300 (EPA Classification - Compact) and the Infiniti I-30 (EPA Classification - mid-size) yet has better mileage figures (better hwy figure than the I-30).
Mileage of Acura 3.2TL: 19city/29hwy (3483lbs)
Mileage of Lexus ES300: 19city/26hwy (3351lbs)
Mileage of Infiniti I30: 20city/28hwy (3194lbs)
(The Acura weighs 3494lbs with the Navigation)
Later...AH
hunter001,
Interesting, I remember before my wife and I bought our 99 ES300 I looked at the numbers and it showed the TL was like 8.5 seconds or so. But anyways, we don't punch the accelerator when it turns green so the ES300 provides plenty of power for us.
After driving a car equipped with the Navigation system, there is no way that I am going to purchase a car that does not have this option.
Also, when you are presented with "directions" from the Navigation system, you can have options of "Minimise Toll roads", "Direct Route", "Easy Route", "Minimise Freeways" "Fastest Route" etc. The route varies with the option chosen. You can even punch a destination (say a Russian restaurant), by putting in the telephone number (the Nav will pull out the address and such) and the Nav will take you there. Also, if you are stuck on the road (traffic jam??), you can punch the "Detour" button and the Navigation will re-route you by taking a different route. Once you use these systems, you will not go back to the days before the System...
When driving in thick foggy conditions, I have had trouble in finding roads on routes that I take every day (without the NAV). With the NAV, there is no way that the "Voice from the sky" will allow me to miss my way....
Later...AH
I also agree with Liev that a good map makes more sense to me than a nav system. If you belong to AAA, all the maps you want are FREE!
I don't NEED an ES300 or TL at all since an XLEV6 or EXV6 will do the job, but I would prefer the extra luxury in my next car.
I don't need a Nakamichi stereo system because the standard Lexus stereo is very adequate, but the Nakamichi system is so nice etc..
I would guess that a DVD navigation system likely would be available on the new ES300 since the TL and the I30 and about every other Lexus model except the IS300 has it available.
I think it might be possible that Lexus could elect to not make it available for some reason though.
That would be a turn off.
In Germany and Japan, Volkswagens and Toyotas have navigation systems available on some mainstream non-luxury models.
It would disappointing if the 2002 ES300 does not have it at least available as an option.
liev,
You're right. If you drive around town and know where you are going then the Navigation system is kinda useless. It would be great to have it though but definitely not a necessity. My brother took me in his Mercedes S500 and we tried out the navigation system. He asked for the "shortest route" and it took him thru the backstreets. At one point it took us thru a very bad road filled with cracks and potholes and lots of bumps. How was the system to know if the roads are bad. Only we humans know that. So if you drive around town and know what roads to take and when to take them to avoid traffic, thats the best way to go. Think of it as you taking the same way to work everyday, you listen to radio and see how traffic conditions is like and if it's bad you take alternate route. Navigation system can't tell what roads are backed up. But if you are lost somewhere, it is definitely a plus to have especially when you pull into a gas station asking for directions and the attendant says "sorry sir we don't sell diesel". I had that happened to me once.
and cons of the nav system. great job!!
It would be nice to have one just in case we
get lost, like on a long trip, in a strange town.
but on everyday commute, it's not necessary.
anybody know how much it would cost to install
it in the ES? I guess lexus would tell us if
they make one for the ES, present and future.
I think it would be disappointing not to see it
as an option on the 2002 ES since its competitions
do have the nav.