Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options
Lexus ES 300/ES 330
This discussion has been closed.
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
I too believe that your HVAC drains are clogged.
One time when I took my Lexus for an oil-change, the tech mistakenly hit something with the AC unit when replacing oil filter. 2 days later on a trip when stopping/going I kept hearing what sounded like water swirling inside the car. I also noticed that the radio/CD player kept shorting out.
After investigation, there was about 2 inches of water puddled up in the rear right foot area. Water was pouring out of the foot AC vents and flooding the radio amp. Can you believe that?
Lexus wanted to totally replace the carpet for $1000. I laughed and used my trusty Wet/Dry vac to remove the water, took the amp to my radio guy for new transistor...total cost of repair $60.
Car's been running trouble-free since. You might keep an eye on those oil-change guys. Think I'll start doing that myself.
Maybe your problem is related to something like that. Just a thought. I always seem to uncover the mysteries of the universe when it comes to cars and houses. Somebody's gotta do it, I guess.
Hang on to your 96! Mine still drives and looks brand new. On my way to 200K and beyond!
Regards.
Not a bad thing, but I was just wondering if everyone notice that.
New A4 is a scale down of A6
New C class is scale down of S class
New Jaguar X-type is a scale down of the S class
And now New Es300 is a scale down of LS ..
All very good for us consumer
Supposedly the interior is where the ES will stand apart from its competitors. The materials, look and feel of the interior are reported to be a huge step up from the current model (which is very good) and mimic the LS 430.
According to him changes for 2002 are :
*Rounder lines on the exterior
*Improved interior dashboard layout
*The same engine will be used, maybe tweaked for a few more horses. The '02 will NOT get the inline 6 unfortunately
* The '02 will remain a FWD
* The transmission will be upgraded from 4 speed to 5 speed
* The suspension may be tightened up a little
* Navigation & Mark Levinson will be offered as options. Btw, the Mark Levinsoon system in the 430 is the best I've heard by miles, PERIOD. Honestly, nothing comes close.
It looks vaguely like a scaled down LS (as some have rumoured the new ES would look).
I don't know that it would be "real stupid" to buy a 2001 ES if you got one very heavily discounted. The new ES will probably be very hard to get in the first few months. This will mean they will be selling for sticker price. The price difference between a 2001 near invoice (or maybe below in some places) and a 2002 at full sticker will be significant.
I have heard you can get a 36 month/15K mi lease on 2001 ES with the Lexus Value Package for below $500 per month with zero cap reduction until April 30th if you lease through Lexus Financial.
So far, the only major differences other than new cosmetic styling and minimal power increase are, 5 speed automatic, optional navigation system and optional Mark L stereo as opposed to optional Nakamichi.
Buyers who choose not to order the navigation system are getting little of significance that they can't get on a 2001.
http://www.mag-x.com/scoop/camry0103/01.jpg
Maybe, to end the comparisons, Lexus may decide to suprise everyone and go to a different platform, like the Previs, that US buyers are not aware of.
The supposed Previs drawing does look a little like an LS (both Lexus LS*** and Lincoln LS) and people have speculated that the new ES might be made to look more like a scaled-down LS430, so it might fit.
I suppose Lexus could also drop the GS300 and keep the GS400 for people who want something a step up from the ES.
Am curious as to why the Toyota Previs has a Lincoln LS grill? If the Toyota Previs is the new ES300 I hope surely hope they rework that grill.
As for the comment on whether the new look might inspire potential GS300 buyers to consider the new ES300. My thought on that is GS300 buyers are basically looking for a BMW alternative that is more reliable and comes with superior customer service. It is doubtful that they would substitute a front wheel drive ES for a GS. Just my 2 cents...
If the 2002 ES is based on the Previs, then I think Lexus would still tweak the styling somewhat so it would not look exactly like a Previs. They would at least add a unique Lexus grill and tail lights. It was just a drawing. There is no gaurantee that even the Previs will look exactly like that drawing. However, it does fit the rumors of the ES having LS430-like looks and "rounder" lines.
I hope Lexus officials monitor this site and are listening to our requests...
I am looking at a '92 ES300 fully loaded with only 65k miles
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=585586795
I wanted anyone's opinion on problem areas, what I should bid on it if I decide to, and any general comments or opinions on the vehicle. I don't mind the condition of the exterior since I will driving this car primarily on weekends and the car will be parked in a large, unshaded parking lot during the week. Thanks in advance for any feedbafck.
The TL is more cramped than an Accord because the roofline is lower to give it a sleek look.
Plenty of people complain about lack of headroom in Acura TLs.
looks a bit like a buick up front. not a great
design. I hope Lexus will not abandon the
sleek sporty design of the ES. I think it's the
most elegant in its family. would be kinda
disappointing to see lexus copy other makes and
have the ES styled after the LS430 like MB did
with C- class per S-class.
for those of you who've just spoiled yourselves
with a new ES buy, welcome to the lexus experience. I made the jump and now couldn't be
happier with the car.
Denise,
most of us here are proud ES owners so most
of the responses will be favorable for ES.
so I agree with Dardson, test drive one and decide
for yourself.
I personally think the ES, because I experience it
everyday, gives you the ride that's as close to
a magic carpet ride as you can get in today's
market. its ride quality rivals those of other
luxury cars costing thousands of $$$ more. and
its reliability is unmatched. roominess: I
don't think the ES is same size as the Camry.
it's the same size as the Avalon which is slightly
larger than a camry. good luck whatever you decide
The ES300 is classified as a COMPACT car by the Government while the Toyota Camry on which it is based, is classified as a MID-SIZE car, which is a notch higher in interior space.
Incidentally, the competitors of the ES300 like the Infiniti I-30 and the Acura 3.2TL are classified as MID-SIZE cars, which is a notch above in classification when compared to the COMPACT sized ES300...
The Toyota Avalon, which is also based on the Toyota Camry platform, is a very large and roomy car, and is classified by the EPA as a FULL-SIZE car...
Check your facts before making definitive assertions....
Later...AH
ok I knowingly went overboard with the ES roominess. didn't think people would be so
touchy about it. what I should have said was that it feels as roomy as an Avalon. but by no means is it compact, don't care what the EPA is trying
to propagate. and my glasses are fine. thanks for
your concern.
Maw,
I think you can get some info on trouble spots
for 92 ES at intellichoice.com consumer reports
also provide price info on used ones. the general
theme is that there aren't a lot of major problems
with the ES, very few, so you should be fine
with that used one. I would hire an independent
mechanic to do inspection on it before buying it.
somebody you trust. good luck whatever you decide.
I'm also in the process this week of getting mine--and Edmunds TMV also sounded so low to be believable. How did you (or anyone else) do, price wise? I'm going to start the faxblast technique Monday to several Texas dealers to try to dicker down the price here in Austin with no trade-in (if not, then drive to another city).
The ES300 has 105 cubic Ft of total room, which takes it to the compact class (100-109cu.ft). If the ES300 has the moonroof, then the interior volume decreases further, since the EPA tests the cars as they come standard from the factory (ES300 does not have moonroof standard). For an ES300 with the moonroof, decrease the interior volume further by an additional 2-3 cubic feet.
The Toyota Avalon has 122 Cubic Ft of room, which takes it to the "Large" class (120cu.ft or more). Thus the Avalon has almost 20cubic feet (ALMOST TWENTY CUBIC FEET) of additional room when compared to the ES300 (without a moonroof). 20 cubic feet of additional room, is not chump change when comparing sizes between cars.
Later...AH
I don't think the resale value is higher in when comparing the TL to the ES300. TL, ES300 and I30 is all soup up from Accord, Camry and Maxima ..
Also dealer services varies as well, some Acura dealer does not treat their consumers that great but some are very very good and vice versa with Lexus and infinite.
Denise:
The question is why should you want to buy the current ES300 when the new one is just around the corner. I would suggest that you want until the new one comes out and then I know that the current ES300 is have even heavier discount. Either car you choose would be a great car you would not regret purchasing either one
FYI, modern car brake is powerful! The car is not moving when you hit brake and at the same time you press the gas to the max.
Sudden acceleration occurs because of incompetent driver!!!
BTW, saw a just-released survey that Caddy has knocked off Lexus for owner satisfaction. Hard to believe that it's not just due to sampling error.
stop playing the numbers game. I've sat in the
LS400 backseat. comparing it to the ES suggests
to me that ES is not compact. infact despite
its relatively limited exterior, it's interior
is quite roomy. is it a "miracle or simply
design ingenuity? so do yourself a favor and
don't just live by the numbers on paper but
actually experience the LS or Avalon backseat,
then the ES and you will realize that the
difference on paper, in this case, does not amount
to much in real life. ....this is not an insult
like you've insulted me so please don't take it
that way. and please don't keep trying you and
the EPA won't convince me that the ES is compact.
that's it. take care everybody.
I can even sit in the back of an Accord EX without my head or knees touching anything and I cannot do that with an ES300.
For people below 6ft tall, it is probably quite adequate. If you fit comfortably in the back of an ES300 with moonroof, good for you.
I am not worrying about it since I cannot see any reason why I would need to sit in the back seat of my own car and most of the people I know who might ever ride in the rear seat of my car are below 6 ft tall. People above 6 ft tall can fit in the back seat, but it is a little tight.
Does anyone know of any accessories available that can be used to make them useable. Thanks
The Acura has a more powerful and reliable engine. The Acura has better engine sound. The Acura handles much better. Toyota uses cheaper leather on their ES300, which is not as durable as the leather used in Acuras. The Acura owner has a choice of more dealers nationwide to service the vehicle. And, finally, the Acura TL-S can wax the Lexus in both speed, acceleration, and handling.
I recently checked out an '02 TL-S. Trim quality has improved enormously - it's nearly as good as my wife's '99 ES in this respect - & the TL-S is certainly a more entertaining car to drive. But there's no reason to believe that the Acura's leather upholstery is more durable & even less reason to think that the Acura's engine is more reliable.
It's my turn to pick out a car. If I wanted another FWD Japanese car with an automatic transmission, I'd probably pick the TL-S. It's a good car & an outstanding value. But it's also just another FWD Japanese automatic, & I just can't get excited about those anymore.
After I drove the Acura, I crossed the street & drove a BMW. God willing & the creek don't rise, I'll take delivery of a 5-speed manual (3 pedals on the floor, boys & girls) 330i in mid-July. It ain't Japanese, it ain't FWD & it sure ain't automatic. And I couldn't be more excited.
1) more cabin noise and a coarser engine note (probably the reason why you think the TL's engine has better sound is because the ES' V6 is smoother and quieter).
2) squeaks and rattles in the dash (TL) and sunroof (CL), leading me to believe that the folks in Ohio aren't quite up to snuff when it comes to building luxury cars.
3) outrageously fake wood trim (particularly the "ebony" trim in the CL-S) that's better suited to a $19K Buick, not a luxo Honda. Heck, it wouldn't even look good in a Civic!
4) a sound system that's OK, but doesn't sound nearly as "live".
5) leather not as supple as in the ES (I have no clue as to which is more durable, though).
6) added weight and length that make those (admittedly grippier) Acuras less nimble and a bit more difficult to park.
7) more dealers, but customer service is much less consistent than Lexus (again, read the JD Power customer satisfaction reports).
8) much less brand name prestige, curb appeal. That's right, much as even I hate to admitt, that snob factor! Bling bling!
Oh, that's where Toyota put my extra five grand! C'mon, folks. Ya get what ya pay for!
*CU's used car guide show that the Acura and Lexus are both exceptional in reliability. But if you want to be picky, the Lexus scores higher with its electrical system and body/trim assembly.
Otherwise, the interior of the TL was very nice...and simple. The leather in the perforated seats seemed of good quality, not too soft (hell, it IS supposed to be a sports sedan, right?) and very durable. If you're really picky about the leather/leatherette combo, I didn't find it too bad at all. I mean, sure I wouldn't had minded an option for more, but it's not like the seats are cheap either. The fit and finish for the TL is definitely above par, stitching, alignments, symmetry, etc.
If anything, the appeal of the TL however came in it's more sportier and aggressive exterior (I love the new grill), including the front and back end, the rims, and the overall shape. No, it doesn't have the appeal of some BMWs or Benzs, but I like the look for a mid-size sedan. The test drive was, well, incredible for a FWD...more power than I really need here in the confines of Dallas traffic. A 3-series BMW would be more fun to drive and handle, but that's another topic (I love manuals, too!).
Overall, I see the ES300 as the smart, conservative, luxuriously fit mid-size (how the hell is this rated as a compact?) cruiser, the "I'm going for a nice leaisurely ride to the golf course, and want to feel like I'm still at home in my best leather recliner". It has just enough class and sophistication with the reviews and ratings to back it up. The TL-S I see as the raw, aggressive, nearly-luxuriously fit mid-size pace-setter, the "I'm as close to Mario Andretti as I can be with a FWD in the city streets but I want some comfort along with it". I agree that Lexus definitely has an edge on Dealership service, however, I'd like to stay far enough away from them as long as I have to also, except for the required scheduled maintenance. Sure, I'd like to be treated well while I'm waiting, but it's not high on my priority. We'll see how the new ES300 stacks up (although I won't be able to wait that long)...Acura has put up ALOT of sales, and may not have quite the prestige of Lexus, but I think Acura is leaning in the right direction...they just need to listen to their customers more...damn, get rid of the fake wood! I'll definitely see if the current ES300's prestige, interior, and customer service outway the extra 4 grand and whether I want a cruiser or a pace-setter...