Lexus ES 300/ES 330

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Comments

  • dardson1dardson1 Member Posts: 696
    Painting a car same/same top to bottom and back to front makes it look over-weight. I saw a new Toyota Sienna today that followed the styling trend to the letter. It looked like it weighed 3 tons. I don't care who thought this up or how popular it is, it isn't flattering on a car any more than a horizontally stripped, bulky sweater is on a weight-challenged teenager.
  • tk_dettk_det Member Posts: 21
    Go for it! Where is it gonna be, here or there?
  • tmarttmart Member Posts: 2,405
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    It will be here. And I will move it here by the end of the week. That will give the ES 330 discussion participants time to subscribe to this one.

    Thanks for your responses. :-)
  • rhroserhrose Member Posts: 2
  • fredvhfredvh Member Posts: 857
    I am interested in the mpg new owners of the ES330 are getting. Is it the same as the ES300? What has been your experience with 50/50 city/highway mpg?
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    As I explained earlier, I have combined the separate "ES 330" and "ES 300" discussions here on the Sedans board. I apologize for the fact that some posts over the last several pages of this discussion appear out of order.

    Carry on!
  • kaptiv8herkaptiv8her Member Posts: 2
    I personally recommend the ML Navigation. It makes the world of difference. Whether you travel alot or drive alot...it is well worth it.

    Not to mention...the system sounds great. I am hearing things in my music that I never heard before. Such Clarity!!
  • carswelljrcarswelljr Member Posts: 2
    when it rains it pours, my es 300 effective today needed the emergency brake all the way up to remain stationary, my ac is not blowing out any air, unless i hit below the glove compartment, where i get a small amount of hot or cold air if i am lucky and my factory cd changer now reads cd disc error for any cd i put in...all within the past 2 days...help please so i can properly diagnose each problem and won't get taken for a ride when i get the car fixed...
  • spookoman301spookoman301 Member Posts: 8
    hELLO GUYS,
               I WAS JUST WONDERING IF YOU COULD PLAY DVDS BY PUTTING IN A DVD INTO THE MAP DVD DISC DRIVE. THIS APPLIES TO THE NEW LEXUS ES330 OR THE TOYOTA SIENNA 2004 AS WELL.
  • jim040558jim040558 Member Posts: 14
    That DVD's will not play in the navigation system, even though it is DVD disc powered.

    I will find out after I get my car.
  • patentman1patentman1 Member Posts: 18
    Does anyone have experience with the adjustable suspsension in the redesigned 2002+ es?

    It's a relatively inexpensive option and was wondering if the adjustable suspension improves the handling. Also, are the repair costs much higher? I heard that it is much cheaper to fix than the air suspension systems.

    Thanks!
  • spookoman301spookoman301 Member Posts: 8
    When i was purchasing my car, the dealer said that starlight pearl was discontinued. thus leaving only two silver colors. Alabaster Mettalic and Millenium Silver mettalic. Only Prob now is that you can't get silver colors with ivory leather.
  • spookoman301spookoman301 Member Posts: 8
    Just a tip for those buyers, before you look at the es330, take a look at the new 2204 Acura Tl as well. Only problem with that car is that its noisier, and firmer ride. But of course, the handling is excellent along with the transmission. and drivetrain.
  • smulansmulan Member Posts: 5
    Purchased a 2004 ES330 about a month ago. Excellent car. Bought a Alabaster Pearl with Black interior with the basic premium package @ ~$35K MSRP with $3K discount.

    I read up on this board before I bought my car, and therefore test drove the car for a weekend before I bought one. Transmission didn't seem to have any problems like people have mentioned on the 2002-2003 models. So far after a month, the 2004 transmission on my car feels perfect-smooth shifting and downshifts basically when I want it to.

    Overall it's a great car. The only thing I wish for is slightly better handling and seat side bolstering. But hey, can't have everything in one product.
  • s852s852 Member Posts: 1,051
    When I test drove an ES330, it was reasonably quiet, but I could still clearly hear engine noise on acceleration (light acceleration) and tire noise whenever the car drove over any glitch in the road.
    Because of hype over how quiet a the ES330 is, I was expecting near silence similar to an LS430 but it isn't in that league or even close. Disappointing that it costs $60K to get a super quiet car.
  • msamelmsamel Member Posts: 2
    To Jeff 5302, I live in Ft Laud, Fla and yes, the dealer and Corporate have been great in exchanging cars for me. My 2004 has the problems of jerking into gears at lower speeds and not knowing what gear it should be in-same exact problem with the 2002 and 2003. I'm going back to the dealer next week to discuss the issue. Corporate said the 2004 was not supposed to have the old problem as the 2004 has a new engine and new transmission>>they are wrong, same issues as before. I hope you love your new car. I love it, if not for this problam.
  • lexusrocklexusrock Member Posts: 74
    Anyone managed to make a wallet sized plastic spare key (to just open the door) for ES? AAA can't cut one for ES keys.

    s852, I guess super quiet costs super! But can you find a $30K car that's more quiet?
  • sirginsirgin Member Posts: 3
    Recently I was test-driving Acura TL, Infinity G35 and Lexus 330 and Lexus blew me away. Lexus is the quietest, most luxurious (wood and leather steering wheel is gorgeous), has best visibility and felt right from the moment I sat in it. I actually planned to get an Acura TL, but bought a Millenium Silver Metallic ES 330 instead. I would have liked to have XM radio but I can live without it.
    Each of the three cars I tested may be the right one for somebody, but boy am I glad that I tested the Lexus :-).
    I love the ML Navigation that comes with ES 330.
  • cdnlexusmancdnlexusman Member Posts: 10
    Congratulations Sirgin, on purchasing your new Lexus ES330. Like you, I have also tested the Infinity & Acura models and agree they are impressive, especially the new TL but the Lexus quality, feel and record has made my choice easier. I plan to order a new ES330 with navigation,ML & chrome wheels in the next couple of weeks but I'm still a little undecided on the color. I like the Millineum Silver (beautiful, indeed!) but it is only sold with the black or charcoal leather interior and I was thinking of going with the ivory interior this time. (I am currently driving a 96 ES 300 which is dark green with black interior) I am giving serious thought to the Mystic Green or Gold. I've seen a couple of each and they really caught my eye, especially in certain daylight, (ie non-direct sunlight) Anyway, I'm sure I'll live well with whatever I decide, but welcome your thoughts as an experienced purchaser!
    Happy New Year to all!
  • kreativkreativ Member Posts: 299
    Have you seen the charcoal interior in person? It is much lighter in color than typical gray interiors (hence the "Light Charcoal" designation), and goes well with the Silver Metallic exterior.
  • sirginsirgin Member Posts: 3
    Thanks cdnlexusman!

    I was shopping for a car with a light interior and exterior and found the charcoal interior to be pretty light. I agree with Kreativ that you should check that color out at the dealer in case you are interested in Millenium Silver as exterior color.
    The decisions for buyng a Lexus in that color combination was made because a) we were shopping for a car of that color, and luckily the Acura dealers did not have a silver TL in stock ;-) and b) my dealer had one Millenium Silver ES 330 in stock.

    Both other colors that you mentioned (Mystic Sea Opalscent and Mystic Gold Metallic) look also good to me. As I said, I prefer lighter inside and outside colors too.
  • cdnlexusmancdnlexusman Member Posts: 10
    Thanks, Kreativ & Sirgin. I'll take a good look at the charcoal interior, especially if I go for the silver. That could be an awesome combo. I'm still leaning a little towards the Mystic Sea with ivory. I saw this combo a while back and have had it in my mind ever since. Anyway, I'll look at as many as I can in the next few days but I'm getting anxious to bring the searching to an end. Thanks again for your help!
  • atoewsatoews Member Posts: 637
    Just saw several starlight pearls at a Dallas dealer . I did not note whether the cars were ES300s or ES330s.

    My Lexus of Cerritos (So Cal) dealer rep told me he had never seen one, and at the time I purchased my car, there were no starlight pearls delivered to the west coast.

    If you want a rare color, and you live in the Dallas area, grab the Starlight Pearl because I don't think that color is readily available elsewhere.
  • atoewsatoews Member Posts: 637
    I have a mystic sea with light charcoal interior.
    I like the grey a lot better than the ivory, probably because I prefer colors with a cool undertone.
  • stockzzmanstockzzman Member Posts: 4
    I purchased a 2004 ES330 in October fully equipped with NAV and ML sound. The car runs great and overall is an outstanding value for the money. After several weeks of owning the car, the drivers seat developed a noisy squeak whenever weight shifted in the seat(extremely annoying given how quiet the rest of the car is). At its 1000 mi check-up the dealer took the car to an upholsterer who "fixed" the squeak. Two months later the squeak returned, it was "fixed" again by the dealer, and now the seat continously makes noise when you shift weight while driving. The dealer has aknowledged the noise/problem and is expected to propose a solution next week after consulting one of their field engineers, has anyone experienced this sort of problem? And what was the solution?

    Completely unrelated, I have also noted in the cold weather there is a snapping/popping noise that comes from somewhere in the front dash/windshield, any experiences with this would also be appreciated.

    Thanks in advance.
  • kreativkreativ Member Posts: 299
    "Completely unrelated, I have also noted in the cold weather there is a snapping/popping noise that comes from somewhere in the front dash/windshield, any experiences with this would also be appreciated."

    There is a TSB for this for the '02/'03 ES:
    TSB # NV004-03
    Issue Date: APR 03
    Description: Body - Creak/Snap/Rattle From Top of Windshield

    It seems to be a good fit for your description. Is it a consistent ticking/tapping sort of noise, or is it just when you go over bumps or other road abnormalities?
  • stockzzmanstockzzman Member Posts: 4
    The snapping and popping occurs when there are bumps or road abnormalities. It is not consistent, and difficult to demonstrate to the dealer. My guest is that it has something to do with the way the body/frame torque. Thanks for noting the TSB # NV004-03. I will mention it next week when the dealer calls to pick-up the car.
  • sopecreeksopecreek Member Posts: 203
    Do you know if this also applies to 2001 model?
    Mine does exactly the same... Thanks.
  • bwiabwia Member Posts: 2,913
    Sorry for the intrusion but I want to know what is a 1500cc, 2000cc or 2500cc petrol engine? Is that the equivalent of a 4, 6, or eight cylinder engine, and how does that translate to horse power.

    I am in the process of buying a 1999 reconditioned Toyota Windom (right-hand drive) from Japan and ship to the Caribbean, but the agent wants to know if I want the 2000cc or 2500cc model. I think the price is reasonable at 890,000 yen.

    Much help is appreciated.
  • davebell1davebell1 Member Posts: 13
    Hi,
    I also have this same problem of driver's seat squeaking (2004 ES330). Really bugs me. The dealer is far away so I do not have time to have them look at it yet.

    This made me take a closer look at the seat and I found that the "mechanics" of the seat are VERY close to the surface in the rear of the front seat cushion. This is right where my "tailbone" would hit the seat and I wonder if this is correct.

    Thanks for listening, DB
  • stockzzmanstockzzman Member Posts: 4
    Davebell,

    Thanks for the post. My feeling is that something on the seat mount to the frame/floor is not correct. The dealer called this week to schedule a field engineer to look at and evaluate this issue on January 23rd. As I said before the dealer has been extremely helpful and recognizes the seat should not squeak. I will keep you posted on their proposed resolution.

    Any further information from viewers would be appreciated.

    Stockzzman
  • lexusazlexusaz Member Posts: 3
    I recently purchased chrome wheels with my new ES 330. What should be the make and model of the all weather tire that comes with them?

    Also, should I have a full size spare? The literature says full size spare but I only have the small spare.

    Thank you.
  • davebell1davebell1 Member Posts: 13
    I will also keep you informed. Good luck!

    DB
  • lenscaplenscap Member Posts: 854
    Here's a post I made a while back:

    I have the AVS and really am glad I got it. It was not available in the Midwest region, so I did have to special order the car.

    Of the four settings, 1=softest ride and 4=sportiest. ES 300s without AVS are most like the #2 setting.

    Most of the time I keep the switch in the #3 setting, which does provide a noticeable difference in a "tightening" of the car. It's enough of a difference for me to really notice. The car is not as "floaty," especially when making turns.

    Sometimes I do put the AVS in full sport mode. This really tightens things up, although on some roads it can make the car a bit choppy.

    My feeling is it is a great feature to have. Unlike most, if not all, cars that make you choose between a regular suspension and a sport suspension when buying the car, this lets you have the best of both worlds and change things up whenever you want.

    Further, the system is more advanced than the one on the last generation ES 300. The old system worked all wheels together, whereas this system controls each wheel independently.

    I realize AVS is not for 95% of the ES 300 buyers. But for some people, including myself, spending the extra $600 is well worth it.

    And keep in mind anybody can get AVS, anywhere in the country, if they are willing to special order the car and wait three months.

    I have checked with the dealer and replacing a strut is barely more than on a non-equipped AVS car.
  • sopecreeksopecreek Member Posts: 203
    I wish I had known about it before the purchase...
  • atoewsatoews Member Posts: 637
    I suspect that lenscap did not pay a full $600 since AVS comes on the "loaded" So Cal package.
  • lenscaplenscap Member Posts: 854
    I'm not sure what you mean about not paying full price for the AVS. I did in fact pay the full amount, which was actually $620 (not $600 as I incorrectly stated). In the Midwest AVS does not come on any car, loaded or otherwise, unless ordered that way. Based on your post, California seems different.

    As an aside, I became familiar with AVS because my friend had it on his 1997 ES 300 (the first year AVS was offered).
  • atoewsatoews Member Posts: 637
    I thought you had bought your car in So Cal, which would have implied that you probably got a loaded package.

    However, I see that you had to special order your AVS, so you probably had to pay more than if it came in a package.

    Sorry for the confusion.
  • igibanigiban Member Posts: 530
    Has anyone heard of this "gi gi gi' noise from the fan under the glove box area inside the ES?
  • igibanigiban Member Posts: 530
    Does anyone know if there's a technical limitation that prevents Lexus from configuring one with ML but no Nav?
  • gekko2gekko2 Member Posts: 87
    igiban - I don't think there's a technical limitation - I think it's just that Lexus makes a calculated logistical demand guess of how many of what options-equipment is needed per region. I guess they feel if you want the NAV, you'll pay a little more and want the ML. I didn't need the ML but it was required if I wanted the NAV. Just buy it and enjoy it!
  • lexusrocklexusrock Member Posts: 74
    I was looking for one with NAV but w/o ML actually back when I was shopping for a 300 (330 has it now I think), thinking that base audio from Lexus should be good enough. Of course I was forced to take ML with NAV but glad to find out how good ML is. Now at times I got into these 300/330 loaners, which never had NAV/ML, I can't stand it. In fact, ML gives me pleasure every min. in the car, while NAV is used only when needed (20% of driving at best).

    Knowing what I know now if I were to get an ES needing no NAV, I sure would love to pay a few hundreds for the ML, which is so much better than the base. That's if you listen to music a lot tho.
  • stockzzmanstockzzman Member Posts: 4
    Davebell1,

    Goods news. The dealer's field engineer fixed the squeak. There is a TSB for certain seat squeaks which requires the dealer to remove the seat and grind an uneven weld on the bottom of the seat frame. The squeak is gone and the car is great. Dealer service was outstanding, they picked the car up, dropped off a loaner and later in the day brought my car back. Lexus Service has been number one in getting this right. :)

    Stockzzman
  • igibanigiban Member Posts: 530
    Does 330 add this new feature/option?
  • hk2lahk2la Member Posts: 53
    Was wondering what psi most of you are keeping your tires at; the guy at the dealer said they put it at 32, 35 max. 32 presumably gives you the lexus floating ride. But I was wondering if that is actually good overall for the car/tires.

    Also, has anyone had any problems with the Toyo tires?
  • hk2lahk2la Member Posts: 53
    btw, they had to recalibrate using a different method. The first one didn't take. It's been okay since then.

    And kreativ, the hard shifting i felt could not possibly be compared to some little surge caused by the AC.
  • kreativkreativ Member Posts: 299
    Recommended cold tire pressure for your '02 ES (as stated in owner's manual and printed on a label in the car) is 29psi. This is the setting Lexus engineers have decided provides the optimal combination of ride comfort and road handling. Set it higher if you seldomly check tire pressure.

    What problem are you having with your Toyo Proxes J33 tires? The main complaint has been excessive road noise. And given that they're high performance summer tires, the treadwear rating is pretty low - meaning they'll need to be replaced sooner.
  • kreativkreativ Member Posts: 299
    The TSB I mentioned was for '02+ ES. But the information might be useful for your '01 as well.
  • sopecreeksopecreek Member Posts: 203
    Thanks. I addressed the issue to my dealer during 45K service. The creak occurs mostly when it's cold. Unfortunately, it was warm week when the service was done and they couldn't reproduce it. I think I'll learn to live with it.
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