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In any case, all this is moot since it appears that it can read and play MP3 CDs based on your and another poster's observation. I'm sure you can understand the basis for my question; I was going off of the info--or lack thereof--that's currently available on Lexus' website. Since no one else (apparently?) previously posted that it was MP3-CD capable, I would have had no way of knowing until now if indeed such was the case.
The obvious "convenience" by having it done at the dealer is that the cost of it can be "rolled" into your vehicle loan (assuming that you're not paying cash).
Tire and Wheel Guarantee? What exactly does that cover, and how much are they asking for it? What kind of guarantee does this service offer for the wheel part of the deal that the factory warranty wouldn't already cover? I'm also guessing that the tire part of the deal probably covers punctures and similar; again, just like the wheel, I don't know what else this offer covers that the original tire warranty wouldn't already cover (other than flat-related issues). If this is the case, you'd be better off passing on this and just paying for a tire patch if you get a nail (assuming that the tire can be safely patched).
Moreover, the iPod is blessedly easy to use. If you decide that you need, say, a 180-song playlist to make an upcoming long trip bearable, you can put it together in less time than it takes me to type this sentence. I have to use a cassette adapter to pipe the music on my iPod through our cars' sound systems. Even so, the sound quality approaches that of audio CDs. Jacked directly into the stereo system, as is possible on the ES 350 & other new cars, the iPod should sound every bit as good as a regular audio CD.
A few years ago, I would've lunged at the opportunity to play MP3 CDs in a car stereo. I burned the larger part of my music collection to MP3 CDs & I played them on 1 of those little iRiver MP3 CD players (via the inevitable cassette adapter when traveling). But then I bought the iPod, which transformed my listening habits. If you can, borrow one, try it in your car & see what you think.
Try setting the iPod's volume control at or a bit past the half-way point. Then control the listening volume with the car's control. This is what I do (again, I use a cassette adapter) & I get as much volume as anyone in the car can tolerate.
Let us know if this works.
It sounds fine but I hear a hissing noise when I turn the car on and the audio is left on in AUX mode. But I don't like having to open and close the console to start and stop the Ipod all the time. I don't think it pauses when the car is turned off.
I am actually thinking of getting the SoundLinQ SLI by VAIS that I heard about so that I can control the Ipod through the car stereo system and also have the info displayed on the NAV screen. Is anyone familiar with this product. If so, how do you like it. I have been emailing them to find out if the ES350 is compatible and they say yes.
I wanted to know if the ES350 came with an option for a remote starter. This is an option on the Toyota Camry so I figured the ES would have it too. But I dont see it in the specs.
any opinions?
Placing a key fob up there would defeat the purpose of the smart key.
How's the tranny in the new ES350? Have the inherant problems with the old tranny been fixed?
I took 2 pic's of them and added them to my pic site ... http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery...46984&members=1
So what are your all experiences with theft & attempts and failures and the scratches , etc,. that they leave behind?
sticks OK and removes easily with no residue.
busting chop shops where car was taken.
Your Ins will take care of damage to vehicle if you have the right ins. co. They will
reduce the cost of coverage as well.
wash them on occasion
replace them every couple of years
don't turn your Lexus into your granny's living room, with the plastic covers on the furniture
pay yourself a buck for every time you look at the floor and don't see some hideous cellophane or Walmart clear mat. Then take those accumulated dollar bills and pay for a shampoo at your local carwash. Friends don't let friends use clear floor mats!! :-)
Personally I think the Nav makes it look a lot better.... but having to pay 3K more.... that's my turn off. I'm on a tight budget for the ES, so it will come down to if they discount. Hopefully by the end of the year... the excitement will die off and discounts will be available.
the market in 1990 (only 16 years ago) these other cars have been struggling to keep up.
Why is there no big deals or incentives given by Lexus? Because they sell with out them. I
would buy American if we could make something that could compete in longevity and
service. The last American car I had was an 1988 top of the line from one of the big 3. It
was in the shop so many times for many different reasons so I couldn’t use the lemon law.
I didn’t really have a car. I was in a rental I had to pay for. American auto industry is not
service oriented when it comes to selling or servicing their products. And I don’t see it
changing any time soon. Every time I get ready to trade I look at American built, or
should I say, something with an American name that’s assembled in Canada and parts are
made in Mexico. I am hoping for the day when the American auto industries wise up and
put the money into production again rather than padding the pockets of upper
management. Toyota and GM were to go into a joint venture in the middle to late 80s on a
car to be built in California. When Toyota saw GM was so top heavy they suggested GM
put two thirds of their management back on the floor where they could be productive. GM
refused so Toyota went home. I do wish The big 3 would build a car I could feel good
with in all respects like I do with Lexus. I now have a new ES350. I tried once again to
give my business to America but once again was turned down with their lack of interest in
their product and myself.
Cracks me up because the reason the competition doesn't offer a V8 is because IT'S UNNECESSARY! Most of the modern Asian/German powertrains put out more than enough power with a 3.5L six mated to a 5/6/7 speed auto that you don't need those gas guzzling extra two cylinders.
I was watching one of those "talking head news shows" with some "non-car guy" economists talking about the US auto industry and one of them said, "What they need to do is build cars that the American people WANT to buy."
I WANT to buy American, but they don't offer anything that I would put my hardearned money into.
Here is my thoughts about the ES350.
I have an ES300, 2003 and love it. I was waiting for the new ES350 for a long time like any body else here. As soon as the Lexus dealership in Southern California got one I went for a test drive. To be honest and speak truly from bottom of my heart, I did not like the car for many resons. I think the car is/was hyped too much by the Lexus and a lot of consumers. It is for sure loaded with technology gagets and computer chips & wires but the car is made of cheap material. I hated the dashboard material. It is cheap and will probably fade in time especially in the sunny states in the summer. The small speakeres on the dash is not placed with precision. They are already rough around the edges. The cockpit is for sure not better than the ES300/330. It looks cheap. Just a couple of dials. The nav. console is odd. The curves on the top don't finish smoothly. They just wanted the curve line to die somewhere on the dash. If we get used to the ES350 dash for a while then most of us will probably agree with me. As soon as the salesman opened the trunck, I noticed the bottom of the rear windshield edges that has not been polished by Lexus. It seems like they just got a piece of glass from junkyard, polished the top and installed it. I was not expecting a quality like that from Lexus. The salesman said "well yah". I don't care who says what but I know the car is not quieter than my ES300. I test drove the ES350 twice for that reason. Quietness, Comfort and smoothness is the same as the ES300/330. I guess Lexus wanted to lower the material quality to keep the price at almost the same range. If you don't believe me then just compare the ES330/300 dash material & design with the ES350. You will see a big difference in craftmanship. Again, I think this car is way way too hyped by Lexus and a lot of consumers. I guess it will be like this for a while and then every body will realize the quality difference. It is just because it is new to us. Well, it was my personal feelings and find-outs about the car after 2 times test driving it and thought to shere it with the rest. Now I am considering the new GS350. If any body has any information about it, I'll appreciate it to share with me. I love the ES300/330 but couldn't get the same from ES350. oh well, just my feelings.
If the foreign competition feel that 8 cylinders are truly unnecessary...then why did they feel the need to crank out vehicles like the Lexus LS430, BMW 7-series, MB 4/5/6xx class, Infiniti Q/M45, etc.? Besides--for almost any particular class that offers 8 cylinders, I'm fairly certain that the Japanese/German model costs more than its' domestic equivalent (Cadillac might be the only exception)...if there is even one available in that class.
Now don't get me wrong--using an iPod or similar to listen to MP3s in a vehicle is a more practical option, when compared to being limited to 6 MP3 CDs at a time...but like I said, not everybody owns a large-capacity portable MP3 player.
I was hoping to maybe buy a SoundLinQ SLi unit from Vais Tech but since that uses the MP3 interface, I'm not sure if that won't have the same problem with the details not displaying.
Does anyone know for sure?
True to ur conclusion as to the GS, I think probably ur desire has simply outgrow the car, while ES cannot outgrow a GS or LS.
FYI, I almost went with the "Ruby Red Metallic" with the "Cashmere" leather interior, but my wife didn't like it.
I guess my point is, especially in THIS forum, potential buyers might be perfectly satisfied with the performance of modern Asian/German 3.5L V6's and not feel it necessary to go with a V8 and it’s lower fuel mileage.
When first hearing about the Lucerne, I actually thought it might be a vehicle to consider. Then, as soon as I saw that it was the same old 3.8L GM V6 mated to a FOUR-speed auto they’ve been offering for umpteen years, I immediately crossed it off my list. Geez, even the optional V8 is still saddled with that FOUR-speed auto.
American manufacturers MAY be closing the gap in quality/reliability with Asian manufacturers, but they’re still a generation behind in the powertrain department. Until they eliminate that deficiency, my car-buying dollars will continue to go the foreign competition.
What "problems" are you referring to?
As far as I know, the ES350 does not use run flat tires so I don't imagine there would be any problem here.
I believe the minimum octanre rating recommended is 91. But it is the same for my 2002 ES300 and it runs perfectly on good old regular (87 octane).
My car will be in my hands in two weeks! UL in ruby red/black. I can't wait!
consider that we all know that black cars show dirt more than white cars. But we assume the opposite vis a vis interiors. WHY? My charcoal carpet looks dirty very fast. That is because most "dirt" that gets on your carpet is lighter in color than the charcoal.
Sand colored carpet looks clean for a long time. The dirt is hidden by the color.
Of course, ink SUCKS on light leather. It's hidden on the dark stuff. I got an ink stain on camel-colored leather in the first month. [weeps openly]
I suspect the latter.