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Comments
Voice commands are not understood only for climate control.
75 degrees, 68 degrees, etc...
Dealer reset some codes today, worked for 5 minutes then same problem.
I know, why don't I just use the buttons. I figure I paid all this money, why not use all the features.
Most other commands are understood (nav, radio)
I'm afraid this is a software problem that they may never have a fix for.
Just how serious is this? It is becoming wild spread? Can it be fixed by the dealer? Has Lexus issued any technical service bulletin on this? Is Toyota doing anything about it?
I have placed an order for a new ES350 for late September delivery. Should I cancel my order?
Comments please.
I have an 05 Avalon LTD which is notorious for a lousy transmission - just read the postings on the Avalon board -search on "transmission". People are about the commit suicide based on some of the comments. My car - zero, zilch, nada problems - shifts so smooth accelerating or declerating that you can barely feel it.
Now, the 350 has a "quirky" transmission. My 350 shifts identically to the Avalon. Could it be the way I drive? Don't know, but the Avalon and 350 are flawless in every respect except perhaps for the crappy console in the 350 and nearby controls for seat ventilation.
If you want to cancel an order based on some of the comments posted, I would think long and hard before doing so.
Lexus is aware of the problem but no permanent fix as of yet. After the car ignition is off for an hour or more the voive recognition software "goes to sleep". Turning the ignition on, then off and back on will magically make them work. I have trouble getting it to understand my voice when I say "seventy" but it works fine with my wife's voice.
__________________________________________________________
I regret that you have had these problems with your new ES350. It would be inappropriate to attempt to diagnose the root cause of your issue via this Forum. However, have you talked to Lexus HQ directly re your concerns?
You may reach a Lexus case manager by calling the Lexus Customer Assistance Center at 800-255-3987. They are there Monday through Friday until 6pm PDT and on Saturdays until 4pm PDT.
Thank you for your comments. Hopefully your issue can be resolved to your satisfaction promptly.
Cesar
SammyS
I didn't know there was such a thing as soft tires...:) Have you checked your tire pressure? After I took delivery of my car, pressure was 40 lbs, so I reduced it to what was called for in the book. It improved the ride but the fact is, different roads produce different rides (and associated noise). Asphalt vs concrete vs gravel vs vs vs...different ride, different noise. You won't get the same noise level all the time.
I test drove an Acura TL (06) before purchasing the 350 - noise (and handling) was night and day. It has always been amazing to me the difference in noise level of any Honda/Acura product compared with Toyota/Lexus. Quietness of the latter blows the former away.
Finally, where did you see that they are only supposed to last 18K miles... :confuse:
As I said, for those of you in areas without snow, you'd be crazy to have all seasons on your cars.
Go to Lexus.com
Under "select a model" click ES.
Then click "exterior".
Then scroll to the bottom of the page and see note 1.
It states that tire life may be substantially less than 20,000 miles. Direct from the horses mouth. The horse being Lexus.
As for what Lexus says, it's to cover their butts.
I'm waiting for a 350 in Blue Onyx Ultra Luxury. Does anyone have one ? Can I see a picture ?
of the base stereo in the ES also. I don't
even have the bose system in my '02 Maxima
and I can tell you it sounds substantially
better than the base stereo in the Lexus RX.
(This was in a 2004 RX330 model). I was
wondering if the base stereo in the ES is the
same as the RX, because if it is, I'm not
going to be a happy camper.
I'm trying to remember that name brand radio
that starts with the "N". I think it's
Nakamichi or something similar to that.
I believe it used to be an upgraded brand
in the older Lexus GS models. Although
I don't demand the best in a sound system,
I do want some decent sound. Anyone's
opinions and thoughts on this would be
appreciated.
I didn't see the last two posts before I
replied to Guatman67. My bad!!!
I used to have a Mercedes C320 which got totalled due to some idiot driver cutting in front of me at when I was doing 60 mph. I test drove both cars and money wasn't an issue. The 350 had a vague feel to me. I just didn't feel in control of the car. I live in South Jersey and it seems like everyday you have to make emergency manuevers. I love the Lexus quality, fit and finish. The nav and sound system were much better than the G35x. I am looking for a quick response when I turn the wheel and the Lexus just didn't feel right. I guess because I had the Mercedes for 5 years I am used to that same handling. You certainly can feel the rough road when driving the G35x but you also have no fear when have to avoid the next idiot that's on a mission to hit your car.
On another tangent why is the Edmunds TMV so innacurate. Why does it show that people are paying MSRP when in reality they are getting $1500-2000 off the the MSRP. I actually went into the Lexus dealership saying I notice that customers are paying sticker. It's funny, before I had my Mercedes I had a new Honda Accord and the dealer refused to sell me the car at Edmunds TMV letting me walk out door. I eventually bought one elsewhere. I got my 2006
G35x at $400 over invoice and this is in the month after the incentives were cut. I still might have paid too much
because there is a holdback of $1000. I was up against time as the insurance company is now ready to offer me a settlement for my totaled car and the rental clause in the policy would be terminated. Once they pay you, you car is no longer going to be repaired and that ends the $30 a day rental. I may had a few weeks at best to look for another car.
-Paul
I use premium but the manual states that you can use regular, but you might see a slight loss in power and mileage. So while not recommended it is doable. So guess its not the salespeople lookin' so dumb...
Your comparing the standard audio to a 9 year old bose system. I guarantee if you listen to a new state of the art system with the proper media you will hear an enormous difference. However, that being said, it is a large premium to pay, so in the end it WILL come down to personal choice.
If you think the premium sound is as good as you need then by all means spend no more.
I know from my experience( i have a 2002 TL ) with the bose system, the lexus standard system could not match up at all.
There was 1 feature that i really liked with the standard audio though, and that was the different preset levels that were available. I thought that was a nice feature. Happy Shopping !
I've used 89 (plus grade) in my ES330 for the last 3 years without any problems. Never used premium and never tried regular. I plan on staying with Plus as the ES350's engine is even more powerful than the ES330's.
You might want to check out the forum: "ES 350: MPG-Real World Numbers"
SammyS
I remember reading something about this because I frequent one of the various GM truck forums and more than a few folks over there are also annoyed about them seatbelt reminder chimes; one of them had asked a dealership about it and was told that it could be programmed out, but only under specific exemptions which of course the majority of us would not fall under.