Lexus ES 350

jbcamel

Can someone tell me what the "Record" function on the GPS does? It's
found by pushing the "Map View" button on the screen. If I press
"Record" I imagine it records the route that I take from where I am.
Later when I press "Map View" and press button to stop recording it
asks me if I want to save the trace on the screen. I say yes.

Then what? What's the point of doing this?

I was hoping I could save it so I could use the same route in the future, but apparently
not.

Thanks

jbcamel

I have serious chronic low back pain. When I'm a passenger I have to have the seat way back. When I drive my settings are also somewhat reclined, although obviously not too far back.

Anyway, I've found the ES 350 is pretty comfortable. Much better than the ES300 as a passenger and almost, but not quite, as good when I'm driving. We have only had the car for about a month and I'm not sure I've managed to tune the driving position to my needs yet.

The lumbar support is adjustable and seems to go from nothing at all to a lump in my back. A happy medium works fine.

In general I think this is an extremely comfortable car.

zekeman1

Buicks vs Lexus and Chevy vs Lexus...hmmm, think about the trade or resale value when you decide to get rid of a Buick or (especially) a Chevy....both are good cars but which car has better resale - Buick, Chevy, or Lexus? And which line of cars has the top 5 places in overall consumer satisfaction?

petl

Since I'm considering the new ES I'll make a brief comment. My current vehicle (2002 Camry XLE) was being repaired this week (due to a minor collision). I was given a new 2007 Buick Allure for the week. Although the seat cushions were longer they were not nearly as comfortable as the Camry's. Even my wife despised them. The interior felt cheap and “plasticy”. The ride was quiet but jittery over small bumps (it even floated at times). I can never understand why people call the Camry (or any Toyota) a Japanese Buick. They are miles apart.

I won't comment on reliability. However, the Buick did seem to be well built. The Buick is a pretty good car. It's just not in the same league as the Camry (it didn't feel as refined). Since the ES ranks higher than the Camry in terms of luxury and interior quality, I would have to say this Buick is nowhere near the ES. Please note that I occasionally drive my son's 1999 ES and I have test driven the new ES. This is just one man's opinion based on recent driving experiences (city and highway).

deofamily

All,

Does anyone have a picture to share for BSMs for the new ES? I am byuing a Blue Onyx Pearl; the Sales guy told me it would be ~ $ 350.

Thanks,
Niranjan

carrelman2

My dealer gave me the Body Side moldings along with all season mats at no charge. He's ripping you off by trying to get another $300 out of the deal.Tell him you want the BSM'S included in the deal. His cost is about $60 if that much.

amf1932

The retail price for the body side moldings from Lexus parts is $138.20, plus $52.50 labor for installation. Plus sales tax. This is a quote from my dealer.
Actually, I decided against doing this modification, because the "new look" in upscale cars don't use these strips on their doors..it makes the car look old fashioned, IMO

Alan

carrelman2

I wonder if you will change your mind about having body side moldings that offer some protection against getting your car dinged and donged after you get a few dings and dongs.

pat

I have had cars with the moldings and cars without them. They've all ended up with "dings and dongs" eventually. Given that cars are of different sizes, doors are of different shapes and people are of varying degrees of carelessness - and yes, meanness - it seems to me that those things are impossible to avoid. :sick:

JMHO.

deofamily

Thanks for your response. I guess getting a good deal depends on where you live in the country. Where I am, Cincinnati, OH, they are not making any such offers.
ND

shank2

Does anyone has Ruby Red with Black Interior photos?

psychdoc

Mine is ruby/black.

Here are some photos....not interior, but...

http://www.carspace.com/psychdoc/Albums/2007%20Lexus%20ES350/

tdoh

Just picked up my SGM UL this past Saturday--it's the first Lexus I've ever bought! Another first--I just discovered that on the ES350 there is no tranny fluid dipstick; every other auto-tranny car I've owned/driven had one. Lexus states that because the tranny and transfer case are completely sealed, there's no need to check tranny fluid level; not that I don't believe them, but aren't just about all modern transmissions "completely" sealed (if you're not counting the dipstick tube, that is)?

In any case, I've only had this car for a few days and I can't get enough of driving it!

cablondeblue

Congratulations tdoh! UL, good choice.

I have no clue about the tranny fluid dipstick. I will let the boys answer that one.

jbollt

no tranny fluid dipstick

This must be becoming common, as my neighbor recently discovered that his 03 Ford Explorer doesn't have one either

tedescm1

350... transmission hesitation

A friend of mine recently drove a new Lexus 350 and stated that there was a transmission or gas petal hesitation in this new 350 Lexus. He said when you push down on the accelerator; you could count to two or three before the car responded.

I know this problem existed in the 2003 – 05 ES’s but I was told this problem had been resolved. Has anyone with a brand new 350 experienced this?

petl

Here we go with the hear-say again. I wish the people who actually own the vehicle would report these problems.

amf1932

No hesitation on my ES350! I DID have it on my '03 ES, and thats the reason I traded it in.

Alan

robynl

My dealership called today and my Ruby/Cashmere UL came in late this afternoon. Will pick it up on Thursday. I am excited and nervous... what all can I expect (besides paperwork) when I go to pick it up and what to look for and check out??

zekeman1

Zero hesitation on mine - it's a rocket!

deofamily

Hi!

What is the general consensus about getting the Paint Protection film by 3M? It looks like a good thing to protect the front of the car at least? Any experience, opinions for this?

Thanks,
ND

pat

I agree with you - I don't recall a single instance of a Forums member reporting the issue with his or her own ES 350. I believe all we've seen is people who have heard/read about others having a problem.

psychdoc

None here either.

My ES 350 is an April build and so far (4000 miles) no transmission problems of any kind.

Like amf1932 I owned a 2002 ES 300 and it had tremendous hesitation and couldn't find the right gear at slow deceleration/acceleration (think slowing down to about 2mph for a stop sign, rolling thru it and then accelerating again). No hesitation whatsoever in the ES 350. This things has reall balls. Off the line and from any speed. You put your foot into the accelerator and this baby MOVES!

tedescm1

Thanks for the info...

Thinking of tradiing my tl for a 350 but was concerned about the hesitation problem.

I guess they finally fixed it...sure took them long enough!

scoti1

I don't think it has been fixed. Some vehicles don't have it or it is not very noticeable if they do. But there are still reports of various 2006 Toyota/Lexus models experiencing problems, including reports in this forum for the 2006 Lexus ES350.

petl

Many have read about or have friends (even friend of friends) that have the hesitation problem. Fact is very few have the problem (if at all). There are more posters concerned about the hesitation issue then there are with the problem. Many are complaining about the hesitation thing on this site and other sites and don't even own a Toyota product. Talk to the people who actually own the vehicle. Test drive it and judge for yourself.

ggesq

In post 1716 you said that your tranny was a little flaky when slowing down like it was hunting for a gear. Has that subsided?

ggesq

pat,

I found at least 4 posts talking about their own vehicles- 1236, 1497, 1691 & 1716. There might be more but I don't have that much time on my hands

psychdoc

No, that's still there. I suppose I really don't think of it as a "transmission problem" or "hesitation," just the basic way the tranny was designed.

It's really a very minor quibble.

pat

Nor do I, I suppose, but compared to other discussions I host, the problem is nearly non-existent here in terms of actual Forums members.

That's purely an unbiased, non-partisan :-) observation. I've got no issue here one way or the other.

hjs

No , as I understand it it only coes with the luxury package .

On another topic has anyone seen an ES350 with body side mouldings? Does it look good ? Do you have pictures ?

tnfan

Per previous post, the backup camera comes with the navigation. I have the premium package with navigation and have the backup camera.

carrelman2

I have my Es 350 for over a month now. (May 2006 built). No hesitation what so ever. Lexus body side moldings (good to have). So far nothing but good driving and am very pleased.Super automobile.

bruce3

My wife has had hers for 2 weeks and about 800 miles. It is a very smooth and responsive car. We took a trip to the mountains and back and acheived 29.6 mpg measured at the pump - computer reads almost 2 higher. I attribute good mileage to the tranny, which runs at 2000 rpm at about 70-75 mph.

dp5

I have almost 6K miles on my new ES 350. There is no hesitation. It takes off immediately when you jam the accelerator and will push you into the seat for a couple of seconds. I've seen other posts like this and many are similarly vague. I've often wondered if they are legitimate or someone with a vested interest in disparaging the new ES.

oldman26

I have 3,700 miles on my ES. Only problems were right HID headlight had to be replaced and VR problem. Great fuel mileage, no hesitation, no wind noise and great dealer service. Manufacturing date 03/2006 Golden Almond Metallic

robynl

Picked up my car yesterday (Ruby/Cashmere UL) and absolutely love it like everyone else on this forum. The color is more beautiful than I remember. It just glitters in the sun. Kind of reminds me of Dorothys ruby slippers in the Wizard of Oz. The color name fits it to a "T".
What doesn't it do? It will take me a while to figure out all the technology stuff but should be fun. My 22 year old son said it's hard to believe that one day this car will be "old". My 17 year old son just loves it too! He thinks it's the "coolest car he's ever seen!"
Anyway, trying to work out the bluetooth. The connection between my phone and car is no problem, works great, just can't figure out how to talk privately on my phone if I want to when call comes in or when a call goes out. Every call goes right to the bluetooth. It might be that when I get a call on my phone (Razor) I would just open it and pick up the call. Maybe I have to reset the phone for me to push a button before I answer it and that way when I an in the car and don't want the call going over the speaker in the car I can talk privately. Any suggestions??
This car is amazingly quiet. Ride is so smooooooth and luxurious. My last car was a 1997 Mercedes E 320 and while I did like the handling of that car, this really blows it away in every other aspect I think.

dp5

If you want to make the call private and have it go through your telephone directly, do the following:

1. Push the off-hook switch on the steering wheel
2. Push the "Transfer Call" pretend button on the Nav screen

This will transfer the call to your headset. Be aware, though, that it only works when the car is at a stop. You can't do it when the car is moving. I use it when I get to my destinatin and want to continue the call on my cell phone while getting out of the car and walking to wherever I'm going.

tdoh

Congrats on joining the ES 350 club!

psychdoc

Simple solution. Push the "down" button on the four way navigation buttons on the phone (you have the razr, right?). This will open up the bluetooth setup screen. Turn off the bluetooth and the phone will disconnect from the car's system. You can now use your phone privately just as you had in the past. When you want to relink the phone to the car just repeat the procedure and turn on the bluetooth. Jut two button pushes. Really simple.

Enjoy the car!

ryguy1

I have ES350 BLUE ONYX. I've been reading posts with keen interest since I've only had my car for a few week now. How do I find out the date of manufacture? Is it encoded in the VIN number or do I have to call Lexus?

fredvh

The month and year of manufacture are on a sticker on the driver's side front door post.

frostyr

Have had my ES350 for 3 months. It now has 2,700 miles and has developed a rattle or creaking noise from the dashboard. I haven't taken it in for the first service yet but will mention it when I do. Frankly, I'm annoyed at this and also disappointed with the seats, sound system and voice command. It's a good car but it is not magical. Frankly, I think that Toyota is slipping. I'm not sure that I would buy another one. I should say that the mileage is outstandning!

ricwilli

Just took a trip from LA to Vegas in my ES 350 which was manufactured 6/06 and had 600 miles on it at the start of the trip. I made it in under 4 hours averaging around 90 MPH. The ride was smooth, the car responsive as I changed lanes and swerved around cars (I am a fast driver and have previously owned performance cars, my last being a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP). There was some hesitation when accelerating to pass at over 70 mph, but then I am used to a supercharged car so it was acceptable. There was no air noise, even at 110mph. It held the road good. My only complaints is the unability to dial a phone number not in speed dial while moving...I understand it is a safety issue but still a pain in the [non-permissible content removed]!! Bottom line, I am a previous ES 300 owner and I love this black/black beauty!

hjs

Does Anyone have a picture of the ES 350 with the Body side mouldings ? I'd appreciate seeing one if you have any. Does it spoil the appearance ? Thanks

HJS

priggly

There was no air noise, even at 110mph. It held the road good. My only complaints is the unability to dial a phone number not in speed dial while moving

Do you frequently dial phone numbers while driving 110 mph??!

carrelman2

Why do you think that the body side moldings spoil the looks on the ES 350 ? As far as I believe it makes the car that much better looking. I was waiting at a traffic light when a woman driving an ES 350 pulls along side opens her window to ask me where I got the moldings. When I told her at the Lexus dealer she said why wasn't she told ? She said she must get them because it dresses up the car. I've seen after market non Lexus moldings and they don't compare. By the way they are now listed on the Lexus website as an accessory priced at $199.

luvblac

I agree with carrelman2. They do make the car look better. However, my local dealer said they were not available. So went to Lexus Of Lansing and got them in 2 days for $133.00 plus tax. Came with clear, concise directions and installed them myself. Finishes off the car nicely and offers at least SOME protection in parking lots.
Manufacturers are saving a bundle by making them an accessory and not part of the car when purchased. You're seeing this on many new autos and they call it 'style'. However, it all comes down to cost. If they can make you pay extra for the moldings, why should they give it to you for nothing? It just ups their bottom line.

hjs

Thanks for the reply carrelman2 . I'd love to see what they look like on the car . Can you post some pictures on your CarSpace page ?

Thanks
HJS

amf1932

Even though the body side mouldings might add a bit of protection, I still prefer the slab sided look. Also, with my luck I'd still get dings above and below these strips....if I ever decided to install them on my ES350, which I don't intend doing. They look like cheap stick-ons that you probably could buy from your local auto supply store. IMO