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Lexus ES 300/ES 330
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Comments
I like to use Meguiar's cleaner/wax (they also make a more involved three step process). It's pretty easy to find. You can find it at any automotive parts store as well as stores such as Target and Wal Mart. I've seen some previous posts recommending a product called Zaino.
I remember not being super impressed about the quietness. I had very high expectations based on all the hype on how quiet Lexus models are supposed to be. I remember hearing tire noise on streets that were not glass-smooth and it was easy to hear the engine except at idle.
It really did not appear to be noticeably more quiet than some cheaper V6 Japanese sedans. The rental Lincoln I was driving was quieter.
The ES300 was still relatively quiet, but it was not so quiet that you go "Wow, this is so amazing." That what was I was expecting from a Lexus.
Is the 2001 any quieter than the 1998s?
Just FYI, you can check out the Maintenance & Repair Forums, "Store bought Waxes" and also "Zaino car care" for some good info on natural carnauba waxes as well as newer polymer polishes.
I, myself am currently using P21S Paintwork Enhancer (mild cleaner) + One Grand Blitz Carnauba Wax...great combo. You only need to use the cleanser product once or twice yearly (contains abrasives). Depending on where you live and where you park your car, you may have to wax every 3 to 12 months to protect the paint. This is a good combo for a new car, such as yours.
Enjoy!
Vern
http://www.toyota.co.jp/Showroom/All_toyota_lineup/Windom/interior/images/int01_svg.jpg
Note the perforated leather seats and ebony-stained wood trim in this car.
__________
Also check out the Toyota Windom Coach Edition:
http://www.toyota.co.jp/Showroom/Updates/Windom/coach/ex_int/images/ex02xga.jpg
http://www.toyota.co.jp/Showroom/Updates/Windom/coach/
Regards,
Ecaf
I spoke to a sales guy at a lexus dealer while
test driving the IS300 today. He said the latest
news he heard about the new ES design is that it
will probably be a smaller version of the LS430
in terms of amenities, front and back designs,
and inside/outside. it will be larger than the
current ES, moving it up in prices slightly so
the IS300 will be the entry level car. He
doesn't know about the engine size. but he thinks
it will be awsome. I told him many people, including myself, would be disappointed if the
engine stays the same. He promised to let me
know when he gets any more news about it.
the guy was more interested in getting me to buy
the IS300 which is expected. about this car, I
think it would surprise a lot of people who have
not driven it but think they know what it's like.
don't just believe what the experts say about it.
some people said that it's noisy. I was surprised
to learn that it's relatively quiet. the ride is
smooth butss
firmer than LS,ES but softer more compose than
you would think it is. there is some body lean at
tight corners but the tires stay glued to the
road, even at high speed, and steering is precised. the manual E-shift needs some getting
used to but it's actually fun if you know how to
use it. I was also surprised that the interior
was not as cheap as it looked on paper. although
I'd like a more conservative look. disappointed
that I didn't think of playing with the stereo
but have heard that it's gotta be the best in
entry level model. before the drive, I thought
this car was too radically different from it's
family. the drive suggested to me that it's
still lexus but more playful than it's siblings.
I would still prefer the ES because I value
comfort ride, luxurious feel, and quietness over
sporty handling. although I don't think the BMW
will lose its sporty fun crown to the IS, however
it may have found its match finally.
that was a nice experience. I'm sorry you guys
for talking about the IS300 at an ES forum but
just wanna share my experience with ya.
take care
You said you just bought a new 2001 ES3000. I am thinking of getting one here in Houston. Can you tell me how much you get yours for? Drive out price, what options you get, etc...Any info would greatly be appreciate. Thanks.
http://www.mag-x.com/scoop/camry0103/index.html
What do you think?
It looks like a computer simulation of what someone thinks the new Camry will look like.
Also, who knows what market the photos are for even if they were real and accurate? Sometimes the styling of models is different in North America vs Europe vs Asia.
In addition to all that, Toyota has so many sedan models around the world and especially in Japan, there is no gaurantee that the images are even supposed to be the Camry model.
I'm also taking this opportunity to "more generalize" some topic titles to broaden their scope. For example, when the trim level, powerplant or transmission/transaxle option isn't pertinent to the comparison, I'm removing it for the purposes of making the topic applicable to the situations in which more buyers find themselves.
Thanks,
L8_Apex
Host
Sedans Message Board
My question...do the Lexus people take squeaks, buzzes, and rattles seriously? I want this just about perfect engine/drive-train without a buzz in the dash. Is that too much to ask? Tell me there's a place where a rattle means as much to them as it does to me. lol
I was quite pleased with the service and dedication demostrated by the dealership. It reminded me of Toyota dealers before Lexus came along.
Did they decrease production in the last months to reduce inventory or where there special lease deals and dealer incentives?
I know the 2002 is going to be nicer, but I also know that they will cost several grand more if for no other reason than lack of discounting from MSRP initially.
I am not sure I want to spend the money on even a heavily-discounted 2001 ES300, but it's tempting because there are already some pretty good deals available on 2001 ES300s. It may get even better closer to the release of the new model provided there are still a lot of left over 2001s to move out.
I basically like the curent model except for a little cramped back seat and no naviagation system in a car that expensive.
Maintenance costs are also extremely expensive.
Many other competing cars either require much less maintenance or else include free scheduled maintenance for a few years.
If Lexus offered a realy sweet lease deal this fall (that was significantly better than what's already available today) I would probably just go for it and not wait to see the 2002s.
Maybe they could offer free scheduled maintenance for 36,000 miles on a 3 year lease as their promotion to close out the 2001's?
Thanks,
For about the last half of the 1995 model year Lexus was offering lease deals on stripped ES300s for $399 a month with $999 down payment. For all of the 1996 model year, ES300 lease deal was $399 a month & $999 down payment. But for 1996, you could get a ES300 with Leather, sunroof, & CD-changer for $399 and $999 down. Production was decreased in 1996 to make way for the 1997 model, but the made alot of ES300s in the early part of 1996 to hold dealers over the last couple of months before the 1997 model came out.
1996 was the first generation ES300's best selling year. I believe Lexus sold about 52K units that year while in 1995 Lexus sold about 48K units.
I'm sure the middle of this year will bring subvented leasing programs on the ES300. I would bet on it, as they will need to get rid of 2001's to make room for 2002's.
I don't think Lexus will offer free maintanence programs since Lexus is currently the best selling luxury car brand so far through March of 2001. Obviously, customers don't mind paying for maintanence too much, otherwise Lexus sales would be sliding considering BMW, benz & AUdi offer free maintanence for 3 to 4 years.
Overall maintanence is not that expensive on a Lexus. The first 5K or 7.5K service is free. The 10K service runs about $90. The 15K service costs about $300, the 20K & 25K runs about $90 each and the 30K runs about $400. So basically, over 3years or 36K miles you are spending about $1K on maintanence. And that bill can easily be reduced considering that there is alot of things you can minimize. Like you can easily go to a Toyota dealer to get oil change, Tire rotation, & lube for under $50 as opposed to spending $90 at Lexus. You can also save money at the 15K & 30K intervals buy telling the dealer not to do useless checks & fluid fills.
fineman2,
You can use H-rated tires. I have installed on my parent's ES300 2 times over Yokohama Avid H4 tires. Excellent tires, much quieter and softer riding than the Dunlops that came with the car. And H-rated tires are still good for up to about 130mph.
Update for 2002 ES300:
Mark Levinson stereo will be a option.
Navigation system will be optional.
rear sunshade will be available(power).
5-speed automatic will be standard.
6-CD changer will be standard.
HID lights will be standard.
And current word has it that the 2002 ES will be a ES330, meaning it will be powered by a 3.3 Litre V6.
It might be worth waiting for depending on price of 2002 vs 2001. If I could be sure I could lease a 2002 with leather, moonroof and navigation for 36 months, 15K per year with very little or no down for under $600 per month plus tax I think I would wait. If I can't afford the cost of the navigation system, I might as well just get a 2001.
I just checked Carorder.com com and they no longer have 2001 Coach Editions, but they have the standard model with Value Package and heated seats for $30,983 in my area. MSRP is $34,455. Of course if I buy from Carorder, I will still be covered by the Lexus waranty, but I would have to give up the extra perks that dealers give you when you buy from them. A big price difference is worth it though and I don't live close enough to a Lexus dealer to take advantage of free car washes and lattes anyway.
Even if there is no price increase for 2002 I would be looking at 2001 MSRP with like equiptment + about $2000 extra for the navigation system and little or no discount from MSRP at least at first. So that is about $36K for a 2002 with nav, vs $31K for a 2001. I probably would not be willing to pay that much more regardless of how nice the 2002 ES330 turns out to be.
Difficult choices.
You could always lease a 2001 this summer when hot deals may be available, then turn it in in 36 months when the ES330 should be available for good discounts again and should have a few updates and improvements over the first year models.
I will probably have to call a Lexus service department to see what they charge in this area.
I made a similar switch on my wife's GS, went from the OEM Bridgestone Turanza (Z-rated) to the Michelin Pilot XGT H4's (available at SAMs), they perform very well, EXCEPT, they are noisier than the MXV-4 Plus (Z-rated), which were the OEMs on my 2K ES, I guess you gotta live with a little more noise, for a little more performance.
Vern
Of course, Lexus NA has also given the dealer some false info, like the IS300 and GS300 getting 245bhp in 2001.
Some dealers will also not reveal what they know to prospective customers because every dealer still has to sell 2001 ES300s until 2002s come out.
I doubt Leather & moonroof will standard, since even the LS430 doesn't come standard with a moonroof. Hey, at least they give people some choice!
the all new 2002 ES would be great if the info
you provided were true. let's hope so. but I'm
with lenscap. most are speculation until finally
revealed by lexus. I think the only think we all
can agree on is that it's definitely moving
upmarket since it has earned quite a remarkable
status. don't know why lexus would get rid of
nakamichi sound system but your info is plausible.
what about looks? would anybody have a problem
if the new ES have the same looks as the LS430?
I would prefer a variation of the current ES look.
maybe with more standard gold plating, clear lens,
wider track, more chiseled.
the info they provided about the 2002 ES is
the same as what Remus had stated, basically.
I priced a 2001 ES300 with value package and heated seats and a 2001 IS300 with leather, heated seats and moonroof and the ES300 actually came out cheaper. Amazing.
You have to really prefer the IS300 to buy one, because it is not the cheapest way to get a new Lexus.
Lexus is completely dumping Nakamichi as their optional Sound System. All Lexus' are moving to Mark Levinsion. Nakamichi supposedly has a problem with developing stereo systems that will cooperate with NAV systems and voice activation.
The ES300 will be a variation of the current ES300. Alot of the same styling cues will shift over to the new one. Although, it is said the 2002 ES300 will be alot different from the 2001 model whereas the 1997 was only slightly different from 1996.
I spoke to a Lexus dealer in Atlanta who told me that the new ES300 will look like a scaled down LS430. According to lenscap 'dealer owners did see the car last October at a meeting in Colorado'. Did your dealer friend indicate whether new ES300 resembles the LS430?
thanks!
'92 ES Rose Quartz
'99 RX Silver
Lexus is holding a meeting for Elite dealers May 13-17 in Santa Barbara, CA. More information on the car is expected to be revealed at that time.
The current schedule is for production to begin in July with the first cars arriving at dealers in October.
Thanks for your help,
A prospective Lexus owner.
Kelly Blue Book retail prices are only the starting point for negotiations.
There are currently dealer incentives on the ES300 that allow the dealers to discount heavily and still make a good profit on the sale.
I have heard that there are also very good subsidies on leases financed by Lexus Finance. Sometimes luxury car makers will put the best incentives on leases so they can "save face" and not over discount the cars and hurt their resale values. They might give very low lease factor rates and maybe artificially high residual values to lower the payments.
In this case, I'm thinking about leasing one this year and I normally prefer to purchase.
get some kind of foul smell inside, it stays for few minutes after I
start riding.
It used to be regular in rainy reason when drive in rain, but I couldn't
realize that it is because of water. Over a period of time I noticed
after the car wash, when I pull down & pull up my windows I see water
traces on glass, this stays for 1to 2 days.
Is there any solution to this problem?
Does water in my door creates any problem/damage (kind of corrosion).
TIA
The water on your windows is not from water inside your door, but from the wet weatherstripping that rubs on the window.
You didn't say where you lived, but here in Colorado, where it is VERY dry, it still takes at least a day for my weatherstripping to dry. I would imagine if you live where it is real humid it could take longer.