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Lexus ES 350
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Comments
Also, I'm very concerned about the transmission issues I've been reading about. What shall I look for?
Thanks for being here!
I'm trying to understand which is more beneficial for me. I understand there is some kind of crossover point in the life of the lease having to do with depreciation and market value. I'm not clear on what this is.
At any rate, I'm trying to get a depreciation schedule so I understand what a factors are involved in leasing.
If I buy, I can 6.24% for 72 months on a purchase price of $32404 (add tax and license) for ES350 w/Premium w/o NAV and satellite radio. NAV feature would be great, but I can't afford that. I'm already up $200 more per month than I pay now.
Thanks for your help!
Did you purchase the extended warrenty? I'm on the fense about purchasing it after the fact. I know Lexus has the Toyota reliability and quality, so wasn't sure if it was worth the investment.
Calculate a 4.90% interest rate if you do a purchase and do a comparison. I am not sure where you are located but there is a credit union offering 4.90% up to 60 months. I purchased a ES 350 earlier this month at that rate for 60 months It is my understanding you can apply for a loan no matter where you live. Try acuonline.org. Best wishes on your decision.
I also have been experiencing a problem where the car is coasting around 30-40 mph. When I give the car some gas after coasting, the tranny seems to have a problem finding the right gear and abruptly "clunks" (automotive technical term) into gear. For a luxury car, things like this should happen much smoother than they do on my car. Heck, my V8 powered '05 4Runner shifts better than my luxury car.
The dealer says everything (to date) has been corrected!
The dealer has not returned the car back to me after the installation of the tranny computer reprogramming effort. Hopefully I'll get the car back today and the tranny problems will be a thing of the past.
It does not pay to purchase a brand new car in it's first year of develpement or production. It appears that all companies now beta test their cars on the street.
I fear this will be something they cannot replicate, which has happened in the past when I have taken the car in for this problem. I am also going to call Lexus and update my complaint with them so that they know the problem was not resolved.
I don't know what is going to resolve this issue, but I wish it would happen soon. I really like this car with the exception of the tranny problem, but the tranny problem is leaving me with an irritating problem that is driving crazy. And the tranny issue is only magnified when I drive a loaner car (in this case an RX 350) and the loaner drives better than my car. This is just not right.
I am told they will replace the tranny if I so request. Apparently, there has been both a software and hardware modification to the transmission some time after my car build so my car qualifies for the repair if required.
I went ahead and, per the request of the dealer, took the car home and will drive it for a few days to see of the software reprogramming solves the problem. They are hoping the "learning" ability of the transmission will take care of the issue. When I drove it off the lot initially after the reprogramming, the car had not had the opportunity to "learn" my driving style. They are hoping this will explain why I experienced the flaring.
I have to mention that through all of this, the dealership has provided exceptional service. They have been accommodating in every way possible. They truly seem interested in making sure I am happy with the car and will do just about anything to make sure this happens. Despite being frustrated with the car, I have nothing but praise for the dealer.
Nevermind, I just realized the parking brake has to be on....
Throttle Lag - The worst I have experienced in any car. Dealer says "that's just the way it is"
Rattles - Again, just as many rattles as any American car I have ever owned.
Electronics - Except for the "flash and dash", the
electronics in this car are no better than in my two previous Auroras. In fact, the rain-sensing wipers are ineffective in that they wipe too long and, in the winter, just smear the windshield. I usually disable them. Again, "that's just the way they are" is the dealer's reply. GM's are much better!!
Handling - Car is very "soft" in steering and handling. Again, the Auroras were much more precise and stable when going around curves. However, the dealer did warn me about that and told me I would have to buy a Cadillac to achieve that type of steering/suspension.
Reliability - After listening to the cost of replacing the Navigation system which controls most of the cars electronics, I am seriously considering the extended warranty especially with the above issues in mind. So, in short, I could have purchased a Cadillac for less money, including the extended warranty, and, IMHO, had a better car.
Fuel mileage - It is outstanding for a car this size with the horsepower produced.
Ride - Good riding qualities. For a Highway cruiser, not bad.
Fit/Finish - Very good, but again most cars in this price range are very good.
Conclusion - I will buy a Cadillac next time.
I have now gone through my second round with Lexus and my dealership to get the tranny problems, basically identical to the problems you encountered, addressed. I am currently driving a loaner car that supposedly has a the transmission hardware and software fixes that were implemented in later builds for the car. The purpose of driving a loaner is to see if the problem I am currently having with my car occurs with a car with the tranny fixes. We'll see if it takes care of the problem.
I would like to put this tranny issue to rest as soon as possible and was hoping the new transmission would solve the problem.
"Handling - Car is very "soft" in steering and handling. Again, the Auroras were much more precise and stable when going around curves. However, the dealer did warn me about that and told me I would have to buy a Cadillac to achieve that type of steering/suspension."
WOW, i was on here when we were looking at cars. We test drove the 350 and experienced the samething, the handling was just like driving a "Big Old Loose Park Avenue" it was atrocious!! it had way to much understeer.
I could not bring myself to buy this car, i thought that the wood trim was sub par from the 05 models as well.
I endeed up with a BMW. drives great and so far no problems what so ever. Was surprised of this because i have had plenty of problems with other BMW's i have had. Bmw is steadly driving up Reliability on it's cars. If BMW keeps up how they are going then i will go back to them. Can't justify a car in the 350 price range that looks and drives "Slightly" better than a Camry.
Michael
Rather than complain, I am working to get Lexus to see the error of their ways. I need your help.
I have started a website, www.lexusoverride.com where you can register your disappointment with this situation. With critical mass we can fix this mess. Please join me and sign up. Email information will be kept confidential.
I am also in the market for the ES350 - Can you identify your dealer?
Thanks
This may sound like a good idea until you consider that:
1. The car is not theirs to tell me how to use it.
2. My $500 Garmin Nuvi doesn't have these restrictions at 1/4 the price.
3. A passenger can safely operate the system while in motion had they left it enabled.
I have details along with a collection of comments from users at: www.jeffsstuff.com/blog
Please, before buying a Lexus or Toyota with a navigation system, ask yourself if it is worth it. For me, it is not.
Had Lexus been honest with me and disclosed this limitation before the sale, I never would have bought the nav system and probably not bought the car. Their competitors don't treat their customers like children!
I actually wondered if there was a problem with the system and they pulled it from production and don't want to admit it until they get it fixed. Otherwise, I can't imagine why they don't sell tons of these. I'd pay the price just for the cruise control. It sounds like one of those things that, just like ABS, airbags and seatbelts, will end up being everywhere if a few years.
I'd definitely be interested in knowing the story here. Also, is there a way to add it after the fact? Is it available aftermarket?
3. A passenger can safely operate the system while in motion had they left it enabled.
A pretty general statement - can you back it up with valid, safety facts, other than a collection of comments from users on your blog?
Z
As for the Nav...I think restricting it is smart. Yes it would be nice if the passenger could run the nav for you, but there is no way the manufacture can be sure that is the only way it would be used while the vehicle is in motion. Is it a pain, yes, but I watch too many people have accidents just talking on the phone. I can't imagine what the accident rate would be with driver looking down at the display trying to make some kind of adjustment to the nav system.
I hope Lexus continues to hold to the approach they current have for the nav system. All I can say to all of you who want to use it while driving...plan better. Or...come up with some foolproof method Lexus can use to ensure only the passenger can use the Nav system.
And about sensing a passenger, it seems to me that is the most logical solution to their concerns. If they are truly worried about a driver putting a weight on the seat to mimic the weight of an adult, then they really are going waaay too far.
a) The rear bumper expands in sunlight and therefore does not align with the fender on both sides.
b) The door metal trim for the front and back door do not align.
c) Rattles from rear deck.
d) Speaker makes a buzz noise when the volume is above 12.
e) Engine makes a loud noise when you start it in winter.
Have been to 2 dealers and none of them have solved the issues and they say nothing is abnormal, meaning all the above issue are normal to $40,000 reliable car? I don't agree. Please help me out on how to solve some if not all of the above issues.
As for adaptive cruise control, there is still much to be done before it will be useful.
Go to www.lexus.com and click on OWNER at the top of the page. Just register and you will have unlimited access to these features. Remeber, you must have your VIN to register
Please give more detailed steps on how to reach this.
Thanks.
2008 have minor changes like new exterior mirror and rear reading lights for $250 extra but you also might not get a good deal on them until December.