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Lexus ES 350

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Comments

  • vamvam Member Posts: 3
    I have the dealer down to $32,404 (including $715 destination charge and a satellite radio). Can I get any lower?

    Also, I'm very concerned about the transmission issues I've been reading about. What shall I look for?

    Thanks for being here!
  • vamvam Member Posts: 3
    Is a car buy back a term in the lease vs. purchase? How does it work? Do you lose money doing so? Thanks!
  • vamvam Member Posts: 3
    I'm debating to lease vs. purchase. So far, I put about 20 to 25 miles per year on my current car, Toyota Camry. I drive a teenager everywhere plus myself.

    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!
  • tjazz321tjazz321 Member Posts: 8
    Luke, I have an 07 ES-350 built in March, and have had no transmission nor any other problems except my distaste for the Michelin OEM tires. I have 3K miles, and am very happy. The service manager tells me that Lexus identified the ES cars with the potential trans. problems and either replaced the transmissions or offered buy-backs. Overall, it was a very small percentage of the total manufactured. The transmission is very smart and the car in general doesn't want to be driven like a 1982 TransAm. It requires some finesse, and once you get used to the car/and the car gets used to you, it's all good. In my opinion, the more recent the build, the better the chances of being past any potential problems. It's a great car. BTW, this car will accelerate very quickly once you learn how it likes to run. I have self-timed it between 5.9 and 6.8 for 0-60mph.
  • bigpapalukebigpapaluke Member Posts: 108
    Thanks for your response. We picked ours up on Saturday and my wife absolutely loves it. We confirmed with our sales rep that Lexus identified the problem early and it has since been rectified. I must say that I was impressed with its acceleration. I have an 06 A4 2.0T, and we both came out of the same corner and she was gaining distance on me. This car is going to be a long time keeper.

    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.
  • devon_gadevon_ga Member Posts: 8
    Vam,

    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.
  • tjazz321tjazz321 Member Posts: 8
    This is my third Toyota Corp product, and any of the small problems I've ever had occur within the warranty period. To me, extra warranties are not necessary for this brand with its reputation. Just be sure to report and document any problems within the factory warranty.
  • bear64bear64 Member Posts: 17
    I have the same problem as well and have been told by my dealer about the computer reprogramming fix. In fact, the dealer came and picked up the car this morning and is installing the new transmission computer program today. I hope it solves the problem. While this is really nice car, the tranny issue is so annoying that I have been looking for a replacement car if this issue is not corrected.

    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.
  • tedescm1tedescm1 Member Posts: 309
    When did you buy this car?

    The dealer says everything (to date) has been corrected!
  • llullu Member Posts: 4
    This is the second time with problem of side molding damaged in four months since we bought the Lexus ES350. The first time, within the first week after we bought it. It was the passenger side molding on the rear door was bent when both doors opened. Yesterday, it was the driver side when my son and I tried to open the doors at the same time. The rear side molding was bent and damaged. It seemed to me this is caused by bad design. I wondered if any one has the same or similar experience.
  • bear64bear64 Member Posts: 17
    My car is a September '06 build.

    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.
  • tedescm1tedescm1 Member Posts: 309
    Good luck...

    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.
  • bear64bear64 Member Posts: 17
    Well, I went and picked up my car today at lunch after the tranny ECU flash. Before I could get to the red light right next to the dealership, I experienced a flare between the 2nd to 3rd gear change. In fact, the tranny flared twice before I could get to the red light. Drove around the block to take the car back to the dealer and by the time I arrived, the flare was barely noticible. Dropped the car back off with the dealer and asked for a service manager to give me a call.

    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.
  • bear64bear64 Member Posts: 17
    After leaving the car with the dealer, they had their diagnostic specialist look at the car. Sure enough, no one at the dealership could replicate the problem. I went by the dealership this morning and attempted to duplicate the problem with a tech and a laptop in the car, but I was unable to make the problem occur.

    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.
  • znelson32znelson32 Member Posts: 8
    I just picked up my ES, love this thing. Tried to get some movies playing but all I heard was the audio. Never got the video on screen, what am I doing wrong? I was in park with the car off, only pushed start once (accessories).

    Nevermind, I just realized the parking brake has to be on....
  • navtownnavtown Member Posts: 3
    I just bought a new ES 350 and have used Lexus cars in the past. I love the car. I don't see/hear/feel/experience what a lot of people are complaining about here. All I can say to perspective buyers in the market is not to believe everything written out there on the Web. Toyota/Lexus has become kind of like the Walmart of the Auto industry - they are Big, good at what they do and they kick competitors behind. They have also made a lot of people envious and some who have made it their full time job to badmouth them.
  • acat1234acat1234 Member Posts: 5
    I have an ES 350 with 12,000 miles on it (Delivered October, 2006) and can only say that the automotive press has certainly over sold this car. I like the styling (though it looks identical to a Camry which diminishes the overall Lexus image!!), transmission and engine performance. However, the following issues should not occur in a "Premier" luxury car:

    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.
  • ronwynronwyn Member Posts: 16
    Picked up my ES 350 in August 06. It was a July build. Had a trans valve body replaced in December, trans replaced in January and told in March I needed another transmission. I am now awaiting delivery of my new ES 350 with a build date of May or later. I have been told problems have been corrected after March. I now have 12,000 miles on the car I am returning and the trans still is not right, but I don't care as I am giving it back. Lexus and the dealership have been very good in the handling of this matter, it just takes time.
  • tjazz321tjazz321 Member Posts: 8
    I have a 3/07 build delivered in April, now with 4K miles, and I have had none of the problems cited from earlier build dates. The transmission is a little fussy, but finesse extracts great performance from it. For example, if I want to accelerate hard, I do not mash the pedal but rather take a full second to floor it--then it goes like mad in the right gear. Remember, this is not meant to be a sports car. Other than the poor OEM Michelins and a wimpy basic stereo (shame on Lexus), it's been perfect.
  • bear64bear64 Member Posts: 17
    Did the transmission replacement solve your tranny problems?

    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.
  • teemmbteemmb Member Posts: 1
    I have 500 Miles on my ES350, bought in May, I find that when I brake for a stoplight (not hard), when it downshifts from 2nd to first gear, it hesitates, then the tach goes from 1200, to 800 to 1200 then down back to aprox 600-800. This causes a small (but noticable) lurching while braking. I also have a little bit of lag between 3rd and 4th upshifting. I have not taken it to dealership yet, don't want to feel like a complainer. Anyone else notice this? First time Lexus owner, had Buick previously.
  • kewl1kewl1 Member Posts: 11
    Got my 350 on 8 June. Just now hit 600 miles and I have noticed the exact same thing when it starts down shifting as I slow for a light. It isn't that big of a deal, but it sure is irritating. It certainly isn't something I would have expected from this car. I haven't noticed the lag between 3rd and 4th, but will look out for it tomorrow on the drive to work.
  • gkoffgkoff Member Posts: 36
    Yes the transmission problem has been resolved. Dealer put new transmission in and installed new software. That took 3 days but they had it a week and a half longer to get rid of various noises. That was successful also. Now I can call it a Lexus instead of a Defectus.
  • austincharlesaustincharles Member Posts: 10
    "Throttle Lag - The worst I have experienced in any car. Dealer says "that's just the way it is"

    "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.
  • avalonmikeavalonmike Member Posts: 8
    We just bought a Black Saphire ES350 for my wife. So far we love it! It's a little smaller in the back seat than the Avalon we traded in but otherwise it is much nicer. The interior is hushed, ride is smoother without the level of noise going over bumps, and the driving is smooth! Really love the soft leather seats. I personally like the softer ride. I don't think it looks like a Camry from the front or the back and prefer its style. I have the premium/plus with NAV package and it is more than I need. Only thing I would improve is the stereo. It is just ok. Our Avalon had the JBL and it was significantly better in my opinion. Still, I much prefer the ES so far!

    Michael
  • joedejoede Member Posts: 2
    I bought my ES 350 on May 18th, 2007, when slowing down by lightly pressing on the brake pedal, the car speeds up (lurches forward) when changing gears (down shifting) in the automatic mode. The tack jumps up 200-400. This requires increasing the pressure on the brake pedal, to slow down or stop the car. This occurs just above 20 mph. Some of the other gears are also not very smooth on downshifting. I have taken it to the dealers, and I drove with the mechanic. He understands what I describe, but says the transmissions vary, depending on how you drive the car. I drive very normally, with steady pressure on the gas pedal, and without any jerky motions. He is going to report it to quality engineering in California. Hope you guys report this problem through your dealer, so that it gets some attention. Possibly fixing the other transmission problems through software programing created this new software bug.
  • frostyrfrostyr Member Posts: 20
    Have owned mine for 1 year. Frankly I think that the car is a little better than mediocre. It does get great mileage though. Next time I will give a lot of consideration to an American car. This car is overrated.
  • sandy_eggosandy_eggo Member Posts: 7
    After waiting for several months, Lexus finally confirmed (via 800 number) that they are *not* going to offer an upgrade to restore the nav override, that had been present since 2000 model year. :cry:

    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.
  • rgerchakrgerchak Member Posts: 1
    Vam,

    I am also in the market for the ES350 - Can you identify your dealer?
    Thanks
  • crazymacrazyma Member Posts: 20
    As a major commuter, I was very intrigued by the idea of dynamic cruise control. The pre-collision system also seemed like a winner from a safety standpoint. When I visited the dealership last weekend I asked to test drvie an ES with the dynamic cruise. The dealer said that in 4 years, he has seen only one vehicle come through with that option and it was an LS. He said that if I wanted that, I could not test drive it and I would need to order it from the factory. This, he said, would take about 4 months. Does anyone have an opinion on this? Is that true that it is a very rare option? Does anyone have it? Is it worth the wait? I know there was some brief discussion about this topic a few months ago, but I thought perhaps there would be some new information available. I was also suprised to hear that the dealership will be receiving the 2008s at the end of July. Does anyone know what is changing, if anything? My dealer couldn't say for sure -- suprisingly. Thanks!
  • jeffsstuffjeffsstuff Member Posts: 3
    Car is fine as far as it goes. My issue however is that Lexus (and Toyota, their parent does the same thing) has the navigation system disabled for most features whenever the car is moving.

    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!
  • jeffsstuffjeffsstuff Member Posts: 3
    I asked about this as well at three different dealers here in NJ. They all said the same thing.

    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?
  • zekeman1zekeman1 Member Posts: 422
    What other cars, with factory installed nav systems, allow the driver to have complete control of the nav system as you describe?

    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
  • kewl1kewl1 Member Posts: 11
    My two cents...first the radar cruise control. If you read the user manual on that thing there are so many 'situations' where it might not work right, i.e. motorcycle, small trailer like one a PU would pull, lane changing cars, and more, that you will spend more time watching the radar cruise then you would just watching the road. I don't think that system is ready for prime time. Maybe when all vehicle have to have some kind of radar reflector on the back to be sure you see the vehicle in from of you....and the system is fine tuned to deal with the sudden appearance of another vehicle, like that of a lane changer....then I might consider getting one.

    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.
  • crazymacrazyma Member Posts: 20
    Why can't they just put a sensor on the passenger seat to activate the nav just like it activates or deactivates passenger airbags for kids?
  • fredvhfredvh Member Posts: 857
    Because the driver would just put a weight on the seat to defeat the purpose.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    From what I've read around here, I believe Acura does and that may mean Honda does as well. I would guess they have the same or similar systems.

    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.
  • crazymacrazyma Member Posts: 20
    Then so be it. It certainly clears lexus by showing that they did something. Its like the warning on the bottles of whipped cream. Yeah, everyone loves it, but it should be used as directed and intended. No one ever said all whipped cream needs to be non-aerosol because some people misused them. You don't see ready-whip getting sued and cool-whip indemnified. This is micromanaged in loco parentis and it is terribly inconvenient and seemingly, unnecessary. I would like to see a study showing accident rate reductions as a result of inactivating the fuctions during vehicle movement. If there is a sensor on the passenger seat and someone intentionally weights the seat to regain nav fuction, then I say Lexus did all they could. I would be very suprised to ever see them liable in that situation.
  • prazpraz Member Posts: 163
    I bought this gorgeous and reliable luxo car in the second week of December as a gift to my wife for our 10th Anniversary. Here are the issues that I have noticed and probably some of you might.

    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.
  • kk79kk79 Member Posts: 4
    Does one need to pay extra for the Backup Camera option if getting the Premium Plus with Navigation with basic Audio.
  • lexusguy3lexusguy3 Member Posts: 12
    I found a reference to oil leaks in the newspaper. "Owners of two Lexus models2007RX350 and ES350 (TSB's EG011-07 and EG010-07) issued on April 12 may have an oil leak from the timing cover, where it meets the cylinder head and engine block. Removing and resealing the timing cover should stop the leak. No mention is made of whether coverage extends beyond the warranty." Has anyone had any experience with this problem. LEXUS GUy 3
  • dealseeker4dealseeker4 Member Posts: 2
    I frequently rent cars in Europe with Nav systems. ALL of them have the system fully enabled at all times. They make you push a button when you turn the Nav On, in order to acknowledge that you are repsonsible for it's use, but after that you have full control over it. This is just a stupid Toyota idea to disable control during driving.

    As for adaptive cruise control, there is still much to be done before it will be useful.
  • larrymitlarrymit Member Posts: 80
    My car, equipped as you describe, has the backup camera. I believe it is part of the NAV system.
  • navguy1navguy1 Member Posts: 181
    I noticed today that Lexus has added a new option, if you have registered on Lexus.com, to submit a missing address or business, check to see what is available on the current map disc, check city listings and verify which DVD map disc fits your vehicle.

    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
  • crazymacrazyma Member Posts: 20
    Anybody know where the DVD player for the Navigation system is? What happens if I push the eject disk button on the Nav system? Can I insert a DVD movie and watch it while in park?
  • kewl1kewl1 Member Posts: 11
    DVD access is just below the screen...the trim piece that says Lexus on it. That trim piece slides up to reveal the DVD slot.
  • larrymitlarrymit Member Posts: 80
    I must be blind, but I can't find this on the website. (I am a registered owner and can see the other owner resources.)

    Please give more detailed steps on how to reach this.

    Thanks.
  • klee3klee3 Member Posts: 57
    I'm interested in buying an ES 350 with premium plus pkg and no navigation. Should I wait for 2008 model? What are the advantages of buying 2008? I know I can get a pretty good deal ($3k less than MSRP) on the 2007's now. I'm just wondering if getting a 2008 would be better in terms of less problems and issues (1st yr model always have more issues that should be fixed next year or two). Please let me know what you guys think. Thanks for your response.
  • klee3klee3 Member Posts: 57
    Hmm... I'm shopping for a car to replace my 2005 TL. The rattles in the TL are driving me crazy. I've taken it to the dealership 5, 6 times and they keep coming back (rattles from different areas too). I'm about to buy an ES 350. I don't want to have the rattle issues to deal with again. Is this a common problem for 2007 ES 350??
  • prazpraz Member Posts: 163
    Yes, the rattles in ES350 are common and they come from different areas. Rattle in my car comes from rear only but for some it comes from dashboard or doors. I have driven a few new ES350 without AC and music system and you can hear the rattle. Also, as mentioned all new cars have bumper, engine noise when you start in winter and door trim issues. Apart form this, the car is excellent.
    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.
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