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Lexus ES 350

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Comments

  • MikeMike Member Posts: 13
    We have had our new 2008 ES350 for 6 weeks. One long trip, Fl. to NY. Used mid-grade gas, averaged 30mpg at ave. speed (on the display) of 69mph. That means we had to drive 75mph or a bit above quite a lot to average that. The travel is very comfortable, excellent equipment. This is a luxury car not a drivers car. We traded a 2002 Audi A6 Quattro. The A6 has a better suspension for high speed driving. The A6 has a better transmission control. The ES manual control is rinkydink and provides no real control of shifting. Very disappointing. This costs a couple of mpg in city driving. You can't get this thing into the higher gears. If you hammer the accelerator on the A6 you leap straight forward in a controlled manner. Not so w/the ES. Torque steer is quite a handfull. The guages are about the same as you will find on a 4 cyl. $16K econobox. (but much prettier) The A6 has lots of system info. Of course the A6 ride is stiffer, with less body roll in tight corners. The cupholder for the drive is difficult to use when driving. Poor placement. Interior lighting is pretty but not functional. Very poor lighting. The ES trunk is poorly shaped compared to the deep and square sided A6 and hard to pack efficiently. The A6 had free maintenance to 50K miles then, 50 dollar deductable on repairs to 100K miles. (96K miles with no repairs except 2 headlights) Excellent! Lexus is going to rock my world with maint. expense.

    OK, the ES has opportunities. BUT...it is a beautiful car that is nice to travel in. The seat adjustments, steering wheel adjustments, headlight control and keyfob starting system are all very nice features. I am looking forward to enjoying this car. We have a Corvette and Nissan 4 wheel drive truck, so my driver issues may be satisfied with them. If you are buying an ES think about what you want. It is pleasant to the eye, powerful, comfortable and fuel efficient.
  • lexpaullexpaul Member Posts: 40
    Mike,

    You sound like you are a true 'drivers' kinda guy...sports car fan...A lot of negatives and IMO I would have not forked over the cash to the get this car....I would have stayed in the Audi column...or some other stiff/sports brand...but hey if you're throwing away money throw some my way..... :)

    The ES is NOT a drivers car as you are now so painfully aware of, I think a test drive AND some elementary research online...would have revealed this to you. So beware all you 'sporty' types....Can't understand why those who prefer the EURO or sports brands go with the ES, disappointement is generally the result...too bad...so sad.... The few little positives you mentioned.... perhaps you would be better off parking it and admiring how good looks it in the shade... :confuse:
  • barnwalbarnwal Member Posts: 2
    Dear Johnymack,
    I own ES 350 as well and is 1 year old. Good to read your remarks in avoiding the servicing cost. Last time I went for 100 miles servicing and Lexus Hartford, CT charged me $197. Felt like getting ripped off as I knew apart from changing oil, rotating the tiers and a good wash, nothing else was done.

    So again my service is due for for 15K and called Lexus to find out this time the service charge is going to be $290. Crazy. Reading the service manual nothing else other than Oil and Filter, Tier Rotation is due. Don't understand why these guys have to fool us with this kind of service charge.

    Called Firestone and Auto care service station and you are right. Probably I'll get the oil and filter change done under $70 for sure.

    Lexus Service center is 65 miles from my place so can't afford to go over there.

    Cheers,
    Sanjay
  • sanishsanish Member Posts: 66
    15,000 mile
    Oil/Filter change:$55
    Discount:10%
    Tax, Disposal fees, etc:$5
    Tire Rotation:$0 (Discount Tires)
    Car Wash:$0
    Total:$55
  • klee3klee3 Member Posts: 57
    You've got to be kidding. $197 for 10,000 mile service and $297 for 15,000 mile service? Mine has 9k miles now. I'm not looking forward to getting ripped off. I had a 2004 Acura TL which required service (oil change) every ~7500 miles (depending on the indicator). It only cost me $29.99 for an oil change and about $250 for 30k mile service. Boy, do I regret trading in the TL for ES 350?!? This is ridiculous!
  • MikeMike Member Posts: 13
    Was that a charge from the Lexus dealer? Yesterday I did my 20K scheduled maintenance on our new ES350. Just an oil change and tire rotation. (presume lube) Price - 148 dollars. This is a joke and I will avoid the dealer at all costs in the future. Also, I long for my 2002 Audi A6 with free scheduled maint. to 50K.

    Of course after that, they wanted close to 60 dollars for an oil change. That too, is pretty bad. The local Midas shop in Binghamton, NY gets my oil change business on my Corvette and Nissan truck. They treat me fairly and only my vette with Mobil One approaches 60 bucks for oil and lube.

    I say keep good records of your service to preserve the Lexus warranty but, never use the lexus dealer! Any thoughts on this approach?
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    I say keep good records of your service to preserve the Lexus warranty but, never use the lexus dealer!

    We took this approach with my wife's 1st Lexus, a '99 ES 300, & we're doing it again with her '07 ES 350. It's both cheaper & more convenient. We have an excellent independent mechanic less than a mile from our house, so I can drop off her car & walk home. The dealer is 15 miles away.
  • MikeMike Member Posts: 13
    Thanks for the reply. One of the reasons we went with Lexus was that we think the car will have few problems. Hope that is the case. But, if there was a warranty issue, we would hate to hear that the scheduled maint. was not executed properly.
    Thanks for your input.
    Mike :)
  • danldanl Member Posts: 6
    I've ask the service rep several times, the noise comes from the timing chain. Previous lexus had a belt, it was always quiet but required replacement at 90k. The chain never needs replacement. Our 07 es350 has 27k on it, tonight it clattered when started with air temp of 66 degrees. It is very irritating.Service rep says the clatter is typical for cold engine. I don't like it one bit, how many others are complaining about this to lexus?
  • djdjdjdj Member Posts: 111
    Between this group and others, I have heard several different excuses for the noise. None of them are indicative of a problem with the engine, just the clatter until the car warms up to operating temperature.
    For myself, I can deal with a few minutes of noise if it means not having to worry about replacing a timing belt. It isn't just the cost, it is the potential the belt may give out before the 90K mark.
    Ultimately, it hurts Lexus more than me if any of my passengers think the car is too noisy.
  • noisylcarnoisylcar Member Posts: 7
    Lexus of Tulsa first said it was the high pressure fuel injectors...then the area specialist said it was "piston slap" and that it was an acceptable noise..and that there was no remedy.

    if it was a timing chain it seems as though it could be fixed with the tensioner

    who knows.....at any rate it is a disappointment...noisy L car
  • noisylcarnoisylcar Member Posts: 7
    how many folks have engine clatter on the es?

    you hear it each day when you start it for the first time, lasts for about 5 or 10 minutes

    let me know....noisy L car
  • GrandpaRitchieGrandpaRitchie Member Posts: 1
    My 2007 ES350 has had THE NOISE, since day one. After 34,000 miles the noise is worse. When I recently started the car at the airport on a very cold day, a passerby knocked on my car window because he was afraid the car was low on oil. When the engine is warm, the noise in the passenger cabin brings back fond memories of my mother's Singer sewing machine. The engine is never as quiet as mu wife's Honda Odessey minivan. I have been told by the arrogant dealer and the Lexus rep that this is a "normal noise." I complain at each oil change in case the engine fails before I sell the car. I also show them that the loaner cars do not have THE NOISE. I have owned a Cadillac STS, BMW 530i and Acura RL. I will never again own a Lexus. Incidentally, neither will any of the people that ride in my ES on a cold day. Hearing it for the first time, they are more astonished than I am at this point. There is clearly a design or manufacturing flaw in these engines.
  • sanishsanish Member Posts: 66
    I agree, loaner cars don't have that noise but my 2 year/15,000 mile car does have noisy engine start especially in winter.
  • sanishsanish Member Posts: 66
    Just get the oil/filter change and multi point inspection done at the dealer for less than $60 and have the tires rotated at a tire shop for $5 or for free at Discount Tires.
  • timwilmathtimwilmath Member Posts: 8
    Does anyone have any idea what month the 2010 ES350's will come out?
  • timwilmathtimwilmath Member Posts: 8
    Just bought a 2009 ES350 (woohoo!), but I cannot find a roof rack that is designed for it. I checked Thule and Yakima but no luck. I'm an avid kayaker. Any suggestions??

    Tim
  • timwilmathtimwilmath Member Posts: 8
    I just bought a 2009 ES350. I didn't get the NAV system, which means I didn't get the upgraded sound system. The car is only a couple of weeks old and I love it, but I am really disappointed with the sound system. I doubt there is anything the dealership can do now - but I really would like to make it better.
    Any suggestions??

    Tim
  • djdjdjdj Member Posts: 111
    NAV and ML stereo are separate options; not necessarily bundled together. I have NAV but regular stereo.

    I agree the standard stereo is lackluster; my 2003 Audi A4's standard radio far exceeds this. However, I find when I up the volume (I do tend to like the volume a little high), that the stereo's sound fills in and it isn't so bad. Personally, I also find the quiet of the car helps too.

    There isn't anything you can do about it since the ML stereo has more speakers.
  • timwilmathtimwilmath Member Posts: 8
    Since I posted this I went to an after-market audio store. Guy recommended adding a sub-woofer with amp. The cost would be about $500, but he said the improvement would be significant. I think I'll give that a try..
  • djdjdjdj Member Posts: 111
    Cool. If you do it, please post your thoughts on the success of that option.
  • avalonfanavalonfan Member Posts: 28
    I just acquired a '09 ES-350 loaded except for rear window shade & the upgraded headlights. Experior color is dark blue with the light tan interior. A nice looking rig, to be sure. I traded in a 2005 Toyota Avalon Limited, fully loaded. Blizard Pearl with Ivory interior. My Avalon was a perfect trouble free ride, but the lease was up and the '09 Limited didn't measure up to the ES-350's quality and ammenities. The '09 Limited was dated.
    I have less than 3000 miles on the ES, but so far I am very happy with the ride. The smaller interior space, compared to the Avy has taken a bit to get use to, but the interior finish and quality outshines the Avalon, as does the quiet ride. My gas miliage is also 2-3 miles per gallon better than the Avalon.
    My dealership in Bellevue, Wa attached a VIP sticker to the car windshield, and they do offer free car washes 7 days a week. No limit. The service department looks more like a hospital surgery suite than a car service department. They provide a loanaer car and shuttles depending upon how long they need to keep your car. I rate my experience purchasing the Lexus as top notch and look forward to many years of service from the car.
  • timwilmathtimwilmath Member Posts: 8
    I wasn't too thrilled with the "standard" Lexus ES350 sound system, so I went to an after-market audio shop (Audio Itch in Tampa Florida) and had them install a sub-woofer and 200 watt amp in the trunk. The cost was about $550. What an incredible difference. It really punched up the lows and makes the sound much richer and fuller. If you aren't real happy with your sound system, you might try that.

    Tim
  • tikimakatikimaka Member Posts: 5
    Thanks fo r the info. I guess the saying goes, " you have to pay to play..."
  • lexusnutlexusnut Member Posts: 1
    Hi People,
    I need your help, I am buying a lexus es 350 ultra package with ML audio system. The MSRP is 44, 094. The best offer I have received is 39,500. They are offering it to me at 6.0%Apr despite the fact that my brother ( who is cosigning the car) has perfect credit. My own credit is excellent as well. Do you guys think it is a good deal.

    Also what do you think about the car and specially the panoramic roof and ML system. Id appreciate if someone who owns a similar lexus posts their feedback on these features and others.

    Thanks
  • ateeqahmadateeqahmad Member Posts: 4
    Hello,

    I got the exact same deal for my ES350 2008. Even the 6.00% APR. The only thing different between your deal and mine is the MSRP.
    When i configure the lexus on www.lexus.com , I get 41K MSRP.

    If you are getting more discounts, grab it. This car runs superbly!!! :)
  • noisylcarnoisylcar Member Posts: 7
    make sure to aks them about the noisy engine problem they classify as acceptable.

    first they said is was the fuel injectors..then it was called piston slap. will never go away - will not get fixed.

    unhappy - noisy L car
  • noisylcarnoisylcar Member Posts: 7
    when they bring the car for you to drive they have it running/warmed up. when this is done the tolerances have tightned and the noise is gone. when you have it at home and "cold start" it the car will have the noise. on my car it makes the noise for 1o or 12 minutes each time
  • t8935xt8935x Member Posts: 6
    Does anyone know when the 2010 ES350 will be introduced? Will it be substantially different from the 2009???

    Thanks
  • bignatebignate Member Posts: 2
    Just took delivery of 2009 ES350 with Cashmere interior. I just assumed it would come with Cashmere carpeted floor mats to match the interior. Instead, the carpeted mats in the car are grey matching the dash. The dealer says Lexus stopped shipping Cashmere mats because they showed dirt far quicker than the darker mats (grey or black). Is that true or should I have gotten Cashmere mats?
  • stlgasmanstlgasman Member Posts: 141
    The dealer is correct.
  • michaelndqmichaelndq Member Posts: 1
    Hello,

    I've just experienced brake failure with my 2007 ES350 about 4 hrs. ago...I was all shaken up...

    I towed my car to the Lexus dealership and went home to google up to see if anyone has the same problem...

    I was doing 40mph on a big street in Fountain Valley, California...gunned the car to pass another vehicle to get into freeway 405 going south...then I notice, it seems like suddenly the car has lost all power and no response...so I put my foot on the brake paddle to slow down...that's when I realized the brake paddle is literally "stuck" to the floor...no pressure at all...DEAD...I panicked, luckily I did not entered the freeway...I was still traveling fast and the thought of driving without brake scare the craps out of me, and I have my nephew with me on the passenger side...I pumped the parking brake, shifted the gear into N and P a couple of times real fast and back to D to slow the car down...I didn't want to mess up the transmission...I have been driving automatic for so long, I totally forgot about shifting the gear to lower to slow things down...I was able to slow the car down and ended up hitting the car in front of me lightly and bended my front license plate...

    I was shaken when I get out of the car...I stopped about 50 yards to the next major intersection...the thought of having no break and crossing the intersection was still on my mind...

    I towed my car to the closest Lexus dealer and ask if they have heard of this problem before...of course they said no...

    This is my second Lexus...I droved an SC400 before...none mechanical problems ever...I have always consider the Lexus a very "safe" car to drive in...today, when I got out...I didn't want to get back into my ES350 again...

    Do you know if you in-laws have the same issue...? I'm dying to find out what is the real problem...and what did the dealer fixed...
  • philly2philly2 Member Posts: 19
    Does anyone know when 2010 Lexus ES350 will be dealer showroom for purchase? I would like to purchase a ES and don't know if I should wait for the 2010.
  • tikimakatikimaka Member Posts: 5
    Why wait for 2010 ? Lexus is currently running low APR specials throughout May. The next redesign isn't due until 2012. I just bought an 09 ES 350 with Nav last month. Dealers are hurting right now -- here in So. Cal that is.

    Awesome car ! Good luck.
  • philly2philly2 Member Posts: 19
    Thanks for the information. I own a 2005 Lexus ES 330 and really like the car. Can you tell me what kind of deal you got?
  • tikimakatikimaka Member Posts: 5
    I think $500 or $700 over invoice; i forgot? Brought a copy of Edmunds TMV and Kelly Blue Book print out for my trade in (97 ES 300), financed the car at 2.9% - 5 years through Lexus Financial. I wasn't going to play hardball as i wanted a fair price and for the dealer to make a reasonable profit.

    The special interest rate may not be available in all areas so check the 'incentives' section in Edmunds and Lexus for your area.

    I'm here in Los Angeles.
  • carolinabobcarolinabob Member Posts: 576
    Might try using a Toyota dealership. Mine charges $30.00 for oil & filter and 4th one is free for a Toyota vehicle.
    Thinking of getting a used red 08 ES 350, but appears Lexus has some problems with their cars-noise at idle, paint, transmission, starting, rust(?).
  • tikimakatikimaka Member Posts: 5
    I have an 09 ES350 which i bought new last month. Quite a few 07's and some 08's have transmisison problems; Lexus is aware of the problem and have issued servie bulletins. Might want to buy certified pre-owned for extra protection.

    As for others -- noise at idle? None, super quiet. Haven't seen other problems from reading other forums but the paint job is 'soft'. Beware of black as it scratches easily (from experience); but sure looks nice when kept clean and waxed.
  • ateeqahmadateeqahmad Member Posts: 4
    Good for you!
    Just remember that servicing these things is costly although they try to make it worth your while by giving you good customer service at the dealership.

    Have a great time!
    I have a 2008 model but have not noticed the noise at idle problem at all.. :)
  • shg818shg818 Member Posts: 2
    I bought a brand-new 2009 Lexus ES 350 yesterday and was shocked beyond belief to discover that when I went to hang up my suit jacket in the rear seat area, there was no coat hook. This was subsequently confirmed with my dealership. How is this possible? I stopped at a Toyota dealer on my way into the office and discovered that Camry s have coat hooks as does my 2005 RAV 4. Putting aside for the moment the question of how Lexus could screw this up, my question is whether any owners of Lexus ES 350's can suggest an easy solution.
  • wmgj41wmgj41 Member Posts: 1
    I recently bought a two year-old Lexus 350. The leather covers on both keys were well-worn. They don't show up on the accessories portion of the Lexus Web site. I'd like to replace them. Any suggestions about sources?
  • philly2philly2 Member Posts: 19
    I purchased a brand new 2009 Lexus ES 350 on May 22 and I was shocked too to discover that the car does not have any coat hooks in the rear seat area. Why would you want a coat hook in the tunk area???? My 2005 Lexus ES 330 that I traded in had coat hooks in the rear seat area. Lexus really did screw this up - hope they correct in 2010. I would like to know an easy solution too.
  • MikeMike Member Posts: 13
    My 08 is like that, pretty stupid. But, many interior features are pretty stupid on this model. I cite the poor interior lighting, no back seat 12V outlet, not much storage and a passthru instead of a full fold-down rear seat. Was spoiled by my 02 Audi A6, a real well designed luxury car. It also had free service to 50 K miles. Have you had a Lexus Dealer do an oil change yet. Fasten your seat belt when you get the bill. (my last one was 146 bucks) (and I mean last for them!!) But I digress

    For travel I use the more expensive hangers that have swivel hooks. These hook over the sissy handle just above the rear door sill. Works pretty well.

    Your car does have some great features too. I think mine has great mpg for the fairly powerful engine. Also, a stylish car that is quiet, smooth and very comfortable for long distance cruising. I just can't resist spouting off sometimes. (!!!)

    I hope the designers read our rants.

    Mike
  • sirrafsirraf Member Posts: 55
    Has anyone purchased the updated navigation DVD for the ES350? I was wondering if not only is it worth the money but is it easier to use than the old version? If you did purchase the new DVD did you get it from the Lexus dealer or some other source?
  • carolinabobcarolinabob Member Posts: 576
    Drove one with 16K miles on it. Very nice, but really disappointed in that it was not as good as my 07 Hyundai Azera . While it did not have the bouncing/wallowing that Azera is known for, the seats were not as comfortable, nor was the overall ride. Felt most road imperfections. The engine was noisy when accelerating and the car was not as quiet overall. The audio was not as good and radio had poor reception. The paint was in very good shape, except where some nut had installed a plastic "protector" over half of the hood. Left a definite line marking where it ended. The vented seat did not cool very well, even on highest setting. Of course, it was also smaller front, rear and trunk.
    Really surprised at handling on interstate. Very susceptible to cross winds and draft from tractor-trailers. Couple of times at 70 wasn't sure I was in control of the car. :(
  • prigglypriggly Member Posts: 642
    Sounds like the Lexus ES 350 is one very dangerous car!
  • ateeqahmadateeqahmad Member Posts: 4
    Respectfully, I would disagree. I have been driving a Lexus ES350 since Feb 2008 and it is a great car. However, I do hear the engine when I accelerate and it does respond a bit slowly. So, that is why i bought it. It is a luxurious drive. I took a trip to Grand Canyon and even with 5 in the car, it was a very comfortable and easy drive.

    However, in the interests of full disclosure, I must say that I used to drive a Honda Civic before this car. I wouldn't be able to compare it with a Merc or a Cadillac, say.
    :)

    Sincere Regards
    ateeq ahmad
  • shancyshancy Member Posts: 1
    Hi - I'm looking for the same thing. I have a 2008 ES350. Did you find a roof rack that fits the car? The only thing I can find is a trunk strap-on rack for bikes. Need a roof rack.
  • timwilmathtimwilmath Member Posts: 8
    I found a great roof rack for my 2009 ES350. It's actually an inflatable roof rack called the Handirack. I have a Perception Captiva 16' kayak that weighs 58 lbs. I needed a sturdy roof rack and I can't tell you how skeptical I was about this inflatable rack partially because it's only $100 and my prior car had a $350 Thule metal roof rack (Thule does not make a rack for the 2009 ES350). But I have used the Handirack 3 times and it works like a champ. I've driven over 100 miles with my kayak strapped on top and it works great. Couldn't figure out how to do that here. I got mine at a local kayak shop, but you can Google Handirack and find lots of retailers. Send me a note at timwilmath@aol.com and I'll send you a photo with it on my car.
    ">Good luck! Tim.
  • gagricegagrice Member Posts: 31,450
    Runaway Lexus kills 4!
    2009-09-01 03:38:41 (GMT)

    San Diego, CA—A fiery crash left four people dead after the car’s accelerator became stuck. The fatal crash happened on Friday, August 28, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at the intersection of Route 125 and Mission Gorge Road in Santee, as reported by San Diego Union Tribune.

    According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a loaner 2009 Lexus ES 350 driven by CHP Officer Mark Saylor, and three family members experienced a serious malfunction, which caused the accelerator to stick. Someone reportedly dialed 911 around 6:30 p.m. to report the cars accelerator was stuck, and the car could not be stopped while traveling nearly 100 miles per hour. The out-of-control car careened through the intersection of Route 125 and Mission Gorge Road and collided with a Ford Explorer. The Lexus then jumped a curb, plowed through a fence, and then slammed into an embankment before going airborne. The luxury car reportedly overturned several times before it came to a stop and burst into flames in the San Diego River basin. The CHP officer Mark Saylor, 45; his wife, Cleofe, 45; Saylor’s daughter, Mahala, 13; and his brother-in-law, Chris Lastrella were all tragically killed at the scene of the horrific crash.

    The car was reportedly loaned from Bob Baker Lexus El Cajon on Friday after Saylor dropped his car off for service. The Lexus is fully equipped with a double redundant fail-safe system, which would shut the vehicle off if it were to experience a major malfunction. No one at Bob Baker Lexus El Cajon knows what went wrong and is currently waiting for the completion of a full investigation. The CHP multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team and Sheriff’s investigators are conducting the investigation into the runaway vehicle accident.


    ES350 kills 4
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