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Lexus ES 300/ES 330

5443 messages,  Last post on Aug 14, 2010 at 9:21 AM

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What is this discussion about? Lexus ES 300, Lexus ES 330, Sedan

Messages Page 108 of 545

#1069 of 5443 Ordering a 2002 by lenscap

Jul 19, 2001 (10:26 am)

Having had six Lexuses in my family, I am 99% sure I will love the new ES 300. If I don't, I can get my entire $500 back at any time. It is simply to reserve my place high on the list, because if I do like the car I will not want to wait. Keep in mind I have not ordered a car, just reserved a spot on the list.
 
My friend had a 1994 ES 300 and loved the 1997 version when it came out in September 1996. But because he did not have a deposit, it was very hard to get a car. He would up ordering the car in January and not getting one until April. There were almost no cars just sitting on dealer lots (and there are three Lexus dealers very close to my home). All of the deposits had to be accomodated first. The few cars that were available were colors nobody wanted or lacked certain equipment. But my friend (like me) wanted to get the car equipped right and in a nicer color.

#1070 of 5443 2002 es road tests by spfotey

Jul 19, 2001 (10:28 am)

The dealers are going over to LA in mid august to test drive the new es -- after that they can talk with some knowledge about it. also, the sept. magazines will have info on it then.

#1071 of 5443 Satellite radio by robert_s_22

Jul 20, 2001 (10:14 am)

Does anybody else know if Cadillac is the only make getting satellite radio next year ?? It looks like it's going to be great !! check it out at www.xmradio.com

#1072 of 5443 lenscap by jamrock4

Jul 20, 2001 (11:33 am)

Given what you said about the 1997 ES being in such high demand. If that is true for the 2002 model then I guess there is probably a good chance Lexus dealers might engage in major league price gouging.

#1073 of 5443 lenscap by carlo7

Jul 20, 2001 (12:41 pm)

jamrock4,
 
You may be right. The sad thing for me is that as consumers we don't have to be gouged. If buyers feel they are being gouged, why can't they walk away and return when the lot is so full of product the dealers will listen to a fair offer? I just did that with the local Audi folks and am glad I did. The fever was bad and I really wanted to trade my 2000 ES on an A6 2.7T, but when list was all the dealers would discuss, I walked. Now that the fever has broken, the ES is still fine for my needs.

#1074 of 5443 2002 by lenscap

Jul 20, 2001 (1:50 pm)

Even though my friend waited three months for his 1997 ES and the car had just been introduced, he got $1500 off the list price. The cars may go for list in the first couple of months, but typically Lexus dealers don't gouge. If you're patient a deal can be had.

#1075 of 5443 2002 Lexus ES300 Frequently Asked Questions by dsalkin

Jul 21, 2001 (7:17 am)

1. Is there much difference between the current ES300 and the 2002 model?
 
Yes. Although some of the systems may look familiar, the ES300 has been completely re designed from the ground up. The obvious change, the styling, is designed to "turn heads" while the uncompromised luxury draws on many features introduced on the LS430.
 
2. How many versions of the ES300 will be available?
 
There will be only one version powered by a V6 engine featuring continuously Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (Vat-speed Electronically Controlled automatic transmission with intelligence (ECTi-). However, various option packages will be address a range of individual customer wants and needs.
 
3. How is the ES300 in terms of performance?
 
Although the horsepower and torque will remain the same, initial testing in Japan indicates the new ES300 has improved a outstanding flue mileage, and significantly lower emissions. In fact, the new ES300 now meets LEV or Ultra Low Emission standards for all 50 states.
 
4. Will the ES300 have the same optional DAD nexus Navigation System featured in the LS430?
 
The ES300 system will be similar, but will not include voice recognition or the interface with the Lexus phone. The screen however differs, allowing the driver to fold it out of the way to access the CD and cassette players. Twice as fast as the current generation, new ES300 navigation system will include map data for Canada, more points and multiple destination input. It give directions in English or French.
 
5. Will the ES300 come with option packages like the LS430 Ultra Luxury Selection?
 
Not at this time. Based on current plans, the ES300 Factory Options will include Regency Leather Interior Trim, Lexus Navigation System, Mark Levinson Audio System, Wood Trimmed Steering Wheel, Wood and a Leather Trimmed Shift Knob, AVS, HID Headlights with Rain Sensing Wipers, VSC/Brake Assist/TRAC and Power Rear Sunshade.
 
6. What's the difference between the ES300's standard Audio System and the optional Mark Levinson System?
 
The optional Mark Levinson Audio system offers much more power, patented Mark Levinson Digital Signal Processing (a separate amplifier for each mid and high range speaker with two amps driving the woofer and Mark Levinson premium speakers.
 
7. What colors will be available?
 
Color selection and actual color names are usually one of the last specifications to be confirmed. However, at this time, the ES300 will be in Diamond White Pearl, Alabaster Metallic, Millennium Silver, Blue Onyx Pearl, Black Onyx, Black Garnet Pearl Metallic, Mystic Sea Opalescent and Starlight Pearl. Remember one or two of these could change prior to launch.
 
8. Who are the target buyers for the ES300?
 
The ES300 buyers will tend to be equally men and women between the ages of 35-50 years old who are looking for a youthful luxury purchase. Expect the new ES300 will attract more buyers with children under 18.
 
9. How much will the ES300 cost?
 
Final MSRP has not been released yet, but base ES300 pricing is expected to be very competitive with BMW 330i, Lincoln LS, Mercedes C320 somewhere in the low $30,000 range.
 
10. When are the first ES300's scheduled for arrival in dealerships?
 
Currently, the Lexus Division plans to begin shipping the ES300 to all dealers on or about October 1, 2001.
 
David

#1076 of 5443 manual tranny? by parnola

Jul 21, 2001 (11:15 am)

Any indication if the ES may gain a manual transmission like the IS? I love the ES, but the lack of a 5-speed leaves me wanting. I'm simply too tall for the IS.

#1077 of 5443 replacement tires? by lotusfla

Jul 21, 2001 (2:31 pm)

My 1999 es will need new tires. I live in Florida so wet handling is important and tire perfomance in snow is not. A quiet ride is also a criteria. The car now has Bridgestones which are adequate. Any recommendations or tires to avoid?

#1078 of 5443 Proud new ES300 owner by tmttaxatty

Jul 21, 2001 (11:02 pm)

Today I purchased a 2001 and I couldn't be happier. If anyone is considering taking the plunge on one, now is a good time. I live in Dallas and a local dealer sold me the vehicle for $30,650 (MSRP as equipped around $34,700).
 
At this time the selection appears to remain pretty good but at prices like this (right around invoice) they won't last. My sales person told me that I got the last graphite grey they had (and would likely get) and that they're aggressively moving them in preparation for the 2002's.
 
As to the 2002's, even my sales person claims he's only seen "spy picks" but has heard from up the food chain that it will be a very nice and popular car. I happen to casually know the GM of the dealership where I purchased my car and spoke with him briefly about the pricing on the 2002. He said it will likely be a slight up-tick from the current model (which I took to be about $1K, on average) but they don't anticipate having any cause to sell them below sticker for at least the first few months. No surprise there.

Messages Page 108 of 545

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