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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 425 of 545

#4237 of 5443 ES 300-330 Transmission Problems by msamel

Oct 31, 2003 (7:37 am)

After experiencing the jerky transmission in the 2002 ES 300, I was told that the "fix" would come by year end 2002. When that didn't happen in early 2003, I filed under the lemon law and was treated in an excellent manner by Lexus Corporate. I was flipped into a 2003, charged usage, and the 2003 had the same problems. Then the fix came out, and after the fix, it was just as bad as before the fix. After complaining, with 1,200 miles on it, they then flipped me into the new 2004 ES 330, telling me that with the "new" transmission, there would be no such problems. well, with only 650 miles on the car, there is definitely the same problems as the prior years. I have not complained yet, but I probably will ask for a refund. With Lexus admitting to the 2002-2003 problems, and coming up with a fix, they certainly can't say that there is no problem. I'm very interested in hearing from ES 330 owners. My 1999 Toyota Solara, and 1992 Camry, ride beautifully, with transmissions acting the way they should. This is terrible.

#4238 of 5443 msamel by lenscap

Oct 31, 2003 (11:36 am)

I'm sorry you're experiencing such trouble. My 2002 ES 300 had no trouble at all. I still had the update done and now I do notice the car being smoother than ever.
 
If you were that unhappy with the 2002 ES 300, why didn't you test drive the 2003 before agreeing to buy it? It seems a 5-minute test drive would have alerted you to an issue with the transmission if it was that bad. Same for the 2004, why not drive it first?
 
Again, I hope everything works out to your satisfaction. It's amazing Lexus kept giving you new cars.

#4239 of 5443 XM - lehighlexus by rbr

Nov 02, 2003 (1:24 pm)

Does that mean that the current 2004 ES 330s wont ever be able to be easily retrofitted with XM, or does that mean the retrofit wont be availble until next year?
 
Thanks.

#4240 of 5443 XM by jragosta

Nov 02, 2003 (7:59 pm)

It's unlikely that you'll be able to easily retrofit the stereo in the ES330 with any simple add-on. You can, however, replace the head unit if you wish.

#4241 of 5443 jraqosta is correct by lehighlexus

Nov 03, 2003 (7:41 am)

You cannot retrofit the stereo, but you can either replace it, or get an FM module. I would recommend replacing it altogether. FM modulators are not known for the best sound quality

#4242 of 5443 Bummer re: XM by rbr

Nov 03, 2003 (10:00 am)

That's another small strike against the ES 330 for my upcoming shopping. At least two other cars I'm considering (2004 Acura TL and 2004 Honda Accord) now offer XM standard (subject to a subscription of course). I suspect that XM combined with the ML stereo would sound great.
 
I'd never want to use the XM modulator either because: 1) sound quality would suffer, and 2) It doesn't look very good.

#4243 of 5443 Although by lehighlexus

Nov 03, 2003 (10:50 am)

There is a lot of hype for XM radio, but is it justified? Granted you have 110 channels or so for all different types of music. But, like digital cable, who is going to listen to all the channels. And to pay 10 or 12 bucks a month for as many channels as I get now locally, I don't see the use. My personal opinion

#4244 of 5443 XM - re FM module? by marinrain

Nov 03, 2003 (11:04 am)

I bought the ES 330 with navigation (the one that said 'SAT' on the button) - so can the stereo really be replaced? It doesn't have a cassette - so the 'roady' option is only possible with FM modulator --
was I lied to (it would be available later)?
(p.s. since I really care mostly about ESPN on XM sound quality as if for music isn't as big an issue) thx

#4245 of 5443 I don't know where you're from by lehighlexus

Nov 03, 2003 (12:09 pm)

But check your local AM stations. I know in this area and most areas, ESPN has it's own AM station. (I believe it was 1260 or something like that. I'm usually never in my car, so I forget)
 
And as far as I've heard, Lexus will not retrofit satellite radio in ES330's. If I learn differently, I'll keep you posted

#4246 of 5443 Why XM? by s852

Nov 03, 2003 (8:26 pm)

The amount of ads on local radio is ridiculous.
During commute times it seems like they play more ads than real content.
You don't need to listen to all 110 stations. If there are even 10 stations you really like, it's worth it to hear back to back music or other content without investing in a massive CD collection.
You can always switch back to local stations to hear the local weather and traffic for a minute or two, then switch back to XM the rest of the time if you didn't check before you left the house.
Since the Sloara offers XM, I would think the ES330 will have it in a year or so.

Messages Page 425 of 545

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