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Lexus ES300 problems - READ ONLY

88 messages,  Last post on Jul 19, 2003 at 11:58 AM

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What is this discussion about? Lexus ES 300, Car Safety, Engine, Transmission, Sedan

Messages Page 5 of 10

#34 of 88 bobw15 by sddlw

Jan 10, 2003 (8:18 am)

Sorry to hear about your problems. Overall most people do not experience too many problems with Lexus or their dealers, but there is always an exception. Some thoughts. I too have had to R&R the brakes/rotors at 25kmiles on my 2000 ES for rotor warpage. The problem stems from the manufacturers having to elimiate asbestos in the brake pads. Nowdays the pads have either ceramin and or metal in them or that black stuff that makes all the brake dust. Lexus uses ceramic and these tend to last a really long time, often greater than 50k miles but do get hotter and thus tend towards more rotor warpage. My local performance tire shop will turn the rotors and put new OEM pads on for $125. The dealer wanted $300.
 
I use an independent Toytota/Lexus mechanic. The dealer in north county San Diego wanted $500 for a $30K service! My independent charged $275. Why so expensive? Well it is more than an oil change, but the shop is a huge profit generator for the dealer and they have the price up as high as the traffic will bear. Many people don't think twice about shelling out whatever the dealer asks. In all fairness my independent doesn't have a fleet of 2 year old Lexus loaners either, and don't come out and pick up the car.
 
I was just at the auto show last weekend and I've got to say that if your shopping for an intro level lux car with a full lux interior and lots of room, there isn't that much to see in the low $30ks.

#35 of 88 es300, is it worth the price. ver2 by bobw15

Jan 10, 2003 (9:37 am)

Ever since I have had this Lexus, I don't feel that the value of the car is there. Articles in some magazines have called the Lexus es300 the so-called luxury auto. I have been looking at the Maxima and when the lease is up, I may switch.

#36 of 88 billytong by 8u6hfd

Jan 10, 2003 (11:34 am)

it's labor intensive, so it gets expensive. If the ticking isn't causing any performance problems, then don't worry about it.

#37 of 88 I agree with Bobw15 by hooray

Jan 10, 2003 (7:27 pm)

I have a 2002 es300 with only 6,000 miles. I had a leak show up under the left rear floor mat. It took the dealership a week to discover that the leak was coming from a bad seal in the top left corner of the rear window. I think that they practically took my car apart to find the leak. They took up the carpet and when reinstalling it got glue on my rear seat which took off the finish. Now I am waiting for new leather for the seat. They also messed up the driver's seat belt so that it no longer adjust and the anchor is no longer properly aligned with the door pillar. They also put a nick in the wood of my steering wheel and the plastic trim that seals the rear carpet is not properly aligned.
 
On my first service visit, the "less than one hour wait" turned onto a two hour wait with no explanation.
 
I expected a better built car and a better level of service than this. I am kicking myself in the rear for selling my 1996 Infiniti I30 for this car. The I30 was the most trouble free car that I have ever owned and the Infiniti service and loaner policy is far superior to Lexus. When the new I35 comes out, this ES 300 is history!

#38 of 88 HOORAY by vader4

Jan 10, 2003 (8:48 pm)

The I35 is and has been out since 2002 Test drove the 2003 I35 got the ES300 instead IMO the ES is much more plush on the inside, I will give the I35 performance advantage though. Felt the interior was much cheaper than the ES but I was going for luxury not performance. Sorry you have had such problems with your Lexus I myself am grateful more each day I chose the Lexus.

#39 of 88 bobw15 - Service not free? by atoews

Jan 10, 2003 (10:44 pm)

Why are you paying for the 5000 mile service? This service is free for buyers of the car. Is that not true for leases?

#40 of 88 sddlw question by r1_97

Jan 12, 2003 (3:25 pm)

I also live in San Diego (north county). Who is your independent Lexus/Toyota mechanic? Like you, I also have a Benz E320. Do you also have an independent MB mechanic to recommend?
 
Would very much appreciate your response.
 
Steve in Encinitas

#41 of 88 Hey Steve by sddlw

Jan 13, 2003 (8:04 am)

We're neighbors! I live near La Costa Canyon High School. But I work in the Miramar area.
 
MB first. I have used Ziggy's for the last 8 years for 3 benz that we have owned. I can't say enough good things about Ziggy and his crew. They've been together for years and I have found them to be very professional at prices about 50-70% of dealer. (Ziggy Von Rathmann 858-450-1501)
 
Lexus: I just stopped going to the dealer about 6 months ago so I only have a short history with TLC in Clairmont. But the day I stopped in for the first time, Jim, the owner drove me back to the office in my car so he could get to know the both of us. He was charging $275 for a 30k service. Lexus Carlsbad wanted $500. I'm stopping back by this morning for a 35K service. The service manager's name is Fred Webb (858-541-0852).

#42 of 88 cooool by lcowherd

Jan 13, 2003 (8:13 am)

#43 of 88 First 5000 miles by bobw15

Jan 13, 2003 (8:58 am)

To atoews. You are right, the first oil change is free, but at 10,000, they charged me $209.00, and at 15,000, they indicated it would be around $379.00. They rotate the tires, check fluid levels, dust out my brakes (didn't know they needed dusting), and various other tasks which probably takes them about ten minutes. If I don't have them do it, I don't know how it affects my lease.

Messages Page 5 of 10

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