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Sedans Lexus ES New ES 350 Owner Reports
116 messages, Last post on Dec 06, 2008 at 2:32 PM
You are in the Lexus ES Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
| Folks, I'm getting very nervous. I am a week away from taking delivery of a new ES 350, black, with the premium package and a few other perks(the $38,200 MSRP package), and I read through some of these posts with horror. Transmission problems? Quality issues? Fragile sheet metal? Bad black paint? Why in the world would Consumer Reports, the car magazines, and even Edmunds rate the car so highly if this were the prevailing experience. I just spoke with the service manager who had encountered only one bad transmission of all the ES's delivered by New Country Lexus in Latham, NY. He said no questions asked, Lexus took the whole transmission and replaced it immediately under warranty. I am coming out of a 2001 Avalon with 170k miles which has been the most trouble-free car I ever owned, and this is my first foray into a luxury badge. In fact, I am choosing the ES over the new Avalon Touring. Am I crazy? What can I resonably expect of this ES? My test drive suggested none of the shift quirks, and the car is drop-dead gorgeous. The dealer of course was trying to sell me the dreaded paint sealant/guarantee and I almost laughed. Do I need it? Holy cow, somebody give me the straight scoop on this car! | |
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A well stated, balanced viewpoint. I corresponded with the GM today at the dealership and he pointed to the objective surveys, brand reputation, and dealer/company support available. I believe him, as it would do no good for business or personal integrity to overpromise or mislead. I take delivery in a week. Can't wait. BTW, I am faced with choices on extended warranties and service agreements. Kind of pricey. Opinions?
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Replying to: tjazz321 (Apr 14, 2007 8:41 am) The Treatment at Lexus is completely different from any of the other auto dealerships I've dealt with in over 20 years of driving, and I mean that in the most positive way. I'm in my eighth month of driving an '07 Lexus RX350, almost 11,000 miles and not one problem so far. This is my first experience with a Lexus/Toyota product. This car has been a dream to drive so far! So don't fret, and enjoy your vehicle!! |
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Replying to: tjazz321 (Apr 13, 2007 3:54 pm) |
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Replying to: tjazz321 (Apr 14, 2007 8:41 am) |
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Replying to: tjazz321 (Apr 13, 2007 3:54 pm)  500ish odometer rating. Hasn't happened again with a total driven mileage of 800 as of now. I would definitely post any more problem but it seems really fine now. Smooth ride, no rattle noises, no wind noise till I hit 70-80ish mph, great power. Basic sound system sounds fine too. I got the perma - plate treatment and I notice no difference but I've had a few friends tell me its shinier. Two days later I did get paint chipped off my hood from a pebble while I was driving 80-90mph but I guess thats what you get for speeding  Service is really awesome especially the loaner RX 400h. Hope this helps. OH and definitely get the glass roof, the nav and the sunshade, I regret not doing so. Dont need the vented seats even though I live in Miami. Dont need the parking assist either if you got excellent driving skills and its really annoying. Hmmm what else.... definitely get a spoiler and chromed rims 
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| Update from my original post (April 13): I love my new black/black ES 350! 1000 miles into it, all types of driving, and without doubt the most substantial and well-executed car I've ever owned. Plenty of performance, though of course it doesn't steer or handle like a German sports sedan--not meant to. But certainly good enough for the real world. Power is impressive. The transmission: yes I can see that some might be frustrated with some slow downshifts in normal auto mode, and it does have some shifting characteristics I haven't experienced before. But experimentation has shown me that if I adapt my driving style to the car's traits, in terms of finessing the accelerator and finding its sweet spots, it runs flawlessly and impressively. That said, it bends to my will perfectly in manual mode, with quick, responsive downshifts. Also, I'm getting around 28 mpg overall...amazing. This is one serious driving machine, and balances performance and comfort perfectly. Oh, and my bluetooth works great with my Verizon Razr--better audio than a headset. My only complaint is what seems to be a less than worthy basic stereo, but I'm willing to spend some time to see if it just takes some time to unlock its secrets. Now I know it's only the first 1000 miles, but I am very satisfied with my choice. | |
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Hi I recently bought a new ES 350 and am very well inmpressed with the car, gets excellent gas mileage, and lots of power, but I am having a problem. It happened last week when I was driving home and I went over a speed bump at about 4 miles an hour and my CD player stoped working, so I took it to the dealers for repairs they said everything looked fine, it's that my CD's are messing up the CD player, I was outraged  and now I am not allowed to play half of my music. Is this a manufacter defect or do you all ES 350 owners have similar problem's to me? The car is excellent, but the CD player is very, very low tech. Respond back A.S.A.P! Thanks!
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Replying to: iqbaldhillon2 (Apr 25, 2007 5:25 pm) |
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