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Camry XLE V6 v. Lexus ES 350

16 messages,  Last post on Jun 14, 2008 at 7:42 AM

You are in the Lexus ES Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Camry, Lexus ES 350, Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 2

#7 of 16 Re: Camry XLE V6 v. Lexus ES350 [stlpike07] by seiko

Mar 21, 2007 (6:57 am)

Replying to: stlpike07 (Mar 20, 2007 10:58 am)
I test drove the two cars back-to-back and since the Toyota and Lexus dealers are on the same stretch of raod in my city, I drove the two vehicles on an identical route. The biggest difference that stood out to me was how much quieter the ES350 is under all driving conditions. Both are great cars,

#8 of 16 Re: Camry XLE V6 v. Lexus ES350 [seiko] by stlpike07

Mar 21, 2007 (6:48 pm)

Replying to: seiko (Mar 21, 2007 6:57 am)
I believe that is because Lexus (and BMW, Mercedes, etc.) dynomat and foam the entire vehicle to reduce outside noise. I'm not sure if Toyota does that to the same extent. If you dynomat and foam any vehicle it will be extremely quiet......it is just expensive to do, especially aftermarket.

#9 of 16 Re: Camry XLE V6 v. Lexus ES350 [stlpike07] by tjazz321

Apr 16, 2007 (5:24 am)

Replying to: stlpike07 (Mar 21, 2007 6:48 pm)
I tested both extensively before deciding and it seemed apples and oranges. ES hands down, not only for luxury, but also interior space (at least perceived space), driving position, and yes--performance. Better road manners, a heavier feel, better balance in curves, etc. Every bit as fast and crisp, but more refined. I do think in this case you get what you pay for. The choice for me was actually between ES and Avalon touring, and ES won out, for a few thousand more than the Avalon.

#10 of 16 XLE vs. 350 by tammy10

Apr 27, 2007 (6:35 am)

I disagree that there is a significant difference. My husband has an XLE, I have the 350, both are two months old, I've driven both extensively.
 
Besides the extra year bumper to bumper, differences in appearance and a few other tiny features (my husband's car is similarly equipped), I think they drive the same and neither is clearly more quiet.
 
Indeed, my 350 is louder than my 9 year old 300. The insurance premium is the same the same too.
 
BUT, the Lexus brand is historically better at holding it's value.

#11 of 16 Agreed by raphaelhom

Sep 30, 2007 (9:51 pm)

I drove both today and frankly I'm not sure which was quieter. They really didn't seem like that different of ride to me. The lexus was a bit tighter and the camry a little more comfortable on the freeway bumps.

#12 of 16 Camry XLE V6 v. Lexus ES350 by raphaelhom

Oct 28, 2007 (12:45 am)

Replying to: thechoson (Mar 16, 2007 10:43 pm)
Doesnt one require premiup fuel and also much more expensive maintenance costs? Any other obvious differences? Any difference in the soft ride between the two?

#13 of 16 Camry vs. ES350 by carrelman2

Nov 25, 2007 (1:50 pm)

My wife drives a 2003 Camry XLE V6 I have the 2007 ES350. The radio in the Camry is much better, The lighting in the ES is not bad it's TERRIBLE, the heated seat controls are impossible. The ES requires Premium gas and costs about $10,000 more. It's not worth it.

#14 of 16 Re: Camry vs. ES350 [carrelman2] by zekeman1

Nov 25, 2007 (2:47 pm)

Replying to: carrelman2 (Nov 25, 2007 1:50 pm)
If there is so much difference in the two, and features you didn't like, why did you buy the 350?
Z

#15 of 16 Re: Camry vs. ES350 [zekeman1] by music4kp

Nov 29, 2007 (3:28 pm)

Replying to: zekeman1 (Nov 25, 2007 2:47 pm)
I agree. He should have done his research before buying such an expensive car. I test drove my '07 ES350 before purchasing it over a year ago, and found that it was the best car I've ever owned. As for the radio in his wife's Camry being better, he probably doesn't have the Mark Levinson...just a guess.

#16 of 16 There is a major difference by tango19

Jun 14, 2008 (7:42 am)

Just noticed this old thread.
 
I just retired my old '94 XLE V6 (even though it was still running great!) In the early '90s the XLE with leather was pretty much the same car as the ES. I used to park next to a coworker who had the '94 ES and I used to laugh that other than very slight cosmetic differences, they were the exact same car.
 
So I looked at getting a fully loaded XLE this time ("fool my once...") I drove both cars many times, and to me the difference between a fully loaded XLE and a UL packaged ES is night and day. Just pulling the door shut on the ES got my attention. The ES feels like you are closing yourself in a vault (in a good way). Everything in the ES, from plastic knobs to the leather just oozes quality and luxury.
 
The ride itself is not that much different (although the ES definitely has the edge), but the quiet, finesse, and attention to luxury details really pampers you in the ES. The ML audio system is superb. I never thought I would hear a clear difference between MP3s (line out from iPod) and CDs. I was wrong. The detail of the uncompressed AIFF CD files is quite apparent, and now I find myself buying CDs again rather than simply downloading from iTunes. (Tip: when listening to music on the ML system - as opposed to a DVD movie - be sure to turn off surround sound otherwise the bass will not be tight and accurate.)
 
The Camry is a fine car, just not nearly as luxurious and joyful as a UL ES. Yes the ES costs more, but you really do get what you pay for, in fact, as far as luxury sedans go, the ES is a bargain.
 
Needless to say I bought an 08 ES with UL package and actually enjoy my daily commute now!

Messages Page 2 of 2

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