Are There Any Other Alternatives To The Es350?

[Count Drakul]

Hallo! As is obvious, I'm a brand new user on these forums, and, hopefully within a few months, a brand new owner of a Lexus ES 350, as well. So far, it's the only car in the entry-level luxury segment that I've test driven that I've actually enjoyed.

I'm different from my friends (and, apparently, from the rest of the 18-24 male demographic) in that I don't care much for sportiness or "fun" in driving. I just want a no-fuss, extremely comfortable, extremely smooth ride from point A to point B, especially because I drive a lot between LA, San Francisco, and Las Vegas: almost one long distance trip a month, if not more.

My first choice has always been Lexus, and the ES350 seems to best fit that bill. Right now I'm planning on either a Premium Plus package or an Ultra-Luxury package ES350. I've test-driven both of these, and fell in love immediately. (My only qualm would seem to be that the parking assist feature doesn't really "assist" anything; does this thing only work within inches or something?) Which one I eventually get will depend on whether I think the DVD playback of the Mark Levinson is worth the extra $2-3k (though I can probably negotiate it down).

But, being the kind of person I am, I want to check out what other options I might have that can compete with what the ES350 has to offer. I've checked out the BMW 3-series, Benz C-Class, and Infiniti G and M sedans. I've already ruled out the BMW--too sporty--and neither Infiniti model doesn't draw me in quite as much as the ES350. Acura is off the picture entirely; it's hard for me to think of Acura as something more expensive Honda, and I don't feel like I'd be getting my money's worth. The new Benz 2008 C-Class looks intriguing, though, and IMO looks even better aesthetically than the ES350 (especially with the panoramic sunroof), but I haven't test driven it yet, so any opinions about it would be welcome.

Can anyone comment on what options I have for the $30k to $45k MSRP price range?

I realize I'm biasing my replies by asking on a Lexus forum, but I WANT that ES350. I just want to make sure I didn't miss anything on my way to buying it.

[shepsan]

Hallo! As is obvious, I'm a brand new user on these forums, and, hopefully within a few months, a brand new owner of a Lexus ES 350, as well. So far, it's the only car in the entry-level luxury segment that I've test driven that I've actually enjoyed.

I'm different from my friends (and, apparently, from the rest of the 18-24 male demographic) in that I don't care much for sportiness or "fun" in driving. I just want a no-fuss, extremely comfortable, extremely smooth ride from point A to point B, especially because I drive a lot between LA, San Francisco, and Las Vegas: almost one long distance trip a month, if not more.

My first choice has always been Lexus, and the ES350 seems to best fit that bill. Right now I'm planning on either a Premium Plus package or an Ultra-Luxury package ES350. I've test-driven both of these, and fell in love immediately. (My only qualm would seem to be that the parking assist feature doesn't really "assist" anything; does this thing only work within inches or something?) Which one I eventually get will depend on whether I think the DVD playback of the Mark Levinson is worth the extra $2-3k (though I can probably negotiate it down).

But, being the kind of person I am, I want to check out what other options I might have that can compete with what the ES350 has to offer. I've checked out the BMW 3-series, Benz C-Class, and Infiniti G and M sedans. I've already ruled out the BMW--too sporty--and neither Infiniti model doesn't draw me in quite as much as the ES350. Acura is off the picture entirely; it's hard for me to think of Acura as something more expensive Honda, and I don't feel like I'd be getting my money's worth. The new Benz 2008 C-Class looks intriguing, though, and IMO looks even better aesthetically than the ES350 (especially with the panoramic sunroof), but I haven't test driven it yet, so any opinions about it would be welcome.

Can anyone comment on what options I have for the $30k to $45k MSRP price range?

I realize I'm biasing my replies by asking on a Lexus forum, but I WANT that ES350. I just want to make sure I didn't miss anything on my way to buying it.

Hello. I too am a noobie; not to owning fine automobiles but to this forum. I responded to another thread on this site regarding my take on the ES350 so I won't repeat it here. If you want my detailed reply go to :

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...mp;#entry249105

I will tell you this, IMO there is not another car on the market that gives what you have stated you want than the 2007 ES350.

Without question, the price of a fully loaded ES350 does not come close to reaching the price of the German or other Japanese brands. . . . and, I do not mean their entry models. I not consider the 2007 ES350 as an entry model as it predecessor ES models. In fact, with all of its advanced safety, technical and luxury features, it matches or is superior to most of the cars in the Premium Luxury Mid-size Category.

One more thing, I have owned and loved/hated my seven Luxury German cars. When they were mechanically fit, they were super in every way. Unfortunately, the Audi and Mercedes were in the shop much too often and the BMW's I owned almost broke me with maintenance charges.

On the other hand, the Lexus brand is renowned for its reliability. Some have written about certain problems with the new ES350. I have also read posts from owners who have extolled the fact that their new ES was failure free.

I think that the only "6" that offers similar overallk qualities to the ES is the Acura RL But, it does cost much more and I am not sure that the RL is better in the long run.

I truly enjoy my ES350. It is graceful, well-appointed, drives like a dream and fits me to a T.

Good luck with your decision.

Let us know what you decide and then, regardless of what you buy, give us a report on it.

[SW03ES]

You sound exactly like me.

Really and truly there is no other car like the ES since all the other manufacturers try and combine a sport and luxury experience in their entry level cars.

The ES is the ONLY entry level luxury car I've ever driven that appealed to me in the slightest.

[Count Drakul]

Thanks to both of you!

Yeah, I'm a little disappointed that manufacturers don't offer a direct competitor to the ES. But then again, it makes my decision easier. I've been told that the luxury model of the new W204 C-Class will offer more comfort than the old C-Class, and I've scheduled an appointment to test drive it as soon as the dealership near me gets their demo model, but I've yet to form an opinion about it (besides the fact that I love the new C-Class's exterior :)).

My personal philosophy when it comes to buying cars is to not settle for any pretenses, and to go all out along one style. If I want a fun and sporty drive, I'd get a small and light sports coupe, like the BMW 135 coupe, not a sedan. The way I see it, the ES350 is the best luxury I can afford right now before making the leap up to the LS in five to ten years. ^_^

[SW03ES]

That was exactly my plan, to upgrade to the LS in 5 years or so. The ES is a great car and you get a LOT of the LS driving feel in it for the money.