New Car Advice

[Devi2]

Hello, all!

After 13 wonderful years, it is time to part with my beloved 2002 ES 300. This is, without a doubt, the best vehicle that I or anyone in my family has ever owned. But, I have serious concerns that the 2015 ES 350 can fill its shoes. Can someone who has transitioned from an older model to the current ES generation give me an idea on what to expect should I choose to go with yet another (would be my third) ES. I have prized above all its reliability (nearest dealer is 50 mi. away), beautiful interior (nothing cheap here) and silent, smooth ride. Concerns I have are going from the Camry to Avalon base, don't like the "wide mouth bass" grille, heard about inferior interior furnishings. Other options would be the BMW 335i and Mercedes C400 (but starting at $49k probably a pipe dream). Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Dev

[LexBob2]

It might be a good idea to set it up in advance, and make the trip to the Lexus dealer for an extended test drive. You'll probably find A LOT of differences, both good and not so good (maybe) between your 2002 and the 2015. Different engine, transmission, driving characteristics, new technology and amenities. Almost too many to summarize here. The reliability will most likely be there but a lot has changed in the 13 years.

As you indicated, $49k is probably a stretch for a 335i or a C400. The 328i and C Class with the 2.0t are probably doable.

[Devi2]

Thank you, Bob. Looked into the 328i today. Technology is impressive--head on display, nav & driver assist features--but based on hubby's experience with his 545i, not sure if I could get 13 worry-free years from it. The ES was truly exceptional. I cannot remember a repair bill over $300, except for the recommended maintenance and service. As you suggested, a trek to the Lexus dealer is planned this weekend!

[13IS250C]

Car shopping.....FUN! Good luck. Post a pic of whatever you get.

[LexBob2]

Thank you, Bob. Looked into the 328i today. Technology is impressive--head on display, nav & driver assist features--but based on hubby's experience with his 545i, not sure if I could get 13 worry-free years from it. The ES was truly exceptional. I cannot remember a repair bill over $300, except for the recommended maintenance and service. As you suggested, a trek to the Lexus dealer is planned this weekend!

Funny you should mention the 328i. We have one, our first BMW. So far so good, but we don't usually keep cars much beyond the factory warranty period.

[Woodbadger]

My 2 cents worth! I recently went through the new car shopping experience. I was looking to replace my 2008 IS250. I LOVED that car! Like you I had NO bad experiences. In 8 years/102K miles I only put new brakes and tires on it in addition to Lexus scheduled maintenance. Reliable, powerful enough and great ride.

We recently moved 300+ miles from our nearest Lexus dealership (FAAAAR South Texas!!), so when looking at new cars, tried to go with brands in the local areas. Checked out the new MB C300, BMW 325i and Infiniti Q50. Kept the IS250 F-Sport on the list also.

The BMW seems to be getting a bit long in the tooth design-wise. I wanted the Sport Line package buit the local dealer is so lease-oriented that I couldnt get one locally at a reasonable price.

I test-drove the MB and really liked it.Finish is immaculate. Very smooth ride. And the local dealer was very friendly!

One of my considerations is that I make a monthly 600 mile roundtrip on less than optimal surface, state highways where service stops are few and far between. A major concern that kept coming up on the newer cars (MB, BMW and Infiniti) was the trend to weight and cost saving. This has resulted in all three of these cars being equipped with run-flats and the jack and spare being dispensed with! Story is that the runflats will get you to the next tire shop (c. 50 miles) However, try finding a replacement run flat for a 2015 Mercedes in Podunk, TX!

The runflats used on the Infiniti (Dunlops) are SO bad that the dealers are including a spare + jack package in the Q50s!

Also, there have been a number of QC concerns about the new MBs, which are the first sedans to be manufactured at the Tuscaloosa, AL plant. Again, maybe to early to jump that direction.

The Q50 has a lot of tech built in but the implementation is a bit suspect. Reading the fine print you find out that the 2G (yes, I said 2G - NOT 3G!) comms that is used by their technology package, is supplied by ATT which is DROPPING SUPPORT effective Oct 2015! No guaranteed upgrade path!!! BOOOM!!!! Who wants to pay for that!

Another issue for me is the stop/start technology that is present in the MB and BMW. Implementation is pretty smooth in the MB, but is mentioned frequently in reviews of BMW as being shaky. Not for me.

I have driven the IS F-Sport but found bolstering on the F-Sport bucket seats to be a bit TOO instrusive (yeah - I know, if my butt was smaller....!) and my wife REALLY did not like them.

All of the above we driving me crazy looking for the "perfect"car. After all one does not drop almost 50K every day!

That was when I came across the ES350 Crafted Line. It has just enough of the sporty look to satisfy me. No, not the latest turbo. No, not the greatest MPG. But -

- reliable tech with very little extra cost (use your own phones data plan, unlike AUDI MMI which expects you to pick up another cellphone carrier monthly bill, even though you have your own already).

- Normal tires with a jack AND spare.

- And who can beat Lexus reliability?

[Devi2]

Woodbadger,

Thank you for such a thoughtful reply. Just in time for tomorrow's test drive of the 2015 ES. The Infiniti was never in the running, but details of the BMW and MB are greatly appreciated. Most telling: your choice of the ES for such a long haul every month. Be safe in your travels!

Regards,

Dev

[LexBob2]

Good luck with your test drive. Let us know how it goes.

[KBRX330]

Why not look at a 2012 CPO ES350 that is still on the previous Camry/ES platform. I got the wife a 2011 to replace her 2008. Very happy with it and it was under $25k. I was able to find her one that was identical to her previous one and in mint condition.

[pj8708]

Hi Devi and welcome.

Asking people about a new car purchase and comparing one magazine review to another is a sure way to get in a position where your constantly trying to decide which advice sounds accurate but another opinion may be way off.

Do you trust your own judgement and instincts?

Here is my .25 cents worth,(actualy it's only worth .02 cents ,I'm having a sale.) I have had 3 ES models. A 2005 ES350, a 2010 ES350, and a 2013 ES350.Yes, the 2005 was a Camry chasis. The 2013 is on the Avalon. The concept that you can take your current Lexus and compare it to a 2013 ES makes no sense. Take for example, the "wide mouth grill" as you desribed it is a waste. Since the new spindle grill has been adapted for most models you will only be able to compare it to your 2002. You will ether like it or hate it. All other new Lexus have the spindle grill.

What I looked at were the same things I've always like about Lexus. A wonderful ride. A quiet cabin, incredible reliability. I have never had either one of our Lexus in for a repair. Ok, now that I've said that,( .02 cents isn't worth what it use to be.)

Now here are some actual facts. In 2014, Consumer Reports put out the stats. for auto reliability over 2014. Over 1,000,000 surveys were processed. Lexus, again, was the number one car for reliability. Mercedes was way down the list, and the BMW's were even lower than the MB.

Ask your questions, prioritize their importance to you, and trust your own judgement. No ones experience can ever be the same as yours.

Paul

[PeterAnteater]

So, how did things work out?

We're in the same situation, but rather than considering the 3.28i as a competitor, we're looking at the Genesis Sedan. The RWD is a huge plus, but my wife couldn't care less about that. She is a pretty ardent Toyota/Lexus fan.

I'm interested to hear what you chose and if you are satisfied.

[Devi2]

Thank you all for your valuable input; every suggestion was greatly appreciated and weighed. All I had ever wanted was reliable, safe transportation, with a touch of luxury, and my two Lexus ES 300s fit that mold perfectly. Never had I considered that driving could be fun, too. I'm a grandma, after all! Then I drove a BMW X3 35i. Can't really explain why I enjoyed it so much, just knew I didn't want to get out! Yes, Woodbadger, those run flats were almost a deal breaker, but I don't have the grueling trek that you do (my 13 y/o Lexus had under 75,000 miles). LexBob, the Audi was an unknown, as is the Genesis, Peter. Must it be a sedan? I was dead set against SUVs until I drove the RX and the X3. Now, I love the elevated driving position and extra cargo space, with no sacrifice of luxury.

LexBob, I may run into you on the BMW forums!

Dev

Goodbye, Old Friend! ("In my life, I love you more")

[LexBob2]

Congratulations on the new X3. Also, a quote from a Beatles song - Nice touch, :)

[pj8708]

Congratulations on the new X3. Also, a quote from a Beatles song - Nice touch, :)

Lucy in the sky with a Lexus!!