LexBob2

quote name='SW03ES' timestamp='1318690877' post='441826'] Yeah no changes have been made to these engines, they're simply adjusting the performance numbers so that they can market them as running on regular fuel. If gas prices go down (I don't see that happening) I agree they'll go back to recommending premium, There was a Q&A with a Toyota/Lexus engineer in the paper when the current gen ES350 came out, and was recommending premium fuel. He said premium was recommended "to achieve the advertised horsepower". At the time this was 272hp in the Lexus vs. 268-270hp in various Toyota applications.

Sharpen up the steering and handling a bit. Not necessarily to sports sedan levels just better feel and response.

It probably wouldn't hurt to go ahead and get and oil change and tire rotation. Then you can then begin to monitor it on your own and be sure of when the service was done. You could go to a private shop and save your free service from the dealership for later.

It makes you wonder what the strategy was to introduce so many models close to one another and then have them age at the same time. The new models will be interesting but not good for sales in the meantime.

Maybe since the ES350 is purchased by a large number of "mature" buyers they've opted to keep things familiar???

Isn't this veering off of the original topic a bit? Seems like it would be a good thread on its own, if there hasn't been one already.

I like the gated shifters and find them pretty intuitive. No need to double check what grear you shifted into, Especially after getting used to them. In addition to our Lexus we have a 2011 Mazda3 with a gated shifter. It's a little different but also intuitive.

Last year Car & Driver did a comparo of upscale V6 sedans and the order of finish was: 1. Genesis 2. ES350 3. LaCrosse 4. Taurus. In this one the gap between the Genesis and ES350 was close and the pros and cons of both cars were close to Consumer Reports. As with any of these reviews/comparisions, I like to read them and then make my own decision based on factors that are important to me. They do make for interesting reading and discussions though.

As a side note, in the CR issue the Predicted Reliability of the Genesis is Good and the ES350 is Excellent.

The Genesis has been their top ranked upscale sedan for a while. In their road test it scored 92 points and the ES350 91 points. When I bought my 2010 ES I looked at the Genesis, but didn't pull the trigger on it.

I just received an email from Lexus with information on a reduction in the MRSP of the new NAV update, version 11.1, to $169 from $199. A step in the right direction IMO. However, if the dealer charge for installing the update remains the same the new total cost of $270 or so is still steep IMO. There is a lot of competition out there from phones and portable GPS

It sounds like you are really unhappy with the car. Probably is time to move on. There are a lot of choices out there. No car is perfect but I've never heard or read of any widespread issues with the caps on door handles.

Beginning with the 2010'S, the NAV is hard drive based no DVD. that’s interesting because I have found several vers 9.1 DVDs for sale on line. I believe that you can get vers 9.1 on DVD for 2007-2009 models. Beginning with 2010 it's hard drive based.

With your foot off of the brake, press the start button twice and they should work. If I hit the START button with my foot on the break the engine starts. As mentioned, have your foot off of the brake pedal when pressing the start button twice.

Beginning with the 2010'S, the NAV is hard drive based no DVD.

With your foot off of the brake, press the start button twice and they should work.

These unlit overhead buttons are a real oversight on the current generation ES350. I read somewhere that for 2012 the Homelink buttons will be illuminated. Good news and about time!

I guess it's possible the new ES may not be Camry based it could be a all new rear wheel drive design. My guess is that for the time being the ES will remain Camry based. Lexus already has the various RWD/AWD IS and GS models.

we have been through this the higher the pressure the rougher the ride, but the better the handling (though a bit more dangerous in slippery conditions) you were complaining about a rough ride, so it was suggested that you go with the Lexus recommendation of 30psi all around that will give you the ride designed for that car, smooth and quiet if the ride is still rough after putting the proper 30psi all around, the problem is not the tire pressure don't know where you read to increase pressure for smooth ride, but it is wrong! Wise and accurate advice. I always run 32 psi in my car and every time it's been in for service it comes back with at least 36 psi in the tires. I always forget to ask the Svc Dept why they do it and tell 'em not to do it. Maybe one of these times I'll remember. LexyLuv is it possible the dealer upped the air pressure when your car was in the shop?

I agree. The only way to really test this feature is with a sudden, hard, emergency/panic type of action. Even with that I'm not sure what extra stopping power you'd feel.

My chrome preference varies from car to car. Some vehicles look better with it and some better without. Paul A. (above) makes some very good points on the "chrome issue". Eventually most car makers will follow certain current styling trends with chrome being one of them. IMO the 2010 and up ES350 looks better with the chrome handles and lower door trim (as well as the additional interior chrome accents). Just seems to suit the car well. Maybe when the new gen comes out in 2013(?) it will be a different story chrome-wise.

I agree that the Sonata has raised the bar in te family sedan segment. I also really like the looks of the Kia Optima (more than the Sonata), although it hasn't receieved the same buzz as Sonata.

Good luck. Did you have your previous car for a long time? Maybe it's just an adjustment period, getting used to the new car. 6 speed transmission, drive by wire throttle etc. When I got my '07 the driving experience was different than I was used to. With the '10 there wasn't much of an adustment.

Count me as in favor of the chrome for this car. I also like the chrome strip that was added to the door bottoms for 2010. Those two elements brighten up the overall look of the car. In other models I prefer a more monochromatic look. Depends on the car. All IMHO of course.

I agree that it's probably not the gas but strictly a transmission issue. Also agree that if your car is under warranty you should have it looked at. Even if the dealer says it's operating normally you'll be on record as taking it in if you need to go back for some work.