L3-ES

My dealer threw in a set of the clear Exact Mats as part of the deal for our 05 ES330. They are custom cut to perfectly fit the front and back. That may be another option to consider. You can pick up a set at the Parts department of any Lexus dealership - I believe they run about $65 for the set. The WalMart mats would be a less expensive alternative (I've seen them as well and bought a set for our other car), although not custom.

I ended up buying a new 05 ES330 from Longo Lexus in El Monte. I solicited bids from several dealerships in So Cal and Longo was offering by far the best internet prices. We got the Level 3 trim (navigation system w/o Mark Levinson) for $31,879, which is $1000 below invoice (MSRP = $36,919). Also got them to throw in a set of the Exact Mats and some other goodies. Pretty much a no-hassle deal, although we had to wait a long time to sign the paperwork and take delivery since there were tons of people there. For the base model, Longo was offering it for $29,000, but we wanted the navigation system. Cars were rolling off their lots like hot cakes due to their aggressive pricing in December in order to hit a sales target of 800 cars. Lexus of Westminster quoted me $29,799 for a base model - they were the only dealership other than Longo that quoted below invoice. So how did I do on this deal? Anyone receive a better price quote than this?

I have read about the following complaints regarding the ES330...can anyone attest to these? 1) "clunking noise" when reversing the direction of the steering wheel 2) problems with the 5-speed transmission - downshift delay, hesitation when you press on the accelerator, transmission shifts erratically, transmission does not respond when put into passing gear, slushy 1st gear, etc. 3) car does not respond to the gas pedal - takes long time for car to accelerate after you press the gas pedel and it's unpredictable 4) driver seat is uncomfortable 5) car does not corner well 6) poor gas mileage 7) instrument panel gauges not as "snazzy" as those of Camry Any others common ones which you've experienced that I should be aware of? After hearing about these issues, I'm wondering if it's better to just go with the Camry instead, for a lot less money and potential hassle. I always thought that the ES330 was a great car, so I was surprised to hear these things. Any advice???

Hi All: I'm new to this forum and would like to get some advice and input from the seasoned ES330 owners out there. Is the ES330 a better car to get than a Camry V6 (XLE or SE) with similar equipment, factoring in price, quality, and overall value? I keep hearing comments that the ES330 is just "a nicer Camry" but overpriced, so I'm wondering if the Lexus is really worth the extra markup. I'd like to hear your arguments for/against the ES330 vs. Camry. Thanks!

Hi Everyone: Just wondering what prices people are getting quoted for a new 05 ES330 in Southern California. According to the Lexus web site, there are 4 different trim levels available - I'm interested in Level 3 (with navigation system, but without Mark Levinson). Since Lexus is having a "December to Remember" special this month, what is a good price to pay for this trim level? Any recommendations for which dealerships to go to for the best deal and overall service? Thanks for your help on this...