obgod3

Hi All,

I've been looking at new cars for awhile now. My first test drive was the Lexus ES-350 and I loved it. Then I realized it has front wheel drive, and I'm concerned with its performance in the snow. I'd prefer not to jump up to the GS class and think the IS-350 seems small.

I've looked at the Infiniti G35X (AWD) and liked it, but thought it was smaller than the ES-350. Though its a great sporty ride and has AWD.

I also test drove the Camry and Avalon. The ES-350 is fair and away nicer than both of these vehicles.

I drove the Mercedes C-350 and C-280 and thought they were overpriced and under horse powered. If anything I liked the MB E-350 but this is not worth $56K.

So I think its between the Infiniti G35X and the Lexus ES-350. Does any one have experience in driving it in the snow. The Northeast has been luck and we haven't seen more than traces at this point. Anyone in CO who has one have any experiences to share?

PLEASE HELP!!!!

Thanks so much!!

Louie

As you are probably already aware there is there is vitually no torque steer in the ES350, as a matter of fact I have tried to do it and cant. I agree with the other posters, this is a fine car in the snow, the computer does a lot to help the car with VSC etc. I live in Denver and if you have been watching the news over the last few weeks you know whats happening here, snowing again today and absolutely no issues driving in with my ES. I would say this is one of the best cars I have ever driven in the snow. And contrary to what is posted here there is no issue stopping, I had to lock it up today and stopped well before I thought I would. When I drove out of the neighborhood today the snow was deep enough I scaped it all the way out, pushed some with the bumper too.

As far as hesitation if it is slippery the computer takes over and there is hesitation when you start from a stop, but you have to be aware of that, and it does it so that you wont slide or slip, it works well in my opinion. You can put the car in manual mode and you will have more control over this. I believe you can also turn off VSC and Trac but not sure. Ultimately they didnt build this as a 4WD or Truck or race car and you have to get used to driving it, its a lot different than my Sequoia or Tundra. But heck I also drive 89 T-Bird SC in the snow....and thats a sled.

Thats interesting I went in clearly looking to buy the GS, and look at the IS too. LS is a little more than what I care to spend.

I think it you go look at the interiors of the cars in the 45-55K range you wont find much difference, they have all gone pretty sterile, even the MB and BMW, I looked at every car between these ranges and it really was not a lot diffferent, Lexus in my opinion still had a better interior than the MB or BMW, the 07 GS was nice but not noticably different than the ES and had less room, I have 3 teenagers, need room.

I would even extend this theory to cars even priced higher as I dont think anyone is being very distinctive, they are trying to muddy the water to make the decision easier for folks. Not that it is a good thing.