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sdloeffler

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Everything posted by sdloeffler

  1. Greetings, I just purchased a new 2016 GS350. Traded up from a 2013 ES Ultra, which I loved. Love this car even more, from a sportiness perspective. Question to other GS owners. I've noticed a rough noise, or rough idle, when starting the car first thing in the morning, or after it has sat for some length of time. My 2008 ES sounded like that, as does my 2010 RX. My 2013 ES never sounded that way and my service advisor said they changed something in the engine or transmission in the ES. My 2013 purred when it started and never stopped. It was silky smooth. The new GS just sounds rough for about a minute or so and then smoothes out. Of course, I asked about it and was told everything was normal, which is the standard Lexus comment. Said it sounds that way until something or other warms up or something like that. Im still trying to get used to the different drive and acceleration patterns of the GS vs the ES. Overall I love it. It's just a richer vehicle all the way around. Just curious about the idle and if anyone else has noticed it. Is it normal? Thanks, Scott
  2. Steve, think I responded to you on another forum, but wanted to hit you here as well.. I believe you are right. Unfortunately, I think it is the 18" wheels - Today I went and drove two ES350's with 17" wheels. One had Bridgestone's and one had Michelin's. Result - both cars with the 17's rode better than my new 2013 with the 18" wheels. The Michelin's in the end rode significantly better. My sales person could even tell the difference. I'm literally shocked that the 18 could be THAT different. I'm wondering if they also did something different suspension wise to the Ultra Luxury version, but my sales lady swears that have not. She says the only difference is the goodies you get on the UL. If that's the case, then yes, the difference between 17 and 18" wheels is significant. Working with Lexus now to figure out what to do. Think they may swap tires to see if I like the ride better and am satisfied with the different ride and better handling. otherwise, we may be looking at going down to 17's. that would suck a little as the 18's look a lot better, and I've already paid for them. I'm really hoping Lexus customer service comes through for me here. If I go back to 17's I defintely want the 10 spoke wheel over the base 6 spoke thought. Thanks for the insight.
  3. Steve, you could be right since the 18" wheels require a lower profile tire. However, I also think it may have something to do with the rubber. Unfortunately, I was cursed with the Bridgestone EL400 tires and they are horrible. Loud, a lot of road feel, and hard. I've heard from numerous sources that the equivalent Michelin tire, the MXM4, is softer, smoother riding, and more quiet. In fact, I had someone at Butler Tire, here in Atlanta, and they excel at performance tires, told me this Bridgestone is a junk tire. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, the Bridgestone was a 4 and the Michelin a 8.5 to 9. I've been told I will feel a significant difference in ride and feel with the Michelin's over the bridgestone's. I'm working with the dealer to try and get them swapped out. I think the 18" help with handling, I just want a better ride. We shall see. Anyone else have tire history they an share?
  4. Greetings, I've had my 2013 ES350 UL for a week now and thought I would post my thoughts for anyone interested in the car. By comparison, I traded in a 2007 UL with 95,000 miles. Compared to my 2007 the outside appearance of the 2013 wins hands down. I've received numerous comments and compliments about the car and it does look sweet. One thing I had added, and am glad I did, were the body side moldings. I wasn't sure how they would look, but I've had a few Lexus owners in my office comment on how good they look. They break up the boring look of the side of the car, and they help protect the doors. Interior of the 2013 compared to the 2007. 2013 again wins hands down. It looks richer, feels tighter, fit is better, and the overall flow of the interior seems to work better. IMO. Electronics on the 2013 are great. Having to control so much through the mouse controller takes some getting used to and I think Lexus may have gone a little overboard with it. The Levinson stereo sounds phenomenal and the XM is awesome. I'm not sure I'm sold on the apps yet as I can do the same thing on my iPad or iPhone, so... The car is loaded with a lot of safety features, and the ones I've used seem to work well. The blind side monitors work very well. Where the 2007-2012 may appeal more to some is with the ride. Lexus has always had a unique ride and a comfort. Don't get me wrong, the new car is still comfortable and has a nice ride, but it's not exactly the same. First, they did stiffen up the suspension in, what appears to be, an attempt to make the car feel more sporty. The car looks more sporty anyway. The steering seems to be more responsive, and there isn't near the play in the steering wheel as my previous car. Going into turns, the car doesn't seem to roll as badly as previous models, so I guess they scored there. That said, you won't confuse this car for a BMW or Audi on a curvy road. I don't understand how Audi can make a car that rides like it's on a cloud, but can still corner like it's on rails and Lexus can't. My car has 18 tires on it, and they're more on the low profile side than previous tires I've had on my cars. I have the Bridgestone's and tend to be more of a Michelin guy. I don't know if it's the suspension, or the tires, or probably a combination, but on rough road, you're going to feel the road a lot and hear it too. When going over speed bumps or other bumps, you're going to feel it a lot more than on previous ES models. All in all, I would rate my new ES a 9.5 out of 10. I like the better handling, but miss the really nice ride in all conditions. yes, I want my cake and eat it too :) Still, I'm happy with my purchase. Oh, one final thought for those who might be looking at the UL with the all glass roof. It's nice, but you will experience a little more wind noise due to all of the glass. Mind you, it doesn't sound like you're in a tornado or anything, but it's a subtle difference. Gas mileage - on the first tank I averaged about 24.5 mpg. A lot of highway driving, but I was getting on it a little too. We'll see how it averages out over 3 or 4 tanks. These are my quick thoughts, but would be happy to answer any questions you may have. I have attached a pic of the car with the body side moldings. Let me know your thoughts. Regards, Scott
  5. Greetings, since I started this thread I thought I would reply back and let you know what I ended up doing. I ended up going with the Ultra Luxury edition with the ML stereo. I've had the car for a week now and will post my initial thoughts on the automobile in another post for those who might be interested. Regards, Scott
  6. Greetings, I've been looking at the new 2013 ES350 and must say it's a big step up from my 2007 ES350 UL in the looks and driving category. Handles much better, ride is smoother, and the interior is heads and shoulders above. My 2007 is a UL, but I'm honestly weighing the merits of the Ultra versus the step right below. The panoramic roof isn't really a big deal. I think I've open the rear shade maybe 6 or 7 times in five years. I think I also miss out on a heated steering wheel (no big deal as I live in Georgia) and a drivers seat extension... though I'm 6' 4" so I don't know if it would benefit me. The next issue is the "Perforated semi-aniline leather trimmed interior" in the UL versus the "Perforated leather trimmed interior" in the Premium. Anyone know what the difference is and why the semi-aniline leather may be better? The next thing is the interior ambient lighting, but I'm not sure exactly what that refers to - anyone? And then there is the biggest one, which I don't think is as big as it used to be... it's the Mark Levinson system versus the standard premium stereo. Now, I know in my '07 I could tell a huge difference in the two, but I have to say, I sat in the premium version on the showroom floor, doors closed, and stereo blaring, and the premium stereo didn't sound too bad. Could I tell a difference? Yes, a little, more so from the placement of the speakers, and having fewer speakers. I was missing sound in places I was used to hearing it in my current car. Anyway, I'm just looking for input... what started this? Well, I was just leaning towards a new UL when my sales lady emailed me today to tell me they can't put a spoiler on the back of a UL. Seems it has something to do with the XM antenna they have on the deck lid of the UL. Drilling the holes for the spoiler would interfere with the wiring and placement of the antenna. I do like the spoiler look. It really adds to the car. So, UL with no spoiler, or Premium with spoiler. Thanks for letting me rant... I would appreciate any thoughts you folks have on the matter. Either way, let me say, if you're a current ES owner. You need to go look and drive this car. it's worth it. You may leave lighter in the wallet, but it's worth it. Regards
  7. I have similar rattles, but they've had the car and say they don't hear anything. Does yours do it all the time or is it sporadic? Mine seems to really rattle after it's been sitting in the heat and sun all day. I don't know if it's the rear deck or the speakers, but it does sound like it's coming from underneath the deck. It's annoying as all get out. I also have a lot of rattles coming from the windows. This car is a rattle factory.
  8. Greetings, I've been having issues with a rattle in the back of the car for some time. Took it to the dealer and they re-insulated all around the rear deck panel. Seemed to be better for a good while. Then a worse rattle started, again in the back of the car. Just took it in for the 15k service and they kept the car for days trying to deal with the rattle. Service manager said they re-insulated all around both of the moonroof cover areas. I have the UL with panoramic moonroof. Ride felt great on the way home, quiet on the way home, turned onto a side road off the main thoroughfare and bam! There it was again. Rattle rattle rattle. It sounds like the back window is about to rattle out of the car. Seems like it is coming from near the shade. I'm going to have a neighbor ride around back there and see if he can identify the issue, but was curious if others have had serious rattle issues? Thanks, Scott
  9. Thanks for the replies. Still not sure I undertand why Lexus has the compressor running all th time. Would think your gas mileage would be even better if it would shut off, but okay...
  10. Question to anyone with the Ultra Luxury package on their ES350. Do you have to manually *BLEEP* off the air conditioner? I have the Auto switch on, and when I adjust the temperature it will automatically adjust the fan speed, but when I look at the climate control on the nav screen it still has the AC button illuminated. It my Acura, auto meant auto everything. If the temperature outside fell below the temp I had set the air would turn off. Am I missing something? Thanks.
  11. Maybe it is a stall tactic, but I will say the dealer came through in a much more positive way. I got my sales person involved, she's a sweetheart by the way, and she escalated it. They had the car for another week and say that don't find the problem, or actually, that it doesn't drive any different than other ES350's. When I picked the car up a couple of nights ago another service manager helped me and freely admitted that they have had numerous issues with shifting issues in the ES. He said he doesn't understand why Lexus won't deal with the problem. He also said most people who have the issue get out of the car and buy a GS. On the flip side, they said the added about 20 oz. of transmission fluid. The car rides better to me, but I'll watch it and see.
  12. I have the same noise. I think it's coming from the shade. It is annoying, but I've been dealing with other issues so I haven't brought that one up yet. If you find a resolution please post it. Thanks.
  13. Wishful thinking on my part about the fuel. The transmission flared six times this morning. All 2nd to 3rd gear shifts too. Un-freakin-believable!!!
  14. Ok, this is going to sound so bizarre that I don't believe it myself, but as a coincidence with my transmission gremlins I tried something new the other day. I put different gas in my car and it drives totally different, and so much better. Ironically, I haven't had a transmission issue since switching gas. I've always used QuickTrip (QT) gas in all of my cars, and I was putting it in my ES. I always use the highest octane gas. The other day I switched and put Shell gasoline in my car and the difference is amazingly unbelievable. It's quick off the start and smoothly transitions between gears. I have no idea how better gas would effect the transmission, but again, no transmission issues. No flares. Thoughts? Coincidence or associated? I wonder if QT was selling lower octane gas as 93? For those of you who have tried lower octane gas in your car, does it have an impact? Thanks.
  15. Quite possible. The paperwork says they checked the fluid levels and everything seemed fine. So, I don't know. A new question for those with this similar issue. This may seem weird, but it almost feels like the transmission or engine or something doesn't have enough fluid. It's hard to explain, but it feels like the car doesn't operate smoothly when it is in drive and it sounds and feels different. Again, the only way to describe it is if you can imagine parts rubbing together without enough lubricant. If you're experiencing it then you'll know what I mean. You almost hate to put the car into gear. It was operating smoothly after I brought it home, but not now. You know, you almost have to live this issue, because explaining it is almost impossible...
  16. An update: I took my car into the shop, and to no surprise it would not act up while I had the tech in the car. I left it for the remainder of the week. On Friday I called and asked what the situation was. My service manager informed me that they could not duplicate the problem, and the transmission was working as designed. We decided that I would pick up the car and log any issues and try to identify any patterns (different driving styles could make the transmission act differently). A minute after hanging up my service manager calls back to tell me that the tech finally got the transmission to act up and she wanted to keep my car for the next week while I was out of town. While I'm out of town I email svc mgr to find out how things are going. I'm thinking they have replaced the transmission, applied some software patch, something. She responds that the car hasn't acted up again and, wait for it, "is working as designed." Do they teach them this saying? At any rate, without going into too much more detail, the dealership said that it "needs to act up more consistently." They've seen it once themselves. Shhouldn't that be enough on this kind of car. It's not going to heal itself, and it hasn't. For two or three days it rode problem free. It was a joy. Now, transmission flare two or three times each day. I can't tell you when it's going to happen and I can't make it happen. But, it happens, and it's beyond frustrating. I don't know what to do other than try and video tape it. Is this what I paid all this money for? Maybe they would treat me differently if I had paid $65k for the LS. I guess my $40k doesn't mean enough. The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection my butt. They're going to give me a stress induced stroke or heart attack. I'll post my video of the flare when I get it. For what it's worth, I bought the car and had it serviced at Nalley Lexus Galleria in Smyrna, Georgia.
  17. Mine is going into the shop tomorrow. I'm preparing myself for the response that they can't find anything and that it is normal. I'll laugh at that point. Why would a company build in that kind of anomoly in their automobile. But, who knows what I'll get. The dealer has been great so far, so we'll see. I had the 3rd to 4th gear flare again this afternoon accelerating down an on ramp to the highway. It feels almost like your car shifts into neutral, and the Tac revs up. There is another Lexus forum where a guy kept going to the dealer and they said they couldn't find anything, so he took his video camera out and filmed. Stuck it on the internet and gave them the DVD. They quickly became believers and replaced his transmission. You wouldn't think you would have to go to such lengths, but again, who knows.
  18. Well, I'll reply to myself as I have just witnessd the 3rd to 4th gear shift flare. All of my issues seem to start early in the driving day. Though that may change as it appears the transmission is getting worse with more mileage. How does a company like Lexus let this happen. I'm a long time Acura/Honda driver and admittedly, they have the smoothest driving transmissions, but I never expected this. I guess I should prepare myself for a battle at the dealership.
  19. Greetings, I'm new to the forum and to Lexus and have a few questions. First I'm coming from a long line of Acura Legends and RL's and never had a lick of problems with those cars. I've had my new ES350UL for two weeks and 1000 miles now. The other day I started out and noticed a couple of hard shifts in the transmission. These occur at lower speeds and aren't consistent. I've also noticed it when decelerating the car. I start to accelerate and then let my foot off the gas, the car seems to decelerate very quickly and there is a rough shift when it downshifts. This is usually when I'm in heavy traffic. The second issue, again when I'm driving somewhat slowly or starting out, is that the car doesn't seem to have a nice smooth progression in acceleration. The best way to describe it is that sometimes I feel like I'm pulling a boat behind me. Thirdly, today driving the parking lot at work, the car seemed to surge when I barely hit the gas. Has anyone else experienced this? Do I have the dreaded transmission issue? Thanks, Scott
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