LexPaul

The ES is not made for 'hard' driving or cornering. IMO if a car is 'off center' then perhaps it's driver error. Some cars are meant to be driven hard, BMW, Infiniti and even low end Nissan's. However, if a smooth, quiet, 'I'm not in a hurry ride' is what one is looking for, then I think the ES fits quite nicely, Come to think of it, maybe that's why the ES attracts a more mature driver....

I can agree with the above comments. The Lacrosse is not that bad, but it's big and bulky just like the Taurus and the center dash is really 'busy'. I do believe GM designed the car to steal some 'thunder' away from the ES. Lexus should be flattered...but don't fall asleep at the wheel... :D

Yeah, the cost is really better than the hassle of even asking my insurance about it and you're absolutely right even a simple inquiry can turn into a claim.... :cries: I decided to just go ahead this week and get it fixed. Thanks!!

Yeah you're right it is small and the potential risk is bigger than $350.00, and even something as small as this could probably show up as an accident, with no qualification. I'll get it fixed sometime this week. Thanks!!

Yeah, that is what I'll probably do this week, just pay for it. I don't want to risk it. Thanks

Hello Everyone, I need some feedback on how the value of my Lexus (2009) would be impacted if I had my insurance pay for a small dent that I got when a car on the opposite side of the road kicked a rock near my fender. I got a few estimates and I can get it repaired for around $350.00, my insurance deductible is $100.00, should be simple, BUT if I go through my insurance it could be reported to CarFax or AutoCheck as an accident, decreasing my resale value. If, I paid for it myself, then I wouldn't have to worry about it. Has anyone ever been in this situation?? I have attached a few pics of the damage, the paint came off and touched it up some. Thanks for the feedback!!... :)

Also, keep in mind that Garmin is in the business of building/marketing GPS receivers, so of course they are going to be more robust and feature loaded, because they are putting more research dollars into it,this also translates into lower cost to the consumer because they offer many different models to choose from, most car manufactures don't put that much investment/research dollars or emphasis in their Nav systems, having said that, they will get you to 90% or better to your destination, obviously the comparison between the two is not equal. The Lexus Nav system IMO is decent. Is it worth $2,500.00? No, it's all about marketing and what people are willing to pay. One last note, most auto Nav systems are integrated systems, meaning that they connect to other electronics/functions. The Garmin is a standalone system. So, there is a little more engineering involved with integrated systems. Yeah, Lexus is going to make us pay for the design and connecting the wires.... <_<

I just use a very damp micro cloth every time I wash (which is at least once a week) for the dash, don't rub hard, just gloss over it, because the dash seems to scratch easily.... I put on and remove a very light coat of Johnson's wax for my all my wood trim (but not on every wash). For my Nav screen I use optical wipes and for the crevices in the gear shift housing I use a vacuum wand to remove debris/dust, again be careful not to touch the wood with the wand. It can scratch too!!

Yes, I have heard it twice in my '09 ES. But, I just assumed I ran over something (a rock or road debris), but I am always very aware of what is in front of me, so I was surprised when I heard the LOUD knock from the undercarriage (which side I don't know) and I was certain I didn't run over anything. So, I thought this was isolated to me & my vehicle; but if there is something in common here among ES vehicles it would be nice to figure it out. I'm almost 100% sure that I didn't run over anything because the road was clear of debris, it sounded like something hit the underside hard or maybe even something might have moved around from the undercarriage, I'm not certain. I have not heard it in a while, but it does make you wonder. I forgot to mention to my dealer, but I'm going to make a note and bring our concerns to them. Thanks

They don't look bad, reminds me a little of the 2010 ES wheels, but I would have to say I lean more toward the OEM wheels, but if you're feeling it, then go with it.....

I heard the same noise a little after I got my 09. I'm not sure what is was, but I have not heard it in a while. It sounded like a rock hit the underside of the car. Has anyone else heard this noise? Any ideas??.....

I read where Toyota is replacing the hose on the 09 as well...

Well for that many miles, and the age I would say its a fair price. ... ;)

Yeah I just spoke to my salesman and you can opt out by signing a waiver, but he's trying to convince me have the fix done. I don't mind the s/w upgrade, but I'm hesitant about shaving the foam under the mats. He said you don't even notice the cut accelerator pedal, He also said they anchor the mats to the seat rail, has anyone has this done??..Wouldn't mind seeing a pic if anyone has one. Thanks

I second the sentiment of opting out of the accelerator 'cut' and mat replacement. I certainly don't want the padding 'thinned' from under my floor mats. The way the mats are secured by the hooks are fine IMO. Too bad Toyota is getting major grief these days, but I believe some of the fallout could have been prevented with better management decisions......

Check with your dealer, as long as there was no hardware change, there should be an upgrade path.

No emotion here at all....I simply stated that being biased is not a 'negative'...this is not a 'blind'...irrational bias....certainly we all are biased when we choose one brand over another....because that brand has convinced us its the best choice...so that's good bias...remember when I wrote that I made a rational choice...well that's exactly what I did....I studied the auto market for 2 yrs before deciding on a car...and guess who came out on top??...the Lexus ES 350...this was not an "I'm hot and bothered'..so let me go out and buy a car..No...I did my research...and picked at lot of brains....my second choice would have been the M35...but I soured on it's poor gas mileage....after I spoke to a few owners....but it was very close...ruled out BMW and Mercedes because of owner maintenance costs...Yes...looked at the MKS....drove the Caddy CTS....very nice car (Wow!!... now that concept caddy XTS Platinum is simply wicked!!) but not enough to convince me to choose it...as for the Genesis..and I realize you really like this car...I just don't...not my 'flavor'...it has some excellent features too...as you noted.....and at the end of the day you stayed in the Lexus column... I looked at the tech package....great features...it's an attractive car....but IMO the Lexus looks better....and Lexus has (although they need to really tighten the anchors and step up their game)...one of the best reliable ratings and resale values in the industry....Now for the power telescopic steering....So does that initiate automatically when the car is started to the setting the driver has set??....I'm looking at the picture you provided....but it looks like the telescoping is set 'manually'....I didn't see on Lincoln's web site where it's listed as power....it just mentioned tilt-adjustable...but it could be...though and perhaps you're correct.....and they just didn't list it as such...I'll say this...I would wait a few years and then come back...and take another look...at the Genesis...but I can tell you this...if GM puts that XTS Platinum on t the market...it might be hands down....that car super sharp....looks like Big D is finally finding it's groove!!....didn't mean to diverge and get off topic....but link is here... http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/12/detroit...to-replace-sts/

Well of course I'm biased!!...otherwise I would not have spent nearly 40K on the car. I looked at that the Genesis and had the opportunity to buy one...I can honestly tell you I just didn't feel the same enthusiasm you have....but isn't that what life is about 'choices??....I had my choice and I decided on Lexus..."Everybody" has Power telescopic steering??...it's a nice feature IMO.....but all the cars you named simply don't have it...and not the Genesis..please recheck this...as far as the intangible BS...well that's just another name for 'marketing...we all buy into it on some level or another...but agreed we must get past it to make a rational decision and that is exactly what I did. I have no desire to make this a 'tit' for 'tat' dialogue, I do respect your observations. I just don't share your zeal for the Genesis. Yes I did sit in the 09 MKS, but I'm not into the retro stuff that comes out of Detroit...LOL..maybe I've seen too much of it. Anyway I appreciate your comments...and indeed criticisms...Peace You must have sat in a 2009, lots of them on the lots. They added a three pod optitron gauge cluster for 2010 which is much better. Keep in mind that part of Lincoln's overall styling theme these days is that the cars are supposed to be a little bit retro... How can you not compare two cars that are exactly the same price? Remember also that the Genesis also comes in a V6, and with the V6 and no tech package (which would compare to the loaded ES350) it is cheaper than the ES. With the V6 and the tech package it is cheaper than the ES and has WAY more features. I promise you ES350 buyers are driving the Genesis. Even if you compared the Genesis to the LS, where the LS would be smoother and quieter but offers no real option benefit, the same performance, and slightly less interior volume for $30,000 more! You could buy a Genesis 4.6 sedan and a Genesis coupe for the weekends for the price of an LS460. You could buy a Genesis and join a Country Club and get all the haughty nonsense you want for the cost of an LS460. You have to look at what you get for that $30k over the Genesis, you get a better riding and quieter car, and Lexus prestige. Thats it...even with the LS. Wait until Hyundai rolls out the Equus...your argument is exactly what everyone said when the LS400 came out in 1989 at a similar price savings to Mercedes and BMW...and look what happened. Yes it does, just like the Lexus....and the Lincoln...and the Acura...and the Infiniti. Everybody does. Yes it does, just like the Lexus....and the Lincoln...and the Acura...and the Infiniti. Everybody does. I could not disagree more. In fact I don't think the Germans have anything to compete with the ES, the C and 3 are too small and too sporty, and the E and 5 are too expensive. I don't really think ES buyers are shopping the Germans, but they are looking at the Genesis, the Lincoln MKZ and MKS, the Acura TL, and the Infiniti G and M. The competition is fierce in this segment now, and the ES is outdated and under equipped. The only thing you can give it nowadays is it rides really well and is really quiet, its very reliable. These alternative brands are catching up on prestige, quality, reliability, and dealer experience. Pretending Lexus doesn't have come catching up to do doesn't help them. We all want them to keep making the best cars on the road but I think its becoming apparent that they have been resting on their laurels for the last 5 years or so. Lexus and Toyota both. Go sit in a Rav 4 and a Hyundai Santa Fe...or the new Hyundai Tuscon, the Rav4 feels pathetically cheap in comparison, for MORE money! Hyundai is building the kinds of vehicles Toyota used to build, and look at the sales figues. Hyundai is one of the only companies who'se sales figures and market share have GROWN during the recession. Toyota has lost 30%, Hyundai is up 10%. Value and quality is very important in this post-recession world an Hyundai is making all the right moves. It seems to me more and more Toyota is making all the wrong ones... I would be really hard pressed to buy a Toyota today over a Hyundai. The Sonata is much more car than the Camry and cheaper, the Santa Fe and Tuscon are much more car than the Rav 4. The Elantra is much more car than the Corolla. The Highlander is still a great vehicle but its WAY WAY too expensive. and cheaper. The Sienna van...but I'd rather have a Honda Odyssey. The Prius is still in a class of its own.

Now I have been in both cars, MKS and Genesis, although I have not driven either Exterior styling: I agree the Lexus wins out hands down, The ES exudes a quiet, rich and sophisticated elegance, and it has a very beautiful stance. I keep my 09 very clean and polished and I always get questions like “What kind of car is that?” The Lincoln has a nice exterior but it seems heavy and bulky. The Genesis seems to be a ‘knock’ off an older Mercedes and the back looks like the Acura RL design. I would place the Lincoln at #2 though. Interior Styling and Quality: Lexus #1, Now the Lincoln has indeed come a long way, but the gauges remind me of the 70’s. They still have the same look!!. I I’m a Detroiter who worked in the factory, and I can see what I saw in the 70’s. The radio and center console knobs are small and a little ‘busy’. The big Lincoln emblem seems like an afterthought or like ‘filler’ Quality of materials is definitely an improvement from previous Lincolns. The leather was excellent. I was definitely not feeling the Genesis, the interior IMO seemed a little low grade, definitely not Lexus or even MKS competitive. The entire dash and center console design seemed incoherent without any design ‘theme or personality’. However, the leather was excellent agreed. The ES has an excellent interior design theme even in the absence of all the wood that the MKS/Genesis have. It has a beautiful center console flow and the entire dash is coherent, with a very good logical layout. The quality of material is “Lexus” like, need I say more? To rate Lexus last IMO is an insult, but of course I’m taking everything in good cheer. Even Lexus’s harshest critics rate its interior above all in its class. (BMW/Mercedes, Infiniti, etc) The Big Three is stepping up their game but their interiors are still not on par with Lexus, Mercedes or BMW, but you can tell that they are starting to put more money into their interiors instead of giving us the ‘bling’ with no substance. Chrysler however has not learned yet unfortunately. The CTS is definitely moving up. Audio and Nav: On audio Lexus lags here, I have had Lexus salesmen admit to me that Lexus skimps here. The speakers are bought from a low grade China supplier. I’m not sure why Lexus cheaps out on its audio system, especially considering that the ES is their bread and butter. I would rate Lexus last here as well. The Lincoln THX system rocks!!, and the Genesis system is even better. The Navigation IMO is good I don’t have a problem with being unable to set destinations while driving, I tend to get nervous if I spend too much time looking at the screen, while driving, so I see this feature as good. I would rate the Nav about equal here, giving the ES a slight edge. Ride and Drive: I can’t compare as I did not drive either the Genesis or MKS. I do know however that the ES has a ride that is smooth as polished glass. Even my wife’s 05 ES 330 rides like a dream. That car rocks!! My wife and I test drove a 08 Infiniti M and we noticed right away that the ride was not on par with the ES. It is not hard for me to accept your rating here, but I can’t speak with any ‘authority’. Prestige: You are dead on with your observation that a person when buying a luxury vehicle buys into a lifestyle or the ‘brand’ and here Lexus dominates, you really have to compare the ES with the BMW or Mercedes IMO to come close here. Agreed Lexus hands down. They have a very well established brand and lifestyle and its dealership experience is a very important component of the ‘lifestyle’. Let’s face it, when I walk into my dealership in ATL, I feel like I have ‘arrived’, and that I’m in a special class of car. I know Lexus wants its customers to feel that way. You feel like you’re walking around with people with money. Compare that to walking into a Lincoln or Hyundai dealership. Value: Well that’s what’s determines value IMO, it’s not just the initial cost, but resale value. A high resale value keep the price of the car high and thus adds ‘value’ to ownership. Ponder the Honda’s and Camrys and of course BMW and Mercedes. Selling a car cheap hurts its overall value, no matter how many options it has. Yes agreed the Genesis has a lot going on, and with its V-8 it should not be compared with the ES, but with the LS, where it would fail badly. The Genesis has “super” high end materials?? I wonder what car I was sitting in?? .I know you have some issues with the Lexus interior, but the interior is universally marveled at by all its reviewers, but that does not negate your concerns at all. I just didn’t see the Genesis topping out the Lexus. Does the Genesis have power telescopic steering?, No it does not, a feature that can only be found on a BMW or Mercedes, 5 and E series respectively. What about puddle lamps??....The ES has keyless entry, so the Genesis doesn't get any points here. If you want to compare the Lexus to its ‘class’ you really have to step up to a BMW or Mercedes. Time will tell how well built and reliable the Genesis is, the jury is still out for a few more years. IMO the only competition the ES has is from the Germans. Yes, BMW and Mercedes. They both compare favorably with the Lexus in terms of build/interior quality, but fall short in overall reliability. I appreciate your analysis and certainly your final conclusion….... Thanks for the review!!.....

Follow the maintenance schedules as given in the manual and use only Lexus parts if possible. ....and your Lexus will return the favor.....

Nice pics!!...The 2010 looks great...I think either way 07-09 or 2010...Lexus rocks.....Congrats to you...I have a 09....and might even trade up for a 2010...

Go after market only....your insurance will/should cover it....

I'll second that one....Lexus vehicles do look better in in the 'real'...than in pictures...I have not seen one yet in the ATL area...but I just may be tempted to trade my 09...If I'm really feeling it..... I was not impressed with grill and front that much in pics...but now I have to check it out.... ;)

Welcome to the club, very happy about your purchase. Great color too. I also have the back-up camera, but I really can't speak with confidence on how to deal with a 'frosty' back-up camera in the winter. I'm in GA, but I used to live in MI where I grew up. Now in the winters we used to do all kind of things to defrost windows, remove ice from windows, light a match to your door key to unlock your door, well you get the point. ....seriously though, I don't think you have much to worry about because the surface area of the camera is small, so ice build up should be minimal . Seems like a non-abrasive brush would clear out any ice-build up, while not scratching the lens. Check with your Lexus service department and see what they recommend. This is a great car and I see you're already loving it!!....Right On........

I definitely prefer the front end of the 07-09. The rear lights change is ok, but not that much different from the 07-09. Now inside the car is not too bad. I'm not into too much wood, it reminds me too much of the so-called luxury cars that the Big-3 use to make in the 70's and 80's, they had wood all over the place. The Audi A6 is actually similar to the 07-09 ES in terms of wood used, but the point is, it's not over done. The 07-09 hit the spot IMO with the wood trim. I do like the outside turn signals on the mirrors, and the antenna for Sat-radio I can't get handle on the wheels, but I think it could maybe grow on me....Do I feel the need to change up?? No...not this time around, I'll keep my 09 for a good while..... :D