OH_Guy

The saddle interior alone would have me sold... Coupled with black chrome emblems.

I agree. I would like an alternative to the black interior but I do not find the pale beige or gray interior to be rich looking. Also, most of the loaners with light interiors look dirty to me. A saddle interior would be a nice change.

I'm glad Lexus has such a good reputation for a long life because I like my 2008 and this 2013 does less than nothing for me. Only 57K miles on mine so I'm hoping I can make it to the next version (2019?) before getting another. I got myself a second car so i'll be adding less mileage to the ES.

Just for my information, why do members dislike the Bridgestone Turanzas?

I have a 2008 ES350 with the original P215/55R/17 Turanzas. The car is very quiet, rides likes glass and I've never had any problems getting through snow in the last two Cleveland winters.

Last week I brought the car in for the 35K service. Odometer had 37,910 miles on it. Dealer recommended a buy new tires for it because each tire showed 4-5/32's tread left. They normally recommend replacement at 3/32 but during the winter they suggest changing at 4/32.

He suggested Michelins (without being specific) for over $1K (choke). I passed.

I read here that everyone loves the Michelins but there are comments to expect 30K mileage life not the 50K warranteed mileage. Yet the Turanzas will go 40K before hitting the 3/32.

Just wondering.

Thanks

Congratulations on the car. I also really like the color combination but I wish Lexus would put darker carpets with the parchment and gray interiors. The light colors get dirty too easily.

"No such feature on the 2010. Holding down lock will roll them up...but holding down unlock doesn't roll them down like it did on my '03."

That is too bad. My 2008 ES350 has it and that is one of my favorite features of the car; hit the button through my office window and by the tiem I get to the car it has cooled down.

Metro Lexus in Cleveland, OH has given me an ES (no Nav), an IS (which I found too small) and a 2010 RX (which I'd never buy with that mouse). All were clean and odor free.

I don't think they have none Lexus loaners.

Hi all... I have a 2007 ES350. I have the original DVDs for navigation (still need to hit the "I Agree" button). Can I tell what version I have and also what the latest version is? I'm trying to determine if it's worthwhile to upgrade. Also, any idea what the cost is for the latest version? Thanks...

I have a 2008 with Nav. Recently got a postcard from Lexus advertising (I think) version 9.1 for $199 plus installation. I was also wondering if the new version is that different. Does anyone know how to find out how much changed? In terms of new roads, corrections or add'l POI's?

Don

Sorry for the long delay... 3 weeks and 1300 miles later, here is my new Lexus ES 350 in Black Sapphire.

I went yesterday for my 1000 mile checkup and they removed my driver's side mat due to the recall. They told me I will have replacement in two weeks. <_<

Click photos to see full size. I took these this morning.

Congratulations on your new car. I've had mine for about 50 weeks and 20,000 miles now. I also bought an ES for the ride quality and have not been disappointed. What did amaze me was the gas mileage on the highway. Once it was broken in, I could not believe I could get 30mpg on long steady runs. This 6 cyl almost equals my Audi 4 cyl.

I live in Ohio and have never had an issue with the camera fogging or icing over. In the winter it does get covered with road dirt splashing up. So carry something soft to wipe it off with.

I got Smoky gray mica with black leather. I really wanted the Black Sapphire with beige interior until I realized the carpets were beige too; you'll want to get those floor mats inside between the weather turns.

Well we'll see what the improvements to the console are...maybe they'll help.

The TL has an incredible interior though...so does the Lincoln MKS...I really think the ES is at a huge disadvantage in that department.

I drove the TL before I drove the ES350.

Just my opionions

I disliked the TL because it seems like every single function of the Audio system, HVAC and Navigation have their own button the dashboard and/or the steering wheel. I thought it was incredible busy looking and gimmicky plus took too much time to sort through while driving it.

Unfortunately for Acura, I am one of the few who didn't mind the new styling, especially in the dark greyish brown color. However, the unit they pulled for the test drive shook so bad the salesman had to take it straight into the shop after I drove it. the test drive didn't really make the best first impression. My first drive in an ES350 was during an incredible thunderstorm and I still loved it.

I saw the MKS in the showroom; I thought they did a nice job on the dash and front row but the back seat was cramped and somehow they made it incredibly cheal looking.

In hindsight, the ES still does it for me.

I took my car in for service yesterday and was talking to a guy who was having his rear brakes replaced at 30K, and he as a 2007.

I discussed the packages with my service rep and he said that the rear brakes on the '08 usually need replacement around 20K.

Wouldn't that depend on what kind of driving an owner does? Stop and go in the city versus open cruising? For example, 2/3 of my 30 mile commute each way is spent trying to avoid speeding tickets and I have long lead time for the exit rather than wearing out break pads with starts and stops.

For a service rep to make a blanket statement either no one has open highway where you live or he is setting the ground out to change wear parts as often as possible.

Had XM installed on 08 ES 350 with antenna on back shelf next to stop light last week- no problem with reception- looks fine. Went to Chicago from MI and it worked like a charm-dealer had mentioned it may not work as well there versus on the trunk- and offered to move to trunk at no charge if it did not perform as expected. It does, so after 4 years having XM- in a couple different cars- still able to enjoy XM and the ES 350 (now with 1000 miles on it.)

The dealer relocated the xm antenna today to the rear shelf. I am a lot happier now without that ugly thing on the trunk. No problems at all with the signal.

Why can't Lexus be like most other manufacturers who have XM and Sirus ready radios have the shark fin or some other system other than a dealer installed antenna. This is ridiculous!!! I enjoy my XM on my 05 ES330 but still hate the ugly toothbox size antenna the dealer installed on the truck. I will probably buy and 08 this month and ask to have the antenna installed on the rear deck but Lexus needs to resolve this as it detracts from the appearance of the car! Doesn't Lexus have the shark fin antenna on other models?

The IS and the LS both have the shark fin, so I don't understand why Lexus decided not to put it on the ES.

When I got my ES last November, I asked the salesman about that. He was quite candid. The everage age of the ES owner is the highest of all the Lexus models. Statistically, this older group do not buy Sat Radio. Therefore is wasn't worth Lexus's money to put a sharkfin on the ES.

IMO, Lexus tries harder than any other car maker to suck funds out of its clients so I'd have to accept that logic as mathematically correct. Personally, I think they should add the fin and a better standard radio to attract a few more 'younger' customers.

I got my ES350 last November. When I asked about a remote start, the salesman told me that Lexus had discontinued putting remote start on keyless start cars because of 'problems'. I can only assume no one has mastered security control on the car without having a key inserted. It would be nice.

For the summer, I have enjoyed using the remote to open the windows and roof from a distance to vent the car before I get in.

OH_Guy: I would think that Sat Radio would be great for older people. My Dad is 62 and he has XM radio in his van and he absolutely loves it, he listens to the 50s and 60s stations and lately the all Frank Sinatra station. On the other hand I have an XM radio in my ES but I rarely use it, I mostly use my iPhone or CDs.

Kyle,

That is what I thought too, but stats show otherwise. Also surprised me how few senior citizens get the NAV system with it rearview camera. I'd think seniors would want that (more visibility, less need to twist to see behind you) but very few new ES's in FL had the camera on the back.

I'm 54 and bought my 2008 ES350 last November.

I am also surprised by the young owners here. I think it is a great car but not one that attracts the younger generation. The salesman told me that the ES has the highest average age of any Lexus model. He said that was why the car does not come with the shark fin for the satellite radio; it seems people in this advanced age group do not generally get Sat Radio so Lexus decided it wasn't worth adding the fin.

I was at my father's place (a retirement community in Florida) this weekend. I figure I'll fit right in in about 10 years. Literally about every 5th car was an ES of some vintage.

In cold temps (and even 50 degress Fah and colder), I hear rattling noises from my dash. It has to be the plastic clips compressing (due to the cold temps), therefore creating space for the clips to hit against other pieces from under the dash. Should I get the clips insulated with felt, etc, or have the dealership remove the plastic clips? Also, either way, I think this would classify as a warranty issue? Any other recommendation would be helpful. Thanks.

My ES does not have that problem and I have not heard of it a lot in this group. I suggest you read the GS300/GS330/GS430 posts because that model has a lot of problems with dashboard rattles and there has been a number of good posts on how to best handle it.

Good Luck

I don't keep anything in my trunk except a spare window scrapper and the other season's floor mats.

In general, I think the trunk could offer a bit more storage nooks; my Audi has recessed pockets that are good for holding things so they never roll around or block the entrance to the trunk as the net does,

I do like the idea of the keeping the owner's manual in the net, though. I'll have to see how that works for me.

I have the spoiler on my Smokey Granite ES350. I really like the look; I think it adds a more dramatic line to the back of the car. I agree that on lighter colors the seam between trunk and spoiler is distracting.

The floor mats are great; they use a lot of road salt in Ohio which trashes the carpets. The cargo net, in my opinion, isn't worth the effort to install.

My dealer throw in Sat Radio and a custom grill to do the deal which was enough for me.

Are you driving the same? I've been to Dallas. Sometimes the traffic will kill your gas mileage.

I'm averaging 25 mpg with 3,300 miles on the ES.

Welcome to the group.

I bought a 2008 ES350 last November. So far, everything has been fine. I love how smooth and quiet the ride is.

I previously drove an Audi A4 which I enjoyed. Although I liked the new A4, I also worried about what would go wrong on the new model. I had enough problems with mine. Almost all were covered very nicely by Audi except for the big problem with computer controlling the transmission. I did not want another car where I would be waiting for things to happen. I am keeping the A4 for my daughter to drive. And yes, the Audi, even the A4, has a few toys I wish the ES350 came with.

From what I've read, the only item that seems to be a recurrent theme is the transmission surges. I've never experienced it and Lexus seems to have improved the problem over time.

Edmunds.com's Forum on the ES350 had some excellent discussions on the causes of that problem. Seems to be more of design issue than an easily fixable problem.

Not that it helps, but Infinit G35's have a similar issue on how the programming works with the gears under a certain set of circumstances. I really disliked driving that car because of it.

Welcome

I also have a 2008 Smokey Granite (great color); and with a spoiler, but with the black interior and mesh grille. In Ohio, the pale gray carpet will get too dirty. And I love the look of the black interior.

Your car is so clean; I'm jealous. Here now, all cars are dingy with road salt.

I have the antenna on the rear package shelf and with the black interior you don't notice it. I also get signals inside my garage so the reception is pretty good.

Obviously the unit doesn't cost the dealer anywhere near what they charge us so they'll give it away a lot quicker than they'll discount the vehicle (retail price to us). My unit was no-charge as part of the purchase deal. It costs them less to give it away while the vehcile cost me a lot less because they won't discount the car for the lost profit they didn't have.

So for people who are thinking about getting an ES, negotiate a price without Sat Radio and then decide you want it.

Sorry to hear about your problems. I got a 2008 in November; it has 1,500 miles on it now with no problems.

A few cars ago, I had a Mercedes ML320 that I 'shared' with dealer while they were fixing things. I best response I got was from sending faxes to the dealer manager listing all my problems and making it clear that if they didn't fix the car then I'd discuss it MBUSA. I know Lexus dealers hate to get bad reports from their customers so maybe you need to share your fustrations with someone other than the service people.

Good Luck

No, I didn't find your comments offensive at all. I just didn't see the relevance. Most, if not all Lexus dealers chrome the wheels of a lot of their stock. Probably more of a Western US thing than Eastern. I had chrome wheels on my SC300 back in '93. I had to replace the wheels after 4 years with aftermarket alloys because 3 of the 4 wheels were leaking air around the bead when they started to peal from the inside. Nothing I did got rid of the problem. I've since grown to dislike the look and the weight they add. A big thumps down from me on chrome wheels.

Lou

A co-worker had the same problem with the chromed wheels on her GX470. One wheel always leaked air and the service manager swore it wasn't due to the wheel being chromed. Finally she just bought a full set of regular wheels and the air leak stopped. The continual air leak was a real nuisance for her to deal with.

Congratulations

I got an ES350 last month, also Prem Plus with Nav.

How many miles did you put on your ES300?