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2003 Lexus ES 300 Consumer Discussions
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All Lexus ES 300 Models
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How many of you would buy an ES again?
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I would buy my Lexus 2003 ES 330 again
I've been reading these posts from existing and/or previous Lexus owners, and I'm surprised - perhaps I 'dodged a bullet', but I've loved my 2003 ES 330. I bought it used in 2005, and it's been highly dependable. Most importantly, it's built like a tank. I was in a bad car accident on the Washington, DC beltway involving two other cars: a compact car that was totalled, and a very large ... Read More
Lexus ES 300/ES 330
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ES 300/330 "shift shock" is due to motor mounts
I'm used to the occasional "shift shock" in my otherwise excellent 2005 ES330. This new LATimes article explains it... ------ The automaker struggled to diagnose performance problems with the 2002-06 ES models and limited the scope of repairs... Internal Toyota records reviewed by The Times provide an inside look at how the world's largest automaker struggled for years to identify the causes of nagging performance issues... ...in late 2003, when Toyota ... Read More
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2003 Lexus ES 300 with 23,000 miles for Teen?
Would it be silly to pass up the chance to buy a 2003 ES 300 with only 23,000 miles for $12,000 for a 16 year old driver?
Lexus ES Engine Questions
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Re: 2003 es 300 [mihubb13]
Sorry to hear about your situation. I don't know if this helps much...but I have a 1999 ES300 that had the same problem. I purchased it used with 79K miles, nearly 5 years ago and it had serious engine sludge. Fortunately Lexus repaired the whole thing at no cost for me in a "Goodwill" gesture. After the fact, I received a notice from Toyota regarding the whole engine gelling issue. For ... Read More
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2003 es 300
I have a lexus es300 I just bought with 44000 miles its burning 3quorts of oil in 500 miles and under drive train warr. But lexus said they would not cover due to sludge. We do have all maintaince records from previus owner any help out there
Lexus ES 300/ES 330
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Re: 2002 Lexus ES AC Light Flashes...No Cold Air [lexuslx]
I had the same pproblem but mine is a 2003 Es 300 and was still under warranty.
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Headlight Bulbs - Lexus ES 300 -2003
I have an ES 300. Yesterday three biulbs seem to have gone off . One side is completely dark and one side has only one bulb on. Is this expected and an issue of just changing the bulbs or is it a bigger problem. Anyone know?
Lexus ES 300/ES 330 Prices Paid and Buying Experience
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2003 Lexus ES 300
I am being offered a Certified Used Lexus 2003 ES300 for $24K in the CT area. It has everything except for the Mark Levinson stereo and the NAV system. It has 25,000 miles. It comes with 3 yr./100K warranty, but they want to add 2 additional years for $1200. I have two questions. Is the price reasonable and can you negoitate on the add-on warranty. I would be willing to pay ... Read More
Lexus ES 300/ES 330
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Re: Quietness [s852]
My ES 300 a 2003 model is almost pin drop in its silence. I often stand by it and just marvel and whne driving I am in awe. It is not the high end Lexus so it still has a way to go and cannot reach the LS 430. I have test driven all the cars in its class though, Mercedes 240,320; Acura TL, Infiniti and they are really loud compared ... Read More
Lexus ES 350
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Re: Extended Warranty [shop4mywife]
I think that extended warranties - more properly called service contracts, since they are not truly extensions of the original factory warranties - are a bad idea. You're paying hundreds of dollars today for something that will have no value for you until the factory warranty runs out 4 years from now. If you're planning to keep your car beyond the expiration of the factory warranty, use those 4 years to ... Read More
Transmission problems with Lexus ES?
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Re: Transmission hesitation [jmlaw]
jmlaw, check out these posts from texas83 and wilmil: texas83, "Transmission problems with Lexus ES 300?" #77, 26 May 2003 5:14 pm wilmill, "Transmission problems with Lexus ES 300?" #343, 10 Dec 2003 12:27 pm Interesting on the "test drive issue" hogan4, "Transmission problems with Lexus ES 300?" #655, 24 Nov 2004 10:44 am
Lexus ES 300/ES 330
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Re: Key and Security for ES 300 [toydriver]
I agree with the response that atoews gave. Although I would like to add that you yourself, without paying anyone to do it, can prevent the stolen key from starting the car, so that only the master key that you still have will actually start the engine. Here are the instructions to delete all keys from starting the engine, except the key you still have: http://www.locksmithcharley.com/toypedaldance.pdf Note that after you do ... Read More
Transmission problems with Lexus ES?
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Re: Transmission Problems with 2002 &2003 Lexus ES 300 [tedescm1]
WE have a 2002 Lexus ES300 AND I find that the gas pedal is hard and this affects the pick up and makes it jerky. What can be done to fix this?
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I still enjoy the discussion
Hylyner, I appreciate your input even if I agree with wwest's points. This board is helpful because some people considering the car will be more cautious on their test drive. In fact, I would be cautious with ANY automatic transmission car from any manufacturer. I just saw a an article in a leading Conumer information magazine where they complained of hesitation in a VW Passat with a 6 speed automatic transmission. ... Read More
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Re: ES330 Hesitation [motownusa]
Here's a statement I found by Toyota and Lexus about the "Unintended Accelleration" condition which may help to clarify it further: Reports for Camry, Camry Solara And ES 300/330 Throttle Control System April 13, 2005 The auto industry has experienced a long history of isolated reports of alleged sudden acceleration, involving vehicles of virtually every make. Numerous investigations going back many decades have consistently suggested that these incidents were unrelated to ... Read More
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Re: Success with Manufacturer or Lemon Law? [shepali]
Yes, some have reported success. Here is one case reported in this forum: wilmill, "Transmission problems with Lexus ES-300 ?" #343, 10 Dec 2003 11:27 am
Lexus ES 300/ES 330 Prices Paid and Buying Experience
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Re: 2003 Lexus ES 300 [optima]
I purchased ES300 from non lexus dealer for 19K with 55K miles in WA.
Lexus ES 300/ES 330
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Re: 2003 ES 300 Dvd Navigation [olddave]
A link to a great tutorial on the Nav System http://www.lexus.com/models/ls/interior.html#voicenav
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Re: 2003 ES 300 Dvd Navigation [koswus5]
I own a 2005 ES330. I just looked through the "2005 Lexus Navigation System Owner's Manual - ES330" and I could not find any reference to using standard DVD videos with the system. So I assume it does not have that capability. The manual is Toyota Motor Corporation Publication No. OM33661U, Part No. 01999-33661. I hope this is helpful to you...
Lexus ES 300/ES 330 Prices Paid and Buying Experience
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Re: 1998 Lexus ES/300 v. 2003 Nissan Altima [ohdaddy926]
Lexus is a much nicer car, and you will likely get at least 100,000 miles out of the car. The Altima is nice, but nothing compared to the Lexus.
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Re: 1998 Lexus ES/300 v. 2003 Nissan Altima [ohdaddy926]
Personally, I would go for the Altima since it has less mileage, but I haven't driven either the ES300 or the Altima, so I can't offer opinions.
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Re: 1998 Lexus ES/300 v. 2003 Nissan Altima [jchan2]
45,000 on the nissan and 70,000 on the lexus
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Re: 1998 Lexus ES/300 v. 2003 Nissan Altima [ohdaddy926]
What's the mileage on each of them?
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1998 Lexus ES/300 v. 2003 Nissan Altima
Okay I have narrowed my next car down to the 98 Lexus ES/300 or the 2003 Nissan Altima I can have either for about the same price Any opinions? Thanks. James
Transmission problems with Lexus ES?
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Re: Newest Transmission Upgrade - April 2005 [bkinblk]
OK.......I have only driven about 300 miles on my car(2003 ES) since this re-flash of the ECM and so far everything is about the same as the day I picked it up from my dealer......great! One of the other members(steviej-2002 ES), from from the 'Lexus Owners' messageboard has driven his car approximately 1500 miles, and here are his findings: "It has been almost 1500 miles since the reflash. (A round trip ... Read More
Lexus ES 300/ES 330
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Re: . [maxhonda99]
Hope you guys don't mind, I'm jumping over from the Toyota hesitation forum. I recently took my 2005 V6 XLE to a Lexus shop foreman. He told me he has had numerous TSB's over the past couple of years for the ES300-ES330 that called for reprogramming the ECU to correct to shifting problems (always under the title "check engine light", and not under "transmission". You can speculate on your own as ... Read More
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Returning my leased ES 300.
My lease is up on my 2002 ES 300, so I am returning soon and buying my mother's 2003 ES 300 from her. The leased 2002 that I am returning has the factory chrome wheels on it. The car originally didnt come with chrome wheels, but I had the dealer install them and factor them in monthly payment. Nowhere on the lease contract or the window sticker does it show the ... Read More
Transmission problems with Lexus ES?
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To Jraogsta1
I just wanted to take the time to thank you.....I have been lurking on this board for a while and experiencing the same issues as you concerning the transmission of my 2003 ES300. I have been back and forth with the service dept, and they have offered me trade on my vehicle and I said i'd listen to their offer. The dealership informed me that corporate would be willing to sell ... Read More
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Re: Transmission Problems with 2002 &2003 Lexus ES 300 [tedescm1]
I have had my Lexus ES 300 in for service on two separate occasions. The first time I test drove the car with a 25 year master mechanic who has worked on Toyota and Lexus for all of those years. He told me during the test drive that my ES 300 had serious transmission problems. He told me to bring it in for service the following week. I picked the car ... Read More
Lexus ES 300/ES 330
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Rotten Egg Stench
http://www.cleveland.com/business/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/bus- iness/1090056830180623.xml Go to this article to read about 8 year/80,000 mile warranty extension to correct rotten egg/sulfur odor due to catalytic converter probelm. The following vehicles are covered: 2002-2003 Lexus ES 300s 2003-2004 Lexus GX 470s 2002 to 2004 Camrys 2003 and 2004 4Runners 2003-2004 Corollas 2004 RAV4s 2002-2004 Solaras 2004 Highlanders 2001-2004 Sequoias 2003-2004 Matrixes
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extended warranty
Have an 2003 ES 300 and bought an extended warranty with the car. I was just reading a few articles in the toyota HL board, and read that Toyota's extended warranty is useless if you miss any of the scheduled appointments (I am guessing this is just a regular oil checkup). Has anyone had any experience with Lexus in this matter? I missed the first 1000 mile oil change (baby crying ... Read More
Transmission problems with Lexus ES?
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Re: ES330 Reviews [davidz #457]
I think she is referring to the time when the es 300 had a 4 speed automatic instead of the current 5 speed. It is true that 2002 and 2003 models were the worst, with marginal improvement in the 2004 model year. The fact remains that when Lexus changed from the 4 speed to the 5 speed, that is when all the complaints started occurring. The 4 speed was silky smooth!!!! ... Read More
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Software Issue and Congress
The problem I have is mostly transmission slip, but it does surge on occassion. Last November, in Austin, I had a bad surging incident. I guess this software is in more than our cars. Maybe with Congress looking into this we can get some results. It's all in the software. Houston Chronicle, 3-9-04 CAR'S SURGING PROBLEMS CAUSE INQUIRY. WASHINGTON (AP)- The federal government is investigating reports that some Toyoyta Camry, Camry ... Read More
Lexus ES 300/ES 330
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Transmission problems in the '04 model???
The thread entitled "Transmission problems with 2003 ES-300 ?" contains a few recent posts suggesting the transmission shifting problem may have continued into the '04 model ES330. From what I've read, it's a computer programming problem creating the shifting irregularity. With a precious brand at stake, and if this is only a computer problem that presumably is remedied through re-programming, why would Lexus have not solved the problem with the '04 ... Read More
Transmission problems with Lexus ES?
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2003 ES trans problems
I have an 03 ES 300. I can honestly say I have experienced many of the problems that have been posted BEFORE I read this forum. I am not a lead-footed hot-rodder. This is a fabulous car that has even greater potential. However, when I depress the pedal to pass, I hold my breath while the transmission "decides" what it is going to do - characterized as a slipping, mushy, hesitating, ... Read More
Lexus ES 300/ES 330
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msamel
I'm sorry you're experiencing such trouble. My 2002 ES 300 had no trouble at all. I still had the update done and now I do notice the car being smoother than ever. If you were that unhappy with the 2002 ES 300, why didn't you test drive the 2003 before agreeing to buy it? It seems a 5-minute test drive would have alerted you to an issue with the transmission if ... Read More
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ES 300-330 Transmission Problems
After experiencing the jerky transmission in the 2002 ES 300, I was told that the "fix" would come by year end 2002. When that didn't happen in early 2003, I filed under the lemon law and was treated in an excellent manner by Lexus Corporate. I was flipped into a 2003, charged usage, and the 2003 had the same problems. Then the fix came out, and after the fix, it was ... Read More
Transmission problems with Lexus ES?
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2003 Lexus ES 300 Steering - Impressions
My 2003 ES 300 seems to have a tendency to drift on flat straight-aways going at typical highway speeds (65 MPH). I was under the impression that a car of this calibre would behave "as if it were on rails", not needing me to slightly correct/counter-correct its tendency to drift either right or left. I would not think that there is an alignment problem or a wheel balance problem in a ... Read More
Lexus ES 300/ES 330
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Transmission
Here's what the Lexus press release says: "You can find a Lexus has also revised the standard five-speed automatic transmission for the 2004 ES 330, matching it to the performance of the larger engine. Wider gear ratios take advantage of the increased torque while enabling the ES 330 to achieve virtually the same EPA-estimated fuel efficiency ratings as the previous model (20 MPG city/29 MPG highway vs. 21/29 for the 2003 ... Read More
Lexus ES 300/ES 330 Prices Paid and Buying Experience
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Buying technique used on 2003 lexus ES 300 purchase
I used costco's buying program to contact a dealer in chicago for price on es 300 in dec 2002.It was ~3400 off retail. Used this price to force a metro detroit dealer to match price. Worked perfectly. I won and dealer won(maybe not at the price he wanted)
Lexus ES 300/ES 330
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Price Reduction
Yes, because leather is now standard an ES 330 is about $1,400 less expensive than an ES 300 was. However, this is in keeping with Lexus tradition of doing something to add value. Many times, as models get into their 3rd and 4th years, Lexus will bundle optional equipment into the price and has the window sticker reflect some type of "savings package" (although that's not the case with the 2004 ... Read More
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are they available yet?
I just saw on the Lexus web site that I could "build" an ES330 and they also seem to be available at my dealer's (Lexus of Kendall in Miami, FL) web site. Does anybody know if the 2004 ES 330 is available yet? Is it a significant upgrade from the 2003 ES 300 (other than the engine)?
Transmission problems with Lexus ES?
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Transmission Problem with'02-'03 ES300
Here is an official reply from the Lexus Corporation that was sent to one of the members of the Club Lexus Forum: "Thank you for contacting the Lexus Customer Satisfaction Department regarding your 2002 ES300, VIN ######. We appreciate the time you have taken to share your thoughts. As you requested, we are responding in writing. In a constant effort to listen to customers and improve our product, we have become ... Read More
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no title
Did you test drive your ES before you bought it? Top vehicles by category Here are the top three vehicles, ranked by quality, in their individual market segments, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2003 initial quality study. The study is based on responses from more than 52,000 people who bought or leased new 2003 cars and trucks. The survey is done in the first 90 days of ownership. Entry ... Read More
Lexus ES 300/ES 330
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no title
to texas83 - Did you test drive your 2002 before you bought it? Top vehicles by category Here are the top three vehicles, ranked by quality, in their individual market segments, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2003 initial quality study. The study is based on responses from more than 52,000 people who bought or leased new 2003 cars and trucks. The survey is done in the first 90 days ... Read More
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2003 Award
The results of the 2003 JD Power Initial Quality Study were released yesterday. It's no surprise that the ES 300 finished #1 in the entry luxury car category. Other Lexus standings include: Lexus #1 as a brand LS 430 #1 in the premium luxury car category SC 430 #2 in the premium luxury car category GS 300/430 #1 in mid luxury car category RX 300 #1 in luxury SUV category LX ... Read More
Transmission problems with Lexus ES?
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Transmission Problems with 2002 &2003 Lexus ES 300
There has been some discussion regarding transmission problems (hesitation) with the 2002 ES 300. Does this problem also exist in the 2003 ES 300? What is Lexus doing about it?
Lexus ES 300/ES 330
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rparis
If you already own a 2000 ES 300, then you obviously have some sort of access to a Lexus dealer. I would recommend you drive a 2003 ES 300 so you can see the differences for yourself. While the 1997-2001 ES 300s were great cars, they were only new cosmetically. They still used the platform of the 1992-1996 versions. This is not a bad thing mind you, as cars typically use ... Read More
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ES 330
I seen on Motor Trands website that the ES 300 is going to be called the ES330 with a larger engine. 20 more horse power. Are there any other changes? Also the same website states that the GS is going to be redesigned? Of course the Lexus dealers I spoke too know nothing about either the ES or GS I hope the Es300 transmission shutter is fixed in 2004. I test ... Read More
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More on transmission from RX 300/330 board
Hmmm...if the RX 330 does in fact use the same trans as the ES 300 (330 in '04 model?), it'll be interesting to see if Lexus sorts out any shifting glitches. Post #6801: "Car and Driver magazine (www.caranddriver.com) tested the ES300 in August 2002. They state that the new ES300 has the five speed U150E transmission. The previous generation ES300 has the U140E four speed transmission. I am not sure what ... Read More
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My 2003 ES 300
Hi friends. Just picked up a loaded ES 300 two weeks ago, and though still early, it is PERFECT in every way (traction control, navigation system, Mark Levinson audio system). I just turned in a Mercedes C 240, and there's no comparison, the Lexus is a much better ride. The Mercedes E class is more comparable to the Lexus. I especially love the soft ride; I don't need to "feel" the ... Read More
Lexus ES300 problems
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no title
Hey Mike, The ES is a great car. It was redesigned for 2002 and is quite different from the earlier model. I drive a 2000, so do not have day to day experience with the latest model. However, over on the sedan board, there is an ES discussion group that is really focussed on the 2002/2003 model. One thing they seem to complain about is a glitch in the transmission shifting ... Read More
Lexus ES 300/ES 330
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2003 prices
Lexus issued a press release with prices and changes for some 2003 models (LX, LS, ES and SC). The only ES 300 change is the new option of power adjustable pedals (which I believe were originally supposed to be offered in January 2002). Price goes up to $31,625, or 0.4%.
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no title
I don't think extra power means much to most buyers looking at the ES 300. Yes, it will sway some people. But not everybody. It didn't matter to me. The same reasoning goes for cars like the all-new, redesigned 2003 Mercedes CLK and E320. Both cars will keep their 221 HP engines. And both are slower than the 2002 versions since they are heavier. As a matter of fact, they're just ... Read More
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I35
I personally would stay away from the I35. It was designed and built during Nissan's period of cost-cutting. Although well-built, it has many cheaper elements (such as non-independent 4-wheel suspension). Plus, the car is being dropped for sure in the next year or two. Who wants a discontinued car? The TL is a very nice car for the money. If the ES 300 is a bit too much for what you ... Read More
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fredvh
No, there should not be any changes to the ES 300 for either 2003 or 2004. Typically Lexus gives their cars a mid-life update in year four (which would be 2005). No, the sludge problem does not bother me at all. Toyota/Lexus has received 3,400 complaints to-date on the problem. If all of these complaints are legitimate, that represents less than .01% of Toyota/Lexus owners in the US (according to Automotive ... Read More
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Sales
While sales numbers do not mean much to a person buying a car, and many factors affect sales (such as production rates), it is interesting to note how well the new ES 300 is selling. The numbers for March, along with some other similarly-priced cars: 6440 - Lexus ES 300 5918 - Acura TL 5831 - Mercedes C-Class (includes wagons and coupes) 5460 - BMW 3-Series (sedans only; 325i/325xi/330i/330xi) 4037 - ... Read More
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fredvh
Of course I'll tell you how great I think the 2002 ES 300 is. I love the car. And it is a huge improvement over my 1995 ES 300. In addition to all the new amenities, the overall structure of the car is much more sound (and the 1995 wasn't bad). The 2002 is really like a baby LS 430, whereas I couldn't necessarily say that about my 1995. If you ... Read More
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Infinity G35
Anybody looking at the Infinity I35 should wait for the Infinity G35 coming out this spring as a 2003. It is rear drive, around 260 hp, great looks, etc. I have an ES 300 now, I saw the new 2002 and test drove it and liked it a lot. I will wait till this summer to decide between the Lexus ES 300, Infinity G35, and the Acura TL Type-S (like my ... Read More
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