Recieved an e-invitation to test drive the ES300 on a test track. Lexus talks about how we can test drive their 210, V6 and compare it to the Acura TL and BMW 3 series...oooh I'm scared.

Anyway, the tracks are all far from me (Dallas is the closest but it's only a preview not a test drive). If anyone PA or FL wants to check this out, and post the results.....here is the link. If it doesn't get ya there, PM me and I'll forward you the invite out of the Hotmail account.

The challenge is on!!!

http://216.33.236.250/cgi-bin/linkrd...PEHIBIAAPCBIHI

 

Sorry, link does not work for me.

 

Waz afraid of that. Try this link...if it's still not a go...PM me with an outside e-mail and I'll forward it to ya straight out of our Hotmail account! Hope this works for ya.


http://63.209.151.41/nmail/click?id=FCEDPEHIBIAAPCBIHI

 

Intrested in the ES300 hahaha The new ES is pathetic not that hot to me. The modeling isn't that nice just another vehicle with luxury features hell you can get a Daewoo with the same amideties for a less price try atleast a 5,000 dollar difference only thing that different names one is high profile another isn't its not worth the money know way this carf would make it to my drive way even if you gave it to my for 10,000 less then the price its bland and its just a name car but the only three cars that Lexus designed nicely are the GS, SC and LS series i don't know what they were thinking with the modeling LX, RX, ES which have yet to progress in trends the new ES looks like the Toyota Avalon's paternal twin and my wife says she wouldn't mind having one i laughed at her i asked her if she has saw the new model yet she said no i showed her a photo on the net and she started laughing too. Lexus needs to step up the car is once again bland, lacks power same old mans vehicle i want to see a 25 year old guy try to mod this ES i'll be waiting in the wings and laughing loudly when i pull up next to him in my 2000 GS400 which is two years older and still has better styling.

 

I agree with you entirely. Only cool Lexi are the GS, SC and LS (although thats for an "older" crowd). My wife went to test drive a GS and it was way over our budget, so she test drove a '01 ES reluctantly. She's a car buff, so is picky. Anyway, she hated the ES and that day went to only 2 dealerships: Lexus and Acura. She took the TL home that night and had it waiting for me when I got home from out of town! We actually formally signed all the paperwork 3 days later after looking at Infiniti's Q45 and I-30 AND the 20th Anniversary Maxima SE...I wanted to make sure this TL was the BEST choice....and as usual.....my wife was right and picked the best car!

We both still love the GS400, it's just too much for the name.

 

Come on TL4MO...

The IS300 is a very cool Lexus. Go out and drive one. I promise you will like it.

Thanks.

 

Sorry, I have to disagree. The IS300 really looks like a suped up Civic to me. That's really bizarre, since Civic is a Honda product and this Lexus product looks like a Civic. I LOOKED at the IS300 at Lexus and looked at the price...they just did not match up....and those rear lights......too tacky for Lexus!

 

Had a chance last weekend to wring out the ES300 and its competitors at the Lexus event you mentioned. It was very well orchestrated. There were 3 different courses: a "luxury course" that featured the new ES vs. the TL-P, Mercedes E320 and Lincoln LS V6, an "autocross course" with the ES vs. the BMW 325i, Mercedes C320 and Volvo S60 2.4T, and an IS300 "Sportcross course" with 5 new wagons. The new ES came off as more cushy-cruiser than semi-sport sedan. (Exactly where they want it to be.) It did have a beautifully-executed interior and some interesting exterior lines but was simply outgunned by the TL's horsepower. The first section of the luxury course allowed drivers to hammer the throttles for a top speed shootout before hitting the cones and rumblestrips. The TL consistently posted the fastest speed in straightline maneuvers. It was pretty satisfying seeing how well the 3-year old TL stacked up against a fresh design. The new IS300 Sportcross was a little monster, too...quite fun and well screwed together. Overall, a very well-run event. Lexus certainly knows how to put on a show.

 

Well, everyone has a right to their own opinion. I'm not going to fight this one. As I do not agree with your statements, the IS300 is one of my favorite cars.

 

You are right, each of our OPINIONS is correct for each of us. One question, are you going to buy an IS300?

 

I was following the IS300 a year before it came out. I would have an '01 right now if I didn't wreck my '95 ES300 last year. Instead I have a Buick right now. So, I am seriously considering the '02 IS300 sometime next sping/summer. I am actually glad I didn't get the '01, because the '02 has many changes and enchanements over the '01 that I really want. Such as the 5 speed manual, compass, full leather, lip spoiler, arm rest, cheaper price, and navigation. The new tail lights also come in a different color depending on what exterior paint color you get.

 

For the darker colored 2002 IS300, the rear lights are smoked. This makes the styling more subtle and improves the look IMO. For curiosity, I test drove one last night. It had the full perforated leather, navigation, etc. (fully loaded). MSRP was pretty high, almost $37k and I'm not sure they would go down that much from that.

Overall, it's pretty nice, but the TL-S can be had for a lot less and is the better value. The only thing the IS300 has over the Acura is better handling and possibly better build quality, but not by much.

 

I am not favoring one or the other, but the IS300 does offer the versatility of the 5 speed. At the same time, that brings the price down $1500. IMO, the IS300 is not nearly as boring as the TLS either. The interior of the TLS is just too boring, especially when compared to the IS300. Also, dealers will be bargaining on the sticker price very soon. 6 months after the '01 came out, you could get a fulled loaded IS for about 31.5k. I expect the same in about 5 or 6 months for the '02. Probably even less, since the craze for the IS is over since it's in it's second year.

 

AAARRGGGHH! Why does Dallas have to do it on a weeknight? Add to that one date only!

 

Hey, if the 02 IS300 is improved, I'm open-minded to it. I'm anxious to see what changes/improvements have been made.

pjonkheer1, sorry to hear about your accident! That's a major bummer (been there, done that). And I hope you are able to get the 02 IS300 if you really like it.

Here's a curious question: if you don't have a TL and prefer the IS300, why are you on the TL forum? Not that you are unwelcomed, I'm just really curious as to what drew you here.

Best wishes on the car shopping!

 

Well looking at the ES track record (no screw ups) they will sell every copy. You see some people are more interested in quiet, luxury and reliability. Not all people want to race 0-60. Some people are caught up in nameplates and will pay more to have a Lexus. The styling (from the pics) is not for me but the inside looks like the best in it's market.....

Lexus PURPOSELY made the ES total luxery and the IS total Sport, you have 2 choices (which no one else has).

I am sure tl owners will be happy with their combo of both.

I have never seen an IS for 37k BTW and from a glance it may look like a Civic ( to an untrained eye) but it's taunt fenders, character lines, sculpted hood is FAR FAR FAR from a Civic, it's all in the details.....

 

I am also seriously considering the TLS. I just love the speed and sound of that engine. The blandness is the only problem I have with it. I'm still not sure if I want to have a 5 speed as a daily driver. If I got the IS, it would have to be a 5 speed. I frequent many forums on the internet though. I learn so much from people like you and everyone else. Go to IS300.net to learn more about the '02. The people over there are pretty much the same as here at the TL forum.

 

"Untrained eye", ouch. I can tell cars apart, tank u berry much:P What I meant by that comment is that the stying looks too similar to a civic. Now, if I'm going to pay more for a Lexus....I want the styling to be waaaay different than a cheaper vehicle. For example, I think the Infiniti QX4 is just a flashier and more expensive version than the Pathfinder. Doesn't mean that on the road I would mistake a QX4 for a Pathfinder...just think for the extra $ Infiniti demands.....I'll stick with a top of the line Pathfinder. However, ironically, we own a 4Runner...that hood scoop just really sold us

 

The untrained eye was not directed to you, but honestly the two really do not look alike (maybe a modded civic or accord). The IS has a lot of substance and if you look at the depth of the paint it really seperates the two totally.
In my opinion the civic is not an ugly car and the coupes to me are very nice looking (these new generations are awful to me).

THe 4runner with the hoodscoop, it's a special version what is it called again? A fav SUV of mine simply cause ALL THE WINDOWS ROLL ALL THE WAY DOWN (including the rear glass).

BTW the new Pathfinder now has NAV so what's the point of the Qx4?

 

That version of the 4Runner is called the SR5.

 

Yeees. It's the 2001 SR5 with the "Highlander Package" (as confusing as that is, now with the Highlander model). It's just usually easier for people to decipher the "hood scoop" since the Limited model doesn't offer this trim. Of course, we had to forego the leather for the hood scoop....but are thinking of EVENTUALLY putting in leather skins.

 

When you fully load the 2002 IS300 with full leather, navigation, and all the other options, the MSRP is something like $36,9.. very close to 37K. I'm sure they will deal down, but not by much at this point. Maybe in several months, it can be had a lot closer to invoice.

 

I don't know whether to repsond to your post, or check it for grammar.

You're comparing a Daewoo with an ES300, and specifically citing the fact that you can receive the SAME ammenities for less in the poorly built, INFERIOR Korean car vs. the Lexus-quality built, entry-level class LEADER, the ES300??? I'm sorry, a 1992 ES300 would rival the quality and class of a Daewoo by 5X in my opinion.

"only thing that different names one is high profile another isn't its not worth the money know way this carf would make it to my drive way even if you gave it to my for 10,000 less then the price"

This is what I think you're saying, just so we're on the same page... "The only thing that differs between these two cars is their brand; one is a high profile name, and it isn't worth the money. There is NO way this car would make it into my driveway even if you gave it to me for $10K less than the MSRP!"

Fine, I'll take it for $10K less than MSRP. You go enjoy your Daewoo.

The ES300 isn't built w/ 25-year old "modders" in mind, trust me (and I don't even WORK for Lexus!) There is a reason that Lexus has many UNIQUE components to its lineup (ES, IS, GS, LS, SC); each one caters to a certain type of personality/buyer.

Hey, did you see that new twin turbo setup for the Daewoo Leganza?? No?? .. neither did I.

 

37K for an IS? You've got to be kidding me. I don't have anything against the IS in particular, but I wouldn't pay 37K for it. You'll be able to get a loaded '02 A4 3.0 for about that price in a few months.

 

I'm sure many people in the Midwest that were debating the purchase of the IS300 vs. a TLS opted for the TL-S strictly based on the "FWD vs. RWD platform" issue (and how that affects driving in inclement weather).

The IS300 is a joy to drive on dry pavement -- but I hesitate to say the same during snowy rush hour traffic. Granted you can purchase the 16" rims and tires -- but that adds a whole new burden to changing seasons. Some people argue that the TL-S would sell better w/ a RWD platform, I disagree. FWD sport is a hot market right now (perhaps soon to be surpassed one day by AWD).

 

"BTW the new Pathfinder now has NAV so what's the point of the Qx4?"


Exactly! Also, the Pathfinder boasts 240 hp, our 4Runner only has 190 right now. Hoping to get TRD help and increase to 250 hp.......eventually. But then again, how fast do you really need an SUV to go...that's what the TL-s is for

 

Agree on all points. I think it's safe to say that most people who want an ES300 are not interested in storming the back roads. They want a car that is quick enough to get out of it's own way, has decent handling, is screwed together well, conveys a luxury image and is extremely reliable.

Previous versions of the ES300 more than covered all of those points, and there is no reason to believe the new one will disappoint. I personally love the interior, although I think they went too far with the front-end. The rest of the exterior looks nice.

I think it's safe to say that there are a very few on this board who have truly driven their TL (or TL-S) to the limits that the car can handle. Many times, it's just a matter of personal satisfaction knowing the potential of the car your driving.

It all comes down to preference, lifestyle, and needs. The ES300 will (IMO) still be considered the benchmark (although argueably) in the entry-level luxury segment.

Before the flames start, what I mean by benchmark, is that many conversations will begin by "how does car X compare to the ES300?".

 

Ummm, I did not write that post. Maybe you should double-check your reference

 

I just registered for the show in PA. I'll be pulling up in my TL-S
Its always fun to drive a car you dont feel scared beating up. I'll be the one making consecutive laps in the TL. From what i've seen, its the same company that organizes all of these events. I went to similar ones for the IS300, Edmunds.com, and Mercedes and they were a blast! If you're near one of the locations, try to attend.

 

damn i missed the test drive in LA =*(

 

Ummm, no offense, but maybe you should re-read who I was quoting: "aTL," not "TL4Mo."

Thanks.

 

The new ES is better looking than the old model but everything else is pretty much the same, a boring semi-luxury old fart car. The IS300 is too small and overpriced, but it DOES handle good. Personally, I would not own either one of these. Mind you, they are both great cars for their markert segment, just not for me. If I were to get another Lexus, it would be only a GS430 or an LS430 (if they get rid of that ugly front end styling).

 

PeterUbers:

my bad. I don't know what I was thinking or seeing! Sorry bout that.