So, a family member sought my advice on the Lexus ES, asking whether or not this particular car is a good choice for someone who is a nurse practitioner and travels 70 miles to and from work 5 days a week.
Me personally, I don’t know much about the ES model. I have an IS and it eats tires and brake pads like nothing else, and I average 19 mpg, which is nuts.
What’s your advice on the Lexus ES? It’s a roomy vehicle which the family member in question needs for her family ( 2 kids) and herself ( work ).
She will most likely buy used ( preferably a 2023 to 24).
If you know anything that is a drawback on the Lexus ES, please let me know. And list the pros as well.
Is the 70 miles for a round trip or each way ? A 2023 or 2024 will have a used price that would actually purchase something new that will get better MPG and have a warranty.
OK, buying a 1-2 year old Toyota/Lexus will still have the factory warranty left on it minus the months old and miles on it, my USED Toyota still has the free maintenance left on it, and the full warranty as if I bought it brand new and have driven it the same miles as it has on it… So I don’t understand why people keep saying buy new and get a warranty on it, it is a Toyota/Lexus, NOT a junk Kia/Hyundai that changes if used… The MPG will be about the same if not the same on a 23-24 and even the 25 if nothing was updated… I have the same 3.5 engine (just tuned different for the truck) as the 3.5 Camry/ES350, and the gas mileage is the same from 2016-2023 on the trucks, so just because you buy new does not mean you automatically will get better gas mileage, unless the model was updated in the powertrain…
Now, with good credit (if not paying cash) 1-2yo Toyota/Lexus cost about the same as a brand new one, so not saving much money going used, they hold there resale value very well…
I will leave you with this video from one of the top Toyota/Lexus master technicians in the country…This is on the 2023, but the 2024 should be the same…
It’s more of a budget issue for her. She wants to keep her monthly payment in the $500 range. Used allows for this flexibility. For a new Lexus ES, monthly payment would be in the 700s and 800s.
I’m going to think a little outside of the box, so to speak
Instead of buying a Lexus ES that’s one or two years old, how about buying a brand new very well-equipped Toyota Camry with all the luxury features your family member wants
A new Camry is about the same price as a used ES350.
2023 - 2024 ES350 asking price $38,000 to $42,000 (New York dealers).
New ES350 $48,000 to $55,000.
New Camry range from $35,000 to $40,000 at my local dealer.
They show 99 cars available but only 3 in stock. The other 96 are “in transit” or “build phase”. Good luck negotiating a good deal with practically no inventory.
I personally think that a die-hard long distance commuter should buy for the lowest cost, the highest reliability and the best gas mileage. Even then, commuting will be a costly enterprise. For me, that translates to something like a brand new Corolla. Plus, I would reconsider the “no hybrid” demand.
This thread is silly. First Clueless should realize he has no business being involved with helping someone choose a vehicle ( vehicle has problems and it will be his fault ).
Second a 2023 or 2024 Lexus for commuting at a price that could be higher than a new vehicle like a Toyota Corolla. My suggestion would be to look at a Chevrolet Trax .
I wonder if the person has even looked on line at ridiculous used vehicles prices are now.
You never told us what the loan term is. The purchase price for the Lexus and Camry could be the same, but a shorter loan term would push the Camry price $200 higher.
Another alternative is a Toyota Crown. A new Crown is $2000 less than an ES. A new Camry XLE is about $10,000 less than an ES.
That $500 will probably be an issue unless she has a large down payment and or excellent credit…
I suggest to look at a place like CarMax, you don’t have to buy there but they have a great payment calculator, and it will give you a more realistic idea of what vehicle monthly cost are…
The same guy in that video says a 2013-2017 ES350 is about the best used older Lexus you can buy…
What about comfort and conveniences? If I’m going to spend more time each day in my car than in my easy chair, the car better be as relaxing and comfortable as my chair.
Wife owned a 07 Lexus which we just sold with over 275k miles. We have one early repair (which was covered under warranty - Water pump). After that - ZERO repairs. Just normal maintenance. It was an EXCELLENT ride. Have good power. Same engine as my 14 Highlander. On highway it could easily get 34mpg. Overall - the best vehicle we’ve ever owned.
