Review: 2010 Lexus ES350
#122
Lexus Fanatic
Toyota just reported a loss, though......first time in many years. There are some signs of them becoming the next GM, although it is too early to make a blanket statement like that. (but I'm not the only one with that opinion)
And, I can assume it did not get foreclosed.
And, I can assume it did not get foreclosed.
2. No I owned the condo for several years and sold it for $35K profit in 1999. I guess as the story goes "the rich get richer and the poor get poorer" is the trend as usual.
Last edited by IS-SV; 12-06-09 at 08:57 PM. Reason: sp
#124
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
#126
Lexus Fanatic
#127
Lexus Fanatic
Last edited by IS-SV; 12-07-09 at 04:34 PM. Reason: sp
#128
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Like you said a few posts ago, though...........back to topic.
#129
Guest
Posts: n/a
Its the culture of the companies as well. The TL is made in Ohio and quality has improved. The new vehicle is as well built as an ES in Japan IMO. I can't say one is better built than the other new. Over time, I would place my money on the ES for build quality.
#130
Lexus Fanatic
That probably has more to do with the sales succeses of the vehicles those plants produce, rather than how much the employees there actually make. Some of the top-selling vehicles in the country come from non-UAW plants, although, admittedly, the popular Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado have unionized plants. The point, though, is that sales, in the long run, probably determine plant survivability more than hourly labor rates/benefits. Large domestic trucks and SUV's, in particular, have had very high profit margins, even with high UAW labor rates.
The profitability of ancient pickup trucks (which btw have gone through their own death spiral of a sales decline lately) has a lot to do with fully amortized production costs, old crude low-tech designs, low direct material costs and overly high MSRP's. The big 3 learned the hard way that to be a profitable full line car maker, you need to make more than just good trucks and truck-based SUVs.
And back to the topic at hand, the ES is a good example of well-engineered with good build quality product that's held its own through a difficult period in automotive history. And it's a nice niche lux product that BMW and Mercedes have chosen not to compete with in the US market.
Last edited by IS-SV; 12-07-09 at 06:20 PM. Reason: MB and BMW comment
#131
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Wow, after a lot of pans, you've got some respect for the TL, after all. But PLEASE don't say you now like the parrot-beak grille or the rear end. (Even I can't stand those....and I'm usually pretty tolerant on body styling)
Last edited by mmarshall; 12-07-09 at 06:21 PM.
#132
Lexus Champion
I recently drove an '09 ES350 loaner with 2,500 miles on it while my '07 was in for the 3yr/36k service. I didn't notice any difference in build quality. The loaner was tight and rattle free, the same as is my '07. Also the quality of the interior pieces was the same in both cars.
Some owners did report some issues with the early builds, but I'm not sure how widespread they were considering the sales volume when the new gen came out.
Some owners did report some issues with the early builds, but I'm not sure how widespread they were considering the sales volume when the new gen came out.
#133
I recently drove an '09 ES350 loaner with 2,500 miles on it while my '07 was in for the 3yr/36k service. I didn't notice any difference in build quality. The loaner was tight and rattle free, the same as is my '07. Also the quality of the interior pieces was the same in both cars.
Some owners did report some issues with the early builds, but I'm not sure how widespread they were considering the sales volume when the new gen came out.
Some owners did report some issues with the early builds, but I'm not sure how widespread they were considering the sales volume when the new gen came out.
#134
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
I recently drove an '09 ES350 loaner with 2,500 miles on it while my '07 was in for the 3yr/36k service. I didn't notice any difference in build quality. The loaner was tight and rattle free, the same as is my '07. Also the quality of the interior pieces was the same in both cars.
Some owners did report some issues with the early builds, but I'm not sure how widespread they were considering the sales volume when the new gen came out.
Some owners did report some issues with the early builds, but I'm not sure how widespread they were considering the sales volume when the new gen came out.
I'm glad you have had good luck with your 2007 model. I haven't driven a later-year production model 2007, so I can't comment directly on them.....I'll take your word for it, as I know you are a credible poster.
#135
Lexus Fanatic
I recently drove an '09 ES350 loaner with 2,500 miles on it while my '07 was in for the 3yr/36k service. I didn't notice any difference in build quality. The loaner was tight and rattle free, the same as is my '07. Also the quality of the interior pieces was the same in both cars.
Some owners did report some issues with the early builds, but I'm not sure how widespread they were considering the sales volume when the new gen came out.
Some owners did report some issues with the early builds, but I'm not sure how widespread they were considering the sales volume when the new gen came out.
I do appreciate the perspectives of the actual owners here, because they are giving some of the best feedback that only comes from long term ownership of several brands. Yes many of us do frequently take test drives, but feedback from those living with a car for a week, month, year or more really is educational.