CactusMatt

I was scheduled to come see the ES350 today and was told by a local dealer that the launch date was pushed back for some reason. He wasn't sure why and said it was for the entire country. Can anyone follow up on this and find out what it is? Or even find out if it's a fact?

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

I'm going to a "Launch Party" tonight with my dealer. The cars will start selling tomorrow.

I haven't heard if Lexus decided to push the date, but I think it's a little too late to push it back now. Cars are already showing at dealerships today, but no test drives or sales yet.

dp5

I spoke with a dealer in TX earlier today and was told that the release date for the car has been postponed all across the country. He said that he did not know why and the GM of the dealership has called Lexus corporate to see what he can learn. He did not know when the car would be released. He was hopeful that it would be next week.

Rockville

and we are expecting our first shipment May 5th. They are processing the first boatloads at the Eastern region port facility in Newark.

Rock

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

I went to Lexus last night for the "Launch Party" (and to get my oil changed) and it was delayed a week. I guess the launch date has been moved and the receptionist stated that they may "re-launch" next Friday.

Macklin

My salesman confirms the delay, but did not offer a date. This is a good thing because it gives me more time to attempt to sell my car.

xcntuatd77

Hello All im new to the site. You have great information here! I wanted to comment on the fact that I am on the waiting list for the ES350 and i have been told from lexus the reason the cars have not hit the showrooms today as planned is becasue they are holding back to ensure all 100% quality checks have been done to ensure perfection in every vehicle.

thanks

CactusMatt

I was told by a local dealer "The launch was only moved so all dealership would get the vehicles at the same time logistics with trucking."

So who knows.

Lexus_girl

I heard that Lexus has officially pushed the launch date forward to make sure all initial cars are fully inspected for any flaws before being delivered to the dealerships. The cars are at the port and being inspected now.

ariana8

Another thread discussed a recall of other models for seatbelt issues - preventative not after any accidents.

Now the ES350 is being held back for further inspections - after the presumably thorough testing and inspections that had already been built into the process.

I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if the two events were related.

stanes350

Went to Lexus on April 21st to see if they had my car, which I ordered on February 11th. They did not have any of the ES 350 in the showroom. But they said my car was already in Hawaii and was in customs. It has to come out of customs and they have to prep it and I should have it in a couple of weeks. It takes another week for the ships to reach the Mainland. So I think the May launch date is a reasonable assumption.

SilverLady

Hmm - I saw a note on the CL car talk forum about a fault in the 6 speed automatic transmission in the new 07 Camry - they think about 1/2 % of the vehicles have a defect that will cause some of the gears to slip during the first 500 miles. They have a simple fix if that happens.

If this is the same transmission, I wonder if they held the vehicles at port to check them and maybe apply the fix as a prevention.

stanes350

Just took delivery of my silver ES350 on Saturday. This was the first day my dealership started to release the cars. They had about 40 cars come in and they were selling like hotcakes. The car is a little bigger in person than in the pictures. The darker colors make the car look just right. Black is beautiful. Unfortunately, I've owned black cars before and don't care to go through that experience again. You become a slave to the car, cleaning and waxing constantly. The car is very responsive with no tranny problems whatsoever. The car will accelerate, quietly, on demand. The steering could be a little tighter, but I'm used to driving a Porsche 928S, so it will probably be just fine to most drivers. There was plenty of room in the front and back, and plenty of room in the trunk. But me and my daughter are only 5'9" tall. So with the front seat not pushed all the way back, it is very roomy for the back passengers. Took the car out and got many looks, from even BMWS and Mercedes drivers. Was at a restaraunt and a couple of passengers from an Infinity tried to go to my car instead. The Bluetooth works flawlessly. The stereo does require some adjusting to bring out it's full potential. The car is very thoughtful, it will warn you if you left your keys in the car or trunk. The ride is quiet and positive and extremely comfortable. I am quite pleased with the quality of build and thoughtfulness put into this car.

encore888

Congratulations!!! Hope you keep enjoying your purchase!

osokuko

I found this tacked away and thought it would be amuzing to go back in time to the start of the Transmission Issue.