Osteoman

It seems the Ultra Lux option package disappeared on the "building" my Lexus on the web site. It's not going anywhere as an option is it?????? I was going to wait for an 09 but not if the Ultra Lux is going anywhere.

Anyone know for sure?

garsarno

In the beginning, Lexus did not offer it in certain market areas. In building a car online in zip code 18702 (mine), the Ultra did not show up as an option.

Osteoman

I guess what has me concerned is that it had been allowing me to build it with Ultra Lux up until about three weeks ago when I last did it. However, now it won't. Same zip code each time.

garsarno

Just was on the Lexus web site, entered my zip code 18702 and can only build the Premium edition, no Ultra model. We must live on the poor side of town and will not be allowed to rise up. But...... we can build the LS460L though. Maybe the Ultra is discontinued. Also, Motor Trend rated the ES350 as the "Wal Mart Luxury Car" on page 116 of their 9/08 edition. Ouch!!!
Thought we rated maybe as the Kohls or JC Penney Luxury Car.....

LexBob2

Jeez. At least maybe the Super Target Luxury Car? It'd be a step above Wally World.

Tarkio

That's pretty funny. Most reviewers say the ES350 has the best luxury in its class. So I guess the ES competitors are the Dunkin' Donuts of luxury cars.

When I was researching the ES, the UL package option came and went on the website all the time. My dealer said the site simply tracks available inventory for the entered zip code.

When I finally decided to buy I noticed that the UL option availability on the Lexus website had nothing to do with UL availability at my local dealerships (Boston). Finding a UL ES was not a problem. But finding a black/black UL required a couple of weeks of patience on my part.

MD350

So, what is the Nordstrom of luxury cars?

I know I have not been thrilled with my ES, but I will also say it is better than Walmart.

Osteoman

Why less then thrilled? I'm trying to decide between the UL ES and a MB C350.

kboyj

The editor must have been cut off on the road by an ES right before he wrote that article ;-).
Anyways I found that through all the years of tearing up the interiors of most luxury cars to upgrade certain items, the ES and other lexus models have a distinct high quality build that led me to the purchase of my ES350.
So If they consider the ES a Wal-Mart luxury car, then other luxury brands will fall short of dollar stores.

codex57

Damn, that's like night and day. Like choosing between Home Depot and 7-11. Both stores, but very different.

MD350

I have an early build 07, built in 7/06. You will be fine with an 08. Get the Lexus, just because of the interior space alone!

Add more power, better MPG, etc.

Oh, and get the UL...worth the $$

Osteoman

Thanks for all the input. Yes the MB and the Lex are very different but with the UL version the prices are very similar. I just don't have the faith in the MB though that I have in the Lexus