My mom is looking at getting either a 2009 or 2010 ES350 and I was looking at helping her out because her vision isn't that great at night by having HID/AFS installed with the car so I would not need to do an HID kit install. What options do you have to get to come with it? She was thinking of getting the basic NAV/backup Camera package with bluetooth, but don't see anywhere on the website about HID, and when we went to Longo Lexus, they didn't have any with HID.

 

Did you pick up a brochure while you were there? I think the equipment packages near the back are detailed. Hands down I would go with the Factory HID's as opposed to a kit to be installed afterwards.

Also, have a look at the 2010 ES thread on here...they are making some changes to the 2010 & they should be arriving on lots in the next month.

 

Tbh I want to see if I can get a 2009 ES because I hate the front. haha
I'm glad I got the beginning 2IS because the front and rear has gotten a lot less aggressive.

 

I went to Longo Lexus today to test drive the ES350 against the RX350, the other car my parents were considering. My mom was sold on the ES350, and we're going to get it with NAV. We asked them about HID/AFS, and they said that they don't come like that anymore.

 

You mean they don't offer HID's anymore?

What about waiting a few weeks for the 2010 model? See what is offered?

How long is your Mom planning to keep the car for?

 

The 2009 does not equip with the HID unless otherwise, you find one that equips w/ UL package. I spoke to 6 different dealers in Southern Cal and none of them have one with HID option on the car. I was having a hard time to find one with the HID too. Ended up, I bought one two weeks ago w/o the HID.

 

Is that mainly because HID's are simply not that popular in Cal? What about out of state dealers?

 

My mom is probably going to keep it for like, ~15 years or so like her last car. It would just be a plus if she got it because I think it would help her see on the road, but she has been fine with seeing at night with non-HID headlights. She is trying to act ASAP to take advantage of the CARS program and trade in her car.

 

It's too bad Lexus does not make the HID's available on lower priced package options or a seperate feature altogether.

 

HID is standard on the ultra luxury version. However, they can also be had on all models as a stand alone option. Unfortunately, HID's are not allocated to many dealers and if you wanted them on a base model, the car would have to be special ordered. The dealer isn't being truthful when he said "they don't make them like that anymore". He just wants to sell a car out of his inventory.

 

HID's are available in my zip code on the base ES with a $6,240 package which includes NAV and some other things.

 

I guess they figure ES drivers in SoCal have no need for HIDs...
So sad.. haha
We're torn between the 09 ES350 and 10 RX350...Going to test drive them as well as the new HS250 tonight..

 

The HID/AFS should come with the Nav package although I can't be certain of this in your area. A Level III ES or Voice Activated Nav+backup camera with Bluetooth plus additional options automatically comes with HID/AFS in the ATL/Macon area. On the Lexus website, do a 'build your own Lexus', enter your zip code and select option 3, should be Voice Activated Nav+backup camera with Bluetooth plus additional options a $6, 240.00 option.

 

Mom is settling with an RX350 with Nav and Comfort Package with HID. Thanks for all the help guys!