Holt2008

Hi All,
Curious if you anybody on here was debating between a new ES and used LS. Was looking at a 2007-8LS as similarly priced as a new ES. Have driven and like both, and wanted to see if others were deciding between the two and the thought process. Thanks

zhivuyatut

There are two schools of thought: buying new and buying used. I am all for buying used.
If you can get a good deal on a low mileage 08 LS460 - go for it.
Top of the line cars usually age better in terms of style. I still think that 2004-2006 LS430 is a very classy car.
Many reviews call it "best car ever built".
Beware that base LS does not have much more in terms of standard equipment than ES.
I believe HID headlights is the only major thing. You still have to pay for ML, navigation, or vented seats.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

If you can get the used LS460, then go for it! It's a step or two higher in quality, refinement, power, everything else. It even gets decent gas mileage thanks to its 8spd transmission.

The 'new car' novelty of the ES will wear off within a few of months.

JC07ES350

Plus 1 on a LS460.

saintsaens

Get the LS.

I always go for the higher model vehicle if it is in great condition. The build quality is always superior.

jkutti2000

but all said and done.. think about the gap between. the ES300 --LS400 and ES330 and LS430.. and ES350 and LS460 ...

if you think about the GAP in terms of build and luxury etc.. it has narrowed.. I read somewhere lexus even admitted they shot themselves in the foot a bit. and have made the gap in ride. feel, features. lesser... PRICE IS A BIG DIFFERENCE.. for Pre owned I would say HALF.. ha ha.. for a shade less features..but. the LS itself is a STATUS symbol....

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

How is this even a question?! lol

I love my ES300, but i'd jump ship to the LS4xx in a heartbeat.

It's a night & day difference between the two. Even a fully loaded ES350 vs. a base LS460 is going to be a difference.

Base audio in an LS is already much better than the higher end stuff of the ES350, same goes for all other features/options.

zhivuyatut

It is the same across Toyota and Lexus - they rested on their laurels in the middle of last decade. They chased sales volume - quality naturally dropped.
New features and better styling notwithstanding, ES350 is lower in quality than ES330. LS430 beat out 7-series, S-class and A8 in many comparison tests. LS460 is an also-ran in newer tests.
From the distance it's hard to tell LS460 from ES350, there was no mistaking LS430 for ES330.

safford197

I think it depends on how long you're going to keep it and how concerned you are with the cost of regular maintenance. The ES350 uses the same V6 as in, literally, over 1M other Toyota products so everything from the oil filter to the timing chain is less to maintain, repair, or replace. If you can find a 2008 ES350 with the UL Package you'd be in good shape in terms of ride comfort, cabin noise, and actually end up with more wow factor then your average 2008 LS (think pano roof). The V6 is more fuel efficient as well. I believe you can get a used LS is about ~$10K more then a same year ES.

I'm an ES owner so that's my opinion.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

City/HWY * in ideal conditions

ES350 = 19 / 27 mpg
LS460 = 18 / 27 mpg

WOW! What a HUGE difference

LexBob2

Under the revised EPA ratings it's 17/25 2007 LS and 19/27 2010 ES.

zhivuyatut

And premium gasoline is REQUIRED.

CJS57

No brainer, LS is nicer than ES. New vs. Used is your decision. But......a 36K lease trade in LS will still be like new. Don't forget FWD vs. RWD too if you drive in snow.

zhivuyatut

There is some intangible pleasure of V8 mated to RWD - LS has it, ES not. Nothing quite compares to it.
And modern RWD really should not give you too much trouble - stability control does a marvelous job.

miniz

How exactly are you debating? Its an easy call to go with the LS. Do you want a $70k car for $40k or a $40k car for $40k that will become used the second you drive off the lot?