newyorker1

I'm interested in purchasing a 2008 ES. I've gotten several comments about how it's a "mom car" or an "older person car". As an 18-year-old male, would I look stupid driving this car?

sprlexi

people would most likely assume its your parents car but who cares, if you like it, i'ts a nice comfy ride and has the power if you need it.

I'm 27 and recently bought an 07 es350 and i love it... if you want more of a tuner type then go for the IS

MadMax96

If I could afford a Lexus (and the insurance to go with it) at age 18, the IS would be the choice. I really like my ES but it was purchased because of life's responsibilities such as a baby seat and all the stuff that goes along with it (trunk space).

Now I'm 36 and if I was single or had no kids, the IS would be highly considered. I had one for a loaner for a day and even though it was only the IS250 I really liked how it drove and how it was laid out inside.

If you plan on doing any modding, the ES isn't the best choice - not much is available for it when compared to other cars.

Can't say the ES is a bad choice, but it just really matters what you want out of the car.

Justin2JZ

If I were to get a ES350, I'd but GS430 wheels on and call it a day. OP, are you paying for it out of your pocket?

jnaval

If you like it, go for it, it's still a Lexus. An IS would suit you more, slightly cheaper as well.

flowrider

iTrader: (9)

This isn't anyone else's car, but yours. Who cares what people may think or how you look in other peoples eyes. Drive both the IS and the ES and maybe even a GS. See which one you like and can afford. Buy the one YOU want. Personally, the ES is not for me, but my wife love's hers. My F suits me just fine. BTW, I was 18 54 years ago, so age doesn't enter the equation, what you want does.

Lou

newyorker1

I was going to trade in my car, which is worth about $13,000, hand over about $5,000 and then see if my parents would be willing to apply for a loan to get a low interest rate, then I pay off the loan myself.

Thank you, Lou. I find your words encouraging.

Rykster

Are you kidding? How many 18 year olds drive a Lexus ES?

flowrider

iTrader: (9)

^^^^There's one in every crowd

Lou

LexBob2

It's well documented that the average age of new ES350 buyers is around 60, so no doubt there are a lot of older buyers/drivers out there.

It seems like buyers of pre-owned cars tend to be younger, so that spreads the age range out a bit. If you like the car, go for it.

As others have mentioned if you are concerned about it, the IS or something similar from another brand might appeal to you more. Good luck.

newyorker1

Well, the only problem I'm finding with the used IS's is that none of them have GPS. I'll be moving soon, so I would like it to help me get around and learn the area.

LexBob2

Have you looked at Acrua (TL or TSX)? A lot of them have NAV.

newyorker1

Yes, a 2009 TSX with GPS is my next choice. It's cheaper, still nice. But, my heart belongs to Lexus. I would get an Acura if I could not get or afford the Lexus I want.

jkgs300

iTrader: (1)

The IS's are nice but impractical for me....I admit that I struggled with the ES=old grandma car dilemma before I bought one a couple weeks back. I typically see older (60+) couples and mid age business types driving ES's. Honestly I see the same demographic pushing my old 2nd gen GS body style. I think Lexus, sans the IS & CT caters more towards the older crowd. My wife put a stop to my IS dream when she saw that it only had one cup holder up front! If I was single, no kids, 18ish, lived in the south (RWD vs FWD), and had the money I would be all over the IS350.

PaPaHoFF

iTrader: (19)

Im sure there has to be IS' with nav. I have one and im sure im not the only one. Otherwise check into the flyaudio OEM nav alternative. Its actually better than OEM with capability.