XBMWOwner

I picked up a 2009 Lexus ES350 a few months ago. The car was a replacement for my 2008 BMW 535i. I really loved the BMW but ultimately decided that the reliability problems were way too much for me. At one point the car left me completely stranded, and it only had 30k miles on it!

I'm 4,000 miles into my Lexus ownership experience (The car has a total of 32k miles on it) and I couldn't be happier. I also own a 2005 Toyota 4Runner that has been 100% reliable. That vehicle now has 92k miles on it and has never had any type of mechanical problem, nothing. So I do have confidence in Toyota engineering.

My Question - How many miles do you think I can get out of the Lexus? I do a good mix of around town and highway miles and am pretty fanatical with maintenance. I would really really like to keep the car for at least 10 years which would put it at 200k - 220k miles based on my current commute. In a perfect world I would keep it going even longer.

What do you think? Is 200k, 300k, 400k, realistic?

John U

We sold my wifes '94 with 220,000 miles. Never left her stranded. I over maintained it for 15 years. Timing belts on schedule etc. Only major repairs were a new steering pump to replace one that leaked and both front wheel bearings went bad, one under warranty. I did replace both axles with split boots and replaced the 4 struts once....I cannot forget the fun of changing valve cover gaskets or rear sparkplugs. It did not use a drop of oil. I've driven my last two minivans 300,000 miles each for business traveling. #3 is still fresh with only 33,000 miles.

garsarno

Friend had a 1990 Lexus LS400 that went way over 250,000 miles with no significant repairs.

tolian21

2009 ES 350 should be pretty reliable, probably one of the most reliable cars on the market.
I however will be replacing my 2012 ES 350 with something sporty and better seats. Seats are very uncomfortable. the car is nice, but its SO boring to drive. some people are ok with it though.

XBMWOwner

I know. It's not 'exciting to drive'. My master plan is to keep this car for doing things that are necessary in my life, like driving to work and taking long road trips to places where 'breaking down' just isn't an option.

For "Fun" I plan to buy a third car at some point - maybe a Porsche 911, Corvette, or BMW M3. I haven't decided yet. I agree about the seats. My 535i had the most comfortable seats you can find in a car, IMO.