silva1181

Hello, the wife and I are in the market for a used, low mile car in the $20k below range. I've been researching the used ES market and there are tons available and pricing is all over the place.There are two that caught my attention and even though to some it may be a no brainer, I thought I'd ask for some input.

2011 ES350 Base Model - car looks immaculate, very comfortable and solid ride. Simple and basic car that has a nice feel and drive.
34k miles -
1 owner
heated/cooled seats, leather looks new, paint is flawless,
complete service history
$15,173

2014 ES350 Base Model. Better equipped then the 2011. Nice but had some noticeable rattling during the test drive. The ride was not as smooth as the 2011.
36k miles - lease return
1 owner
NAV, parking sensors, BSM, heated/cooled seats,
Some service records from Lexus and/or other shops for oil changes.
$20,000

Both are color combos we like. Both look great. I've read that the 2011 - 2012 are great year models but I assume all are great cars. Saving just under $5k to if we go with the older model is also good.

John U

Sounds like the 2011 is the way to go and you keep $5,000 in your pocket.

Tootsall

I think you have to ask what your needs today and especially tomorrow might be. If you do not have but are anticipating having children, be aware that 2013 and newer ES are built on the Avalon platform which has about 4" more length room in the back seat than the older, Camry based models. This can affect whether or not you are able to install infant seats easily in the back. If you think you might end up carrying taller passengers in the rear seat the Camry based model should be OK but the newer Gen 6 offer so much more room. Other than that you should be good either way.

silva1181

Thank you both for the responses. We do not have kids and most likely no kids in the future. I plan to use the car as my daily commuter, but i switch between car and Tundra. She's a stay home wife and is okay driving car or truck. It's rare we have passengers but on occasion we may when visiting family.

I am embarrassed to say that neither one of us paid much attention to the rear seat space. We checked out the rear seats in both cars but it was mainly to make sure the seats were in good condition. I am planning to go back to both dealers today and will have to sit in both rear seats.

Tootsall

If you are happy with the smaller backseat, and for your commuting purposes, I’d tend to favour the older model. It is a bit lighter and a bit smaller. Coming from a Camry I can tell you it will also turn tighter and these are good features for a city commuter. Still, when all is said and done, you and your wife are the ones who have to live with your decision. Good luck either way.

ESh

I would go with the 2014.

silva1181

Thanks. We have been going back and forth on this and she is favoring the 2014 more. She likes the lower mileage, 1 owner, and that is has NAV which we'll probably never need, and BSM which is cool. She also likes the exterior color of the 14 which i believe is Nebula Gray Pearl . It won't always look dirty compared to the 2011 Smokey Granite Mica.

will say the 2014 is a nice car and the rattling isn't terribly bad and shouldn't be a deal breaker. Also, now that I've been informed the rear seats are larger, it has me thinking it may be a better deal. I can always try to talk them below their asking of $19991.

I am going to the dealer to see the 14 again. Does the 2014 model have a timing chain?

Tootsall

Yes, the same engine that the Avalon and V6 Camry has had for years. You might want to check out the various posts here for sunroof rattle: seems that the replacement of a $60 gasket around the glass may be the most common cure...see if you can get the dealer to throw it in anyway. I spoke to a Toyota service consultant and he confirmed it is very common problem in their sunroofs as well.

silva1181

Well I am glad we returned to see the 2014, this time in good day light. Our first visit was in the evening.

There’s too many exterior blemishes in the rear bumper, drivers side has scratches we did not initially see, the front bumper is badly scuffed on the bottom and the grill is cracked. Surprised I did not see/catch in the first visit.

I may check out the 2011 tomorrow or continue the Search.

I appreciate the responses given.

silva1181

Good morning,

I picked up the 2011 yesterday. I am happy with the purchase. It's a 8 year old car with only 34k miles on it. It drives nicely, smooth and quiet. The interior still looks new. The paint is clean and shiny but seeing it in the sun I can tell it can use a buff out, which I plan to do myself since I have the buffer and supplies to get this done on Saturday. It's still in much better condition than the 2014 i checked out. The dealer offered to do a detail but I declined since I am picky about this type of stuff. Michelin tires are new and can't say a bad thing about it. It has no tint on the windows and i am on the fence if i want to add tint. I kind of like the look w/out tint.

thanks again for the feedback.

CQRT

Congrats - - I'd say you made a good selection that should last you many years.

My DD is an `07 that just hit 100k miles and has been flawless - - one blemish from a rock on the plastic bra covered nose but otherwise not a mark.

Just did some major service stuff and still getting 28+ mpg on the road with the crappy E85 gas we have to use in Arizona.

silva1181

Than CQRT. Nice, an 07 and only now hitting 100k. I do like the newer models but for our budget this 2011 seem to fit what we needed. Once i give it a good buffing myself I may look in to a clear bra because the amazingly the front end is not chipped up at all. A little bug here or there not what you'd expect from driving in Houston. I know the buffing will make the car shine nicely even more then it does now. But I'll see if i put a expel on.

I've read in this forum about Clear Choice, an independent Lexus mechanic here in Houston that has great reviews. I plan to check them out for my first oil/filter change. If they are as good as the reviews say, but not as pricey as the dealer. I will be happy to have located a non dealer service provider.

JRA2000TL

You will love your 2011. Mine is a smoky granite mica on light gray with the UL package. One of the best cars I've owned, even though I've only had it a year. Just put Michelins on it, and it rides very soft and quiet. The only issue that I don't like is the stupid chrome bezel around the window switches. It flakes off and is a common cosmetic flaw with these.