MForce

My U/L came with the 18" wheels. MSRP for the wheels is in fact $880. My dealer told me that the factory is installing them when they ship. It's not part of a package per se, but is already installed.
When I did a test drive the car I was in had the 17". I notice a little bit more of the road with the 18" wheels, but not so much that it's a problem. The 18's do give it more of a sporty edge.
From what I've come to understand with Lexus, the dealers order cars with items that they believe will sell in their region. In the south the lane departure pre-collision apparently were not believed to be sellers, so the "loaded" ES 350's ship without them.
Lexus has reputation for "package" sales.

Mark F.

jetman

That is exactly what my salesman told me; packages are determined by region. He said that, in the past, snowbirds who purchased their cars in Florida came back up north in early spring and wondered where their heated seats were. Well, they weren't there because the dealers in Florida didn't order them for their cars - up here they're a necessity (leather tends to get pretty cold compared to cloth). He said that those cars are hard to take in trade up here because everyone expects the heated seats.

Surprisingly, the one option that none of the local Lexus vehicles come preinstalled with is a remote starter. My dealer had to order one for my new ES and will be installing it next week. You would think that up north a remote starter would be a no-brainer.

It's my understanding that Lexus makes it tough as nails to configure the car the exact way you want it and have it special ordered. They much prefer you to take one off the lot.

asrose

Anyone check for chrome wheels for the ES300h at Costco?

Thanks.

SW17LS

They sell Lexus wheels at Costco?!?