I wonder if Lexus had just called them "Leatherette", like Audi & BMW, would we have all this discussion?

 

I have simply never had leather seats in a car period, now that im older (36) I want a comfy car for my commute, I figured I would be getting leather, I even thought I was sitting on leather during the test drive. Until I read up on the interior, got me a bit bummed out and has me looking harder at the Avalon... I am somewhat frugal with spending and I am all about getting what I pay for, I need to make the right decision. I don't make as much as most people in these forums so I can only afford so much, i'm not willing to spend more than 35k for a car at this point.

 

Since this seems to be a big issue for you it might be best to get the Avalon or even something else within the budget that has leather. There are a lot of good choices out there.

 

I agree. Have you considered a CPO Lexus?

 

CPO? what is that? I should also add that I will be buying certified with up to 10k miles on it (possibly a demo) in order to get it in my price range.

 

Certified Pre Owned

John

 

Only BMW's site mentions leatherette. Audi says leather seating areas.

John

 

A lot of MB models come with MB Tex (I think that's the name) with leather as an option.

 

I agree...if $35k is the budget the ES is out, even CPO you're not going to get a model with leather (luxury package) at that price probably. I'm consistently astonished with what "nearly new" cars sell for retail...

Have you looked at the Hyundai Genesis? I might consider a loaded Honda Accord in that range too.

 

Test drove the new accord and it was a rough ride, test drove the genesis and it wasn't comfortable, test drove the Lexus es350 and fell in love with the squishy drive, I have been looking into buying demoes and CPO which I do with any vehicles, I never buy brand new. I am waiting until the end of the year to strike up a deal. I have gotten them to go down quite a bit already. Will keep yall posted.

 

Sounds like Goldielocks, and the Lexus was just right. You should be able to get a good CPO service or managers vehicle with the end of the model year almost here. But keep in mind, CPO may not get you the discount you were looking for.

 

any long term followup comments from 2013 owners with Nuluxe? any durability issues?

 

We only had the 13 ES with nuluxe for about 18 months but we have nothing bad to report. The seats were comfortable, easy to clean, and looked great.

 

I found out my 2016 had Nuluxe after 2 weeks. Thought it was leather! At first I was bummed, but after the research and remembering what the leather in my RX looked like after 3 years, I think I'm glad it is Nuluxe. Time will tell....

 

Thanks. Are Lexus using cheaper quality leather than they used to? Because te leather in my 10 year old ES still is in pretty good shape! (Hope I get good $$ for the trade in). Surprised you had leather in bad shape after 3 years !