Yep, my son "Mo" in where you may possibly be in a few years- 3 kids under 6 and a mini van...... come to think of it, watching him is exactly where I got that 'idea'.
Thanks for taking it the way it was intended! Best of luck in your vehicle search AND with the new addition to the family.

 

J D Power has ranked Lexus #1 in reliability for five years in a row. The attached shows the ES is #1 ranked in the compact premium car for reliability. The maintenance could not be any easier and cheaper. Every 10,000 miles ask for an oil change and tire rotation at the Lexus dealership if so inclined. This should be less than $100. Every 30,000 miles the brake fluid needs to be changed and again about $100. Every 20,000 miles change the air and cabin filters. This combined takes five minutes and the air filter can be bought on line at Lexus Parts World for $18. The cabin air filter can be bought at Walmart for $18, It is the Fram Fresh Breeze #10285 with carbon and baking soda to filter the air. Wiper blade inserts again can be bought at Lexus Parts World for $20 for both refills and takes five minutes to replace. You are done until 100,000 miles. At Lexus Parts World use cl5 in the promo code for 10% discount. If you go in and ask for the 10,000, 20,000 30,000 maintenance you will be paying big bucks for a lot more items you do not need checked and inspected. Once a year replace the key fob battery cr2032. Keep receipts for everything. I take my oil filter bought at Lexus Parts World and 5 quart jug of Mobil 1 purchased at Walmart for $24 to my local Toyota dealer and they charge me $15 labor.

http://www.jdpower.com/press-release...lity-study-vds

 

Off topic, but I'll never understand where they get the "compact" from. The ES is far from compact.

 

I use my Local Toyota Dealer, as the Lexus Dealer is over 2 hrs away. Is cheaper, uses Mobile 1 oil..Is entered into the system and will show on the Lexus system as well..

 

I've seen this too and am surprised that it hasn't been brought to their attention either internally or externally. Or maybe they just believe the ES is a compact for some strange reason.

 

Well here's my 'two cents'. I've had a ES 350 for about 4 months, 7800 miles on it.

It's great, I love driving it. But I don't have a family, so I can't speak to those issues.

Love the way it feels on the road, and haven't had any problems thus far with it. Plus the Lexus salesman I bought it from is
really great. Gave me his cell #, and is always there to answer questions, provide advice, even if it's just related matters (like where in the area
would be best to go to get the car washed, etc.)

 

Everybody here is doing a great job advising you, I would just add one thing.

You said you were comfortable doing routine maintenance on your Volvo but would not be on the Lexus, no reason for that worry. Remember the ES350 has the identical powertrain as a Toyota Camry and Toyota Avalon. Literally any mechanic can work on these cars, and if you were able to work on your Volvo you can work on the ES.

That's one of the great things about a Lexus, mechanically they aren't exotic at all. If my more complicated and more Lexus specific LS460 were to have an issue on a trip, I would take it to a gas station somewhere without hesitation...very simple.

 

I just bought a 2013 ES 350 with 28,000 miles today, to be picked up Monday.

I was very impressed by the car, and while driving it, agreed on the spot to buy it.

It is an absolute delight to drive, and I say that as someone who has been diving for more than sixty years. It is responsive, well balanced, quiet and comfortable.

My other half, who sat in back, said "I don't even have to drive it."

One last detail ........ the trade in was a 2005 Jaguar XJ Super V8, long wheelbase.

 

Congratulations and welcome to Club Lexus!