My wife's car is an 08 es350. We've loved it (and loved our RX330 before it). Comfy, little bit of luxury, and absolutely reliable except the water pump at 120,000. Now we're at 139,000 and looking to replace it.

Currently my thoughts are a '12 or '13 es350. I've read a couple threads where people preferred the '12. Besides the styling, were there many issues with the '13 with it being the 1st year of the new design?

Other cars being considered: Infiniti M37, Hyundai Genesis, and Toyota Camry/Avalon. Again its my wife's car, we have one 10yo child, reliability and comfort are our main 2 wants. Looking to spend as close to 20k or under as possible and we will be trading in our '08.

Thanks in advance!

 

1st, welcome to CL. 2nd, where did you see there were many issues with the 2013? I've had mine since March of '13 and have only had a battery drain issue, which was remedied via a TSB. It affected more than just the ES. I joined the forum at the same time, so I've read most, if not all the 6th gen posts. I can't remember seeing any widespread issues anyone has had. Actually, I've read fewer problems in this forum than any other car forum I've been a part of.

 

I apologize, I was only ASKING if there were any/many issues what with it being the 1st year of a new design. I did not mean to imply that there were many issues.

 

And I've owned mine since September of 2012. I have had not one warranty or otherwise issue with the car. The safety pull cord in the trunk was replaced under a recall.
The car is bulletproof and I'll be buying a new 2019 in the fall of 2018... No chronic problems reported on this forum. FYI - the engine in the 2013 and beyond is the same since 2006. 268 HP V6. Also bulletproof.

GOOD LUCK with whatever you decide but I'd be confident with the 2013.

 

I just got my 2013 ES 350 UL about a month ago used with 66k. The only thing I can tell you is that be aware that it is a big car. And drives like a big car IMO. Drives well tho, very well. I think your 08 ES was based on the Camry, the 2013-2017 is based on the Avalon.

 

Keep the 2008!!!!
I have a 08 ES 350 with 201,000 miles on it. Runs like a brand new one. I just bought a new 2017 ES 350 and kept the 08. Absolutely love to drive the 08. Have had the 17 for 2 months now and only have 650 miles on it, Still love to hop in the 08 to drive around town!! (I love the 17 too)!! I just felt like I would not get what the 08 was worth if I traded it. These 200,000 miles are all mine, so I know what good condition the car is in!

Good luck!

 

Reliability will be about the same, I think the 6th generation (2013+) is a better car and the extra room makes a difference.

I would pick the ES 350 over the other choices.

 

I had a 2013 ES 300h and never had a problem with it.