tradosauru

I owned a 2005 LS 430 until I gave it to my daughter for college. Now looking at a used Lexus but leaning toward a used 2013-2014 ES since it will be just my wife and I and one kid left.

I see the advantage of the ES of being better mpg but not sure if the ride quality will be close to the LS.

mcomer

LS 430's and 400's were among the very best riding autos on the planet,
it would be fair to say getting a 2013 or 2014 LS 460 would not ride as well.

We have had a 2014, 2018 and now a 2020 ES 300h. The '14 was nice and
they incorporated some sound deadening & chassis reinforcements in the
2016 refresh that made our 2018 nicer still. If it is in your range, consider looking
for a 2016 or newer. The Ultra Package ES350's had 18" wheels that looked cool
but rode a bit rougher than the 17's (18" N/A on 300's until 2019 BTW).

BradTank

I went from a 2004 LS430 to a 2014 ES 350. I think it was a good move, but you just have to realize when you go from a flagship luxury to car to anything, it's a step down. And I think the LS430 is one of the best built luxury cars of all time, so it's an even bigger step down than normal.

I just had too many miles on my LS (close to 200k) and had kept it too long, but I still hated seeing it go. I was on the fence regarding the next generation LS redesign (it felt like a step down) and wanted a "newish" car, so I went with the ES. I almost bought new but found an especially nice used one at a Volvo dealership at a really cheap price still under warranty.

The ES gives you 80% of the LS experience at like 50% the price. The interior room is about the same, the new ES platform being built on the Avalon instead of the Camry platform makes a big difference. The ride on the LS was softer and more isolated, but the ES is still one of the smoothest riding cars you can buy. The ES has MUCH better handling and "feels" faster even though I think on paper the LS might be quicker. Just a better power band for traffic with the ES. A few more mpgs is also a nice bonus.

The big step down is the LS interior looked like Bentley, acres of burled wood and leather. When the doors closed, it was like a bank vault, whole car felt like it was carved from granite. The generation of ES I have (2014) feels downmarket. Its a little nicer than a Toyota product, but not by much. Later generations of ES have a much nicer interior.

A new 2019+ ES closes the gap much further to where I think it would be harder to make the case to pay almost twice the price for the LS.

rmak

I have been looking at a new ES, as well as used LS and GS models. This post is very helpful.

mcomer

both Tradosauru and rmak would be well off to investigate the GS before committing to an ES.
Very solid build quality like an LS, AWD if important but scarce compared to ES as fewer were sold new.

Doublebase

I just think the LS will have a smoother blend of power and refinement that the ES just won’t be able to match. I’ve owned a 2007 LS460 and now one a 2016 Avalon (same thing basically as the ES). The ES is a great driving car: it’s quick, flickable, super reliable, great on gas, great in the snow, roomy in the back, comfortable, good handling, braking, BUT it’s just not the same as an LS. The LS will have an almost therapeutic effect on your body, mind and soul. The ES won’t. The LS will look good pulling up anywhere and people will ask you what it is or tell you it’s nice. That won’t usually happen in the ES. I do love driving the Avalon/ES, but it’s not the same as the LS - the LS was like a Boeing 757 on the highway...I literally said, “I love this F’ing car” every time I pulled it in the garage after my long commute. I miss that car. I like the Avalon quite a bit, but I don’t think I’ll ever miss the car when it’s gone (never mind write about it on a forum).

KTSHS

I was a proud owner of a 2001 LS430 for 16 years after purchasing it new, and it served me well with a very comfortable ride. Unfortunately multiple major mechanical and electrical problems started to appear which I ultimately decided to part with it. I then purchased a 2017 ES Ultra Lux with all the bells and whistles. I did not expect it to ride like an LS, which it doesn't (the LS was like riding on a luxurious sofa), but for me the ES is more fun to drive (had a Camaro Z28 and a Firebird 400 in my younger days) than the LS. My wife misses the comfort of the LS. All the tech on the ES is pretty cool too.
EDIT: I considered the GS, but with my two 6' sons, the backseat of the GS was a bit too tight for their comfort for extended trips.

uncle

I always loved cars, and have owned many top brands. I was reluctant to step down to an ES based upon what they were previously. When the 2013 came out it appealed to me so I bought one. Here is my take and what I like:
It has enough HP and Torque to move me down the road, the new luxe uphostery has held up great, cannot say that for any leather equipped car I have owned, mileage is great , build quality first class (fit and finish), and it doesn't break. To finish my comment, the rear legroom is better than any Jag, Mercedes, BMW that I have owned. As good as my Sevilles.