Hey folks, I'm coming from a 2014 GS350 @ 55, but with my 200 mile commute, I need better MPG. I was looking at a 2018 Accord Hybrid, but I can't stomach the fit and finish.

What are main difference between older ES300h's vs the ones with the newer front. I think these are all 6th generation. Also, any common issues?

 

Besides the exterior changes mostly to the front end, the main differences between the 2013-2015 ES and the post mid-cycle re-fresh 2016-1018 ES are some nice interior upgrades with the 2016-2018 cars.

For cars with the Luxury or Ultra Luxury package, the seats have nicer looking more elaborate stitching and the center console has nice wood trim, instead of the (easily scratched) piano black on the 2013-2015 ES. Also, the perimeter of the center console comes with more upscale looking soft padded material. Further, there are nicer switch plates on the doors, interior lights with LED bulbs, and the multi-information display contains more information.

Note that the 2013 and 2014 cars with navigation have a Generation 7 system. The 2015 and 2016 cars have a Generation 8 navigation system, and the 2017 and 2018 cars have a Generation 9 navigation system. The Generation 8 system and especially the Generation 9 system function significantly better than the Generation 7 system, especially with regard to using voice commands.

Otherwise, mechanically, there were no changes made through the various model years for the Generation 6 ES model run for either the ES 350 or the ES 300h. Note, though, that 2013-2015 cars are, at this point, out of their 4 year bumper-to-bumper warranty, and they are likely to have only very little, if any, of their power train warranty left.

 

What's reliability like? Should I be worried about buying a 2015 ES300h with 80k miles? Also, what's realistic gas mileage at 75 MPH highway.

 

Having traded my 2015 ESh this last year, I don’t think you should be any more worried than any other car at that mileage. My highway mileage this last May ranged between 38 and 43. I actually had two tanks hit 43, and average speed was 80 (the speed limit on our rural interstates).

 

Btw before I bought my 2013 I asked on the forum if there were any bugs in the newer models and the consensus was no. But I have heard of expensive sunroof issues (rattle I think) that were fixed in the 2016 models. Two tone interiors on the 2016+ also. With the similarities between the two I just couldn’t part with the extra cash myself.

 

I've had both a 2015 and 2018 model in the family and i would definite go with a 2016+ model. The looks are better, any issues (although small) that were in the early models are fixed and you are more likely to get better features. For example safety sense is more common on the 2016+ models. That alone should be a big reason to the later models.

 

That is a good point. For the 2013-2015 ES, many cars had safety features like the Blind Spot Monitor, but only very few had the Safety System, which includes the Radar Cruise Control, Auto Breaking/Collision Avoidance, Lane Keep Assist, etc. For the 2016 model year, a much larger number of ES came equipped with the Safety System, and for the 2017 and 2018 model years, the Safety System+ became standard equipment on all ES.

For me, I will never buy another car without various safety systems. While I hope that I will never need them to prevent an accident, they only need to work one time to make them worth having.

 

@lesz you know, I am also looking at a 2018 Honda Accord Hybrid with like 20k and Honda Sense. Although the fit and finish are not there like in the Lexus, I am kind of thinking it would be a better buy due to increased MPG's and the safety features vs a 2015 ES300 with 80k. My current daily is a 2014 GS 350, but I'm averaging 25 MPG which hurts when I drive hwy about 600-800 miles a week.

 

Without looking at pricing, I'm guessing that Accord is $10k+ more than the ES? If you drive each for a few years and put on 150k miles before selling, what will each be worth?

 

Both hold value relatively well. Here is the Honda. It's a good looking car, albeit basic compared to the much higher mileage Lexus.

https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-fo...-honda-accord/

 

That is a nice looking car. Not nearly as expensive as I assumed it would be.

 

Right? It looks good. The seats are not as comfortable as Lexus, but not a bad deal at all.

 

I’ll bet you’ll be glad not to have to put in premium at the pump anymore as well!

 

Absolutely, now I just need to pick which one I'm getting . 18 Accord vs. 15 300.

 

I wanted to add that the accord comes with carplay/aa as well. It is great feature once you use in a car you can't live without.