Late in 2013 a new generation Lexus ES was built on its own unique platform.
Previous models shared some underpinnings with Toyota models.
Front styling was distinctly Lexus with its aggressive arrow-head spindle grille.
The smooth, near silent ride and high-quality finish that had really impressed people since the earliest days of the Lexus LS400 was continued in the ES line.
Perhaps it wasn’t quite as smooth as its big brother, but the ES cost considerably less so has appealed to many.
Thus, there are now quite a few on the secondhand market, given you a good choice to select from.
Lexus ES was offered as pure petrol-powered by a 3.5-litre V6 or petrol/electric hybrid with a 2.5-litre Atkinson Cycle four-cylinder petrol engine and nickel-metal-hydride batteries.
Potential Lexus buyers are often tech savvy people and quite a few hybrids have been sold since day one
The ES makes no pretense at being a sports machine.
Handling is on the soft side as the concentration is on comfort.
Interior room is good without being outstanding and you may not be able to transport four tall people without some compromising front to rear on the driver’s side.
In August 2015 the ES was given an extensive makeover.
Visually it took cues from the company’s L-Finesse design language, with a pinched-waist grille that was wider and taller.
New headlights, daytime running lights and reflectors created a bolder look.
At the back, sections of the light cluster were enlarged and the lower bumper broadened with the boot lid garnish now integrated into the lights and extended to the clear lenses.
Sportier looking wheels completed the package.
The biggest change is an invisible one, the use of paint that has Lexus’s self-restoring surface which lets the paint’s clear outer coating ‘heal’ itself from minor damage.
This ES had the Lexus Safety System+ which combined a pre-collision system, lane departure warning, automatic high beam lighting and active cruise control.
An upgrade in 2021 added a new ES 250 variant with a new design 2.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine 152kW of power and 243Nm of torque with combined-cycle fuel consumption of 6.6L/100km.
The ES 250 Luxury has a new 12.3-inch screen with touch-display functionality complementing the 7.0-inch driver display and incorporating Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation and a 10-speaker sound system.
The ES 250 Luxury offers for the first time on the ES hazel trim complemented by textured 3D Film ornamentation.
Over the years the number of Lexus dealerships in Australia has increased significantly.
The company began its operations in the major capital cities, but later expanded into larger country cities as well.
Senior technicians at Toyota dealerships can carry out work if you’re not in an area serviced directly by Lexus.
It comes as no surprise that we recommend servicing and repairs should be left to professional mechanics.
Insurance premiums are generally moderate, reflecting the type of conservative driver to whom this Lexus appeals.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Having done your own initial checks, we strongly recommend calling in either a Lexus specialist or a senior inspector from a motoring association.
Get a quote for even the most minor faults as these can be surprisingly expensive at times.
Make sure the engine starts quickly and idles smoothly, indeed, virtually imperceptibly.
Check the automatic transmission operates quietly and smoothly.
If you haven’t driven a hybrid before you’re likely to be surprised the engine doesn’t start when you turn the car on.
Instead, the electric motor sits there silently and the car moves off on electric power. The petrol engine kicks in as required.
Feel for steering that is precise in its operation and works smoothly.
Listen for unusual noises and look for the slightest sign of anything out of the ordinary.
HOW MUCH?
Expect to pay from $12,000 to $17,000 for a 2013 Lexus ES300h Luxury or a 2013 ES350 Luxury; $14,000 to $20,000 for a 2014 Sports Luxury; $19,000 to $27,000 for a 2016 ES300h Luxury; $24,000 to $33,000 for a 2016 ES300h Luxury or a 2018 ES350 Luxury; $28,000 to $37,000 for a 2018 ES300h Luxury; $42,000 to $57,000 for a 2021 ES250 Luxury; and $48,000 to $62,000 for a 2021 ES250 F Sport.
CAR BUYING TIPS
Take a friend with you when shopping for a used car.
That way they can keep the chattering sales person at bay while you check out the car without interruptions.
Used car prices have generally increased during the period of new car stock shortages.
Start looking at adverts for used vehicles several months before you intend buying.
That way you can get a feel for the price being asked and whether they are rising and falling, as dealers need to clear stock due to overcrowding.
Keep an eye on adverts for new cars that say there are specials on particular models.
This can lead to a lot of traded-ins taking up too much space in yards and they will be discounted to get rid of them.
Keep an eye open for ads of unpopular cars, as there can vary greatly in price.
Owners struggling to find a buyers may be forced to grit their teeth and drop their asking price.
If checking a used car at a dealership look at other cars on the lot.
This can provide an insight into the quality of the vehicles in which the dealer specialises.
If buying privately ask for proof of ownership and make sure the insurance covers you for taking a test drive.
Take a slow walk around any car you’re considering, looking for obvious defects.
It amuses us how many people dive into tiny details, only to discover later a major ding somewhere on the other side of the car.
Ideally any road test of a car you’re getting serious about should be done with the engine stone cold. Early morning is best.
If you’re serious about buying a vehicle, tell the seller you would like to take it for a good long test drive.
If they insist on coming that’s understandable, but try to avoid them “selling” the car to you.
Put bluntly, ask them to shut up,
In their later years, cars with a reputation for being long lived and trouble free sometimes attract buyers who have no intention of ever servicing them.
The next owner may suffer as a result.
Finally, spend as much time looking for the best price on insurance and finance as you do on the car itself.
RECALLS
To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/