2002 ES300 Opinions ?

[Randy Stine]

I'm male, 24, and I currently drive a silver 1997 MB E420, approaching 53,000
miles...
I've got that "get something new" bug, and I'm hoping to not have to spend
a whole lot more than the value I can sell my car for. (meaning I can't afford
a *new* E430) Anyway, I want more sporty and new, but the IS300 doesn't
appeal to me at all. (hate the taillights, hate the speedometer/dash, too
small overall, e.t.c.) I am leaning towards a BMW 3-series, or maybe even an
Audi A4. I just watched the ES300 DVD that Lexus sent me. The ES300 seems to
be "a deal" in comparison to the BMW. I'm musician, so the Mark Lev. sound
system appeals to me, as does the DVD NAV system. The DVD covering all the
features was pretty impressive...but I have a few concerns:

Power: is the 210 HP enough?

Front wheel-drive: I prefer rear-wheel....how bad is the torque-steer?

Tires: aggressive enough, or do they squeal in corners?

Suspension: How firm is the AVS Sport setting? One magazine compared it to a
BMW 530i, but I question that...

Anyway, I'd love to hear some general feedback about the car, options that are
"must-haves", and such. Thanks in advance!

~Randy

(just so I don't get a lecture about my age and affording a luxury car, no,
it's not "daddy's money". It's money I earned from a record-deal [now defunct
because of the economy after the attacks, doh!])

[Mark S. Jennings]

I'm sure the ES300 is a very nice car, but I don't think you'll approach the
driving dynamics of a 3-series or A4. You're right, the sound system and
nav are great, much better than the German cars. It really boils down to
whether you value things like nav/sound systems over that last bit of
ultra-crisp handling and chassis control.

You should go for an extensive test drive in each - if you are happy with
the ES300's handling and the feel of FWD, you'll probably be happy with the
car. But it is a luxury sedan, not a sports sedan.

I'd also suggest you take a long look at the new Nissan Altima. It doesn't
have the prestige of the Lexus, BMW, or Audi, but I think it is sportier
than the ES, and has more engine than all three. It is very inexpensive and
can be had with a manual transmission to boot. If I liked the ES, I'd think
about getting an Altima with the six-speed manual and saving $10K. But keep
in mind that nav and sound systems are very low on my priority list.

- Mark