- Consider a 2016
- Stereo and displays
- Transmission fluid level
- Tire care
- Ventilated seats
- Final thought
- Justin Pritchard
The all-new-for-2013 sixth-generation Lexus ES was first shown to the public in 2012. When it went on sale, it brought new styling, handling, design and refinement along for the ride while improving on the smoothness, comfort and efficiency that had earned it mass appeal over previous generations.
All ES models are four-door, five-seat sedans with both standard gasoline or gas-hybrid power available under the hood. This generation’s ES brought a drive-mode selector that helped drivers fine-tune the operation of the ES to their specific tastes with the flick of a dial, and heavily retuned steering, braking, and suspension systems.
The Lexus ES 350 got a proven 3.5 litre, 268-horsepower V6 engine under the hood, while the newly available ES 300h hybrid model ran a high-efficiency four-cylinder hybrid engine.
The sixth-generation Lexus ES also boasted improvements to its safety systems and numerous on-board measurements including rear headroom, knee room, and even foot room beneath the front seats for rear-seat passengers.
Check out the links below for additional reviews, specifications, comparisons, and news on the Lexus ES, and read on for 5 tips to help make sure you find the best used unit you can for the dollar.
Consider a 2016
- Updated interior.
- Revised exterior style.
- Improved safety equipment.
- Wider feature availability.
This generation Lexus ES launched for model-year 2013, though a model-year 2016 update brought some major tweaks and enhancements to the lineup. If it’s in your budget, a 2016 or newer model adds standard LED headlamps, a refreshed look with a bolder grille treatment, updated interior finishes and trim, the new Lexus Safety System +, and a new infotainment system.
The Mark Levinson stereo system and panoramic sunroof were two feature favourites for this generation ES, and for 2016, both were made more widely available across the model range. If it’s in your budget, a 2016 or newer Lexus ES should provide added feature content and value for your dollar.
2016 Lexus ES 350. Photo by Greg Williams
Stereo and displays
- Confirm consistent audio performance from the stereo.
- Triple-check all display screens for proper operation.
- A new battery can help prevent electronic trouble.
Onboard infotainment and entertainment systems are responsible for many of the problems reported by owners of modern cars across numerous makes and models, and the Lexus ES is no exception. Though most owners don’t report issues in these areas, those who have say that test-driving shoppers should spend some time listening to the stereo system while keeping an ear out for random failure of audio playback, random muting of the audio, or (more rarely) a stereo system that adjusts its own volume, seemingly at random.
Other owners have reported issues with on board displays that fail to power up and work properly, or may glitch or go blank while driving; most have not. Though replacing a weak or dying battery can fend off most problems in these areas, head-unit and display problems can be pricey to fix out of warranty, so you’ll want to be on the lookout during your test drive.
2016 Lexus ES 350. Photo by Greg Williams
Transmission fluid level
- Low transmission fluid levels can cause problems.
- Watch for vibrations around 60 to 75 km/h.
- Transmission reset may be helpful.
- Professional help recommended.
Some owners have reported frustrating operation from the automatic transmission in the Lexus ES 350, specifically regarding vibrations, gear hunting, and general clumsiness in certain specific situations—particularly tackling hilly terrain at speeds between about 60 and 75 km/h. According to some owners, the transmission may feel like it’s hunting for the right gear, respond clumsily to throttle inputs, or generate unwelcome vibrations or whining sounds in these situations.
Though most owners do not report this problem, the owners’ community has revealed that having a dealer technician check, change and adjust the transmission fluid level, as well as resetting the transmission computer can have a positive effect. If in doubt, have the used ES you’re considering checked over in a dealership setting by a professional.
2016 Lexus ES 350. Photo by Greg Williams
Tire care
- Tire type and condition play a major role in ride quality.
- Low-quality tires can cause issues with noise, comfort, and efficiency.
The Lexus ES you’re considering has been carefully engineered to deliver a smooth, refined, quiet, and efficient drive, and owners have a role to play in maintaining that drive as the vehicle ages. One of the easiest ways to ensure your new-to-you Lexus ES delivers the best drive possible is to pay some attention to its tires, which can solve or prevent numerous issues with road noise, ride comfort, and poor fuel efficiency.
Be sure the ES you’re considering is rolling on a set of healthy and application-appropriate tires from a reputable brand, noting that certain tires are recommended for the ES based on their features and attributes, and that cut-price tires not intended for use in a luxury vehicle may not deliver the ride you’re after.
Assuming the ES you’re considering is on an appropriate, high-quality set of tires designed for the application, regular tire rotation, tire-pressure checks, and alignment servicing (when required) can go a long way to solving drivability issues with fuel efficiency, comfort, vibrations and noise levels. If the ES you’re considering fails to deliver the smooth, quiet drive you’re expecting, a professional assessment of the tires is a great place to start.
2016 Lexus ES 350. Photo by Greg Williams
Ventilated seats
- Seats should ventilate from the bottom and back.
- Loose ducts or bad switches can cause problems.
- Check ventilated seats carefully before you buy.
Some owners have reported issues with the ventilated seats in their Lexus ES. Most have not.
On your test drive, be sure to try the ventilated seats (if equipped) in both driver and passenger positions, and at all ventilation levels. You should notice a cooling effect on your back and bottom if the seats are working properly. If cooling is not present, or is only present on either the seatback or seat bottom, have a technician investigate.
A wiring problem, bad switch, or loose or disconnected internal duct can cause performance problems with ventilated seats, which can be pricey to fix outside of warranty.
2016 Lexus ES 350. Photo by Greg Williams
Final thought
These tips are designed for test driving shoppers to more easily identify problems reported by some owners. A careful and attentive test drive that focuses on the areas above can help you find a first-class example of a secondhand Lexus ES.
Justin Pritchard
Justin Pritchard is a Sudbury, Ontario based automotive journalist and award-winning presenter, photographer, videographer and technical writer. Every week, Justin uses his keyboard, voice and cameras to share his latest automotive reviews and discoveries with his audience, via multiple Canadian television programs, print and online publications.
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Keyword: Used Guide: 2013-2018 Lexus ES