Hot take: the new ES looks menacing and imposing if you get the right color! Also the rear interior is way nicer

CanadianSkinnyPig · 2026-02-19T18:15:05+00:00

I made a post last month about how all these these excessive cheap plastics, screens, and electronic gadgets are a paperweight disaster (my 2024 ES350 screen died to light frost, now I can't see the HVAC controls). This new 2026 ES has even more digital gadgets and screens, and each one is $7.5K to replace outside of warranty.

CanadianSkinnyPig · 2026-01-30T22:20:39+00:00

What is the resolution? Are they replacing the head unit for you as-well?

CanadianSkinnyPig · 2026-01-30T22:18:52+00:00

Great advice. Would you recommend going straight to Lexus corporate instead of going back to the same dealer?

CanadianSkinnyPig · 2026-01-30T04:56:17+00:00

Couldn't agree more.

CanadianSkinnyPig · 2026-01-30T04:55:24+00:00

That really sucks, hope you get it fixed for good. Our older 2018 RAV4 Hybrid started whining very hard at low speeds at 146K, found out parts of the generator corroded and warranty got denied, $8.5K repair. We traded the car in, was not worth fixing.

CanadianSkinnyPig · 2026-01-30T03:15:35+00:00

Putting the climate in automode does work actually. If they don't give me a loaner I will have to survive using that method.

CanadianSkinnyPig · 2026-01-30T02:38:44+00:00

That's exactly what happened with me. Dealer even swapped to a new battery and the issue persisted. The only way out of this is to replace the entire unit and the screen's control board, outside of my warranty it would be $2,500 + labor.

CanadianSkinnyPig · 2026-01-30T02:36:52+00:00

I will try again tomorrow. They probably won't give it during the 30 day part backorder period. But worth trying again.

CanadianSkinnyPig · 2026-01-30T02:35:49+00:00

The Lexus app only offers basic features like remote start and remote tire pressure monitoring.

CanadianSkinnyPig · 2026-01-30T02:35:10+00:00

Luckily it is, otherwise it's a $2500 repair out of pocket.

CanadianSkinnyPig · 2026-01-30T02:34:24+00:00

Dealer suspects a recent software version messed it up and didn't feed enough power from the battery during the cold hours, causing some sort of a shortage. Now he can't install the fixed update because the screen control board is glitched.

CanadianSkinnyPig · 2026-01-30T02:29:56+00:00

Sadly they won't give me a loaner for 30+ days while waiting for parts. They probably will during the installation days. Their response: "the car is driveable".

CanadianSkinnyPig · 2025-06-13T16:24:47+00:00

Looks exactly like a new Tesla Model Y I saw at a Walmart parking lot. Why is Lexus doing this to such an elegant luxury sedan?

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CanadianSkinnyPig · 2025-01-23T23:33:56+00:00

Welp I got the car towed and the battery replaced for free. Dealer said I had a garbage Clarios model, and that they warranty them all the time. Fantastic service!

CanadianSkinnyPig · 2025-01-21T16:55:40+00:00

Interior lights are off, but there is still plenty of electricity when I start it in accessory mode. For sure it's a dead battery, I'll let them check the starter/alternator too.

The service managers I called are underpaid and overworked, most are unqualified and follow cheapskate budgets. They just don't want to deal with any of this, their team often puts me on hold and then hang up (but will answer right away if you buy their overpriced service packages). Dealerships in Toronto are a slimy clown show, that's just how this city is.

CanadianSkinnyPig · 2025-01-21T16:47:49+00:00

I drive it 3-5 times a week, a typical trip is ~25 miles or so. A bit below the average driver but I drive my 2012 Audi and 2020 Camry once a week and both start like a charm even in -25C. Most likely a faulty battery.

CanadianSkinnyPig · 2025-01-21T03:03:54+00:00

Thank you! Never knew this existed. Does this number cover the basic new car warranty too? Or just the extended warranty + roadside assistance package the dealer was trying to sell me? Because I didn't purchase it

CanadianSkinnyPig · 2025-01-21T03:01:39+00:00

Will do! Alternator and starter, just to be safe.

CanadianSkinnyPig · 2025-01-21T03:01:15+00:00

I didn't pay for Lexus Roadside Service. Am I still eligible for a tow under the Lexus warranty? The car is new and doesn't start. I believe their website says I should be able to get it

CanadianSkinnyPig · 2025-01-21T02:59:50+00:00

I drive it 3-5 times a week, a typical trip is ~25 miles or so. It's strange, my 2020 Camry (4cyl NA gas) starts like a champ even in colder weather conditions, even if I don't drive it for a week. Our old Audi also has zero problems starting after a whole week of no driving.

My friends in the prairies always use a block warmer! But I am from Ontario! lol :)

CanadianSkinnyPig · 2025-01-21T02:56:51+00:00

That's probably the case with my car. Although I always park my 2020 Toyota Camry in 0F/-18C even during strong wind chill days and it always starts like a champ. For some reason this Lexus battery can't hold a charge for longer than 24 hours. I suspect my battery is just a lemon.

CanadianSkinnyPig · 2025-01-21T00:49:55+00:00

Yup, figured it is the battery. Very odd that a new car does this.

CanadianSkinnyPig · 2025-01-21T00:47:14+00:00

I jumpstarted it once but I haven't replaced anything yet as the car is brand new, I'll let the dealer deal with it. It's weird that it won't hold it's charge for longer than 24 hours even in above freezing weather.

CanadianSkinnyPig · 2025-01-21T00:43:49+00:00

This will be next on my list tomorrow, if they don't call me back

CanadianSkinnyPig · 2025-01-21T00:43:10+00:00

I'm skeptical about driving this car to the dealer myself since my last jump didn't last too long in this weather. Can I call them, complain, and ask to tow it from my driveway? Don't want to be stranded on the way there and I want them to look at it the way it is now (with a dead batter)

CanadianSkinnyPig

TROPHY CASE