How To Get Reliable Rolls-Royce-Like Ride Quality For $30,000

Rolls-Royce is renowned for its opulent road cars, adorned with premium leather and other luxurious materials. The models wearing the “RR” badge and punctuated by the spirit of ecstasy are renowned for their ride, which is one of comfort and refinement, serving as one of the justifying reasons for these models’ eye-watering price tags.

How many of us have the cash on hand to buy a brand-new Rolls-Royce? Well fear not. For those seeking a similar driving experience, there is another luxury sedan offering a Rolls-Royce-esque experience for less than $30,000. The answer to that is the Lexus ES 350.

The Lexus ES 350

One of the oldest models still in the modern lineup is the Lexus ES, and one of Lexus’ mainstay sedans. Introduced in 1989, the ES, short for “Executive Sedan,” was a mid-size executive sedan characterized by its luxury features and sublime ride, a reputation it has maintained to this day. For the first five generations of the Lexus ES, it was based on the same platform as the Toyota Camry. Still, subsequent generations would be closely related to both the Toyota Camry and the Toyota Avalon, and the latest incarnation of the Lexus ES is the cheapest 300-hp car in America.

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In 2012, Lexus introduced the sixth generation of the Lexus ES. This generation was based on Toyota’s K platform, which was also shared with the XV50 generation Toyota Camry. However, it was more closely related to the XX40 generation Toyota Avalon, another name in the Japanese luxury sedan segment. At the core of the Lexus ES was a 3.5-liter V6 engine that didn’t offer a lot of power, but was fuel-efficient, with a combined EPA rating of 39 mpg, and was paired with a six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission. Although it retained the Toyota Camry platform, its suspension system had been significantly improved compared to the previous generation.

Lexus introduced opposite-wound coil springs to enhance straight-line stability. At the same time, the rear suspension geometry was refined, and the shock absorber damping characteristics were improved to enhance the Lexus ES’ ride comfort. While its suspension system was improved, the steering ratio was reduced to improve the responsiveness and steering feel of the Lexus ES, while the body rigidity was increased. All in all, the Lexus ES 350 is an impressive luxury sedan that offers impeccable ride quality and is the most reliable sedan over the last 10 years, which can be had for less than $30,000.

Roughly $30K For A Rolls-Royce-Esque Driving Experience

The 2013 Lexus ES 350 had an MSRP of $36,370, which isn’t a hefty sum for a car wielding the reliability of Toyota’s models and the appealing styling concocted by Lexus. It was – and still is – an impressive offering, one that is saved by its impeccable ride quality, interior appointments, and a commendable engine. More than a decade since its debut, the sixth-generation Lexus ES has held its value well, with many examples of this generation being listed and sold for under $30,000, which is $15,000 less than the priciest Toyota Camry.

Based on the listings currently available on AutoTempest, some examples of the sixth-generation Lexus ES 350, such as a base-spec 2015 Lexus ES 350, are currently listed for $15,000. It’s worth noting that Lexus introduced a face-lifted version of the sixth-generation Lexus ES, marking the first time the Lexus ES was produced in the US. As a result, examples of the face-lifted Lexus ES are sold and listed at a higher price than the pre-facelift models. Another example of the pre-facelift Lexus ES, specifically a 2012 Lexus ES 350 with 54,109 miles and in somewhat stock condition, is listed for $18,590.

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As for the post-facelift models, some examples are listed for $22,990, for example, the 2016 Lexus ES 350 with 69,786 miles. An example of the 2017 Lexus ES 350 with 19,442 miles is listed for $27,990 with a lengthy list of extras and appealing features. Another example of the face-lifted Lexus ES 350 with an equally lengthy list of features and 157,619 miles is listed for a staggeringly low $13,800.

It’s Worth Going Back A Few Years

$30,000 is a hefty sum of money, especially considering that we’re trying to convince you that this decade-old luxury sedan is the right choice. When Lexus introduced the sixth-generation Lexus ES, it took control from the XV40 generation Lexus ES, which is still as reliable as many of Toyota and Lexus models, but managed to secure a 98% reliability rating and 89% overall rating from JD Power, which makes it one of the highest ranked, if not the highest ranked model in its segment.

For the fifth-generation Lexus ES 350, expect to pay anywhere between $8,000 and $15,000, with some exceptions that may dip above or below this price range. An example of the 2010 Lexus ES 350 with 160,456 miles and evident wear and tear is listed for as low as $8,799. Another example of the 2011 Lexus ES 350 with $106,772 miles and a rebuilt title is listed for $9,995, roughly the same price you’d pay for Lexus’ reliable V8-powered flagship sedan.

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On the opposite side of the spectrum, cleaner examples with fewer miles can be sold for between $12,000 and $17,000. An example of the 2011 Lexus ES 350, with 56,435 miles and in impressive condition, is currently listed for $17,894. Another example of the 2011 Lexus ES 350, with fewer miles but a less impressive list of features, is listed for $17,475. The Lexus ES 350 is a luxury sedan with a sterling record for reliability and a level of comfort, refinement, and ride quality akin to that of a genuine Rolls-Royce.

Sources: Lexus, AutoTempest, Classic.com, BringATrailer