Buying advice: ES vs EX spec?

[mikebore]

I have had good help in a couple of threads deciding between hybrid and petrol, and decided on petrol (mainly cost...if they were equal I would get hybrid).

So now I am looking for a 2011 CVT 1.4, and have found a good price ES.

Can anyone comment on the difference between the ES and EX models? I know what the differences in included spec items are, but I am interested in whether the ES feels inferior to the EX in ways less obvious, and not mentioned in the specs, in particular sound proofing.

Does the EX feel like a more refined car in ways other than the spec features? My benchmark here is my wife's 2008 GD 1.4 SE, if that helps.

Any other factors in choosing a 2011 CVT 1.4 I should think about?

Thanks very much.

[caseyjones]

As far as I'm aware they're fundamentally the same car; the only difference is in the gadgets. But they are very nice gadgets to have.

[mikebore]

Just noticed in the specs section of the Honda brochure that the ES has slightly better 0-62 time and slightly better mpg figures than the EX.

All other technical data, bhp, torque, weights dimensions are identical.

The differences are not significant but why are there differences at all?

[guest3040]

More extras = more weight = slower car and worse mpg.

[mikebore]

That was my first thought, but the spec weights are the same.

[madasafish]

The sales brochures quote lower mpg for the EX.

The EX tyres cost nearly double the ES ones.

I looked at the specs and divided them into "nice to have " and "essential" and bought a 2012 used ES with rear sensors.

Plus I hate tinted windows.

[olduser1]

There are plenty of 2011 MY cars around, find the one you like drive it for at least 30 mins they get the best deal you can.

The EX has nice to have extras the ES is also well equipped.

Enjoy your test drives and wringing out the best cost of change deal

[Pine]

The EX has wider tyres than the ES. This may improve handling but the increase in width also increases the rolling resistance and the greater drag has a small negative effect on performance and mpg.  Also the lower profile of the wider tyres has less flex in the narrower sidewall and provides less cushioning of the road surface so they may seem slightly less comfortable.  That is my understanding but please correct me if I am wrong.

[mikebore]

Ah yes!...tyres the missing ingredient and the one I missed when comparing the ES and EX specs.

What you say makes sense, although I have not seen anyone comment on better handling, or harsher ride in EX models.

Having test driven a few Jazzes when buying my wife's GD a few months ago, I noticed some had wandering steering, and I am still not a fan of the Jazz electric power steering. I wonder how the lower profile EX tyres compare with ES tyres with respect to steering.

[madasafish]

I drove ES and EX models back to back. Both new.

Tyre noise is high at 70mph: a bit higher on the EX. Did not like it on speedhumps.. Suspension is same on both so it's the much lower profile tyres.. 55 vs 65 iirc.

[guest3250]

I wondered if anyone had directly compared them
I had decided to get the ES - then when I went and look - all sense blew out the window as
I loved all the niceties of the EX - forgetting the silly tyre situation -
I am looking into the tyre situation in another thread - but provided you don't mind the slightly harder ride
the EX is quite nice

[mikebore]

My assessment of the EX goodies is:

Cruise control: I have never found useful in this country in previous cars.
Pano roof: very appealing but probably wouldn't use much after novelty wore off
Privacy glass: dislike:
Front fog lights: never found useful on previous cars
Leather steering wheel: nice but minor cosmetic
Drivers arm rest: I really would like to have this.
Bluetooth: I really would like this, but fittable as aftermarket mod.
Tyres: sounds like ES preferable.

Anything I have missed?

At the moment I am still on course for the ES I have found, test drive Friday. Feb 2011 car, 9K miles, £10k.

[madasafish]

My assessment of the EX goodies is:

Cruise control: I have never found useful in this country in previous cars.
Pano roof: very appealing but probably wouldn't use much after novelty wore off
Privacy glass: dislike:
Front fog lights: never found useful on previous cars
Leather steering wheel: nice but minor cosmetic
Drivers arm rest: I really would like to have this.
Bluetooth: I really would like this, but fittable as aftermarket mod.
Tyres: sounds like ES preferable.


Agree with above.

Driver's arm rest?  aftermarket fit

Leather steering wheel?    I am buying an expensive aftermarket lace up cover...as I find the EX wheel scratchy on my hands...and they slip when cold...

[mikebore]

Driver's arm rest?  aftermarket fit

Thanks for this tip....just found this:

http://www.sgcarstyling.com/sgcar/2008-jazz-2009-carbon-adjustable-armrest-console-p-1755.html?cPath=35_37

and others on same site.

[csp]

The 2012 ES on Michelin Energy Saver tyres seems much quieter and smoother than the 2009 ES.

The only goodies I would have liked on the ES from the EX are auto lights and wipers plus Cruise Control. I could not justify the price difference just to get these though. I would have liked a CVT but again could not justify spending the extra.

Overall the ES manual is a really good package and £10k for a 9000 mile ES CVT sounds quite good.