100% agree

Stumbled upon this discussion and had to chime in because I spent way too much time trying to get my 2023 ES set up, and honestly it was a total disaster at first. I tried some of those adhesive mounts that everyone swears by, but they were just not as good as expected. They felt super flimsy and the vibration at highway speeds was driving me crazy. Ngl, I almost gave up on finding something that actually worked. Eventually I just went with Ram Mounts Phone Holder. Honestly, just go with anything from Ram Mounts, you cant go wrong. I know they look a bit industrial for a Lexus, but after trying the pretty ones, nothing holds up like their gear. It basically doesnt move at all even on the worst roads. Most other brands use such cheap plastic these days, its really disappointing. If you care about performance and not having your phone shake the whole drive, just stick with that brand.

Hey! I feel your pain with the phone holder struggle. I unfortunately had issues with vent mounts in the past – they never seem strong enough. For my ES, I ended up going with a ProClip mount; it clips onto the dash near the center console.

It's a bit pricier (around $70 for the mount, then another $30-50 for the phone-specific holder), but it's SOLID. I got mine from ProClip USA directly. Took about a week to arrive. I've found it's a much safer option, especially with winter driving around the corner. I'm happy to send you a picture if you want to see how it looks in the car!

Hey! I get the frustration. Vent mounts are a gamble. Instead of those, have you considered a ProClip mount? They're vehicle-specific, so they clip onto the dash seam – super secure. I used one in my old Acura TL for years.

For my ES, I'm using a ProClip base ($30) with a magnetic phone holder attachment ($40). Rock solid, doesn't block anything. Installation took maybe 10 minutes. I got mine from ProClip USA's website. Been using it for six months now, and no complaints.

Bonus: It doesn’t obstruct airbags or driving controls. I'm happy to send a picture if you'd like to see it! Let me know if you have questions. Also, while you're thinking about car stuff, might be worth checking your tires! I'm about to replace mine, down to 3/32".

Hey! I totally get the phone mount struggle. Those 100-mile drives demand something reliable! ProClip sounds fancy (and probably works great!), but if you're trying to stay on a budget, have you considered a CD slot mount?

I know, I know, who even uses CDs anymore, right? But hear me out. I picked up a Mpow CD slot phone mount on Amazon for around $17, and honestly, it's been surprisingly solid in my older car. Over the years, I've tried many mounts, and this one has been the most secure. It doesn't block my vents, and it's way cheaper than some of the other options. It may not be as sleek as the ProClip, but for the price, it's worth a shot before spending big bucks. You can always return it if you don't like it! Let me know if you want the exact link to the one I got, happy to share!

Hey! I totally get the phone holder frustration, especially with a new ES 350. I've been through a bunch over the years in different cars. Instead of focusing on specific mounts, have you thought about the *brands* themselves and their overall reputation? I mean, ProClip sounds great (Reply #2!), but they can be pricey, right?

I've had decent luck with iOttie in the past. I had one of their Easy One Touch models (around $30 on Amazon) in my old Acura for like 3 years, and it held up pretty well. It wasn't perfect (the suction cup eventually gave way in the summer heat), but it was reliable for the price. I've also seen good reviews for Scosche, but I haven't personally used them.

Since you're still under warranty, I'd be a little cautious about anything that sticks directly to the dash – just in case it leaves a mark when you remove it. Maybe start with a cheaper brand like iOttie to test the placement before investing in something more permanent? Just a thought! Let me know what you end up going with!

Hey! I hear you on the phone holder hunt. While convenience is key, I'm always thinking about safety first, especially on those longer drives. I've unfortunately had issues with some of the 'budget-friendly' options launching my phone during sudden stops – not fun, and potentially dangerous.

While ProClip *is* great, and probably the safest bet mentioned so far, I found a decent alternative: Scosche MagicMount Pro. It's magnetic, but uses 3M adhesive to stick directly to the dash. I know, drilling is a no-go, but trust me, this stuff is strong. I picked one up at Best Buy for around $25. The magnet is powerful, so my phone hasn't budged in over a year. Just be *really* careful positioning it the first time, because that adhesive is no joke! It might seem basic, but a secure mount is way more important than saving a few bucks if it means your phone becomes a projectile in an accident.

Just my two cents – hope it helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Hey Lexus fam! I totally get the phone holder headache – it's REAL! Everyone's suggesting mounts, but have you considered going the DIY route and adding wireless CarPlay/Android Auto instead? Seriously, it’s a game changer!

I installed a Carlinkit 4.0 (around $120 on Amazon) in my buddy's older ES, and it was AMAZING. The 2023 models should be even easier. Basically, it plugs into your USB port, and BAM! Wireless connectivity. You can then use your phone's navigation on the built-in screen, so you *don't even need* a phone holder!

It took me about 15 minutes to set up. The best part? No more ugly mounts cluttering your dash! I'm thinking about doing this myself instead of messing with mounts. If you're even remotely tech-savvy, it's a total win! Let me know if you want some links or a quick walkthrough – happy to help!