Choosing between two older Japanese luxury cars?

[Elkins45]

Both are 2007 models. The first is a Toyota Avalon with 150k miles for $4000. The second is a Lexus LS350 with 130k miles for $6k. Both are mechanically sound with no rust. The Avalon has the dash cracking common with those years, and a small scuff on one of the fenders.

Would you spring for the extra $2k for the Lexus? You would be getting a cosmetically somewhat nicer vehicle, 20k fewer miles, and the Lexus nameplate.

 

[fantastic]

Most likely aren't going to get maintenance records & $2,000 will help pay for that so Avalon.

 

[LazyDog]

What about the maintenance records, I driven an Avalon from that year and really like it

 

[cptbarkey]

LS430, or GX460.

 

[jdmfish]

Paid $5,300 for a 06 with 146k miles and 3 years of maintenance records. Near mint condition considering its 18 years old.

Have 11,000 miles on it since I bought it 3 months ago. Has been a near perfect machine without skipping a beat.

Very impressed overall for the dollar.

 

[gman2304]

and the Lexus nameplate.

My wife owned a 2006 Avalon Limited for 7 years. It’s a Lexus without the nameplate.

 

[eljefino]

What's your goal? Nice anonymous highway cruiser or something flashy for the budding realtor? I'd get the Avalaon-- in fact my XLE Camry with leather and sunroof is like a "4 cyl Avalon" LOL.

 

[CharBaby]

Sounds like you mean the ES350(the Avalon equivalent in a Lexus)
since there is no LS350

 

[supton]

I'd prefer the cosmetically challenged vehicle myself. Less time spent washing and waxing.

But really it's whichever has better records and lower repair costs. TCO baby.

 

[TomYoung]

I would buy the Lexus, primarily because it is in better condition. Mileage seals the deal, and also question why that dash is cracking.

 

[TomYoung]

What's your goal? Nice anonymous highway cruiser or something flashy for the budding realtor? I'd get the Avalaon-- in fact my XLE Camry with leather and sunroof is like a "4 cyl Avalon" LOL.

There is nothing flashy about a 20 year old, 100k car.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

If the Lexus is in better condition, it's worth the extra money.

 

[Pelican]

Both GOOD Vehicles, but the LS350 is not only cosmetically better there are mechanical things (improvements) that the Avalon may not have, also 2,000 less miles. IMO the $2K difference is worth it.

 

[Cheetah-kins]

I like the Avalon.

 

[JeffKeryk]

I like 'em both. I always lean towards the best condition...

 

[carviewsonic]

The Lexus gets my vote. Nicer condition and lower mileage is worth $2000 to me.

 

[JavierH19]

I think I'd take the lexus.

 

[SC Maintenance]

I would buy the one that is the best color and has the cleanest interior.

Sound about the same otherwise.

 

[skyactiv]

Do they have bluetooth being that old?

 

[ripcord]

20k difference on either of those cars is inconsequential. Both will hit 300k easily.

Which has better tires, newer battery, overall nicer condition?