The Avalon is a bigger car if space matters. The Lexus has power tilt/telescoping steering wheel which is neat. If the Lexus has the navigation system I'd avoid it. There are issues with the touch screen going out which has climate controls integrated to it and no replacement is available.
Choosing between two older Japanese luxury cars?
- Thread starter Elkins45
- Start date
Great info!
They are built on the same platform so they should be the same size.
Take the Lexus hands down. 20k less mileage, quieter ride and better shape is the difference
edyvw
$50 site donor 2025
I am trying to figure out Avalon=luxury car.
It’s all relative, of course, but I have heard people here refer to them as Japanese Buick.
You are correct, I meant ES350
i’m not certain about the Lexus, but the Toyota doesn’t even have an AUX input. You can buy a module that plugs into the disc changer port for $25. That’s what I did with my old Corolla.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2025
Ok, Buick=Luxury car? I mean it is relative, but geez.
I’ve always thought they were and here’s why:
Back before the fall of the USSR I briefly worked with Malcolm Kilduff. He was Pierre Salinger‘s assistant press secretary and was the person who announced to the world that JFK was dead. He told a story about being friendly with some Soviet diplomat and joking about him becoming bourgeoisie when he saw him driving a Buick one day. Apparently, not long after that the Soviet consulate bosses made him sell the Buick and buy a Chevy instead. Mac said his Soviet buddy was always suspicious that he had ratted him out to the party.
Apparently the Soviet communist party considered Buicks to be luxury cars, so that’s why I do too.
The Camry is the same platform too. Toyota increased body dimensions on the Avalon with the same platform.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2025
There are numerous luxury brands from 1930’s that actually don’t exist anymore. IMO ES350 is far cry from luxury vehicle. Just bcs. you put bit more insulation and better leather on a vehicle, doesn’t mean it is luxury. GS350? Yes.
I would opt for the (ES?) Lexus, just because it was made in Japan.
Condition is priority on a used car. I’d go lexus
Whichever is in better condition. ES350 and Avalon is practically the same car.
I agree. Luxurious?
Hmmm!The Avalon is the FlagShip sedan for TOYOTA.
I may lean toward the Lexus between the two examples that you are considering, as it sounds as though it’s the one that’s in better condition.
And even though they’re basically the same vehicle, Lexus may do extra things differently to their vehicles that may be unseen but could be substantial in build quality and polish. The ES being built in Japan and the Avalon being built in Georgetown, KY. Not saying there is a difference, just saying!
Plus, if you have your ES serviced at a LEXUS dealership, you are treated more special. This was our experience with our RX. However all brands have gotten much better in this regard while others seem as though they’re still stuck in the 1970’s
Last edited:
Do you know if the 2011 model year suffers the same issue with the navigation screen?
The changed the design for the model refresh. 2011 is good.
LS is RWD, ES (Avalon) is a FWD, extended length Camry. Me, I’d go with the LS because RWD, but that comes at a slight cost to MPG. The ES/avalon back seat gets high marks for outstanding legroom and interior space - it is also a rock solid contender. I’d consider those metrics in your figuring. Drive in snow much? FWD has the advantage there.
Absolutely pay 2k more for the LS. The paint job to fix the scuff alone is worth like 1k, and the dash crack another 1k.
Last edited:
Similar threads
- Locked