Your Personal Opinion on Gen I to Gen II Differences

[bobcrane]

I'm looking for a car under $8grand to get to work and back.

I'm seeing on Craigslist where I can pick up a '99 avalon XLS pretty consistently for $3000 - $4500, depending on mileage. I can pickup a 2000 - 2001 XLS for $6500 - $7500, again, depending on mileage.

We currently own a '97 XLS, and love it. There's some wind noise, but not much, the ride is comfortable, and it gets great gas mileage.

So if you've experienced both a gen I and a Gen II Avalon, tell me your opinion on why one is better than the other.

Thanks,

Bob

[tr7driver]

Originally Posted by bobcrane

I'm looking for a car under $8grand to get to work and back.

I'm seeing on Craigslist where I can pick up a '99 avalon XLS pretty consistently for $3000 - $4500, depending on mileage. I can pickup a 2000 - 2001 XLS for $6500 - $7500, again, depending on mileage.

We currently own a '97 XLS, and love it. There's some wind noise, but not much, the ride is comfortable, and it gets great gas mileage.

So if you've experienced both a gen I and a Gen II Avalon, tell me your opinion on why one is better than the other.

Thanks,

Bob

I have had both in fully loaded XLS trim. Both are excellent cars with little trouble. I like the interior controls more on gen 2. I have had a little more trouble with OBD codes on the gen 2 car, so there may be more sensitive electronics jammed into it. The gen 1 car withstood a violent highway speed rear end crash quite well. I seemed to go through tires faster on the gen 1 car.

[bobcrane]

Thanks for the feedback. Any others with experience in both generations?

[aznstylez]

Gen II has 1mz-fe with vvti engine which helps alot in power, speed, engine noise. But just to tell you, it all depends on how well the owner kept the car.

[84Cressida]

My grandparents have a 2003 XLS and I have a 1998 XLS so I'll compare.

The 2003 has a higher seating arrangement so you're further off the ground improving visibility.

The Gen 1 is, for all intents and purposes, much more fun to drive. The gas pedal feel on the '03 is DBW IIRC and not as engaging.

2003s are quieter, but the gen 1 is quiet as well.

2003 seems a bit overtaxed compared to the gen 1.

Both are basically the same mechanically except for the addition of VVT-i and some HP/TQ improvments, but like I said, the smaller gen 1 suits the 1MZ-FE better.

The Generation 1 Avalon has better exterior styling. 2003 has a better interior, IMO.