[longslim]

There are several reviews of the Lexus online now.
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1205_2013_lexus_es_first_drive/

http://www.insideline.com/lexus/es-350/2013/2013-lexus-es-350-and-es-300h-first-drive.html

Seem they now are using the Avalon frame for the ES350 and not the Camry. So the interior are identical except for the frills but the ES is 5" short on the exterior. I'm guessing the 3.5L 268 hp engine will carry over for the Avalon like it did for the Lexus. And price seem to be equal with base ES $38K and {my guess} Avalon limited @$37k. So the question is will the Lexus badge and prestige rob sale from the 2013 Avalon being they are so competitive in all areas now. I do like the grill on the Lexus more than than that snow plow on the 2013 Avalon. But the upgrades are all extra on the Lexus while everything is on the Limited. I.'m really torn as I love my Avalon but hate how it looks and will be looking to trade in the fall for new Avalon or maybe the ES.

 

[246986]

Depends. Do you want a land cruiser or a normal sized car. If you ask me, the lower Lexus models arent very luxurious at all. We have a rx350 and it is downright terrible. I believe the GS and higher are true Lexus luxury cars. It is my opinion but I would ignore the grill on the new avalon. It isa different approach and I would wait a year anyways so the bugs are fixed for both models.

 

[longslim]

Depends. Do you want a land cruiser or a normal sized car. If you ask me, the lower Lexus models arent very luxurious at all. We have a rx350 and it is downright terrible. I believe the GS and higher are true Lexus luxury cars. It is my opinion but I would ignore the grill on the new avalon. It isa different approach and I would wait a year anyways so the bugs are fixed for both models.

I love the land cruiser which was the reason we got the 2011 Avalon. But the wife keep talking up how nic the Lexus looks to her. There are some owners reviews of the GS350 but not my style and for $54k it's a little pricey. If wishes came true I'd buy the LS460 but I like a steak every now and then. I will wait and see if there is a real improvement on the 13 Avalon, if not we can wait for the 2014..

 

[246986]

Think of it this way. Would you rather pay more or looks and less standard features (Lexus) or pay the same for more features standard and decent looks (Avy).

For the money, the avy is a far Superior choice.

 

[grandpapa]

don't forget the insurance cost

 

[mac12]

I don't know your needs for a vehicle, but you are getting in the price range of a RX350. I have a 2007 Avalon and a 2010 RX350 and we love the Lexus. The Lexus dealers(some) are giving a 5k discount on the 12 models right now. I drove the GS350 one time and it is leaps and bounds ahead of the ES.

 

[longslim]

I don't know your needs for a vehicle, but you are getting in the price range of a RX350. I have a 2007 Avalon and a 2010 RX350 and we love the Lexus. The Lexus dealers(some) are giving a 5k discount on the 12 models right now. I drove the GS350 one time and it is leaps and bounds ahead of the ES.

About to retire in a few years and I want to get one more nice car while I got the income. We really just want it for pleasure use and small trips to see grand kid and social event. I will not use daily as we both have work cars. I have had my SUV days (sold my Envoy and currently own a Tahoe)and don't want another one. I've tested driven A6 a 2012 E350 and 2012 BMW 535i these car are at least $15k more than Avalon. The Audi drives the best, the Benz has the styling I like most. And the BMW is over price to me for what you are getting. With all these car you pay extra for up graded features so added another 5k to the price. My wallet:headbang: is overrule my styling and name prestige desire's. So it's probably 2013 Avalon and money left over for a Disney World trip or two with the grand kids:facepalm:.

 

[robtpren]

We are also near retirement age, and also would like to get one more nice car.
My wife currently drives a 2000 Avalon which has been a dependalbe car and we would both hate to see it go, but with the 2013's coming, it might be a good time to switch.
We had looked at he Lexus ES previously but I think we would rather have a the new Avalon.
I bought a new camry last year as my daily driver, and am extremely happy with it. :thumbsup:

 

[246986]

Well supposedly, there is a Avalon hybrid which could replace your daily driver. Also If I may suggest, I would relieve myself of owning a Chevy. It will be nothing but trouble in the next 5 years. I assume you do the proper maintenance and that is why it has not failed on you yet. :lol:

All the German cars are over priced. They do compete with the Japanese brands but cost much more in comparison. BMW is not worth the money as you mentioned. Audi and MB are real close but again, dependability is a top concern so the Japanese win out again.

I also highly suggest you wait a year or 2 so Toyota can fix the bugs/complaints. No point of getting a 1st model year car when there might be new additions the following year. You might also want to test drive the new GS. I know it is a bit pricey but think about it. How many new GS' have you seen on the roads? It is the pioneer model that is leading Toyota/Lexus in a new direction.

 

[2011 Avalon Limited]

The front of that Lexus is not the least bit attractive to me. I like the 2011-12 Avalon styling way more.

 

[CISA93]

Talking about retirement, I wass just on base and I ran into a husband/wife of retired USMC Sgt Majors. They had a slightly used 2012, Pearl white(?) It was sweet and loaded. They shopped for most the of the vehicles mentioned above and they settled on the Avalon and enjoying the extra money on golf and heading out to see their retired military friends. They bitched about the same thing and they weren't about to throw the money away on what they thought was exuberant, expensive and just plain stupid (their words). Longslim, enjoy your retirement, save your money and enjoy your time in Disneyworld

 

[longslim]

Talking about retirement, I wass just on base and I ran into a husband/wife of retired USMC Sgt Majors. They had a slightly used 2012, Pearl white(?) It was sweet and loaded. They shopped for most the of the vehicles mentioned above and they settled on the Avalon and enjoying the extra money on golf and heading out to see their retired military friends. They bitched about the same thing and they weren't about to throw the money away on what they thought was exuberant, expensive and just plain stupid (their words). Longslim, enjoy your retirement, save your money and enjoy your time in Disneyworld

I use to love Annette Funicello she was pretty and Disney land was new. I guess I can come to like a costume mouse and a over priced buffet in Orlando. I to will find it hard to get the Lexus $10k is $10k

 

[Fanaticfan]

About to retire in a few years and I want to get one more nice car while I got the income. We really just want it for pleasure use and small trips to see grand kid and social event. I will not use daily as we both have work cars. I have had my SUV days (sold my Envoy and currently own a Tahoe)and don't want another one. I've tested driven A6 a 2012 E350 and 2012 BMW 535i these car are at least $15k more than Avalon. The Audi drives the best, the Benz has the styling I like most. And the BMW is over price to me for what you are getting. With all these car you pay extra for up graded features so added another 5k to the price. My wallet:headbang: is overrule my styling and name prestige desire's. So it's probably 2013 Avalon and money left over for a Disney World trip or two with the grand kids:facepalm:.

The advantage of retiring in a few years for the German cars is that you'll have plenty of time to sit at the dealership waiting for the frequent maintenance and defect issues to be resolved....

Or, if you got an Avalon, you'd have virtually no maintenance, leaving both more time and money to spend with the grand kids.

Sounds like a pretty straightforward decision to me! Wait until the 2013 is out and see how its ride compares with your other choices; hopefully, it's a good improvement.



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[Fanaticfan]

The front of that Lexus is not the least bit attractive to me. I like the 2011-12 Avalon styling way more.

Actually I really like the new GS350 front, looks like a Samurai helmet, 'tis cool.

The 2013 Avalon Maw is a bit of a shock at first but reality is, five minutes after getting one it'll be fine. I like Toyota taking a little risk with styling.



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[2011 Avalon Limited]

Actually I really like the new GS350 front, looks like a Samurai helmet, 'tis cool.

The 2013 Avalon Maw is a bit of a shock at first but reality is, five minutes after getting one it'll be fine. I like Toyota taking a little risk with styling.



Sent from my Autoguide iPhone app

As long as you never step outside the car again. Once you do, all bets are off. You would immediately be drawn to that big ugly grille.

 

[Lexfather]

There is more to an ES than just a badge and dealer service and I'm shocked to see that comment here and after the ES has been the best selling Asian luxury sedan since 1989. A Lexus is built to twice the standards of a Toyota per company regulations. The ES offers a hybrid model that gets 40MPG amazingly. You get a choice of real wood. Not sure if the Avalon will offer dual sunroofs like the ES. The Remote Touch is great to use.

Both have their intended markets, both are great cars.

 

[csaxon]

^^Nonsense. Same engine, same trans, different cosmetics.

 

[2011 Avalon Limited]

^^Nonsense. Same engine, same trans, different cosmetics.

Twice the standards? Sounds like a stretch. A looooooooooooong stretch. I do agree that they are both great cars.

 

[246986]

It sounds different on paper but in reality, its not. To add to that fact now the Es is a dressed up avalon with a luxury necklace (Badge). Its the same platform, trans, v6 engine. It will get more "real" materials but thats about it.

It is a good car thought but for the money, the avalon is a much better choice. Fuel economy shouldn't be an issue because there will be an avalon hybrid.

 

[longslim]

There is more to an ES than just a badge and dealer service and I'm shocked to see that comment here and after the ES has been the best selling Asian luxury sedan since 1989. A Lexus is built to twice the standards of a Toyota per company regulations. The ES offers a hybrid model that gets 40MPG amazingly. You get a choice of real wood. Not sure if the Avalon will offer dual sunroofs like the ES. The Remote Touch is great to use.

Both have their intended markets, both are great cars.

I have to lol on this post, how do you quantify "twice the standard"? So management actually tells the employees to do a half ass job on the Avalon. Sir, I think you are over reaching greatly in defense of the ES. Surely you didn't intend to sound so pompous. Both are great car built to a very high standard. I think Toyota expect sells for the Lexus ES to be greater. These car are market and sold to two very different demographics. I had people look at my car who have never seen nor heard of the Avalon brand. Hell I'd never heard of the dang car before I purchase one. I just happening to spot one on the dealership's lot in the back and ask wtf was it. Most people would not know it's a Toyota without see that big "T". While most people recognize a Lexus ES immediately like they do a BMW and equate it with quality and prestige. But as we on here know they are for all intent and design the same car. Before this Lexus ES where glorify Camrys with nicer interiors. Starting this year the ES will be built on the same frame as Avalon with a increase of 4" more rear seat leg room. But weirdly the Avalon will still be longer. Plus all upgrade are included in the Avalon's price, with the ES you will pay extra.