On the Fence between New Avalon and used LS430

jeostang said:

I'm really on the fence. What made you guys go with your cars? How much do you like them. I can either get a new Avalon or a 04 LS430 with 40K. The Avalon interior is really nice so I'm leaning that way. I just need a bit more of a push.

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We have both in my family, a 2004 LS430 with the mid-model facelift (projectors etc.) and a new Avalon Limited. I love my Avalon like no other, its fantastic. That being said, the LS430 is a better car in every single aspect. It's tighter, the interior is built a a much better spec, etc.

I am a proud Avalon owner, but as far as build quality goes the LS430 is worth EVERY CENT of the price difference. Many regard the LS430 as the finest flagship sedan ever built, and for good reason.

If you can get an LS for a good price, its really a no brainer.

You might want to consider the cost of operation. One of the big reasons on deciding on the Avalon was its use of 87-octane fuel instead of the Lexus (and Infiniti, BMW, Mercedes, etc) requirement for 92-octane fuel.

And then there's the cost of insurance!

Tom in Tacoma said:

You might want to consider the cost of operation. One of the big reasons on deciding on the Avalon was its use of 87-octane fuel instead of the Lexus (and Infiniti, BMW, Mercedes, etc) requirement for 92-octane fuel.

And then there's the cost of insurance!

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same rule for both cars.. both will take 87, but both recommends 91 octane for better performance..

The Lexus is in a league all its own. If you have enough $ to buy a new Avalon, you aren't worried about buying gas for a V8 or the extra insurance premium. Hummmm...Would I rather have the Toyota Flagship or the Lexus flagship. This is a no brainer to me.

perhaps a question asked by many avalon buyers..... the 07 avalon will have some new technologies that the 04 lexus won't.... but the lexus is unsurpassed in build quality and luxury. the lexus has already taken it's big hit on depreciation, so will prob be worth more than the avalon in a few years....as nice and smooth as the avy 6 is, the lexus V8 is even smoother and more powerful....rear wheel drive, as much as i love my avy, i really miss the feeling and handling of rear wheel drive....tons of aftermarket stuff out there for camry's (body mods, suspension, interior, stereo, etc.), alot fewer for the avy's...and even less for the lexus, if that's at all important to you. wow, why did i buy an avy?? ....LOL , if it doesn't matter that it's not brand new (although 40k on a lexus is barely broken in) the lexus would seem like a smart buy.....

During the recent snow and ice storms in the Seattle area I really appreciated the FWD that the Avalon offered. Especially when I drove around the RWD cars that just couldn't move any further.

I'm very impressed with the Avalon's abilities on slick roads - and I traded in a 4x4 for this car!

Thanks for everyons honest opinions. Gas and insurance are not a concerns. I found a nice 04 ls430 with 38K sport for 33800, so I may pick that up. Not sure yet. Just hate not having that new car smell.

jeostang said:

Thanks for everyons honest opinions. Gas and insurance are not a concerns. I found a nice 04 ls430 with 38K sport for 33800, so I may pick that up. Not sure yet. Just hate not having that new car smell.

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If you bought an Avalon the new car smell would fade and you would be left with an inferior car you wont regret the LS

I have an 05 Limited and am very happy with it. I did have a few minor issues with the car during the first year, but they were taken care of by the dealer. The 05 Limited replaced an older Lexus that had over 100,000 miles on it. I really just could not bring myself to buy another Lexus and was very surprised to find the quality that I did in the Avalon for the price. If you are willing to accept near Lexus comfort and quality for a much lower price, the Avalon is a deal.

If you choose a model below the Limited, you may not be as satisfied. I got every option available and probably saved 40K over purchasing a similarly equipped Lexus. The new Avalon is a lot of car for the money.

Agreed with you there, alangc. The Avalon is a lot of car for the price tag and if you're OK living without the luxury badge then the Avalon is the way to go. Personally jeostang, buying a "pre-owned" (as they're known in the luxury circle) car wasn't an option for me and I have no regrets about my '06 Avalon. It really is a beautiful car inside and out, very tight and way more powerful than I imagined. The luxury inside may not quite be up to Lexus standards, but it is a helluva lot nicer than you would expect in a Toyota. I traded in my Infiniti G35 for this car, and the Avalon looks and feels much richer. And I paid 5K less than the G.

The LS is a gorgeous car, no doubt. But I would go with the brand new Avy over the 3-year-old LS for about the same money.

I concur. Maybe I own a 10 yr old avy w/ 184k but I'll tell you what. I have owned over 28 vehicles in my lifetime since I was 16 now going on 49 and my avy is by far the best car I've ever owned hands down. Even with the few things it still needs it rides 5x better then all of them combined.

friend did same but LS430 needed tranny

Touring in HI said:

Agreed with you there, alangc. The Avalon is a lot of car for the price tag and if you're OK living without the luxury badge then the Avalon is the way to go. Personally jeostang, buying a "pre-owned" (as they're known in the luxury circle) car wasn't an option for me and I have no regrets about my '06 Avalon. It really is a beautiful car inside and out, very tight and way more powerful than I imagined. The luxury inside may not quite be up to Lexus standards, but it is a helluva lot nicer than you would expect in a Toyota. I traded in my Infiniti G35 for this car, and the Avalon looks and feels much richer. And I paid 5K less than the G.

The LS is a gorgeous car, no doubt. But I would go with the brand new Avy over the 3-year-old LS for about the same money.

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My friend went for the 04 430 and me Av Limited new. He had to replace tranny under warranty. Then new brakes for 1000.00....Glad with the Limited!!!! and Backup camera I have as well..