MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

While that is an option, I would prefer something nicer and also larger and don't mind if it's used. I definitely wouldn't want a two door, and would much prefer a GS430 or even Camry to a Civic or tC.

I appreciate all of the replies so far

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

A lot of people who have had rattles repaired at the dealership have had the problems WORSENED when techs try to take apart dashes, door panels, etc. I guess it's really a gamble, but I really do like the '07 SE.

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

Well I'm 6'1" and about 200 lbs so something like a tC would be super small. While I don't really use all of the room, I do like having a midsize with four doors. Even the IS 300 would be a squeeze for me to live with day-to-day.

Also, I want to get away from economy cars and into something that is better built like a Lexus and some more expensive Toyotas- i.e. not Yaris or Corolla.

blacksc400

iTrader: (4)

I am 160 pound and 5'11 , Everytime I got into my IS300 ( I had 2 of them ), I feel it is too small for me.

YOu need a GS or camry.

mmarshall

Fine. No problem. If you are physically uncomfortable in a smaller class of car, or just plain don't want one, OK......that's your decision, but the point I was making is that many people don't even consider this or think about it. yet is still is an option....I'm 6' 2" and 270, for instance, and I can fit into many smaller cars with no problem.

(I have to....I REVIEW them)

I was just agreeing with DASHOCKER (one of the few things we DO agree on) that it is sometimes better to get a new car with the same amount of money than used, that's all.
And economy cars are not necesarily cheaply built. The Honda Civic has some of the best overall quality I have seen in a small car....better then many larger, more expensive ones.

Getting back to the list you originally posted, I still think that the 05-06 Camry would be best....for the reasons I listed.

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

Especially considering money, I think the 05-06 is a great bet too. I'll keep you guys posted!

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

I guess another thing is that I wish there was more TRD support for the 5th gen Camry. There is almost nothing made for the car.

DASHOCKER

iTrader: (2)

The Toyota Matrix XRS can be had for 20k. I am 6'4 and can fit in that car front and rear (in comfort) with no problem. Heck I can fit in my rav4

There is TRD support including supercharger package for the Matrix.

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

I don't mind the Matrix but it comes in manual only, and you have to wring it out to 6,000RPMS to get any power. I live in the city and do a lot of stop and go driving, so torque is a bit more useful for me. I have thought about a '07ish Rav4 but they are a bit pricey, even used.

DASHOCKER

iTrader: (2)

The Matrix XRS can be had with a slush box too.

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

If I was in your shoe, I'd go for the 01-03 GS430

The only repair that is substantially higher than the GS300 is the damn starter. I'm there are others, but the 300 and 430 are fairly close in repairs.

The used market is great for these cars.

As long as you don't expect any thrills out of the camry, then a newer camry is probably better economically in the long run (insurance, cheaper repairs, maintenance...).

geko29

It's not on your list, but how about an e46 3-series? I'm 6'4" and 280, and fit like a champ in my 2000 323i. It's an absolute blast to drive, the cheapest car to own I've ever had, and gets 31mpg average (albeit on premium fuel). The 328i with its taller gearing is supposed to get 1-3mpg better, despite the 0.3L larger engine. It's the only car I've ever been happy with 18 months after purchase...and it's now 8 years old.

Another choice if you're looking used and fuel economy is a high priority would be either the Camry or Accord hybrid. Camry gets much better economy, but isn't that much fun, while the accord has lots of power but only gets 1mpg better than the 4cyl version.

Mister P

Between all of those, I'd probably take out the GS300 right away. The gas mileage is essentially the same as the 430(about 19-20mpg city depending on how you drive)-- the GS3's engine is great, very smooth... but not a V8.

I have an '08 Camry LE 4cyl, and am personally happy with it. We have 3 of them in the family, as well as an '05 LE 4 cyl. The '07-'08 interior is, to some, a step down in quality of materials, but I feel that it is a big step ahead in terms of ergonomics/overall look versus the '05. The whole package versus the '05 makes the '07 Camry SE V6 the better choice out of the Camry's. We're getting about 24-25 MPG with mostly city driving in all of them.

The real question is, how much difference in gas mileage are you willing to put up with? The GS430 will be a lot more fun to drive, and as one that loves driving his 10-year-old GS300 every day, I'd probably pick the GS.