RA40

iTrader: (6)

What years? This was also one of my choices initially. A top attribute was RWD so that took the Avalon out.

My choices at the time, '98 GS, 97 LS and 2001 Avalon XLS. That Avalon is big, larger trunk and I thought the interior was just a tick larger all around but not by much to the LS. The trunk was like 16 or 18 cuft compared to the near anemic 11.X of the LS. GS, Avalon was larger easily.

The new Avalon XLS is a nice car but having driven the LS, I prefer the ride characteristics of our aging RWD. I'd still take a second gen LS over an '07 Avalon XLS. YMMV

josephdoc

If budget is your primary concer, I would recommend to go with Avalon.

I am sure LS will cost you more when dealing with maintenance. For example, there are some LS models equip with electronic control struts and the cost for parts&labor would be around $3.5k. If you are buying the older models, you have to watch out the upcoming bills.

Blavatsky

Of course I'm going to say LS400, but my co-worker has a 98 avalon, and it's definitely a nice car. If my main conerns were budget and I didn't care about the speed and pimp factor of LS400, avalon would be a good choice.

BTW, Stu and ChrisK from A-L.com , wassup? I recognize your names, I'm BigD over there.

JBrady

At 110,000 miles (bought with 46,000) my 1999 LS400 continues to impress me and those that ride in it. I can see where a snowy environment would benefit from FWD but other than that the difference in a 1998-2000 LS400 and a 2001-2003 is huge if you understand and appreciate refinement and engineering. Considering inflation and its relative effect on new vehicle pricing it is reasonable to look at the retail price of these cars when new.


2003 Avalon XLS $30,505
1998 Lexus LS400 $53,300

Roughly twice as much when including inflation.

That said you may be better off with a lesser car if you cannot appreciate the LS. What about an Acura RL?

wilkie1020

I just bought my 2005 LS430 With 30K miles & it seems like the best auto I've ever owned at this point. I just sold my 2003 Avalon XL. It was a out standing car. The only problem was a heater blower motor replaced under warranty in 45K miles. We have driven MBZ's thru the 80's & 90's & they were great cars back then. I bought a 740 BMW that did me in on German cars, so I bought the Toyota. My wife didn't like the it & wanted a better car from the start. So we get the Lexus. It's one of those " if momma aint happy, aint no body happy" deals. The Avalon was a great car, but can't compare to the Lexus for being a top of the line!

Stu

Blavatsky (BigD), I guess you and ChrisK are making me feel welcome here ! Thanks ! It looks like I have a hard chice to make and I am going to have to think long and hard about which one to go with. I know that the LS400 is superior in most ways, but the truth is the costs of owning an LS400 are giving me reason to consider an Avalon.

I bought my Legend without any reservation - and it was a great decision that I have never regretted for a second. Moving to a LS400 is a big step up, so I am going to think this over. There is no other car I would rather drive, so its basically take the plunge or compromise. (again)

Blavatsky

A legend and LS400 look real nice together
Do you want two V6 FWD cars, or a V6 FWD and a V8 RWD? It's fun to switch between the two because they both have certain aspects that make them enjoyable to drive.

Good look with your purchase, either way you'll be getting a nice car.

Stu

When I decide which one to get, my Legend will be probably get sold.
I can't see any reason to own two cars, unless .... I buy the Lexus and drive it spring, summer and fall and use the Legend in the winter. Hmmmm, there's an idea !

Blavatsky

For me, selling the legend would be like giving up a kid for adoption...had to keep it. I justify it by (like you said) driving the legend in nastier weather, splitting the overall mileage between 2 vehicles, and knowing that if one needs work I will have transportation.

chubby

steveski

Now that is a one of a kind Avalon

steveski

You know Stu I sometimes forget that upgrades are not on everyone's minds Take all the upgrades away and my old Avalon was a great car as I drve it off the showroom lot. It was smooth, quiet and powerful. The bigger nags I had was the rear suspension (stock) sagged with a full load. The dealer looked it over multiple times but there was just no fix. Although I prefer a stock LS to a stock Avalon they are both fantastic rides.

No doubt about it though that the LS will likely cost more if it breaks down and for regular maintenance. Sounds like you are well reasoned in your decision and you will be happy either way.

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

Also if you want or need trunk space the Avalon wins. The trunk space on the UCF10/11, 20/21 is pretty small compared to the car itself. Smaller than the Legend even because the gas tank is located behind the rear seat. That pretty much cuts the trunk in half. This also means no ski hole pass though. Since you're from Canada maybe you go skiing a lot

Broker404

Just wanted to mention that in 1 1/2 years of owning an LS400, I have done nothing but change the oil and consistently gotten 22 mpg average. It now has 125k miles. Last 300 mile trip I took, I got 31 mpg. I could also sell my car today for about the same that I paid for it. The Avalon might be cheaper, but the LS400 has been a very economical car for me personally.

You also mention that you you don't need a V8 because you never go past 3500 rpm in your Legend. Well one of the benefits of the V8 is the low end torque it has to offer. I never really go past 2000 rpm when just cruising around town.

Stu

I want to thank you all for your insights. I am sure it will help me make a good decision. As soon as spring arrives here in Toronto, I will get myself off to the local Toyota/Lexus dealer for some test drives. I think its just a matter of time before I make the switch from Honda to Toyota