This is exactly why I go to ClubLexus for advice. I'm beginning to get the picture guys. I need to aim in the reliable V6 sector, if not the 4-cylinder sector.

But I want a V8! (or a V12) Can anyone feel my pain?

EDIT: Is there are place where people like me can get help? I always want a car! Even when I don't need one.

 

Well the avalon is essentially a camry v6 with more leg room in the back. A little more insulation to reduce noise. The interior is a little bit nicer. I bought a 1995 avalon XLS for $4000 a year ago from the original owner with 125k miles. Yes I did have to change the struts and strut mounts. But all mechanical parts are camry parts so they are just as cheap and available. I will admit the camry is a little nicer looking from the outside but the Avalon is much more comfortable. (my daughter has a 1999 camry) My brother bought a 1998 avalon XLS with 135k miles a couple of months ago for $4400 also in excellent shape in the portland area. Also the avalon is calibrated to have a softer ride than the camry. Only draw back it that in my opinion the outside of the avalon is rather ugly and it does have the air of being an old mans car. I almost did not buy it because of this but now I really really like it and I also have a 1992 LS400 in mint condition.

 

I forgot. The avalon also comes with cloth. It is called the XL but not as nice inside. Advantage of cloth is that the cloth will probably be in good condition and the leather will be ripped, Especially on the side because there is a pipe on the side of the front seats without enough patting that eventually makes a hole in it.

The 1995 to I think 1997 avalon has about 187 hp and weighs around 3300 pounds or so. The 1998 1999 has around 205 hp. In the end for power the power to weight is what matters. Engine is not as torquey as the ls and almost as smooth but not as smooth. By no means is it a rocket but neither is the first gen LS

 

I definitely feel your pain. I've had the privilege of owning quite a few different vehicles ('97 BMW Z3 2.8, '02 Pontiac Trans-Am, '01 Honda Civic EX Coupe, '06 Nissan Frontier SE, '07 Nissan Titan XE, '08 Nissan Altima SE Sedan, '04 Ford F150, '08 Mercury Milan, '09 Ford Edge...). As I'm sure you can tell, I've gone through quite a few different phases. I just recently purchased a '93 LS400 with 177k on the Odo, and I LOVE it. It may have it's share of issues, but I still love it to death. Personally, I say to hell with it - get the LS and be happy.

 

Have you driven her 99 camry ? How much smoother is the avalon than the camry ? I would say the outside looks bland on the avalon also but they look good in my opinion with rims and tint .. The only downsides to the camry to me is the leather and moonroof and those god awful strut mounts. But for a dd either would be a good bet, Just depends what you want really the avalon more plush refined and comfortable. The camry more sleek looking not as comfortable of a ride climate control etc. I guess it really comes down to how spoiled you have been with your past cars haha. But if you can afford a ls4 DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT!!!!!!!! NOW

 

Her camry is a 4 cylinder so its apples to oranges. But the seats of the 99 are very uncomfortable to me. She has 175K miles on the four banger and it runs great. Does not burn oil and gets 33 in the highway and 24 in the city. The power on it sucks big time. As far as the strut mounts they don't usually go bad till about 120k or so and that is not bad for a car. I mean it really is normal maintenance just that people are too cheap to do the job right and they only change the struts and not the mounts.

 

I would never again buy a 4 banger when the V6 is so much better and I get 28 to 30 on the highway on my avalon and about 22 in the city. Not much of a sacrifice for the extra benefit and the engine difference is night and day.

 

I have the v6 so I would know about the 4cylinder but you are for sure right about the seats and mine is at 130k right now and the strut mounts went out around 70k but that was girl in college beaten miles also.

 

what gas mileage do you get on pure highway driving at about 75 mph ? and does your transmission shift so smooth that you can not feel it hardly at all? also I have 4 toyotas ( between me and my kids) and ls400 a 99 camry a 95 avalon and a 2000 4runner and all of them have or had warpped rotors. How about yours? I think toyota screwed up on this one. I replace the rotors with brembos on the ls so far so good.

 

Settle down. Sit. Be quiet. Stop babbling. Breathe.

Ask yourself what do you want without qualification. Your posts here are skipping all over the place and you disqualifiy some things as foregone conclusions when you are wrong, and you give the go-ahead to things that will give you misery down the line.

For example: you cannot love a car if the interior irritates you every time you sit in it. The second generation Q45 is an abomination of failed corporate nerves.

For example: a well-maintained BMW. This was the most reliable car I have owned yet. If you get one that has not been worked on by monkeys, you'd be surprised at how utterly wonderful they can be. A pleasure to sit in and drive.



For example: this is my current Lexus.



Bought for $3,995.00 at 95,748 miles, it now has 111,000 miles, and it is a sweetheart. Best of all, every nook and cranny and the silky engine all tell me that the manufacturer of this car was trying hard to actually make something decent. The interior is a welcome every time I get in it. I am fricken delighted with it.


Sit. Contemplate what you really want. Then make it happen.
Colin

 

Colin, how do you get that cool vacuum pattern on your carpets? Is that with using a steam cleaner?

 

Yes the ls is a car that actually relaxes you when you drive it.

 

Sorry for suggesting 740iL. I was simply suggesting one of the best performing and handling, good looking/luxury car ever made. Not saying it is the most reliable or cheap to keep.

But for people who don't DIY, any German cars, or should I say, any luxury cars, will eat you up on cost of ownership. If you don't know how to diagnose or isolate problems ahead of time, any dealers will eat you up alive on diagnostic time (and ended up fixing the wrong things). This is why it's important to know a ethical mechanic when owning an out-or-warranty car.

I have not had a BMW since the first M3 (86), but have had MB and Audi's since. Most of the problems with them are electronic in nature (sensors, solenoids, relays, switches, etc.). Very seldom do I have failures on mechanical parts. But that is because I anticipate problems ahead of time; whenever something don't feel right, or don't sound right, or something leaking, I go look for source of problems and fix them.

It's true I seldom do these on my Toyota's or Honda's (and more on German cars I had). But I sure enjoy driving and looking (outside and inside) at my German cars a lot more.

And Colin, what gorgeous rides and photos you have.

 

that explained why in the used car market, Lexus has higher value over Benz, BMW...

1st hand owner of BMW/Benz knows once the warranty is up, he/she will just let the car go. And we (most of us) the used car shoppers are trying to find deal. We want comfort, power, look... but just don't want to pay "too much"

I remember reading something in CL, someone mentioned German car is like a hot, good looking girl. We all "want" her but knowing it is going to cost a lot to keep up with her

 

You make a good point. And yes I will have to think about what I really want. Or more importantly, what I really need.

Thanks everybody for commenting. I feel that I've learned something from this thread.