Stefwilli

It all depends on what you use the car for and what your looking for in a car. I sell the toyota avalon and I have a 2000 LS400 which I love, so I have a good idea of both vehicles. The avalon is too close to LS430 in quality, features, and performance. The car has 280HP and 260TQ and it laid down some nice 0-60 numbers, the LS only has 10 more HP and it weighs a little more. The avalon limited has almost every option that the LS430 offers, even down to the heated/cooled seats. The products used in the avalon are quality products, most likely the same products used in the ES, or maybe the GS. Put all these factors together in a brand new 2005 vehicle as opposed to buying a 2003 used with small scratches here and there. I hope you don't go anywhere where there is snow because then you'll be kicking yourself in the butt for having that RWD. If I had to choose between a new LS430 and a new avalon then sure I'd go with the lexus, but because the LS is used I'm seeing more value in the Avalon.

Also did I tell you the avalon gets 22MPG in the city
31MPG on the HWY
Good luck with your choice.

Gojirra99

That's a foregone conclusion . . .

Coffey454

The choice is an easy one for me - A used car with the best reliability record of any car on the planet that has already taken it's big depreciation hit, RWD, V8 and looks great versus a brand new car that is very nice - except that it has the fat sticker on the window that new cars have, and worst of all.. its FWD.... The Lex' will hold it's value better because it has already lost a good portion and is in it's residual value stage of life, the Toyota will lose about 10 grand off it's value the first 30 days you own it. After that they are both used cars anyways. As far as RWD in the snow goes - get a pair of snow tires. Snows will make the LS very capable in inclement weather. Also, and most importantly, FWD burnouts look dumb.....

99 LS 400

Front wheel drive is for dorks (let the flames begin, heh, heh).

If you think about it, all the flagship enthusiast vehicles from the world class car makers are rear wheel drive; i.e. Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Ferrari, etc.

And yep, winter does present a problem for RWD, but hey, that's why Blizaks were invented.

Actually, that's also why Subaru WRX's were invented Senors!

Coffey454

RWD vehicles can actually be just as capable in the snow as a FWD - They are just more prone to oversteer so people can get themselves into a different kind of trouble. FWD's will understeer and push straight ahead instead of spinning you out.. However this may be straight ahead into a parked car, or oncoming traffic. in the hands of a capable driver, RWD is always the way to go - I hope I don't have to say that snow tires FWD or RWD is also always the way to go. FWD's ability to pull around in the snow is attributed to a poor weight balance that compromises driving in good weather..... Actually, an even better solution would be to buy an old 4WD Corolla for the crappy months - they are cheaper than snow tires now and the are as reliable as a hammer.

BUT who really cares this time of year? Enough talk of snow and junk and get on with the fun

ychachad

RWD with TC and snow tyres can work in the snow. Whatever you say, FWD will be better. RWD in the West Virginia, Pennsylvania mountains is a Death Warrant, snow tyres or not. I live in the mountains, and it is a risk I take just because I cannot stand FWD for the 8 months we don't have the snow.

TJW98LS

iTrader: (1)

Tell me about it man. I don't think I would drive my LS in the snow due to the RWD. And they make 4WD corollas? When did they make them?

McDonough

LS hands down. No comparison. The Avalon compares more with the ES 300.

2ndly, a Car depreciates more the first two years than at any time. Get the used LS and never look back.

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

Exactly, its like comparing an LS to an ES, and no one wouldnt even try to do that one.

Coffey454

They 4WD Corolla's in the 80's, 4WD Tercels too (both were high roof wagons ~ absolutely ugly). I bought an '88 last winter to save my LS from the salt. The 'Rolla was $1000.00 CDN by the time I had it on the road. It has 275000 k's on it now, I'm responsible for the last 30000 trouble free km's.

Lexusfreak

Alright, but the LS is no Porsche or Ferrari now is it?

And you just called at least half (probably more than half) fellow member dorks because they drive a FWD Lexus? not smart.

JLAWS

Go with Toyota's flagship the LS 430. Personally I think you'd ge more looks in the LS430 if that matters to you. I have an Ls430 and if you up date the wheels with 2004-2005 polished 18's it dramatically changes the look as well as the handling. The ride still is extremely comfortable. Here are a few pics...

JLAWS

new model in all black..

jflynn

Never driven an Avalon but I've driven a lot of nice cars and nothing comes close to my LS430 so far. I'd be amazed if the avalon has as much refinement. I think you'd always be kicking yoruself for not getting the Lexus, I know I would so I went ahead and got an LS430 and I love it.

Lexusfreak

The Avalon could wear a Lexus badge & not embarrass itself, but again we are talking about two totally different classes of vehicles here.