I am considering purchasing either a brand new 2005 Toyota Avalon Limited or a Used 2003 Lexus LS430. I am interested to know what you guys think would be a better value for the money. I know that Lexus has a better warranty, bigger engine, more features and better resale value than the Avalon but I just can't seem to get over how similiar the New avalon is to the LS430!! Driving a new Avalon is like driving a mini-LS430. I guess I could always buy Lexus emblems off ebay and change them up. Wouldn't that be funny!! Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks

 

Agree with your evaluation, except for the resale value bit. I think that the Avalon, like most Toyotas, will keep its resale value. Have you considered maintenance costs? The Avalon will probably be cheaper on the long run.

Personally, though, I'd go with the LS. My wife and I are spoiled by the Lexus interiors. Good luck with the choice, and you won't go wrong with either.

JB

 

The difference between a V8 and the Avalon V6 is night and day. Even more, the difference between a RWD LS and FWD Avalon is like January and June. You cannot beat the power delivery, torque, and velvety smoothness coming from the RWD LS, and even begin to compare with any FWD no matter how fancy. If you cannot tell the difference, go with the cheaper and lower maintenance Avalon. Death before Dishonour, no FWD.

 

PS: Rebadging an Avalon as a Lexus, especially an LS, would not be amusing. Trust me on this one.

 

LoL, I think he was just kidding.

They may be similar on first look, but upon a closer inspection, there is no match. Take a look closer at meterials, and workminship, the quailty leather, plastic, and REAL wood. The LS costs double the price new for a reason.

 

I've been a fan of the Avalon and that was particularly so when I was considering the '03 Avalon or '98 LS & GS. Hands down, the LS. (I bought the '97 beacuse of price issues at the time.)

So with the 3'rd gen Avalon out, we went to the dealership to take a look. For the $$ a VERY nice car no doubt. Compared to the LS...not close as the others have said. The LS offers refinement that the Avalon does not in many areas. It just "feels" like a nicer car.

For a subjective comment, I asked the wife which she preffered an '05 Avalon or the '97 LS we have now, she said the LS.

 

RA40,
Here we are revisiting our LS versus Avalon debate again
I too recently drove a 2005 Avalon, and it is a nice car compared to the Camry. It still does not compare to my 95 LS, much less your 97 or a 2003. Case closed. I'd even go as far as to say, I would prefer my 92 LS over the new Avalon just because of the power delivery of the LS's V8+RWD configuration over the V6+FWD of the Avalon. Looks wise, the Gen 1 and Gen 2 LS models are classics. Case closed.

 

It depends on what your looking for in a car. I love the new Avalon personally & with it's new 3.5 V6, it has 280 hp & 260 lbs ft of torque......that's getting almost into V8 country there! I wouldn't need any more power personally & you get the 6 cyl fuel economy to boot! Go for the Avalon!

 

Sorry guys,

I was just kidding about rebadging the Avalon with a Lexus Badge!! As far as the difference between the V8 of the LS430 and the Avalon V6 I totally agree that the LS430 has more power,but I'm sure the Avalon gets better gas mileage. I think dimensions wise the Avalon and the LS430 are about the same size and I actually like the design of the interior better in the Avalon than the 2003 LS430. I guess it all comes down to the name Lexus or Toyota. Even though I still feel that the Avalon could easily be a Lexus if Toyota wanted it to be. thanks for all of the info guys.

 

Well said vin! I agree. Have you driven both vehicles at length? Go with your gut feeling of which you like driving best.

 

Yea what he said...
I have never driven an avalon, but I would think it could be like driving a GS300. They are sort of similar, but you can't tell if the GS is supposed to resemble any car from Toyota. Personally I would take the LS430, they are very nice cars, and extremely quiet, comfortable, and have pretty good power.

 

The Avalon, Senor, he is for old gringos who used to drive Buicks, no?

 

Well....Not all old farts drive those! I know a a 19 year old who bought a real nice 2003 model.

 

Nope, I don't think that applies to the new Avalon! It's on my short list when I need to replace my ES & I'm in my late 20's!

 

OK, I'll concede the point; the new Avalon is a big improvement over it's stogy predecessor.

But the Lexus, Senor, he is still a better car, no?