To Avalon or Not to Avalon? That is the question
#1
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To Avalon or Not to Avalon? That is the question
I have a some friends who are looking into purchasing a Toyota Avalon. I am seriously biased towards import cars VS American....and they have never owned anything besides american made cars ever! I am trying to convice them into getting the new 07 ES but they won't buy it. So next up is the Avalon. What are you opinions and what other cars compare in the same price range?
Thanks,
LL
Thanks,
LL
#4
After seeing the ES ...i would pick an ES semi equipped loaded, than an avalon limited fully loaded. The ES is a strikingly amazing looking car in person, and the avalon looks too bloated, but not bad looking. The quality of materials and feel is first class in the ES and much more refined. If I had to spend $35K on a car, the ES is THE only car I would buy, and im not being biased towards Lexus. Im very open about all car makers. I feel each has their own strengths and weaknesses. For 35K, the ES is hands down the best choice to make that nourishes the luxury quiet ride enjoyer and also someone who wants a nice semi aggresive looking car, satisfying the best of both words.
#6
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We had a very rare in Mexico 2nd generation Avalon at my track last night (he did not want to race it ), but it never has quite matured into that one model higher than the Camry that it should be. Would still go for a Camry or the ES350 (in the right package of course).
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I have a some friends who are looking into purchasing a Toyota Avalon. I am seriously biased towards import cars VS American....and they have never owned anything besides american made cars ever! I am trying to convice them into getting the new 07 ES but they won't buy it. So next up is the Avalon. What are you opinions and what other cars compare in the same price range?
Thanks,
LL
Thanks,
LL
My parents were in the exact same situation two weeks ago. They had to choose between a 2007 ES350 or a 2007 Toyota Avalon. They choose the Avalon for a number of reason. BTW, they traded in a Cadillac.
1. ES350 is first model year car and I noticed some issues from the people on this board. Similar issues to the Avalon when it was new for 05.
2. Price was cheaper. When taxed, delivery are all added, the Avalon came out about $7k cheaper.
3. Pretty much the exact same drivetrain. However, the Avalon is a faster car to 60mph if that really matters.
4. Insurance was $500/year cheaper for the Avalon.
5. Had to wait way too long for the ES350 to be delivered.
6. Avalon was a much larger car inside.
Last thing I noticed was that the Avalon with 1 less transmission gear actauly have just slightly better fuel economy compared to the ES. The Avalon was .2 liters/100km better in the city than the Camry. Both hwy mileage was the same.
I would tell them to test drive and reesearch both vehicles in depth before making the purchase.
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#9
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I have a some friends who are looking into purchasing a Toyota Avalon. I am seriously biased towards import cars VS American....and they have never owned anything besides american made cars ever! I am trying to convice them into getting the new 07 ES but they won't buy it. So next up is the Avalon. What are you opinions and what other cars compare in the same price range?
Thanks,
LL
Thanks,
LL
Now...having said that, if they still want to live with their heads in the sand, I agree the Avalon is the first car to look at. It is roomy, built in Georgetown, KY, has a good track record of durability ( not quite as good as some other Toyotas ) is fairly comfortable although a little stiffer than past models, and makes a good highway cruiser, though I'm not wild about its new interior. A slightly more firmly-sprung Touring version is available if they want a little more " sport " feel and interior.
As for its main competitiors, the Buick Lucerne, despite GM's ads to the contrary, simply doesn't have the same build quality, the Hyundai Azera is a nice car and very similiar to the Avalon, with a dynamite warranty, but is built in Korea, and the new 2007 Lexus ES, in my opinion, has been cheapened inside and needlessly given a stiffer suspension and more sporting tires, thus degrading its formerly excellent ride.
If it was my money, BTW, and a choice between these cars, I'd take the Avalon if I was just keeping it just a few years and the Azera if I was keeping it a long time.
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Notible things that felt cheap were the wood trim (my parents Cadillac with its Zambrano trim) was richer. The center console felt weak, and door panels could of been much nicer. The center stack on the dash looked to feminine. I hope I am not offending anyone but those were my impressions.
#12
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That doesn't explain, though, why they went to somewhat more male-oriented macho tires and suspension on the new ES, trying to make it more of a sport sedan in a world already FULL of sports sedans. All it did, IMO, is mess up the former ES's excellent ride...though, admittedly, its ride is still less harsh than that of the new IS.
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Avalon, i have a friend that after seeing how die hard lexus/toyota i was traded in their 1 year old accord for a new Avalon Limited, its a really nice car, i wouldnt mind one for myself.