bigcory

So should I buy an 2001 LS with 45-55k on it for 25k, or a 2004 LS with similar miles for 35k?

I am also a little concerned about purchasing a car for so much with so many miles on it. I could pick of an 06 avalon for the same price with only 15k on it.

Dr. Jekyll

iTrader: (1)

First of all that's not high mileage. It's actually very low for it's age. trust me and go for the 2004 model. Better looks (my opinion), 6 speed tranny, projector HID's etc. (search previous threads for differences). My main concern is you're here so I assume you're not a 65 year old grandpa. With that being said you'll most likey modify your car and the money you'd spend on the goods that Lexus threw in to the 2004 will set you back more than the initial cost (of your car). If you can afford it do it, I'm assuming you can since you asked the question and it seems to be an option.

bigcory

Well if you look at it with closed eyes...... paying for 40k( after all is said and done) for a car with 50k miles sounds crazy. Is the car going to start having failings at a 100k like a GMC product. Would one expect the interiors to hold up longer than a normal brand toyota, gmc, ford interior?

I guess my main concern is if the car will be a piece in 5 years.

Patric

The 04 LS would be the way to go in my opinion. If you need further evidence test drive one along with the Avalon. The differences are many.

An LS will hold its resale value much better than an Avalon also.

I didn't notice you saying anything about age or modding your car but the LS will give you the best bang for the buck long term as long as you want what it has to offer.

I have a 95 LS with 92K on it and it runs like new. Easily the best car I've ever owned.

Pat

bigcory

Didn't mention age? Like my age? I'm 27.

As far as modding, i'm going to stay as far away from that as possible. Other than some nice wheels, an ipod interface, and possible the air ride control if I end up with an early model UL.

Resale value, can't be that good. A car that was probably purchased for 55k two years ago is now selling for 35k? Thats a big chunk of depreciation for the first time buyer.


I'm pretty sold on the lexus, i guess i'm just looking for someone to sell me on it.

gs400998

I bought a 93 LS400 with 55K miles years ago and traded it few years later with 93K miles. Not a single problem. I owned a 01 Avalon during that time and my friends always asked me about my Lexus but never my Toyota

Dr. Jekyll

iTrader: (1)

No kidding, when was the last time you heard someone say, "have you seen John Doe's new Avalon? My wife says you gotta get a good look, the twins will love it!" Trust me, the LS series is Lexus' flagship, plus the 04's are nearly identical to the 06's. "Wow! You got a new Lexus? You are so money!"

bigcory

I'm just looking at the practical side of things as well. I get the whole "I own an LS430" thing.

Tom_analog

You will sleep better with an 04 LS430.

I got mine last month for 40K with 27K miles.

The Godfather

iTrader: (1)

What? No HID Projectors on the 01-03?!

Frank T

Are you kidding. The Avalon while a nice car is not even in the same league as an LS 430.

My brother-in-law has had two (02 & 06) Avalon's and will be happy to tell you they are not even close to my LS430 in overall quality.

As for miles, my 03 LS430 has 43,000 miles on it and I don't feel it's really even broken-in yet. These are easily 200,000 mile cars, and they are bulletproof designs. Nothing really goes wrong with them. You would have to work REAL hard to hurt one in 40,000 miles and it would easily show.

After owning a new one, NOTHING would keep me from buying a 2-3 year old one, with average or less miles. They are an EXCELLENT used car buy, that easily beats any new car for quality and reliability at the same price point.

Frank

CG lover

hey watch the age comments,, I'm 66 and still love the cars,, LOL,,

would agree on the 2004 being the better buy,,

drove a 2007 Avalon Limited to see how it compared to my 05 430 ULTRA and wife made the first comment "sure is a lot of noise in here",,

she also did not like that the Avalon doors were not power closing,, we do get spoiled,,

was a nice car but certainly not in the same league,,

350g

Being an 01' owner, I must say go for the 04' . . . the subtle design differences make it just so much more appealing. That being said, I still have people ask what year mine is and when I tell them, they freak out. They thought it was only a few years old. LS owners will be quick to know what year you're driving, but the public non LS owners will have no clue.

Regardless, save your thinking to what rims you want and BUY THE 04. You will want a newer LS prior to ever breaking the 200k mile range, so no need to fret over the mileage. I have 120k miles and it runs great with no problems.

For the record, I'm also in my twenties, albeit just barely: 29 . . .

G