My friend is buying a new(used) car and has narrowed it down to 4 choices. They are different but I wanted to get your opinions on which is best overall to better help him out. He can get them all for around the same price give or take a couple of grand.

 

What's he looking for? Gas mileage? etc

Do they all have similar mileage (thousands of miles, not the gas mileage)?

Also is the accord 4 cylinder or 6?

 

I voted GS300. Style, luxury, Lexus, you can't go wrong with that! If he's looking for high mpg, then I'd probably have to go with the Honda.

 

They are all around the 75k mile range give or take 10k miles. Fuel economy is mildly important. Can he put regular gas in the ES300? The Accord could be 4 or 6 cyl, coupe or sedan. Everything automatic.

 

If fuel economy is sort of important, then the GS300 might disappoint. It practically gets the same fuel economy as the GS400/430 thanks to its higher final gear ratio.

Of the cars on the list, the ES300 or the Accord will probably be the better bets. If he is okay with the 17/23mpg, then GS300 all the way. Insurance will be higher though.

 

I'd choose the GS 300 because it is overall the better car. The Miles per gallon may not be that great, but it will not be horrible.

Honestly all of those choices are not bad. They're all great choices actually, but I guess I'm biased towards the GS 300 because it has better fit and finish than the rest of the choices.

My second choice would be the ES 300 and then the Accord. Not too fond of the look of the Solara...

But honestly if the mpg is an issue he should steer clear of the cars that have medicore mpg and require premium gasoline. So the Solara and Accord would be better choices in this regard.

 

Fuel is of only minor importance but here is the comparison from Fueleconomy.gov, which btw says that the ES300 takes regular gas.

From FuelEconomy.gov


2001 Lexus GS 300/GS 430 2002 Lexus ES 300 2003 Honda Accord 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
Use Your Gas Prices & Annual Miles

Switch Units:
Gallons/100 Miles
Liters/100 km




Estimated New EPA MPG
MPG ratings for 1985-2007 models have been revised
Premium Gasoline (GS)
16
City 18
Combined 22
Hwy

Regular Gasoline (ES)
18
City 21
Combined 27
Hwy

Regular Gasoline (Accord 4cyl.)
21
City 25
Combined 31
Hwy


Regular Gasoline (Solara 4cyl.)
20
City 24
Combined 29
Hwy


Compare to Official EPA Window Sticker MPG Compare to Official EPA Window Sticker MPG Compare to Official EPA Window Sticker MPG Compare to Official EPA Window Sticker MPG
Learn more about
"Your MPG"
MPG Estimates from Drivers Like You
Average based on 2 vehicles.
21.5
Lo
20 Hi
24
View Individual Estimates
Average based on 4 vehicles.
23.9
Lo
21 Hi
28
View Individual Estimates
Average based on 31 vehicles.
27.8
Lo
19 Hi
40
View Individual Estimates

Average based on 3 vehicles.
29.2
Lo
25 Hi
37
View Individual Estimates

Fuel Economics

Cost to drive 25 Miles $5.85 $4.71 $3.96
$4.12
Fuel to Drive 25 Miles 1.39 gal 1.19 gal 1.00 gal
1.04 gal
Annual Fuel Cost* $3511(GS) $2827(ES) $2376(Accord 4cyl.)
$2477 (Solara 4cyl.)

Based on 45% highway, 55% city driving, 15000 annual miles and Reg. Gas: $3.96 per gallon
Prem. Gas: $4.21 per gallon
You may customize these values to reflect the price of fuel in your area and your own driving patterns.

 

tell you the truth, id rather get a 2001 es 300, i think it looks etter, gets decent gas milage and be had relatively cheap

 

2nd gen GS without a doubt.

 

I honestly thought the ES would be a little closer to the GS considering the ES is a 4 year newer design.. but so far the GS is winning by a landslide.

 

I say gs300

 

2001 Lexus GS300

 

I say GS300...got plenty of room and plenty of sporting capabilities.

 

GS, by far! If he is looking at a Solara, he might want to hunt down a 2000 SC300/400.....

 

No debate here, GS.