Aron9000

I submit the 2000-2004 Toyota Avalon. Our family has a 2000 "XL" model with 232,000 miles on it. Its silver with the two tone grey cloth interior treatment. The interior is MINT, even after all these miles. I'd drive this car to California and back, despite its miles.

Really its LS430 space and refinement for about 1/3rd of LS430 price. Seriously, despite the miles, I love the way this car drives, rides, and handles.

Even with 232k, the OEM shocks are sufficient IMO. Granted it has a bit more "float" that originally accounted for, but it still rides better and "floats" less than my old 1995 Fleetwood, that had 53k miles on it.

This car has made me a true believer in the "Toyota Way". Granted we have gone through an alternator, a few timing belts/water pumps, and one a/c compressor.

Yet still at 232,000 miles and 13 years, this car feels like piece of granite. It rattles less than my 1992 SC300 with 73,000 miles on it.

Granted at this mileage it does use some oil, about a quart every 2000 miles. Still, we change the oil every 5000.

Now I'm just saying if you take care of your car, it will take care of you. The old Avalon is proof of this.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

My Dad owns a 2008 ES350 and a 2009 Avalon.

Both are pretty refined and smooth, with the Lexus having better tech and material + build quality. Same engine. I suspect both will age equally well...

I8ABMR

I would say stick with the Avalon if you want a true Lexus substitute. The other option, likePhilipMSPT said, would be an older ES or even an LS400

JM51526

Getting harder to find, but an early LS400 is the way to go.

Got mine (nearly mint condition cosmetically, engine fine) for $2300, put that much again into the steering system, new brakes, bushings, a motor mount, updating the AC and a few other things - for less than $6000 I've got a great car with a lot more panache than an Avalon... Nothing against the Avalon, mind you.

gymratter

i have seen lots of used Avalons for sale with 200k-300k on them.