I am sure there must have been a few debates regarding the comparison of these two cars (Fourth generation ES330 Vs Third generation Avalon).

Although i already own an ES330, i am considering an Avalon as my second car, preferably the 2009 model. I have never driven an Avalon, but i had the opportunity to drive an LS430 years back. And boy! The LS rides fantastically! What really confuses is me is the fact that the ES is known as a baby LS and the Avalon is known as a poor man's LS.

From my experience upon driving the LS it does everything better than the ES. More power, more quiet, more smooth, softer leather seats and the list goes on. Don't get me wrong! The ES is still a spectacular car! But the LS is just on another level.

I know the Avalon will never give me that LS experience but from people who have driven these 3 vehicle's, how does the Avalon compare with the ES and the LS in terms of their smooth rides, cabin quietness and build quality in general.

Thanks!

 

If the ES is a luxury camry, than the avalon is a baby GS

Smooth and high quality- you just can't go wrong with a lexus/toyota

 

You should expect the Avalon is a lot closer to the ES in all things than either the GS or LS.

 

+1. I would never call an Avalon a "baby LS." It's a well-dressed Camry, like the ES. Usually the same platform, just stretched a few inches.

I have looked at a few over the years to consider as an alternative. The 1st two generations were just so badly styled it was a no-go. The third gen is not bad, but still a little bland; the 4th gen finally got an attractive body but a horrid front grille and fascia. Not Predator-ugly, but bad.

You can find some very nice LS430s, well kept, for probably the same or less than an 09 Avalon. The mileage is surprisingly good many report, so don't discount that option.

 

I’ve never heard anyone compare an Avalon to a Lexus. LS is in a league of its own.

 

Buy the Ls 430 you already know you`ll love it, No Avalon new or old can compare the comfort and ride to the LS 430.

 

Yes. I guess thats the plan. I am currently trying to look for a clean one with low mileage(which is hard to find for the right price). I just know i will also have to spend more on fuel, as i mainly do city driving and i have heard LS430's city mpg is in the mid teens but still good for a V8!

 

Yes if they were V6 and not a timing belt engine a lot more people would want one.
I would also stay away from the ones with the air ride suspensions. Ride great but expensive to fix.

 

True. I definitely agree with the timing belt issue. But cmon, a V6 on an LS? That would definitely defeat the aim of an LS in the first place. Remember, the LS is a heavier car so that makes a V8 more or less mandatory. And correct me if i am wrong. All UL LS 430's have the air suspension?

 

Yeah, a V6 in an LS would greatly diminish them. The UZ-fe V8 in the LS is one of the best V8s ever - I had one in a Land Cruiser before and they are deeply loved engines - they really do help "make" the car.

I think they all have air suspension, but it's not as problematic like on Rovers, etc. If it goes very bad, it can be converted w/o substantial hassle or cost and not that much performance penalty. The ones I want to avoid are the Nav models - it's dated, nearly impossible to convert, and an expensive repair if needed. The earlier non-Nav models (generally the non luxury ones) are what I want.

 

I was informed it's just the UL, which is why the modern luxury packages is nice - adding most features without the air ride. Air suspension longevity seems to vary a lot, one member has over 200k on the air suspension that I have spoken with.

 

Only the LS430’s with the Ultra Luxury package have air suspension.

 

It was not a knock on the V8. Just a statement made, it scares away some buyers. I also like the SC 430 and would like to own one of those too !

 

Yeah. Get your point. And still the V8's on the LS430's are more efficient and reliable than many german and japanese V8's!. The SC 430 is unfortunately a great underrated coupe. Its still a great car to me.

 

I’ve had an Ultra Luxury LS430 for a long time and only would recommend a base model to people. The factory navigation system was awful when the car was new and it’s just as bad today. The only complaint I really have about the car is the ugly, old infotainment system in the car. I really enjoy my LS a lot. If you did get an Ultra Luxury LS, don’t let the air suspension scare you away. It can be swapped over to a normal OEM strut and spring setup or an aftermarket coilover setup.

I also drove a base model LS430 for a while and definitely prefer the look of the dash in that car versus mine. Aftermarket radios look better since you only have one screen instead of two if you go that route.