hey..

thanks es350bob.. you always have the info. so i know you have had problems with your es350, what do you think???

btw, does anyone know what the HID bulb is in the es350?? 4300K similar to the avalon setup or no??

thanks in advance...

 

I didn't buy the previous gen ES330 because I knew about the trans hesitation. If it wasn't for that single issue, I would have purchased that car in 2005/6.

I didn't buy the current Avalon because the build quality of the car I test drove was bad. Trim misaligned everywhere. some rattles too. I read online forums about the 5 spd trans still doing its hesitation thing as well... same as the ES330. For those two reasons, I didn't buy an Avalon in 2005/06.

I purchased the ES350 instead to get great build quality and have no trans issues.

LOL. I soooo lucked out!

 

reyrey, the '08 will be about the fourth model year for the current gen Avalon. If they haven't fixed the trans hesitation by now, I doubt if they will for '08. It seems like you're going to have a long wait for just the right car with no issues, or any threats of possible issues. Do your research, find a car that's right for you, get it, enjoy it and hope the best.

 

I test drove the Avalon and the TL before purchasing the ES350. It came down to the total package of comfort, economy, luxury, and just the overall feel of the cars. The ES350 had the features and feel that I was looking for and scored higher overall in my mind than the other two.

I haven't had any issues with my ES350 and am very happy with my decision. Go with the car you like best. All will likely be very reliable.

 

are you sure it will be the fourth year model? seems like it was just redeisgned yesterday...maybe 2 years from yesterday actually.

 

I believe '05 was the first model year for the new gen. That would make '08 the 4th model year (05, 06,07 & 08).

 

thanks everyone for all the help... i greatly appreciate it...

cheers

 

Yes, you are correct

 

BMW iDrive is painful, and I haven't found one person who likes it. And, as a side note, most of the people who I know that drive BMW are leasing it to get out of all the electrical problems that come after the lease is over. Anyway, but just recently I was riding in '07 MB S550 - and this is so far away from iDrive or any other joystick controls. The whole car is way too high tech inside-out, and that control wheel is extremely intuitive and easy, and very ergonomically placed within your reach. Plus, the NAV screen is swivels and you can adjust it for the best visibility. Touch screen it great, but it you have your car seat farther away its not as comfortable to lean forward. I don't have NAV in mine, but audio/climate/BTphone uses the same 7" touch screen and often I prefer steering wheels controls for audio/phone instead of leaning over to use touchscreen.

 

I certainly agree that the dreaded 'I-[don't] Drive' system is to driving what the Marquis de Sade is to massage therapy. And while the MB system may be marginally better, there is no way that it even approaches the simplicity and intuitiveness of a touch screen in being able to input information into the nav system. And this is not just some ephemeral issue that is likely to take place once every other leap year when there is a full moon. This is something that those of us with a nav system use on a daily basis. To me it's like the difference between power steering and manual steering when parking in a tight parallel parking spot.

 

On my new Impala SS, On Star offers a navigation system for three months at n/c and upgrade for first year at $100. You call On Star and tell them the destination address. The voice system will direct / notify you turn by turn and the radio will also have turn information come up. Have not tried it as yet but will advise.