Starting to look for a replacement for my 99 Avalon Platinum Edition. My Avy has only 147k miles and has been meticulously maintained. So far I can’t find any car I like better. My main problem is my tiny garage. We moved into a retirement community and my 192” Avy barely fits along with my wife’s MDX.

Other than the MDX, we have owned only new Toyota and Lexus vehicles since 1974. I bought a new LS400 in 1995 and a brand new RX300 in 1999. The new longer ES or Avalon will not fit. I drove a Camry XLE but I did not like the 8 speed tranny. My wife does not like the look of the GS but it should fit. I do not want a 4 cylinder turbo so I would go for the GS350. I do have a couple questions:

1. Does the 8 speed tranny in the GS 350 have jerky shifts like the Camry V6?

2. Why does the GS cost so much more than the ES?

Thanks for your help.

 

GS has RWD or AWD, more powerful engine, much better interior, stiffer suspension, better brakes

 

Silky smooth gear changes.
GS = grand sport and ES = executive sedan.
ES was designed for to be an entry-level luxury sedan aimed at corporation fleets. Front wheel drive is also cheaper I guess.

 

Because the cars are two completely different animals, an ES doesn't handle or drive like a GS and never will unless they completely change the ES again. A GS is more of a performance car (better handling, firmer ride, more roadfeel) and an ES is a loafmobile cruiser. It's the RWD/AWD on GS vs FWD on ES mostly, plus the weight distribution and the suspension systems etc are completely different between the two cars.

I like the ES for what it is, but at least in the last generation, the idea was "comfortable loafmobile that was reliable and ran on cheap gas" it's not a car where you go "How fast can I take this offramp?" or anything of that sort. If you're not into actually driving the car, just stick with the ES. The ride will be better (less harsh) and you'll save some cake on gas, etc, Not sure if the 19s have plummeted now they have the bigger motor, but I know the earlier ones from 18 back had the 2GR-FE, which was pretty good on
gas and still made like 267HP.

Also, if your Avalon works, why would you want to get rid of it? That car is likely good for 250K easy given decent maintenance. But then this brings us back to the whole garage issue, what did those people do, expect residents to all drive Miatas? Even an LS460 or 500 really isn't that long of a car, nevermind a GS or ES.

-Mike

 

Actually, I just detailed the Avy interior yesterday. I swear it looks brand new. Wife and I agreed to keep her. As I posted, the ES is too long for my garage so that is why I was curious about the GS. From your description, I will not like the GS. I do not want a stiff suspension and I do not want to feel the road. Many of the residents here have lots of bucks since they sold very expensive homes to downsize here. You see quite a few flagship BMW’s, Mercedes and Lexus vehicles parked in the driveways because they won’t fit in the garage. In our case, the steps from garage going into house are not centered which effectively makes a short garage even shorter. We looked at smaller cars such as Mazda6, Kia Optima and Audi A4 but did not like any of them. We also drove the Lexus IS and thought it was junk. I hate a 4 cyl turbo.

 

the is300 has the turbo 4, the is350 is a naturally aspirated v6, same as the GS. if you dont want sportiness you wont like either. sounds like you need to do more research before shopping so you know what youre looking at.

 

I'm on my third GS. Also owned two LS's. My current GS is one of my three drivers. Saw a new ES at dinner last week, car was stunning. Loved it.

 

I know exactly what I want...I just can not find it. Has to be luxury or near luxury, V6 non-turbo “comfort” sedan, less than 194” long. I have not yet found a car that meets the bill. The last possibility is the Mercedes C class. Only problem is I am not too excited about a German car with expensive maintenance requirements.

 

2020 Supra should fit nicely. Price is in the ballpark with the GS, and although the ride is firm, it's still comfy as well (at least, that's what I've read).

 

GS350 AWD is 6 speed.

Also, you can use the Normal mode or ECO mode and it’ll be as soft and floaty as your Avalon.

 

the gs350 non sport is by no means harsh, its just not dead silent like the new ES. you may have to give up on the garage cause most cars have grown over the years so only entry level small cars may fit your size requirement.

 

I absolutely second this!

Can't speak to the 8 speed cause the AWD is always the 6 speed. But the shifts are *not* jerky. Maybe some when I go to sport mode and really get on it, but still wouldn't really call that jerky. On Eco or normal, shifts are buttery smooth.

 

There is no setting for the GS that will make it as 'soft and floaty' as an Avalon.

 

Only in this forum will you find someone suggest a supra to a guy who owns an Avalon and LS and is shopping for something similar, lol

 

Well, they are comparable. Though suffice it to say the ES and Avalon right very identical. And eco mode on my GS feels pretty damn cozy.