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It's the same engine. All 3.5's use a chain.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
Toyota and Lexus have never really had an engine that would compete with the Nissan VQ that appears in multiple Nissan/Infinti vehicles, or the Honda/Acura V6. Until now, of course - and it may prove to be the best engine of them all as it continues to find its way into multiple Toyota/Lexus products!
And yes, the 2GR Toyota engines are all chain driven cams, use multiple injectors (per cylinder), and have continuous variable valve timings on both the intake and exhaust sides - this is where all the power (and efficiency) comes from. A real departure from those belt driven 3 and 3.3 liter engines of the past.
Can anyone supply comparable OTD numbers for recent purchase of an Avalon Limited or ES 350 with the Premium Plus package, that will quantify how wide the gap is between these comparably equipped cars? (It's true that the Avalon Ltd. has HID headlights as standard equipment, but the ES 350 comes with Bluetooth, power tilt & telescope column, etc. - so let's call these fairly minor equipment differences basically a "wash" cost-wise.) If you have Nav, break out the additional OTD cost for that option, so people can compare apples-to-apples, as much as possible. I'd be curious to learn whether the OTD gap is around $5K or, in fact, significantly more than that.
In answer to your question, here are the figures I used last May when I was down to choosing between the 2006 Avalon Limited and 2007 Lexus ES 350. Both had nav and similar equipment. Since I had previously bought a Lexus from this dealer, he offered me a $2K discount even before they hit the showrooms that following week. Even so, I went for the Avalon and haven't regretted it since. The $5K savings didn't hurt, either. Incidentally, both dealers are in Oregon.
Dandydon
COST COMPARISON
2006 Avalon Limited MSRP $37,294
Avalon Invoice $33,247
Profit over invoice $300
Avalon Cost $33,547
2007 Lexus ES350 MSRP $40,749
Discount ($2,000)
Lexus Cost $38,749
Net Savings With Avalon $5,202
Dandydon
I bought an 05 Avalon in Feb05 and have had nothing but trouble with it. So much so that I am going to look at a new ES this weekend.
This car is in fact one of the biggest lemons I've ever had. Considering my previous cars were MB E320, MB C280 and a 95 Corvette that's really saying something.
Since I've had it it has had a new axle, a new steering column, new Rear strut and now the sunroof is rattling like crazy.
So if you ask me the extra $5K is well worth it to get a good quality vehicle.
I have read several posts regarding the issue of Avalon vs Lexus.
I don't expect anyone to agree, just our own observations.
First we drove many hours to drive a lexus ES-350 with the premium package and all the bells and whistles. What a waste of time, the car was noisy and rough riding, yes it was pretty, but practical NO, it was difficult getting in and out of it, almost needed a shoe-horn so to speak. True we are not young, but certainly want a vehicle we be comfortable in.
Now for the final conclusion: we own an Avalon, my opinion only, we would not trade our Avalon for a new lexus, which is to say the Avalon is superior to a ES-350 sedan. Saying nothing of the savings $$$$
For those people who want the lexus Badge, all the more power to them. I hope you enjoy the vehicle, but I wonder if they considered the Avalon prior to purchasing.
Otherwise its fugly ! iam 21 years old and would never trade my avvy to the ladys car !
It just goes to show you that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It's good we live in a time and place of choices instead of all having to buy the same black sedan.
Avalon is RWD? You are incorrect.
I did check out the ES350, but the Lexus dealer here in Calgary wanted $6,000 more for essentially the same car as what I got in the loaded Avalon XLS. I paid a little extra for a 5-year, 120,000 km extended warranty, but the dealer took $1,000 off as loyalty discount, added 3M treatment, protection package, rubber mats and cargo liner at cost and free oil changes for as long as I own the car, plus I negotiated a sweet deal on my trade-in. After test driving both cars a few times, I agree the ES350 has a sportier ride, slightly classier interior and looks like an Avalon on Jenny Craig, but the "L" badge wasn't worth $6,000 to me.
Anyone know of good internet sites for aftermarket Bluetooth and MP3 packages for the '07 Avalon?
Also, is the moon roof deflector worth it? I haven't tried one before and an debating its practicality.
BTW, the rubber mats are essential for drivers in snowy regions to keep the carpet clean.
Instead of children we have some big dogs and they always travel with us , I was wondering if the rear bench seat is removable , this I probably need to ask the service manager. If this is possible it will save money from buying an SUV.
BTW what color is your Avalon ?
Lou
I have a 2006 Limited and haul our Airdale/Lab around in the back seat on every drive. I made a 1/2" plywood platform that extends the width of the seat and covers it to within a couple of inches from the front seat backs. I put two hinged legs on the front ends for support and place two large, rolled-up towels under the platform at the rear edge to even the seat out. Covered the whole thing with a rug remnant from Home Depot and it works like a charm for taking Hank on our drives. To protect the upholstery, I drape an old cloth over the seat back and bottom.
Actually, I made this platform four cars ago and just keep modifying it as necessary to fit each new one. Give it a shot.
Dandydon
P.S. My blue Avalon is car #40 for me and the one I am most satisfied with. Beats out the LS 330 I had before it.
My thinking was because I have older dogs and found about the Avalon flat rear floor , will be easy in and out . If removing the rear seat is like brain surgery I will try your route.
Maybe a few screws is all that is needed and will have a large area to accommodate a pair of Shepard / Lab . With the flat floor and no bench seat it would be great.
Tomorrow I ' ll drop by the dealer and check with the Service Manager and see if it can be done.
Also will come very handy while transporting rescue dogs .
I owned a 1998 Avalon great car, till 2003 , so I am ready again for another one.
Lou
In the past 2 or 3 months I have been waiting for the new Tundra. But as of lately specially since reading your post I feel that going the Avalon way is the more sensible way.
The local dealership has a terrific service department and if I can swing a good price ,sometime this week I also will be driving an Avalon , I would like the Dark Blue with Graphite interior , plus a couple of option , the VSC and maybe the Nav. or XM radio.
The Nav. option is very expensive so I don't know which way to go.
Do you have any advice about the Toyota Nav. ??
Thank for you help .
Lou
Bob
Lou
Roland
Lou
I would also like the XM Radio , Body side molding ( you would think this would be standard), and maybe larger wheels and tires.
Do you have an opinion about the larger wheels and tires ?? Size 18"
Another annoying thing is Toyoguard for $699.00.
For you and your family a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.
Lou
Bob
However, I am intrigued by the new '07 Lexus ES350 and would love to hear more from ES 350 owners about their experience with the car before I make my final decision to purchase. The price of the fully loaded Avalon LImited is $38k+ (before negotiation)--the Lexus ES 350-depending on options--seems close.
Important features for me: Quality, comfort, performance, sound system, interior space, practicality (luggage space/trunk size), value, resale value. My wife drives a Volvo XC-90-so we have a large people hauler if necessary. But I routinely carry lots of "stuff", plus my 14 year old, and my new 5 week old (with huge car seat!), golf clubs, etc..etc.. And have been driving an SUV for years.
I like the looks of both cars--and am driving the '07 ES later this week.
Thanks!
Net
The avalon has far more space in the rear but the ES (prem/plus NAV) was much quieter. I would call it "hushed". It rode smoother through the bumps of Minnesota and the steering was silky smooth. It did cost significantly more. Value $ wise, a good Avalon would be the winner in my mind.
Michael
It does have a better engine, etc.
I'm not the only one who has noticed this:
http://www.forbesautos.com/reviews/2007/lexus/es_350/preview.html
The Engine and trans are the exact same models. The only reason that the ES shows 4 more HP is the requirement of premium gas. Put the good stuff in a Camry (or Avalon) and you'll get the 4 HP improvement too.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
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