- #135 of 194
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ES350 VS Avalon
by gaff
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Sep 15, 2008 (2:17 pm)
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I purchased a 2008 ES350 in August. I cannot find a comfortable drivers position. I have tried everything. I can go 10 miles with my leg falling asleep. I am thinking of trading for an Avalon. How much of a beating will I take? Any suggestions or comments are greatly appreciated.
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- #136 of 194
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Re: ES350 VS Avalon [gaff]
by texases
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Sep 15, 2008 (6:19 pm)
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Replying to: gaff (Sep 15, 2008 2:17 pm)
Yes, you'll take a beating, depends on how much you paid. You should rent an Avalon to make very sure it works for you.
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- #137 of 194
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Re: ES350 VS Avalon [gaff]
by rpfingsten
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Sep 16, 2008 (3:04 am)
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Replying to: gaff (Sep 15, 2008 2:17 pm)
gaff... as someone else told you, you will take a hit with a trade in... but mind you that would be the case regardless of whether or not you were going to the Avalon or "any" other car. Remember that regardless of what you are driving, you lose approx. 5K in value the "minute" you drive the car off the lot. As for going to the Avalon, I have an 07 XLS and so far love it. I actually looked into "trading up" to the ES 350 about a year after I got my Avy, but after test driving the lexus I couldn't justify the difference in price. Don't get me wrong, I like the body style of the 350, it's a beautiful car and the 350 does have some "nicer" immenities, but not nice enough to justify the price difference. Also, like you, I was not comfortable with the ES drivers seat, not to mention I actually felt like there was more room in the Avalon. Engine wise I'm pretty sure they are the exact same power plant, so you won't be dissappointed there if you do make the switch.
Either way you'll be driving one nice ride.
Roland
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- #138 of 194
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Re: ES350 VS Avalon [rpfingsten]
by jpm1908
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Sep 16, 2008 (7:23 am)
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Replying to: rpfingsten (Sep 16, 2008 3:04 am)
I test drove both cars in early 08 and wound up purchasing an Avalon Limited. I much preferred the body style of the 350. The key thing for me was the roominess of the Avalon. I don't know what the cubic feet of space is for each of the cars and I don't really care; the Avalon feels much roomier. The only thing I don't like about my Avalon are the cheesy stereo and cup holder covers that don't open all of the way. In general, the dash panel could me made more aesthetically pleasing with a bit more faux wood and a bit less silver plastic. What a great car, though. The ride is fantastic and the car has LOTS of passing power.
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- #139 of 194
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Re: Premium Fuel Lexus Doublespeak [texases]
by kenb757
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Sep 16, 2008 (7:35 am)
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Replying to: texases (Apr 08, 2008 10:52 am)
From the 2009 Lexus ES 350 Web site:
"Ratings achieved using the required premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. If premium fuel is not used, performance will decrease."
Again, if premium fuel is required, then why include the second sentence? My take is: the Lexus has the same engine as the Avalon does and can run on regular unleaded with no problem.
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- #140 of 194
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Re: ES350 VS Avalon [jpm1908]
by kenb757
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Sep 16, 2008 (7:38 am)
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Replying to: jpm1908 (Sep 16, 2008 7:23 am)
I believe Toyota dealers have a nice (faux?) wood kit that covers most of the unsightly silver plastic on the dash. You may want to ask about it.
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- #141 of 194
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Re: ES350 VS Avalon [kenb757]
by jpm1908
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Sep 16, 2008 (7:46 am)
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Replying to: kenb757 (Sep 16, 2008 7:38 am)
No kidding? I would certainly consider this. Is it dealer installed? Appreciate the tip!!
Sincerely,
Jamie
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- #142 of 194
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Re: Premium Fuel Lexus Doublespeak [kenb757]
by texases
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Sep 16, 2008 (8:24 am)
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Replying to: kenb757 (Sep 16, 2008 7:35 am)
I think you're right, I seem to remember checking the two engines - same compression ratio, so it would seem to be the same octane requirements. My manual (ES300) says something similar about 'performance will decrease', but I haven't noticed, and the mileage is unchanged.
Edit - just checked, engine dimensions/compression are the same, the Lexus listed 4 more hp, would be hard to notice!
P.S. - the Avalon has about 107 cu. ft. interior space, the ES350 about 96.
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- #143 of 194
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Re: ES350 VS Avalon [jpm1908]
by kenb757
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Sep 16, 2008 (9:19 am)
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Replying to: jpm1908 (Sep 16, 2008 7:46 am)
On the Toyota Web site, when building your Avalon, and under "Select Your Other Options," a "wood dash applique" is listed for $309. I'm almost positive it is dealer installed.
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- #144 of 194
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Re: ES350 VS Avalon [kenb757]
by nimimi
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Sep 16, 2008 (9:40 am)
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Replying to: kenb757 (Sep 16, 2008 9:19 am)
That must be a dealer installed option and only available in certain areas as it does not display as an option in my zip code.
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