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Toyota Avalon Limited vs. Lexus ES 350 Comparison

239 messages,  Last post on May 16, 2013 at 5:46 AM

You are in the Lexus ES Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Avalon, Lexus ES 350

Messages Page 22 of 25

#207 of 239 Re: Comparison [popsavalon] by kirstie_h HOST

Jan 05, 2011 (8:50 am)

Replying to: popsavalon (Jan 04, 2011 11:05 pm)
I would also be wary of taking the word "recommended" too lightly. They can't force you to follow instructions printed in the owner's manual. There are bound to be other "recommendations" in there, like belt changes, oil changes, tire rotations, etc. So, sure... they recommend that you change the oil, say, every 5,000 miles. Can you wait & change it only every 8,000 miles, just because the 5,000 miles is only a recommendation? Sure. Have at it. It's your car.
 
Not sure I get this one either - If my math is correct, a person driving the average 12,000 per year with a $0.20 charge per gallon for premium (over regular) gas would incur a total annual additional cost of $120.00, assuming the vehicle gets only 20 MPG.
12,000 miles / 20 MPG = 600 gallons per year x $0.20 = $120.00

#208 of 239 Re: Comparison [popsavalon] by texases

Jan 05, 2011 (9:01 am)

Replying to: popsavalon (Jan 04, 2011 11:05 pm)
I'll explain in more detail: Toyota uses identical V6s in the Camry, Avalon, and ES models. This includes compression ratio, the key determinant in fuel requirements. IN THIS SITUATION, using premium might slightly increase fuel economy or add a couple of hp. I tested this by comparing economy with premium and regular, found no noticable difference, so I use regular.
 
In fuel requirements, manufacturers have for years used "required" for those engines that must have premium.

#209 of 239 Re: Comparison [popsavalon] by tjc78

Jan 05, 2011 (8:51 am)

Replying to: popsavalon (Jan 04, 2011 11:05 pm)
I know we have discussed this elsewhere in the forums, but here it goes. The Avalon and the Lexus ES350 use the exact same engine (Toyota 2GR V6) the Avalon is rated at 268HP and specs regular gas and notes in the manual "for exhanced performance" to use premium.
 
The Lexus OTOH is rated at 272HP and specs out using premium gas to obtain that number.
 
I ran plain old 87 in my 06 Avalon and never had any problem whatsoever. If I had an ES350 I wouldn't hesitate to put in regular. The computer will adjust for it anyway.

#210 of 239 Re: Comparison [texases] by loucapri

Jan 05, 2011 (8:55 am)

Replying to: texases (Jan 05, 2011 9:01 am)
I don't think day to day driving will show the different between premium or regular. Unless you have a dino test which might show a few HP gain with premium.
 
Just use whatever you are comfortable with

#211 of 239 Re: Comparison [loucapri] by gringoviejo

Jan 05, 2011 (9:09 am)

Replying to: loucapri (Jan 05, 2011 8:55 am)
I usually put premium gas in the 2000 Avalon. There doesn't seem to be any problem with regular, but it *feels* more powerful and, more to the point, seems to get slightly better mileage, with premium. Of course, I can't measure the psychological factor, so, IMO, it's a wash as far as cost goes.

#212 of 239 Re: Comparison [tjc78] by 55396

Jan 06, 2011 (1:52 pm)

Replying to: tjc78 (Jan 05, 2011 8:51 am)
"The Avalon and the Lexus ES350 use the exact same engine"
 
Ummm, I think they call that marketing. The customer needs to feel that they are getting something more with the Lexus.

#213 of 239 Re: Comparison [gringoviejo] by 55396

Jan 06, 2011 (1:57 pm)

Replying to: gringoviejo (Jan 05, 2011 9:09 am)
"it *feels* more powerful and, more to the point, seems to get slightly better mileage, with premium"
 
Anyone want to calculate the feel good factor? Twenty cents more per gallon for premium vs 2-3 more MPG? I'm thinkin it doesn't balance out. I burn regular unless mid grade with ethanol is the same price, but then you get less MPG with ethanol. Another wash?

#214 of 239 Re: Comparison [popsavalon] by 55396

Jan 06, 2011 (2:05 pm)

Replying to: popsavalon (Jan 04, 2011 11:05 pm)
Nah, common sense. He pays extra for the luxury, then regains a smidgen of that on fuel and still has the luxury. OK, so it probably doesn't calculate, but of course resale would also have to be part of the calculation, and if you go that far, then include the costs for insurance, license, shop rate etc.
 
Bottom line, buy what's a fit for you and forget it.

#215 of 239 Gas Mileage...more by fin

Jan 10, 2011 (9:01 am)

Now on my third Avalon, one from each generation... Here is a repost on mileage, etc: All Avalons will run on regular 87 octane, or better, gas. Ethanol at 10% added means nothing. They run just fine if they are an otherwise good engine.
 
That said, my experience has been that gas mileage will improve 5% or more by moving up to mid-grade 89 octane from 87. That's 15 cents you can spend if 87 octane is 3 bucks a gallon and you enjoy a little better overall performance from the engine. Moving up to premium adds nothing to the mileage and would appear to be a waste of money. This has been true of all generations of Avalon, all engines, I have done this repeatedly, city and highway, and always get similar results.
 
As for power production, premium will actually feel different if you usually burn 87 octane. Empty the tank and fill up with 91 or higher. There is a slight difference in straight line maximum acceleration. Not enough for me to pay the extra, 89 is ok, but if you want to pay for it...it's there.
 
Enjoy the Avalons all...great cars....

#216 of 239 2011 Avalon and ES350 by kenb757

Jan 10, 2011 (10:35 am)

The 2011 ES 350 recommends 87 octane, same as the Avalon. Same engine, same output now. In both cars, you might gain about six hp by using premium, if you want to spend the money.

Messages Page 22 of 25

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