Minch00

I know I'll probably get a lot of biased answers on this one. A friend of mine is looking for a quiet, comfortable, reliable daily driver for around $450 - $500 a month (lease). He is trying to decide between the TL 5AT w/Navi or the ES with Navi. They're both FWD, horsepower isn't really important, the ES uses regular fuel and gets slightly better gas milage (these factors are important since gas prices are rising and staying there), while the TL uses premium. We can probably get a better deal on the ES, and it might be more comfortable and better for four/five people.


What do you guys think?


Most important factors are comfort, quietness, and room.

mclarenf3387

If he doesn't care about performance, get the ES. It is a dull car to drive, but is very quiet and comfy.

Crazy Bimmer

I agree.

My buddies dad has one, its a soild built car. IMO

BEETROOT

ES is a nice car, but so mind numbingly bland. I think its target market is retired school teachers. If this guy really doesn't care about performance or appearance, yeah maybe the ES is a better car for him because of the gas mileage and such...but damn thats such an old person car. TL is hotness.

t0ast

Agreed.... they're two very very different cars. I guess the way to start is... does your friend care about image? I ask that cuz I see that you're younger, and typically, ES drivers are a lot older than TL drivers. I just don't want your friend to buy the ES and then regret driving an "older person's car." I guess the way to put it is you will never get "damn I wish I had that car" with the ES.

nahooneyya

my aunt just got the 05 ES~

quiet as hell~ very luxurious
good navi~
excellent leather seats~

and the v6 has good toruqe too!

goldmemberer

great2u~ but I really don't think anyone who gives half a shit about how much torque their V6 is putting out will go ES over TL.

Tell your friend to get an Avalon and pocket some change. Why not the ES? It's getting redesigned; wholly redone very soon. If he's unwilling to wait for the next ES, then get an Avalon. If he must have a lux. brand, get a TL.

Time For Sleeep

Word to the leather seats.
They even have the airconditioned seats. <3
Does the TL have that?

1killercls

My in laws are in thier Seventies...they just got a ES330. BORING!

F23A4

I could not have said it better myself.

Ken1997TL

If he wants comfort and quiet, the ES is the way to go.

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

ES = lexus version of a buick
TL = better choice if you enjoy driving

youngTL

Ummm the seats in the Avalon are flat and unsupportive. The ES is by FAR the superior choice. Especially for what the friend needs. The ES is much more of a luxo-cruiser, which seems exactly like what is wanted. I would go with the ES over the TL, and the Avalon doesn't deserve a spot in there. Like I said, the ES's seats are far superior, hands down.

hemants

If he's under 40, get the TL, over 50 get the ES.

In between? Tough call :-)

I think Lexus has better fit and finish but is also more costly.

Msnowdon

Both are great cars, he needs to drive both back to back and decide.

Michael

Infamous425

get an avalon over an ES

virtualbong

When I think of the ES look, I want to...

youngTL

What does the Avalon have over the ES besides a little more room? And besides, an adjustable suspension is an option on the ES but not on the Avalon if I remember correctly.

t0ast

I thought the Avalon and ES were totally different cars. Isn't the ES based on the Camry and the Avalon a completely different platform from the ES/Camry?

youngTL

You're correct. They are totally different. The luxury feel of the ES outdoes the Avalon by a fair bit. I was JUST at the Toyota dealer here on Saturday, and the Avalon has got nothing over the ES except for rear leg room (and by a fair bit). The seats are a BIG step down, IMO. And the steering wheel, dash, and door trim sorta pale in comparison to the ES330. I was looking at the Avalon XLS by the way. I guess the biggest advantage for the Avalon is the price. If price is a very big deal, then I would recommend the TL over the Avalon.

jdone

The Avalon has the new 280 hp engine. It's much quicker than the ES. I have a new RX330 with the same engine as the ES-smoothe and quiet engine, but performance is meh. And yes, I am allowing for the bigger car/awd factor.

Quiet and smoothe=ES or Avalon
A little fun=TL

youngTL

I didn't actually drive the Avalon, but that engine sounds like it would be a deal faster than the ES330. Although I doubt the ES's performance is the same as the much heavier RX330.

Chopsie

ES. Quiet, Comfy, boring as watching grass grow. TL is more of a driver oriented car, especially with the 6MT. I love the TL, hate the ES.

Avalon is a contender for the $$. All depends on what he wants though.

Minch00

How about dealer service? I hear Lexus > * in that department.

stangg172004

He's his friend, prob same age, he should get the TL...

teg_to_bike

TL has so much more style!

t0ast

It really depends on the dealer. A dealer my gf takes their RX to gives em free loaners for everything and free gas for service. So they take their RX there on friday to get a loaner for the weekend. They also the RX in when they're running out of gas and "happen to find that the fuel gauge isn't working." But then again, it could also be that her extented family's bought an RX, and THREE LSs (albeit used) from that dealer so they have to treat them well.

Minch00

Does anyone know if the ES is made in Japan, or manufactured in America?

Sarlacc

No, Lexus pretty much regulates all their dealerships.

I have yet to hear of a bad lexus service experience. When I or my parents have dealt with them its never been anything other then top notch.

Sarlacc

I believe, and I could be very wrong, that all lexus are made in japan and imported. I have not heard of a Lexus plant in the US...unless they share with one of the toyota plants. But I doubt it.

ferizzo

Personally I think if he doesn't care about performance then the ES is a fantastic car. Comfy, decent looking, luxurious, and the dealer service is great. The TL would be the choice for performance with plenty of great amenities. I know in the past Acura's Navi was considered the best but I don't know how close the gap is now.

Me personally, and I'm in my late twenties, I would take the TL in a heartbeat...but still think the ES is a great car.

Minch00

Using KBB I came up with 34.1k invoice with a 39k MSRP


With this information, do you think we can get a lease price for 48 months / 12,000 a year under $500? I've seen bare bones ES330s lease for around $329........

Water-S

how about a new 330?

Minch00

BMW? Maybe because optioned similar it would be around 45k And the fact that it's smaller, less powerful, etc etc.

darrinb

my mom had a previous gen es300, that was a great car, now has the new 330

its a piece of shit, flat put boring, worst ergononmics i have seen in a lexus EVER, fuckin temp button and cd track button should be switched around, its a damn strain on my shoulder when switching through tracks in that car

Minch00

So it's a piece of shit because you don't like where the CD button is? Awww poor baby.

darrinb

not just that,
1. its slow
2. the suspension is mushy
3. cant push it hard into a corner
4. design cant compare to a TL
5. its just a flat out boring car

i dont know what else to tell but to get your ass to the lexus dealer test drive one and find out for your self

Minch00

Dude, some people don't need STi acceleration, they like a soft ride, don't go into hairpins at 90mph, etc. Don't call it a piece of shit because it does what it is designed to do well.

darrinb

u made the thread, so i'm giving you my opionion

dont open up a thread titled____vs._____if you dont expect to hear this shit

the es330 just isnt my type of car, i dont see why anybody under the age of 40 would even consider it

Minch00

I think that looks damn good, especially the interior.