[nelsona]

Hello,

Let me pre-face my post by saying that I'm not trying to start a flame war, but merely get trying to get a variety of opinions on an upcoming car purchase.

My current vehicle is a 2000 Integra which has been giving me problems for the last 5 - 6 years. Repairs have been a constant headache during that time and it's simply no longer worth it to put any more work into the car.

I've been looking at some new and used cars for the last few months and have narrowed my search to the following vehicles.

1. New 2016 Honda Civic Touring ($28,000.00 - $29,500.00)
2. New 2016 Toyota Camry ($34,000.00 - $35,000.00)
3. New 2016 Honda Accord Touring ($35,000.00 - $36,000.00)

4. Certified Pre-Owned 2014 Lexus ES 350 ($32,000.00 - $35,000.00)

Note: The 2014 Lexus CPO's range between 8,000 and 25,000 miles (there are 3 - 4 that have caught my eye).

All vehicle are fully loaded / top trims (including the Lexus with the Ultra Luxury Package, Mark Levinson audio, etc).

So the question I have for the forum is, given the options listed above, what would you choose and why?

The Honda's seemed like a slam dunk as my brother has an old 2001 Civic with nearly 213,000 miles on it (which I'm currently borrowing), but I'm worried with the CVT's in the new Civics.

Furthermore, I've heard quite a few complaints from people regarding the uncomfortable ride / seating in the new Accords as well as, to a lesser extent, the slightly louder ride (due most likely to wind noise / insulation issues).

Toyota, Lexus and Honda all offer reliable vehicles with pretty good warranties, but I was leaning toward the Lexus due to its especially good reliability, comfortable ride and styling.

That being said, I doubt any of the vehicles listed would be a bad choice, so making a choice isn't so clear cut.

Any thoughts?

Or put another way, what would make you hesitant to purchase a used Lexus?

The major issue I've found with Lexus is maintenance and repair costs, but that can mitigated to an extent by bringing in a Lexus to a Toyota dealership for maintenance and repairs.

Also, given that the Lexus ES and Toyota Avalon are based on the same platform and share many of the same parts, repairing a Lexus ES shouldn't be that much more expensive than an Avalon (which isn't to say it will be cheap, but given their reliability, shouldn't be something you'll end up doing that often).

Thank you,
Nelson

 

[sub786]

I used to own es300. I bought that one used at 90K miles on it. And sold at 240K no main issue but at 240K I had some oil leak from oil pan. Which was an easy fix . All the car I owned ( es300, E320 MB, Mazda 6 and Honda V6exl ) it was the quietest car . 30K mileage for a Lexus is nothing it is still considered as new and can go all the way to 300K.
For Mercedes E320 I received lot of complements on the looks. So if you want luxury with reliability then Lexus. If you want want attention then Mercedes. Honda are great cars . This 9 generation are lot better than earlier generation. And for sure better than Toyota.
I will also definitely consider the new Civic with all bells and whistles and will go for top of line. I like Civic bold looks and you can not get it in any car. It is unique.
I can say Lexus = Buick. My 2 cents

 

[Agent6er]

Integra to ES would be quite a change in pace. Guessing you don't want to go the sporty route since you aren't looking at an IS? Although at one point I went from a modified track ready E30 straight to an Oldsmobile Intrigue 3.5L, so I'm one to talk, :grin

And a Lexus is a fancy Toyota, so you probably won't have any reliability isssue. All the carsbyou are looking at would be reliable Cars with great resale value and safety, so pick whatever you like best.

I also looked at new Honda's because of experience from people I know. A co worker had 5 in a row he drove to their death or close, all he did was stop by Jiffy Lube every 3 months for an oil change.

 

[Honda2014]

I'd also consider Acura tlx 2.4 as well if you're considering the touring trim. Not as fast as the v6 touring, but supposedly it has better ride and comfort. Price wise the two should be close even if equipped with tech package.

 

[nelsona]

@Everyone: Thank you for your input.
@Agent6er: Correct regarding the IS, I'm looking for a highly reliable car with the smoothest ride I can find.
@HADriver06: A while back I had considered a TLX, but it seems that a lot of people have been having issues with the TLX, especially in regards to the transmission:

2015 Acura TLX Problems, Defects & Complaints

That said, given that the TLX was introduced in 2015, I'm sure Honda has worked out quite a few of the kinks from the 2015 model.

Thank you,
Nelson

 

[TannerG]

Honestly as a Honda fan and someone who dislikes Toyota a ton I would still go w/ the used Lexus. If you're looking for comfort than the IS would be the way to go. Not to say the Accord wont be comfortable but Lexus and Toyota are known for their "airy" and soft rides. I myself tend to go for the sports luxury sedan so I dislike most Lexus but that's my personal taste. I just think that buying new can be great but the demographic you fit into would fit into a Lexus nicely.

 

[14v6]

The Lexus reliability data is tough to deny and rates better than Honda with JD Powers. Lexus is at the top of the list. It may cost more to own a Lexus but unless there is a reason from the test drive to own the Touring over a Lexus, then I would go with the Lexus.

 

[karfreek]

The Lexus reliability data is tough to deny and rates better than Honda with JD Powers. Lexus is at the top of the list. It may cost more to own a Lexus but unless there is a reason from the test drive to own the Touring over a Lexus, then I would go with the Lexus.

But I personally would look for a gently loved preowned Lexus GS 350. Its not a tarted up Camry.

Jay

 

[TannerG]

But I personally would look for a gently loved preowned Lexus GS 350. Its not a tarted up Camry.

Jay

You and me both, If I were to ever look for a Lexus (not likely).

 

[karfreek]

You and me both, If I were to ever look for a Lexus (not likely).

Its pretty sweet in white & F-Sport trim.

Jay

 

[Blackheart]

You sound like a person that keeps a car for a long time. When you stated you want the smoothest riding car, that is the Lexus. Otehrwise, you won't be pleased. Then, run it until you no longer want it. This is ASSUMING the seat fits you better than any of the other cars. Sit in it for a while, not just a test-drive.

 

[4thaccord]

I went from your #3 (2013 Accord V6, which I hated) to your #4 (2013 CPO ES), and as I read someone say elsewhere, "I just don't know how I'll ever drive anything else". Keep in mind I'm an old f@rt, and I've already done the Accord/Prelude/TL thing in years past. No, the ES does not handle like a Honda (sport mode helps that somewhat). It also is quiet, smoother, nicer inside, uses regular gas, has a spare tire, has equally good visibility, and is probably my 2nd favorite car ever (after the Prelude). It also cost me thousands less than a new Honda, and except for a few scratches here and there, looks brand new and is warrantied for 100k miles with the first few services free.

Your mileage may vary.

 

[slimm1469]

I'm with sub786. Lexus to me is an old fart's car. A generic, unexciting, sloppy sedan.

 

[Ricky Bobby]

Ive owned three different Lexus over the last 6 years and i have loved every one of them! I have done 3 year leases for the wife and she is on her 3rd IS, she loves the sporty ride and handling! My next ride will be the RC F Sport as soon as i can break even in my Accord.

 

[newtohonda]

I'd go for the ES350 without question, especially with that low of mileage, that's nothing on a Lexus. Just as fast as the Accord (the 3.5L Toyota has better low end), and handles better. Yes, rider softer, but still handles better than the Accord. None of that stiff spring rate illusion of better handling as on the Accord. Toyota put the money where it counts. The irony here is that the ES will feel more "sporty" too since the ES has paddle shifters while the V6 auto Accord has no such option, and zero way to control what gear you're in. Interior is far better and rides quiet, without hideous amounts of wind noise that the Accord sedan is plagued with. Mark Levinson sound system is about a tenfold better quality than what you'll get on the Accord. Really, the ES and Accord are not even comparable as they are different market segments and more comparable to the TLX level.

 

[gev1644]

I currently own a 2015 accord coupe exl v6 and my mom is on her 5th Lexus ES. She bought a 2004,2006,2008,2010 and a 2013! I got her hooked and she has never left. Phenomenally reliable. Extremely refined smooth and quiet. Build quality 2nd to none in the class. Resale value top notch. Very different ride quality from accord Camry and civic. So very isolated and just nice. Interior materials and craftsmanship are way nicer than any of the other cars. It just depends what you want. After driving my mom's car for a week I miss my car because it's fun. The es isn't fun but it's nice as you will find at that price. Road trip? Excellent choice. Carving canyons or winding roads not so much. The v6 in the es is as smooth and refined as it gets and has great punch! Like I said it depends on your preferences.

 

[FY0323]

Based on what I've read, you seem like the type of person who'd love the ES. And there's certainly nothing wrong with that! ES's are phenomenal vehicles. My cousin's first car was an ES300 and he had that thing for AGES. He has 2 kids now and that ES was just recently totaled in the last year or so, otherwise, he most likely would have kept it.

The Accord Touring may be a bit harsh for you, with those 19 inch wheels, yet the Civic Touring may not necessarily give you the ride you may be looking for.

 

[TannerG]

Its pretty sweet in white & F-Sport trim.

Jay

Yeah true not a bad looking car just not enough to make me want to buy. Rather have this If I were to buy new.

 

[nelsona]

@Everyone: Once again, I can't thank you all enough for the information / advice.

I'll make sure to perform an extended test drive, most likely renting out an 2013+ ES 350 for 1 to 2 days and seeing if it's a good fit. If it is, I'll buy it.

Thank you,
Nelson

 

[web1b]

Isn't a Buick LaCrosse or even a new Chevy Impala even smoother and quieter than an ES350?