OK, I know, Japanese cars have no soul.
But I can't find a similar size car, with similar features, that is nearly as good a value in terms of luxury, economy, cost of ownership, etc.
The Ford Taurus is a nightmare to drive, I know, I've had the displeasure of driving one of those for a long weekend and could not wait to give it back to the rental agency. It was loaded up with all sorts of goodies, but had miserable drivability and was totally non-intuitive in the design of the controls.
The Lincoln MK/Z is much smaller (interior) than the Avalon, costs a bit more. The Lincoln MK/S is an upgraded Taurus, I have no desire to own a MK/S.
I won't buy a GM car. PERIOD.
NOT a fan of the Fiat/Chrysler 300.
The Lexus ES is a clone of the Toyota Avalon, and the hybrid version uses the identical drivetrain. The Lexus has sheet metal that makes it more generic looking. Seats in the Lexus are a bit nicer, dash is slightly nicer looking. But I don't see the Lexus ES as worth the added cost for what amounts to be a badge on the front of the car with an "L" to differentiate it from the Toyota.
Jaguar, Audi and MB all offer similar size vehicles, with similar features, for $25,000 more money and lower reliability and higher repair costs.
FWIW, this car would be for the lovely Mrs_B.
Am I missing something? Other than the fact that its not a 'fun' to drive sport sedan with a German engineered soul?
But I can't find a similar size car, with similar features, that is nearly as good a value in terms of luxury, economy, cost of ownership, etc.
The Ford Taurus is a nightmare to drive, I know, I've had the displeasure of driving one of those for a long weekend and could not wait to give it back to the rental agency. It was loaded up with all sorts of goodies, but had miserable drivability and was totally non-intuitive in the design of the controls.
The Lincoln MK/Z is much smaller (interior) than the Avalon, costs a bit more. The Lincoln MK/S is an upgraded Taurus, I have no desire to own a MK/S.
I won't buy a GM car. PERIOD.
NOT a fan of the Fiat/Chrysler 300.
The Lexus ES is a clone of the Toyota Avalon, and the hybrid version uses the identical drivetrain. The Lexus has sheet metal that makes it more generic looking. Seats in the Lexus are a bit nicer, dash is slightly nicer looking. But I don't see the Lexus ES as worth the added cost for what amounts to be a badge on the front of the car with an "L" to differentiate it from the Toyota.
Jaguar, Audi and MB all offer similar size vehicles, with similar features, for $25,000 more money and lower reliability and higher repair costs.
FWIW, this car would be for the lovely Mrs_B.
Am I missing something? Other than the fact that its not a 'fun' to drive sport sedan with a German engineered soul?