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Which Toyota?

  • 17-11-2025 07:32PM
    #1
    coolbeans
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,175 ✭✭✭


    My dad (in his seventies) is looking for a Camry but I've found a Lexus GS300h for similar money to the Camrys on offer.

    The Lexus is an Irish car while most of Toyotas on sale are JDM. The GS seems like a no-brainer especially in Luxury trim. Is there anything I'm missing out on here? Both run 2.5l hybrid systems but the Camry is FWD while Lexus is RWD. For similar money and mileage I think he'd be mad not to go for the Lexus. Any thoughts or experiences would be appreciated. The GS is 24.5k and 2017 with 102k on the clock.

    Post edited by coolbeans on


Comments

  • #2
    User1998
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,719 ✭✭✭✭User1998


    I'm unsure how you came to the conclusion that a Camry costs €24.5k. They are available for less than €17k with the same mileage as the Lexus you quoted?

    https://www.donedeal.ie/view/40845718


  • #3
    ofcork
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,565 ✭✭✭ofcork


    That's a base spec Camry though platinum looking at 25 or so up.



  • #4
    coolbeans
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,175 ✭✭✭coolbeans


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123998664#Comment_123998664

    Yeah, should have mentioned he was looking at top spec Camry only.



  • #5
    bazz26
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,877 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    Newer ES 300h for 26k here:
    https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/2019-lexus-es300h/40980995



  • #6
    winklepicker2025
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 129 ✭✭winklepicker2025


    Lexus all day long



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  • #7
    MojoMaker
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,502 ✭✭✭MojoMaker


    Inclined to agree - for the same money it would be Lexus for me too. Probably up to a 10% delta.



  • #8
    coolbeans
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,175 ✭✭✭coolbeans


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123998822#Comment_123998822

    It's nice but the GS is from a Lexus dealer with warranty. The ES is front wheel drive i think and seems to be a posh Camry. I don't know a lot about any of them but the GS is more luxury for the money.



  • #9
    User1998
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,719 ✭✭✭✭User1998


    In that case go for the Lexus then. An Irish car will also benefit from the Toyota/Lexus extended warranty whereas a Japanese import will not



  • #10
    lotsobear
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 40 ✭lotsobear


    What are the real world running cost (mpg)of a Camry or ES compared to the equivalent A6 or 520d? Always for it strange they were not more popular as I'd assume very little reliability worries



  • #11
    User1998
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,719 ✭✭✭✭User1998


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123999841#Comment_123999841

    I wouldn't have exact figures, but the hybrids would be better around town, and better on maintenance/servicing costs. But the diesels should better at motorway speeds.

    The Camry wasn't even sold here for many years and Lexus don't have much market share. A lot of brand snobbery here too. Most people want premium German brands over Japanese



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  • #12
    BrianD3
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,014 ✭✭✭BrianD3


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123999841#Comment_123999841

    I have a Camry and I think the fuel economy is similar to a 15 year old diesel A6/520d/Superb but is a good bit worse than the latest ones. A good source for comparisons is 1001cars on YouTube, very detailed fuel economy info at various speeds, Hybrids, plug in Hybrids (using various journey lengths) diesels.

    PS I prefer the Camry to those other cars. More comfortable, a rarer sight on the roads and IMO looks better from most angles, especially in a nice bright colour/red which many of them are.



  • #13
    StonedRaider
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 517 ✭✭✭StonedRaider


    Lexus all day long. Coming from a NX300, just be sure the hybrid system has it's annual health check that will keep the warranty rolling.

    Was interested in a Camry few months back and was told that it's not possible to fit a towbar due to the hybrid system?

    Second hand dealer local to me is bringing in about 10 jap imports per month, and they seem to be selling well. Seeing a lot of them around the city especially used by taxis



  • #14
    coolbeans
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,175 ✭✭✭coolbeans


    Thanks all. Just put deposit down on a GS300h in Morello red with Luxury trim. Heated and cooled cream leather seats should be nice.



  • #15
    almostover
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,500 ✭✭✭almostover


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124000517#Comment_124000517

    Great choice, I have an IS300h (smaller brother) and it's a great car. Fantastically reliable.



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