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Best automatic petrol - Lexus or Toyota?

I have £10,000 to spend and am looking at either the Lexus IS250 auto or the Toyota Avensis V Matic. Both cars will be used and I will cover 6000 miles a year. Can you tell me which is the better auto option? I don't like "modern" semi-auto boxes with flappy paddles and prefer torque converters.

Asked on 28 January 2014 by JPRD

Answered by Honest John
The Lexus IS250 has a six-speed torque converter auto. The Toyota Avensis 1.8i or 2.0i Valvematic Multidrive S has a CVT. No trouble at all reported with either. The IS250 is very smooth, but quite thirsty. The Avensis is much more economical.
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