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Yesterday, I made my second visit to a different dealer. They had an XL on display. It was loaded with options, both from Toyota and the southeast distributor. The latter stuff pure rip-off. They are asking MSRP, so the XL was $32,100, An incoming XLS, all kinds of extra stuff, $37,800,
an incoming Touring model, which I was interested in, again all kinds of extras, $35,500.
I'm sure all this will shake down in a couple of weeks. After all, how many suckers can their be.
I passed on the Acura TL six months ago because I wanted to wait for the new Avalon. However, I now think I will revisit that situation.
This is a well Hosted & Brimming with Information forum.
Have enjoyed "all" the comments ,Excellent Information and much more current than the other Forums Thank You One And All
The St. Louis Auto Show is in town this week and 2005 AVALONS are being deliverd to local dealers this week (still can't believe they did not call them 2006's, talked to Zone Manager about that, He had a logical but Feebel Explanation) I Saw 8 in most colors and levels yesterday.
I asked my wife to go along as she drives our current Avalon (she loves it) and has impecable taste and anything we manage to agree on has got to be a winner. Took her threw the other comparable cars first, then to the Toyota location and Looked at the 3 they had at the show (Titanium
XLS with ligh Gray interior, Black Touring with the Black interior, and a Pearl White Limited with the Tan interior) She said - I said at the same time
"The White with the Tan is Georgus"
In 2004 I was dead on the operating table for 3-4
minutes, (Yes, I saw the white light, and Henry Ford came to Me and Whispered in my ear"Go Back Go Back and Buy The Avalon") that was good enough for me LOLOL.
My take on this matter is, I am 61 this week (interesting Demographic) and I can Guarante, You can't take a dime with you to where I went.
I have seen the trunk, yes it's a little smaller
than I would prefer, it should be a 2006 and has a number of other "inconqencial" things I would change in a perfect world.
I will drive one today although I would buy it having seen it without driving it. I and dealing politely with 3 local dealers am asking $2000 off. I will be some what suprised if I don't get it because While I was talking to Zone manager told HIM that was what I would do right now and to PLEASE use his leverage to get an extra car for 1 of the 3 dealers Allocation that I am talking to get more Avalons on the road (best advertizing they can get) and that as a zone manager he can get what ever he wants done........PLEASE
If you can't bet on Toyota to do it right and/or fix the problems if needed 99% of the time......... I give up.
Thank U all for your time, interest and information
Compared to the Montegos(6 spd and CVT) I've driven, I give the nod to Avalon. The ride is better, quieter, nicer interior materials. But, it's also more expensive with a much smaller trunk.
; )
Mackabee
I'm very surprised considering all the safety features! Is this confirmed?
Thanks.
I don't like the little instrument covers on the radio and tape deck, I can see leaving them open all the time, so why bother having it. I can also see the one in console getting busted at some point in time, these and the ones in the Nissans feel flimsy.
Trunk seemed a bit smallish but OK for my needs. The back seat had plenty of room except for head room but I'm not sitting back there.
The engine was very quiet.
I'd rather have power tilt and telesope than a manual steering wheel.
The glove box seemed a bit small.
I might be in the market for a Touring if they ever came with VSC, TC, heated seats and seat memory..
They had a White Avalon XLS with ALL the options and the rip off SE Distribution mess.
The car overall had a sticker of $37xxx, I was shocked...it did have the Navi system too.
They added Splash guards ($177) Sunroof visor, and some type of rims that just didn't look right on the car.
I REALLY like the styling in person though...looks better than the pics.
There is a brand-new 2005 Toyota Avalon Limited listed on Ebay, with some actual real world pictures of the actual car.
Really beautiful deep metallic red color.
Nice to see some actual pictures instead of the fancy press release pics.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&cate- gory=6444&item=4525620075&rd=1
P.S.-NO this is not my car, I just like looking at the pictures! Thought you might too...
Since I am a senior citizen, I am really disappointed that a Back-up Sensor is not available and that the turn signals in the outside mirrors are not available as an option on all Avalons. Even the Buick LaCrosse and the Ford Five Hundred have the back-up sensors available.
Thanks
Tee
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Avalon spec's. Luggage capacity..14.4, 280hp at 6,200 rpm, 260lb. ft. at 4,700 rpm..Fuel Tank, 18.5 gal.. Wheelbase 111.0.. Turning circle 36.9.. Miles per ga. 22/31 Base price $30,800
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Acura spec's. Luggage capacity..12.5, 270hp at 6,200 rpm, 238 lb. ft. at 5,000 rpm.. Fuel Tank, 17.0 gal.. Wheelbase 107.9.. Turning circle, 39.7.. Miles per ga. 20/28 Base price $32,900
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Some conclusions. You have more gas in your tank and get better miles so you can go further in the Avalon with more trunk space, make a complete turn in less space with the Avalon, wheel base is larger for a more comfortable ride for the Avalon with a little more powerful engine, and I didn't list the spec's but much more room in rear of the Avalon if you care about passengers in back. Good luck to those of you who asked these questions and trust you will make a wise decision.
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Avalon spec's. Luggage capacity..14.4, 280hp at 6,200 rpm, 260lb. ft. at 4,700 rpm..Fuel Tank, 18.5 gal.. Wheelbase 111.0.. Turning circle 36.9.. Miles per ga. 22/31 Base price $30,800
------------------------------------------------------------
Acura spec's. Luggage capacity..12.5, 270hp at 6,200 rpm, 238 lb. ft. at 5,000 rpm.. Fuel Tank, 17.0 gal.. Wheelbase 107.9.. Turning circle, 39.7.. Miles per ga. 20/28 Base price $32,900
---------------------------------------------------------------
Some conclusions. You have more gas in your tank and get better miles so you can go further in the Avalon with more trunk space, make a complete turn in less space with the Avalon, wheel base is larger for a more comfortable ride for the Avalon with a little more powerful engine, and I didn't list the spec's but much more room in rear of the Avalon if you care about passengers in back. Good luck to those of you who asked these questions and trust you will make a wise decision.
I have seen most colors now and like the darker colors best, although Silver Pine (lt green) looks nice.
The trunk isn't as bad as people are making it out to be. It looks fine to me. The rear looks much better in person than in the pictures. The front looks too much like my Camry. Nothing classy about the grill at all. The inside is really cheap looking on the XL. My Camry LE looks much better in my opinion. I am not really fond of the wood trim. I actually like the look of the XLS better because there is less of the wood to look at.
As for the slab sides and no door moldings, I think that is an issue as well. I think a very narrow aftermarket molding painted the color of the car would look absolutely fine. I was even looking at the moldings on the Corolla and I think they might work, but they are a little wider than what I think would look best.
One dealer has addded an $858 "environmental protection package (basically scotchgarded the inside and put a protective wax on the paint) and $149 paint stripe on all of their vehicles. Those are of course pure markup, and I wouldn't apy for them, but the paint stripe does look good. It started on the front fender just behind the headlights and followed the upper crease and wrapped completely around the trunk. It looked good as long as it was a contrasting color.
I must say there was a Camry SE in Salsa Red with a spoiler and ground effects sitting right next to an Avalon Limited at one of the dealerships and I actually thought the Camry SE was a better looking vehicle.
Another item I noticed was the huge number of Sienna's on the lots. Evidently supply now exceeds demand, at least in my area.
My thought after seeing the Avalon in person, is it just does not grab me as something I "have to have". I am sure it is a nice sedan, but I think I would be just as happy with a Camry. I had thought from the specs and the initial pictures, etc, that I would want to upgrade from my Camry, but it just didn't do that to me. So I will be driving my Camry for a while longer.
: )
Mackabee
Maybe the car will grow on me, because I am a big Toyota fan. But right now I am keeping my older model.
I would like to ask why people are interested in the Avalon in the first place.
I want power, comfort, luxery and good looks. I do not think that anyone could say the new Avalon does not provide these 4 things (personal opinion on the looks).
I am suprised to hear how many people don't like the size of the trunk. The new trunk is only marginally smaller. With all due respect, are you folks looking at buying a luxery sedan, or a cargo van? How much stuff do you need to haul around with you? My trunk is completely empty 99% of the time.
Additionally, I just can't see any comparison between the Mercury Montago and the new Avalon. (Other then they both have 4 wheels, doors and seats) You can't even get a navigation unit in the Mercury. The Avalon also out performs it by almost 80hp. And I think we would all take the bet that the new Avalon will be more reliable then the Mercury.
Just my opinion...
The previous Avalons did not get high reviews on their nav system. It is tough to beat the touch screen like Lexus or Acura.
I need a car that can hold 4 golf bags and I do believe the trunk in the 2005 Av. is marginal. Anyone test it out with 4 bags? Why do the manufacturers think a roomy trunk is now passe? The new STS has a smaller trunk as does the Acura RL.
I looked at the top end Merc Montego today. Nice AWD car and they have a very roomy trunk. Seating position F/R is nice and spacious except only the driver seat is heated. No Nav offered.
MikeS.
MikeS.
1. Although it is not touch screen, it is the next best thing in user friendliness. It was easier than others I have used and it was fine for me.
2. It seemed to be easy enough to input and it is intuitive so it makes things easier.
3. It responds to voice, but I did not get a chance to give it any commands to see how it would respond.
4. The screen it easy enough to see although I am used to the screen being closer to me. Again with the voice guidance the screen size is fine since you will be guided mostly by voice. I have read it is a small screen, but I have seen smaller ones (300C).
Of course no system I have used compares with the Acura RL-it is in a class by itself.
If you compare it to the Acura TL (which is a fair comparison) it falls a bit short in ease of use, but it is definitely easy enough to use. I would not hesitate to buy the car if that was a concern.
I would be interested to hear what others thought after using it.
Can moldings be installed? Are there any other options to protect it?
I will be leasing so dents and dings could be a problem for me at lease end.
Any thoughts are appreciated.
Find a custom detailer in your area and have a molding put on professionally if that's what you want. Good luck
Thanks for the Link...
I looked at both this weekend. The interior of the Avalon XLS is nice but as mentioned before the woodgrain is cheezy. The trunk is incredible on the Montego. You can get memory seating on the Montego for $25676-FWD/$27597-AWD and on the Avalon it starts at $34,080.
The Avalon looks much better exterior wise than the previous generation, but Toyota is pushing people to the Limited to get many popular features. At that price, the nearly as good competitors look like bargains, and the better luxury nameplates look comparable.
The Montego/500 reliability remains an unknown, but many people might be willing to take a chance given both the $5-10000 difference and keeping the dollars at home by helping Ford.
We love our 2000Avalon and new one better as good
I DO NOT THINK I COULD AGREE MORE WITH YOU. WHEN YOU LOOK UNDER THE SKIN, AND TAKE AWAY ALL THOSe electronic features, the car is actually just changed, not some much improved. And the price you pay for the electronic gizmos is quite robust.
The lack of a bench seat, smaller trunk, no a fold down rear seat, larger tires, etc. do not make up for other creature comfort features.
My needs may have changed as well, as that NEW Honda Ridgeline with its independent suspension is looking better all the time. Will wait a couple of years though till the bugs are worked out.
abfisch
I don't think I have used a key to open a door or trunk in 8 to 10 years - not necessary with a button inside and one on the remote.
Besides, an observation I have made is that I have never seen a trunk pried, cut or forced open by thieves. But, I have seen countless cars with the lock pushed in, to the point that they even make collars to go around the keyhole.
I doubt anyone posting here lives in a neighborhood where that is rampant, unless your condo doesn't have parking included, but we all end up in less-than-ideal areas on occasion.
Just my $0.02
When I saw the webcast for the Avalon, I said to myself, WHOA, I MUST HAVE THIS CAR! Having owned nothing but Toyota's for over 20 years (I am in my 40's), I just knew this car had to be a no brainer/must do deal, because no doubt it is better than it looked and it looks great! And for all practical purposes, it's cheap!
Well, Saturday, 5 Feb, I spent about 30 minutes walking around, sitting in and touching things in a 05 Avalon Limited (it had just been delivered and was not ready for driving). Although from a styling standpoint, one might say it is better than the previous model, from a materials perspective, things just didn't seem quite right.
Example, when I adjusted the reclining rear seats, as they rubbed against the side, it sounded like cardboard. (The rubbing itself was a little annoying.)
When you run your hands over the roof, doors and panels throughout the interior, surfaces felt a little harder than expected and where there is a cloth, a little hollow; you get the sense a few dollars were saved on the interior materials. In some places I thought if I pressed too hard I might puncture something.
The fact that it doesn't have body side moldings is a bit unusual (maybe the sides are using a material that doesn't show dings as much as other cars!).
The hinge in the trunk appeared to be made of some type of plastic (I am not sure if this is common, but I just noticed it).
When you look at the side view of the car, the rear door windows look a lot like the 300c, even a little like the Magnum, (this obviously is a good/bad thing depending on your tastes!) but they do look smaller in person than they do in the pictures.
Even without driving it, you get the sense it may not be as quiet as you would expect it to be. (I will drive one this week to know for sure).
The observations and opinions above are purely subjective so please take my comments with a grain of salt! I have no doubt that the new Avalon will give its owners great satisfaction. I also will give Toyota the benefit of the doubt that, despite what I think about the interior materials, everything in the car does work as advertised. My expectations (which were extremely high) were simply skewed by the marketing hype and my own past experiences with Toyotas.
On the other hand, last month my wife and I bought the 05 Camry XLE with the Nav system (this is her car). After having driven it few times, I am absolutely blown away by this car! I literally love this car! When I sit inside it, the only thoughts that cross my mind are "top-of-the-line" and "must have". The car is simply the best Toyota we have ever owned. The driving comfort, the quality of the materials, the Navigation System and its ease of use and accuracy plus all the numerous conveniences found throughout the car all contribute to creating a better than average driving experience.
Note: I will never buy another car without a Nav system. I think Navigation systems will be to the future of car accessories what the radio became in the past: standard equipment. For anyone living in a city where there is a good chance you may not know the directions to a place you need or want to go, on-board Navigation is really convenient. And like all things, they will only get better and cheaper.
But back to the 05 Camry XLE, when people first see it and ride in it, they always comment that it looks and feels like one of those expensive European cars, but little do they know it only cost 28k! And it doesn't hurt that the interior space is almost as roomy as the 04 Avalon!
So, I will wait and give the 06 Avalon a look, but if it doesn't make better sense to buy it, I will go with a Camry XLE of my own.
By the way, once you get close to the new Avalon, in my humble opinion, it doesn't really appear to be the threat to Lexus we thought it would be. At least, not right now. However, it looks like it is dead-on with its real target-market: Ford, GM and Chrysler customers. For this shopper, the new Avalon will be similar in many ways but, at the same time, a huge step up in others. They will be hard pressed to find fault with the Avalon. But, for long time Toyota customers who are used to Toyota quality combined with the sense of having gotten more for the money, well, try it out and see what you think...
: )
Mackabee
: )
Mackabee
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=72190&p=irol-news- Article_Print&ID=671005&highlight=
I certainly don't stand alone in my critique of the '05.
Maybe it's nit-picking, but the extra sun visor and pull-out extenders were nice touches - as was the protective side-mouldings. Why they didn't include them in '05 is a mystery - other then shaving a couple bucks from their costs. The suggestion to find a custom detailer is o.k. - EXCEPT, why should we have to do that?
One comment is that they are getting up into the pricing of competitive luxury cars...And Toyotas famous selling claim of 'great trade-in value' seems to be gone in today's market. After two Avalons which both my wife and I loved - 'fraid it's goodbye Toyota.
I don't see Toyota being a threat to Lexus. Now that they have their own design staff the line will begin to show it's own "DNA" and not just be a Toyota in emperor's clothing.
I think Toyota is more of a threat to Ford and GM than to it's own Lexus line. I think the day will come when Toyota will be the #1 auto maker in the world unless Ford and GM make some major business changes and NOW!
bluesman, Toyota is well on its way to world market domination. They could blow away GM right now if they wanted to.
: )
Mackabee
http://search.netscape.com/ns/boomframe.jsp?query=Toyota+GM+2006&- amp;page=1&offset=2&result_url=redir%3Fsrc%3Dwebsearch%26- requestId%3Dad04e39476bf9913%26clickedItemRank%3D3%26userQuery%3D- Toyota%2BGM%2B2006%26clickedItemURN%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Feconomy.- news.designerz.com%252Ftoyota-eyes-gms-crown-as-worlds-top-carmak- er-in-2006.html%26invocationType%3D-%26fromPage%3DNSCPToolbarNS%2- 6amp%3BampTest%3D1&remove_url=http%3A%2F%2Feconomy.news.desig- nerz.com%2Ftoyota-eyes-gms-crown-as-worlds-top-carmaker-in-2006.h- tml