2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

homer173503 · February 2005

Anybody that knows anything about cars and engines knows that you will have problems if you run a high performance engine designed to run on premium fuel on regular. Maybe not right away but after 10k miles watch out for pre ignition problems. As for door edge guards

my 2001 Avalon has them, the roundness of the doors on the 2005 will be a magnet for parking lot dings. I waited over a year for the 2005's to come out and was disappointed when I saw them and took a test ride. I opened the door over the radio and then it would not close it kept popping up. It rode nice and handled well, but I think Toyota is trying to run with Lexus and Acura. feel that they have lost sight of what brought them to the dance in the first place. A quality auto that was a good ride and and a good deal. I found a 2004 left over with Nav at 6K under list, quote from the dealer I think I will take it.

buzz123 · February 2005

Just wanted to let everyone know that it looks like Edmunds has updated their new car section with the '05 Avalon. Looks like it's in the midsize car section instead of the large?

future1 · February 2005

updated.

ellis1 · February 2005

I went to a different dealership. They had two XLS's. Things were quiet so I was able to take my time and go over the car in detail. I sat in the rear seats, the driver seat and the passenger seat. I poked around everything in the car. I stood outside and studied it from every angle. I have to admit the car is definitely growing on me. I have already given it a good test drive last week and I was very pleased with the ride: quiet, smooth, powerful. No hesitation at all, and I have a 2000 Avalon, so I know what it feels like. I spent a half hour with the salesman talking numbers. The five dealerships I have contacted here in south Florida are holding the MSRP price. In addition, as most of you know the cars that are coming in are loaded with options, both from the factory and the SE distributor. So, right now, with no discounting, and loads of upgrades, the prices are off the wall.

I had them do an appraisal on my 2000 Avalon XLS and they offered me $12,000. I took it over to Carmax and they offered me $14,000 cash. If, and when, they start discounting I will be bargaining for a Touring model, not before. Meanwhile, I going to sell the 2000 AVa to Carmax later this week and share my wifes car for the time being. I've let all the dealerships in my area know I'm ready to deal with they are.

tasso · February 2005

Thanks for the heads up on the spoiler. I would rather have xm, see if they will include this instead.

No 110 volt plus in in the car. One auto type 12 v in each of the center storage areas. Negative is that there are none I see outside of the storage areas, meaning the boxes need to be open or the cords sort of block closure of the lids when connected

The puddle lights have a "blue" xenon glow, very neat touch.

LOVE driving it. Smart key is great, but has some limitations.

Worth every penny. Quiet car, but like the Sienna a little more undercarriage noise, but not bad at all. Equal to my aurora and denali and sienna.

Gas milage good so far.

mikes. · February 2005

We bought an Indigo Ink LTD today with NAV, Lazer Cruise, remote start & VSC. We were able to get 500 off MSRP w/o much trouble. Another dealer's website was showing 320 off so I asked Younger to beat that. Most all dealers in the DC area are sticking with MSRP. I had a couple others tell me that they were suprised that I was getting anything off.

They also beat our CU financing with TFS by .2%.

They tried pretty hard to lowball me on my 03 Sienna LE but I had done my homework on it's value with both Edmunds and KBB. Their 1st KBB offer came out at 14,450 and they wanted to only give me 14 even. Tried to tell me that the dealer had to clean it up and stuff. I pointed to the KBB print-out where it says that is already figured into the value given.

Wound up getting 15.5 for it.

I now have 100 miles on this car and haven't felt any kind of hesitation from the throttle or tranny. I was especially looking for this on the test drive a few days ago and again today before we bought.

The NAV is going to take some learning time but we are already starting to figure it out.

The lazer cruise really works. We were driving down the freeway and a big rig pulled in front of us fairly closely. The car immediately deaccelerated and I believe that the brakes came on as well. The alarm went off and I had my foot covering the brake pedal in case it was needed, it wasn't used by me.

The wife likes the "fake" blond wood color and all.

So far, we love this car.

MikeS.

douglas1 · February 2005

Extract more money? Take a look at the standard equipment on the XLS and compare that to a similarly equiped 04 model. I think you'll find that the 05 is about $3000 less.

just__me · February 2005

I'm Happy for you Mike. You made a good choice, I'm thoroughly enjoying mine. I am enjoying it so much more then my 04. Good luck and happy touring.

dmorthole · February 2005

Strange how I haven't even seen one picture of the XL. (specific ones; only one model lineup photo)

crv16 · February 2005

Autofair Toyota in Manchester, NH has a no-haggle policy on all their vehicles. They've got an Avalon LTD for $2,683 off MSRP.

http://toyota.autofair.com/index.cfm?action=InventorySearch&s- ubaction=SearchDetail&Vehicle=351863&Vehicleid=442638&amp- ;ListBack=1&VehicleOwnerFranchiseID=591

pmcb48 · February 2005

For Virginia Beach, Virginia, the Edmunds TMV for a fully loaded Limited is about $1500 under MSRP, yet all local dealers I've talked to are sticking to MSRP. Wonder where they're getting their information. I have also seen internet quotes from a dealer in Maryland about $2000 under MSRP for a fully loaded Limited, plus only $99 for dealer processing (profit!) fee, instead of the typical $399.

For an enlightening look from the other side of the closing desk, go to the JM&A Group website.

http://www.jmagroup.com/fni_index.asp . They sell third-party extended warranties, pre-paid maintenance plans, and credit insurance. Particularly the section on "Dealership Profit Improvement." As part of their training (see "Instore F&I Specialist") dealership personnel watch for a week as the JM&A expert pitches post-sale products to customers and shows them how to extract more money from them (us). Scarey.

motownusa · February 2005

That's a great price for a Limited, and not much more than what my uncle paid for his 2004 Avalon. I am sure as time goes on and supplies catches on with demand, prices are bound to come down. Thanks for the link.

just__me · February 2005

Thanks for the autofair site. If you take a closer look, the 2 cars they have on the lot, Avalon 2005 XLS, their price is the MSRP, nothing off. Only the Limited did they knock off the $2,683 off the MSRP.

The new Consumers Review overall in the 2005 Avalon Class came out on top of the Ford 500 and Mercury Montego, Nissan Maxima, and even over the ES330. It also overall held its own very well to the Acura TL. So for those of you who purchased this new car, feel proud you made a good choice. My son told me last night that since I had been driving three other Avalons in the past including the 2004, certain things that were there that are taken away in this new model I might feel I'm missing it because you get used to something like an old shoe, but once you begin driving the new one with the new stuff the old one didn't have you'll be in love with this one and next time when your ready to buy the same make the same emotions will kick in all over again if something else is missing etc. The point he made is if your getting more stuff then you had before your ahead of the game.

AFTER SPENDING A COUPLE OF DAYS GETTING USED TO MY NEW XLS, HERE ARE MY IMPRESSIONS AND I HAVE NO LAG IN THE TRANNY, IT'S SMOOTH.

As you know overall we are getting more stuff then the last model. Most of all a more powerful engine which normally cost a lot more, three more air bags, knee, and front and rear side bags both sides, door over the radio and cassette, dual exhausts, better windshield wiper, larger sunshade (minus the extension), more storage space in the interior, reclining rear seats and 17 inch tires, for the touring and up and telescoping steering wheel. Whats taken away, extension for the visor and one storage compartment on the door that is replaced by a larger storage space near the console covered by a door. Slightly smaller trunk, but more space inside the car and a longer wheel base, and slightly better mileage and nicer styling and longer car which adds to some safety in a crash and more powerful headlight beams, an attachment to your gas cap so it doesn't fall when filling up. So if you like the Avalon you drove before, you will love this one. Regarding the side molding, if you go see the car you will see there is a built in style at the bottom of the doors suggesting molding. As we all know, molding or not doesn't prevent dings. Every car I have owned had dings. When doors are opened near your car, the doors are curved differently and you can get a ding above or below the molding, same from a shopping cart, it's just part of life living in a heavily trafficked area. Don't forget the overall improvement in it's styling as well and the rear center hump all cars have that is now mostly gone for more comfort for your passengers. So if you think it through and take your time, this car was well thought out. With all these pluses they only raised the basic MSRP about $200 plus. So in retrospect it's excellent value in comparison to the 04. Next years model will probably have something taken back to save some money, or the price will go up. I can't think of anything else to deflect those that only look to criticize to justify there reason for not buying this car. There are genuine reasons, such as someone who wants a sport car, an even more powerful engine, a status name plate etc, but that is no reason to criticize a car (style is a personal thing) that is well made and tops others according to Consumers Review in their price range.

just__me · February 2005

Macabee, I hope your treatments are helping and that progress to a full recovery of your health takes place. You are a voice of reason on this board and I enjoy reading your posts. I await the results of your driving impressiuons for the 05 Avalon as I'm sure everyone else is. I believe your remarks are honest and unbiased. Have a good day.

55396 · February 2005

An AZ dealer had his Limited marked up $4000. When I told him I have never paid an additional mark up and never will, he offered it at sticker. I told him to go pick suckers from the 'Fools Tree' and we would talk later. If I buy new, it's at cost or slightly above, but usually wait until year end and opt for a rental unit or lease return. We have purchased many of these cars and have never had a bad experience. After all, they carry full warranty backed up by a rental company warranty. There is no need to get ripped off if you are mature enough to exercise patience. Of course, if you're filthy rich, it probably doesn't matter.

library1 · February 2005

My Toyota dealer had a new '05 XLS sitting next to a new '04 leftover. '04 was listed at over $25,000, about 2K over cars direct price.

I didn't drive it, but my visual impression was that the new Avalon has a sportier look. Its less upright, less angles and more curves. Less space between your face and the top of the windshield, less apparent headroom in the rear. The rear bumber is prominant, the trunk is more tapered which may account for some of the space reduction. Something to be said for both styles.

Maybe the new Avalon isn't overwhelming some of us because the old Avalon was already so good?

55396 · February 2005

"Anybody that knows anything about cars and engines knows that you will have problems if you run a high performance engine designed to run on premium fuel on regular. Maybe not right away but after 10k miles watch out for pre ignition problems."

------------------------------------------------

With modern technology that senses pre-ignition and 'adjusts' ignition advance on the fly, this thinking no longer applies. I burn regular in my 03, unless the price for higher grades are close to regular, and have for over 10,000 miles. NO problem. Here is a new article by Jim Healey of USA Today that speaks to this. I like Jim. He tells it like it is.

"Toyota Avalon: Practically perfect

Toyota takes popular flagship sedan and makes it better."

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/reviews/healey/2005-02-10-ava- lon_x.htm

55396 · February 2005

Jim Healey says the Avalon exterior is the size of the Buick LaCrosse, which surprised me. Maybe the LaCrosse is larger than it's predecessor, but I thought the Avalon was larger than that. He said the Avalon was larger inside though. I still think Toyota screwed up with a trunk that much smaller.

jeffm5 · February 2005

We are now driving a 98 Avalon XLS, which we love but are ready to replace. We're seriously considering an 05 Avalon but are disappointed that seat memory is offered only on the Limited, which lists at about $2000 more than an XLS. (If I'm not right about this, someone please correct me.) Now I know you also get fancy cruise control, smart key, rain sensitive wipers among other things. But these are things I don't need or particularly want, while seat memory is something we use everyday.

I sat in a Maxima SL yesterday. It not only has memory seat but it automatically lifts & telescopes in the steering wheel & moves the seat back when you take out the key. The settings are later restored before you drive off again. It seems to be in the XLS price range. Definitely cheaper than the Limited. Plan on test driving both soon.

buckwheat · February 2005

What Healy didn't mention, the Avalon's 3.5-liter V-6 engine will be built in Japan this year, then in plants in West Virginia and Georgetown next year..

mcardle · February 2005

"Mainly, though, the 2005 Avalon is a great way to get premium features and the luxury of space without quite paying luxury prices."

I have friends that ask me why a guy in his 30's is looking at this vehicle. THAT is why.

future1 · February 2005

That USA Today review is the first one out there that mentions the transmission issues:

"A sometimes-indecisive transmission is the one mechanical hiccup noticed during the test drives. In stop-and-go traffic or cruising at walking speed looking for an address or street sign, the transmission can't settle on a gear. Little jerks and shudders come through as the transmission hunts for the right ratio. Disappointing in such a well-done car."

mackabee · February 2005

Mr. Healy must have been reading these board as even he is imagining transmission "hiccups"

; )

Mackabee

mackabee · February 2005

Just me, thank you for the kind words. Every little bit helps and words like yours help me tackle every day with a little more strenght.

: )

Mackabee

55396 · February 2005

Notice that Healeys test drive was in a pre-production car. Posts here state that they do not notice this. Lets hope it is non-existant in production cars. BTW, we drove an early production 2000 Avalon and didn't like it. Later cars were just fine,so If you see things you don't feel are up to snuff on early cars, go back for another drive a few months later to see if they are still there. It will be cheaper to buy too. We looked at the first 05 the dealer got in and noticed uneven gaps on either side of the hood. They will dial it in very soon.

mjb56 · February 2005

I've been looking into this vehicle and started to settle on the Touring model for the more sporty handling. The one oddity that I find is that the leather seats are not heated, and it is not even an option (other than an aftermarket). Have any of you found this to be true? (I have not seen an actual car, I'm only taking this from the brochure.) That seems sort of "cheap" for a near $30K vehicle, doesn't it?

buzz123 · February 2005

I'm interested in the XL also and am curious to see what the interior looks like. Local dealers only have XLS and Limited, but not XL. I haven't come across any pictures online yet either.

teereeves · February 2005

For those of you who purchased your 2005 Avalon. I would like to know what color you chose or have for the exterior and interior, and why you chose them. I'm trying to get a feel for what color combination are the most popular before I purchase my new Avalon. Thanks.

Tee

teereeves · February 2005

I noticed that the new 2006 Lexus GS also has the body side molding at the bottom of the doors. This may be a new direction for Toyota/Lexus in design, where the 2006 Lexus GS and the 2005 Toyota Avalon is leading the way.

Any comment anyone?

Tee

cove148 · February 2005

As the owner Avalons for 10 years, which I loved, I am passing on the 2005 simply for this reason. Looked at the car several times and I see those large bowed doors and image the paint scrapes and dents. Yes I did get dings in the previous models, but the doors are relatively flat and the factory protection is good. Dings I did get were easy for the "dent man" to remove.

tasso · February 2005

I choose black with the light tan interior - gorgeous. The first new car my brother, the owner of numerous vehicles include a g-wagon, every wanted to drive that I bought.

I guess I would like molding, but my Denali did not have them, and the cars I have had that had them, all got dings. My aurora, denali,bravada,regal,tahoe, all got them from people in parking lots.

Smart key is nice, BUT if your wife has her purse in the car with her smart key in the purse it does not work. Essentially it becomes a key fob when you approach.

autoguy1 · February 2005

I have some questions for you, tasso.

If the car is still on and you walk off with the Smart Key in your pocket, will the car remain on? Or does it shut off itself?

2nd. The black sensors on each handle; Is it just a touch-sensitive where you touch it and the door unlocks or do you have to push it in as a button before anything is unlocked?

How do you open the trunk? Is there some sort of handle under the garnish or something? Besides the interior trunk release.

Thanks a lot.

just__me · February 2005

My car color is the Desert Sand Mica. My last two Avalons were the same color. I do like the color with the light leather seats, and mine has the Birch imitation wood. It doesn't show the dirt and in the South where I live I like a light color that reflects heat rather then absorbs it. If I went for another color I believe the Titanium with a grey interior would be striking. As far as the molding, I was in Barnes and Nobles today and was reading Consumer Guide and noticed some other expensive cars, one a Mercedes at a steep price, I forget the Model, but a sedan that also had the molding at the bottom like the Avalon, and others with no molding as I previously posted, so maybe some manufacturers are going for a look rather then thinking about dings the happen anyway unless luck prevails and someone who opens there door had the curve on their door lined up with the molding. I saw a Prius in the parking lot the other day that had molding put on by the owner, I knew that because he did a horrible job installing it, it wasn't straight in spots and as I looked back it took away from the overall design of the car so I won't be doing that. Incidentaly I have no lag on my car regardless of what Healy said, I wonder if he really drove one? I hope I answered your questions.

MACABEE, YOUR WELCOME, YOU SEEM FROM READING YOUR POSTS TO BE A FINE GENTLEMAN AND THEREFORE WANTED VERY MUCH TO BE MORE THAN A POSTER ON HERE OF CARS, BECAUSE YOUR HEALTH IS SO MUCH MORE IMPORTANT THAN WHAT WE POST HERE, AND EVERYONE ELSE WHO HAS IT SHOULD COUNT THEIR BLESSINGS, AND IN THE END IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW FAST THE CAR WILL GO, THE COLOR, OR LAG, IT WILL TAKE YOU WHERE YOU WANT TO GO, JUST DONT LET YOUR EGO GET IN YOUR WAY OR TRYING TO IMPRESS SOMEONE IN MAKING YOUR DECISION. GO WITH WHAT IS TRULY BEST FOR YOUR FAMILY, BUDGET AND OVERALL COMFORT, RELIABILITY HISTORY AND RESALE VALUE. WE DON'T HAVE AN AUTOBAHN IN THIS COUNTRY, SO NEEDING RAW POWER IS TEMPORARY FOR PASSING TILL YOU GLIDE BACK TO THE SPEED LIMIT. MACABEE ONCE AGAIN AND WITH GODS CARE I WISH YOU THE VERY BEST AND EVERYONE ELSE AS WELL.

fd1000 · February 2005

Tasso, could you post some pictures of your new Avalon? Other then one very obscure picture on the net, I have not seen a 2005 Avalon in black, and think it would look great.

I myself am considering Black with the Graphite interior. Tan interior would be my second choice.

Thanks in advance!

tapand · February 2005

I ordered 1997,2000 and 2002 Avalon XLS without moonroof and had been very happy. Now it is no longer optional. I did test drive the new model two days ago and was somewhat disappointed by the loss of headroom with seat all the way back and as low as possible. But in the back it is a different story, I am 6 feet tall and my head touches the roof if I do not recline the seat back. What a dumb design ! Why could not they leave the moonroof as optional ? Also I hope the rear disc brakes do not crack or rust out in 40,000 miles like my other Avalons.

mikes. · February 2005

"There is no need to get ripped off if you are mature enough to exercise patience. Of course, if you're filthy rich, it probably doesn't matter."

Ya know, there really is no need for your snide remarks.

Now where is that ignore button???

MikeS.

mikes. · February 2005

My answer too, I bought my '96 Avalon when I was 39 and it is still going strong. I'm 6'5" and about 350. I'm totally comfortable in this car.

Mike S.

mikes. · February 2005

We bought Indigo Ink because we liked it best out of all the colors. Ours has a beige interior.

MikeS.

mikes. · February 2005

"I ordered 1997,2000 and 2002 Avalon XLS without moonroof and had been very happy. Now it is no longer optional. I did test drive the new model two days ago and was somewhat disappointed by the loss of headroom with seat all the way back and as low as possible. But in the back it is a different story, I am 6 feet tall and my head touches the roof if I do not recline the seat back. What a dumb design ! Why could not they leave the moonroof as optional ?"

Strange, like I've said before I'm 6'5" and in the past I had to skip the moonroofs because the Avalon and the Camry was too low for me. I brushed my hair against the ceilings in them.

In this '05 I have none of that problem in either the front or back.

mikes. · February 2005

We took our new baby on an almost 200 mile trip today that included freeway, country roads, hills and city driving. Here are my impressions.

The ride started out very noisy (windy), sounded like a door wasn't shut right or a window was cracked. We had to stop on the side of the freeway to check the doors. The door ajar indicator light was off, but still... After re shutting all 4 doors and making sure the windows were all tight it dawned on me to check the moonroof. Yep, it was slightly cracked from when I'd opened it earlier in the day. Problem solved.

The power of this car is impressive! We were merging onto the freeway at one point and had big rigs in both lanes. I was able to pull well ahead of them using the on-ramp w/o any trouble and with room to spare.

Going uphill at 70 for about 2 miles the car didn't even breath hard. Passing isn't a problem either. Heck, keeping your speed down could be a problem. The ride is smooth and the car so quite, I was doing 80 in a 70 zone before I knew it.

2 lane slightly twisty slightly hilly country roads were fun. This car twists and turns and climbs like a champ.

Watch out if using the cruise control on short/small hills. As the car slows going uphill the cruise adds power pretty fast and then when you hit the crest of the hill you jump ahead a bit and that wasn't much fun. My advice? Cruise is not recommended for short hills.

In city driving the car responds well and I have a lot of visibility all around. The A pillar isn't huge and distracting like on some cars. Maneuverability is nice, changing lanes isn't a problem and neither is stopping. I had one instance in 5 O'clock traffic when I had to stop hard and fast because of traffic in front of me doing so. The only problem was the jerk riding my bumper almost got to buy me a new one. Boy would I have been ticked!

We spent several hours in the car today and it wasn't tiring. I spent a lot of time sitting in the car trying to figure out the NAV system and playing with other features while the wife was shopping. She hit 3 malls and 2 Toys R US stores plus a couple target stores. Oh Joy! I did get to 2 Best Buys and a CC store so it wasn't a total loss

Con't in a new post.

mikes. · February 2005

The NAV system;

It has some quirks. When parked in my driveway at home it has my address off by 200something. I'm at 318 and it says 580 something. I key in 318 and it puts it in a worse spot. I key in the old number (county renamed and/or re numbered about 3 years ago) and it is about .5 of a mile off. I try adjusting by scrolling the map and as close as I can get is 421.

When I set up a route home from about 50 miles away it gave me 3 options. The quick way was about 14 miles longer but about the same time. It was all freeway. The short route, which I almost always use, was laid out kinda funny. From where we were it is about a mile to US 340. The system had me take a path through a residential area onto a back road that then paralleld 340 for about 10 miles. So we took it and it lead us just fine. The turns were well laid out and it warned us in plenty of time. I had the map set at a quarter mile and it gave us plenty of information as to where we were and where we were heading. When we about .5 from the house it didn't give us the most direct route. I ignored what it said, hoping that it would correct me or recompute. it did neither. When I got to our house it did tell me that we had reached our destination. I don't know what would have happened if I hadn't known what I was doing.

This thing is a bit hard to use but seems to do a good job. The wife should be able to get to most places after I teach her how to. I have to learn first though. Gonna take some more time.

More still too come...

mikes. · February 2005

First impressions;

Lots of power, smooth quiet comfortable ride. Absolutely no hint of hesitation. Not from 0 and not from 70 to 90 MPH.

Nav system is gonna take some more work, but hey, if I can program millions of $ worth of computers for the last 30 years I can learn this too.

Dynamic Lazer cruise is a bit more sensitive then I usually drive. But works really well. I drive a lot of freeway and am always having big rig issues. I've really come to dislike big rig drivers. When you have one change lanes right on top of you the cruise can really slow you down fast.

The climate screen always says "Air Conditioning" You can have the heat set at 80 and it stills says "Air Conditioning". Must be that Japanese to English translation thing.

No overdrive on/off button. I'm gonna have to read up on the sequential shift. When on a long down hill I was taught by my truck drive dad to down shift instead of ride the brakes. All my previous autos had a overdrive on/off that I used to take the tranny out of 4th into 3rd. This 5sp doesn't have any. So what I have to find out is; Can I switch from D into S at 65mph? W/O trashing the tranny. If the owners manual doesn't tell me I'm gonna have to track down my cousin in Calif that is a Toyota Master Mechanic or whatever they call them now.

The cabin has much better lighting then my '06.

Having trouble getting the Home Link working on my garage door. Gonna have to play some more.

I like that I can switch off the DRLs. I use them on the road all the time but when sitting in the car while the wife shops for 2 hours I don't like. I run the engine for the A/C or the heat and the Sienna's were always on.

Why 17" tires? What's the big difference?

Thats all for now, aren't you glad?

MikeS.

mikes. · February 2005

"No overdrive on/off button. I'm gonna have to read up on the sequential shift. When on a long down hill I was taught by my truck drive dad to down shift instead of ride the brakes. All my previous autos had a overdrive on/off that I used to take the tranny out of 4th into 3rd. This 5sp doesn't have any. So what I have to find out is; Can I switch from D into S at 65mph? W/O trashing the tranny. If the owners manual doesn't tell me I'm gonna have to track down my cousin in Calif that is a Toyota Master Mechanic or whatever they call them now."

Page 163 & 164 in my owners manual say YES you can go from D into S while driving. Cool

dshimkat · February 2005

I took delivery of my 2005 Desert Sand Mica Limited with Ivory interior on Thursday and now have about 100 miles on the odo. Compared to my 2001 Avalon XLS (also Desert Sand Mica w/Ivory interior) this car is much improved. The ride seems a little firmer, which I like. It takes corners and curving interstate on-ramps with less body roll than my '01. It also seems to be a little quieter inside, with no wind noise or other noise/vibration/harshness. The power is amazing, with no discernable transmission lag from any speed. The only options on my Limited were XM Satellite Radio (installed by Dealer), VSC, and Cargo/Trunk Mats. I did not want the Nav or Laser Cruise Control.

Because I intend to keep this car for a while, and it is a new model year, I also bought the Toyota Platinum 6 Yr/75K mile 0 deductible extended warranty. That way I will have peace of mind with bumper to bumper coverage beyond 3Yr/36K miles. They had a special on the extended warranty, which was normally $1,200. I got it for $900. Even though I never had any problems with my '01 Avalon, and Toyota has an excellent reputation for reliability, I felt my peace of mind was worth the price.

The sound system in the Limited is also great. Having the added HVAC and radio controls on the steering wheel is a nice touch, after not having them on the prior model. It will take me a while getting used to not reaching for the controls on the center dash.

My friends really like the reclining seats in the rear. They all wanted to set back there when we went to dinner last night. The HID lights are nice and bright, and always dip down and up when you turn them on to self level themselves. I have never had them on any of my prior autos and really like them.

I am 6'4.5" tall and have no problem with head room in the front or back, even with the sunroof. I just adjusted the seat height and recline position in the front to find the right fit. I don't feel like I am reclining too far back, and I have a great view of the road. The extending drivers seat provides excellent thigh support.

I can't think of any other comments right now. Overall I am very happy with my purchase and look forward to many years of happy motoring in this new vehicle.

tasso · February 2005

No the car does not shut off if you walk away. It "rings or dings" at you several times than stops, as to not annoy your wife who is still in the car as I run into the bank with the fob in my pocket.

The black sensors are touch and not push sensitive. And if another fob is not in/around the cars perimeter it works perfect. Often, but not always, you do not even need to touch the black button, just the handle.

The trunk opens via touching a similar black button located at the very lower passenger side of the trunk lid.

I love this car. Still figuring out the ins and outs of the smart key, but it is a great feature.

The Buick LaCrosse is no competition. BUT the new Lucerne coming this fall from Buick looks sharp, and has almost the exact same rear window design. Maybe it will come down to Buick and Toyota in my book.

The Toyota feels so big inside. The visibilty is great. You practically do not see the hood at all when viewing outward.

tasso · February 2005

fd1000,

I would be happy to post pictures. How do I do this? Sorry, love the internet but not too savvy at it.

The black helps hide some of the lines on the side I do not like, PLUS it gives it a long and narrow limo like look. Gonna tint the windows I believe.

pmcb48 · February 2005

Very good comments. I would be very interested in what the outside installation components of the XM radio look like. I have heard of a "black box" on the trunk lid, with a cable running over the front edge, and possibly an antenna on the rear window. Are you happy with the installation? Also, how are you liking the XM service? Congratulations on your new car; I am also leaning toward Desert Sand Mica and Ivory, although thinking about Mirage Blue and Ivory as well.

autoguy1 · February 2005

Thanks a lot. One more, though. Is there any key hidden in the fob? I keep my cars for a while and all electronics start to screw up after a while. What happens if the key fob fails? How do you turn the car on? How do you even get into the car?

Question for XLS-below owners. How do you get into the trunk then? Or is it the same is the black button on the Limited? On the Sienna the rear hatch is opened via a little electronic rubber handle. I love those kinds. Very modern.

Laser Cruise is very useful on straight roads. I love using it on the Sienna. Takes a while to get use to though.

fd1000 · February 2005

Download and install FilePC.

Get it at FilePC.Com

Then send the pictures using the software.

Then post in this forum the URL it gives you for the picture you uploaded.

For instance, this is a link to a picture of my 2001 Toyota Avalon (Black).

http://www.filepc.com/file.htm?id=664322861

Can't wait to see the pictures! Thanks!!!

ederzawiec · February 2005

Got to see one at the dealer today. An Limited. Unfortunately, it was sold, so I could not drive it. It was also inside a poorly lit showroom, so I did not get a real good look.

The interior quality seemed quite good and the seats were very comfortable. Plently of room inside except for head room both front and rear. I know there were other posts from tall drivers claiming good headroom. Maybe I'm an oddly shaped 6'1", but my head hits the roof in the rear and had about 1" in the front. The reclining rear seat didn't help.

The dealer assured me If I bought an XL or touring without a moonroof, I'd get another inch or so. Maybe in the front, but I doubt it would have much more in the rear.

Quite a disappointment in a car this size.

2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

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