Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Hell no! Make it RWD, six - eight inches longer than the GS, and throw in the direct injected version of the the 2GR. Now were talking!
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
I have no desire to spend an additional 10K on a vehicle like this.
I own a 2009 Avalon and cannot believe how a car of this size and weight can be so fuel efficient. I just returned from an 800 mile road trip during which I averaged 30 MPG while consistently doing 75-80 miles per hour on the highway.
No basis for assuming 10K $ increment.
Shared parts bin and design savings.
Common parts bin: Saturn = Chevrolet = Pontiac = Buick = Oldsmobile = GMC = Cadillac
Carries it a bit too far but you get the idea.
"..total winner.." FWD...NEVER...!!
Only if you live in the tropics.
Not sure what the parts bin of mostly extinct GM cars is supposed to tell me.
I live in the south and have always felt that FWD was the best thing since sliced bread or maybe ABS. I think I had RWD last on my 74 Ford Torino Wagon.
M. J. McCloskey
I just went on a trip to South Carolina from Maine (twice in the last 3 weeks), and I got:
511 miles to the tank
484
460
475
420
385
MPG went down as I added people and their gear to the car.
As for smooth, I'd say fine. As for comfort, my [non-permissible content removed] is still hurting. This I'm very disappointed about.
I added a folded quilt to the drivers seat to see if that would help. It did a little, but still not what I want to do, to be comfortable in my new car.
2008 Avalon Touring
Bought new in December, and now have 21,000 miles on it.
I will say, I had a friend drive the other day, and I sat in the back sit, and that was pretty nice. I did this because I have ANOTHER trip coming up, and I'll have my in-laws with us. We'll put on about 3,500 in 2 weeks and was wondering how comfortable or uncomfortable they will be. I think they will be ok.
I did drive a 2005 LS 430 today, and that was not enough better to consider buying. I may test drive a 2005 S430 Mercedes to see if that's any better.
Skip
Thanks for the update
Looks like it could easily be done in the underdash fuse box by jumping auxillary power fuse to fuel tank fuse. Looks like fuel tank door switch is always hot. Would have to insure there is no feedback to cold side of aux power fuse when ignition is off but this is easily done by cutting off prong to fuse on hot side. Could use a jumper tab for none hot side that goes to fuel tank switch fuse.
Would also like to see aux power in trunk for electric ice chest, etc, use.
We may find,that what the real reason is, the number of sales the Avalon STEALS from Lexus, is the reason they may discontinue the Avalon. A very silly reason, but a reason none the less.
If you look at ad's by your area Toyota dealer, you rarely see the Avalon in the ad's, and like you said. I can't remember the last time (or the first time for that matter), that I saw an Avalon TV commercial?
As much as I like my 2008 Avalon Touring Edition, I will say, it's no where near as comfortable as I'd like.
So far, in the 53 + cars I have owned over the years, my most comfortable have been:
1) 1966 Pontiac Catalina
2) 1968 Catalina Coupe
3) 1996 Buick Park Avenue Limited (with Velvet type lounge chairs for seats)
4) 1998 Buick Park Avenue
5) 1968 Cutless Supreme
6) 2008 Toyota Avalon
Now most of the cars ahead of the Avalon were much larger cars, and much heavier cars.
Has anyone tried Air Shocks on the Avalon, and if so, what did you think?
Skip
- http://www.lincah.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/2009-toyota-crown-majesta-inter- ior.jpg
- http://japancarblog.com/toyota-launches-new-majesta/comment-page-1/
The Toyota Crown Majesta is a full-size premium luxury automobile, similar to the Jaguar XJ, Mercedes S-Class, Infiniti Q and BMW 7 series.
Nonetheless, unless Toyota can differentiate and justify the price premium for the Avalon over the Camry XLE V-6 they will have an uphill task of trying to unload them. With new entrants such as the Ford Taurus/SHO, Buick Lacrosse CXS, and Hyundai Genesis Toyota must up the ante (read, more appealing styling) to effectively compete in this market segment.
The plan was for a completely new car, following the typical 5 year model run. The problems came early as Avalon sales slowed and an RWD platform was deemed necessary, but too expensive. Then Toyota saw the world slowdown coming and actually ceased all redesign efforts. There was no real good choice except continue the present design or drop the model completely. And remember, even though the Avalon is a low production car they are built in Kentucky with the Camry. They actually make a little money per unit and attract buyers to the showroom. If they buy a Camry, ok, but the Avalon got them to the dealership.
Also, most Toyota execs do not feel the Avalon steals from the Lexus 3xx series. Lexus is a name you want, Avalons are Toyotas. We know some switching goes on, we read it here on Edmunds.com. But for most shoppers there is no real dilemma in which to choose.
For the near term, what we see is what we will get. Or nothing. The replacement car needs to built here, not Japan. Ultimately, a new model will replace the current Avalon, but until the world economy improves don't expect much. Avalon is falling behind in the sheet metal design but the car is winner in every other category, my opinion.... Enjoy your Avy's, great cars.
Personally I would expect to soon see a Toyota version of the Lexus GS series (new I4, 6-speed, RWD and maybe DFI..??) to replace the Avalon.
Okay, I'll get to the point! I have been reading many speculations of the Avalon being completely discontinued. If it is going to be discontinued, I find it interesting that Toyota is going to release a 2010 model. This will be the 6th year we have the 3rd generation Avalon. Most dealers in my region only had an average of 1-3, 2009 new Avalons on their lot since they arrived in September 2008. It seems like production has been strictly reduced. This is why I'm so surprised a 2010 will be built. If Toyota is going to discontinue the Avalon, why are they continuing production for another model year? Everything is a big mystery!
Not correct. The Touring uses the exact same size of tire found on the XLS and Limited models (all 17" Rims). The XL rides on 16" however, there are suspension differences in the touring model. Much firmer than the Xl/XLS/Limited.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
The main thing to change is the Navigation. Because, it so difficult to enter new address, I practically never use it. I would also appreciated to have a steering wheel automatic adjustment. Parking cameras would be appreciated as well. For the rest, I have no complaints.
Yes times are tough (but the tough will survive).
Yes sales are low (come out with a new exciting model and that will change)!
If the American companies are coming out with new models (the NEW Ford Taurus, WILL be a big seller - not in the same category, but a big seller still.)
Toyota right now, is one of, if not the BEST selling cars in America kick [non-permissible content removed] with some new exciting models, and stay ahead!
I'm SURE that with this tough economy, Toyota needs to be carful they don't up-date the Avalon so much that it becomes expensive, because it WILL then have folks thinking Lexus, which will cause sales to be low, causing them to re-think the Avalon in the future.
Hell, Toyota is now the sponsors for many PBS and National Geographic TV shows (ALL of which use to be sponsors by Ford - maybe a sad day in American history?
Sorry about the tyrant:)
Skip
http://www.phharval.com/aboutPHHArval/newsCenter/archives/2009/unitedStates/0805- 09.pdf
Sorry, I can't make it available to directly access, but this is the exact site that I found! Definitely check it out!
What would I like to see them change, fix???
- I'd love my coin tray back
- I'd love softer more comfortable seats
- I'd love AWD
- I'd love it to be a bit more quiet on the highway (this is tire noise, as well as wind noise)
- I'd love the radio to show the CD name while it's playing. Right now having to push next and wait until it's starts, to know who the CD is, kind-of sucks.
- Heck, I'd love this feature for iPod's as well.
- I'd love it to have a much better - high quality paint job. My 2008, has a ton of fine line scratches that just piss my off to no end.
- I'd love to have more vents for heating and air around the car (and roof, for pointing down the backside of the front seats on a hot day.
ooh, looks like I want a Lexus:)
I think some of these things are doable, and would make the Avalon a great car.
What would you like to see them do?
Skip
. Make a nav system worth buying
. include a dc power plug for the backseat and and extra for the front
. include the power seat options on the passenger side as standard instead of option on the limited model
. include sat radio receiver as a standard instead of option on the limited
. include a little more room for the passenger seat to slide back
. include the roll bar on the passenger seat like the driver seat
. include an automatic dimmer switch for high beam to low beam
. change the instrument panel to better show the speed or move speed to the center of the dashboard
. change the day running lites from round to square
As for as the sattelite is concerned I use my Iphone for xm radio and playing the ipod.
Use the Iphone for getting directions or gps -- why pay 2K when you dont get a lot for it
I have the 2009 Limited and trip this past weekend got 31.9 highest mpg and 31.0 overall. That was doing 74mph so computer starting to work great more miles I get.
The ride is fantastic - my wife likes to ride in the backseat and instantly falls asleep
I had thought about the Buick Enclave (which gets very good reviews for comfort and quietness, but was more then I was looking to spend at the time)
I wish Buick would bring back the Road Master or Park Avenue:)
As for the others on your list, some are more then I was looking to spend, and others I haven't thought about.
I have recently tried a LS 430 - which I must say, wasn't that much nicer the my Avalon?
I'm in hopes of trying out a E430 Mercedes later on this week. Other then that, I'm fine with my Avalon at this time.
My next car WILL be (hopefully);
- Quieter at highway speeds
- More comfortable on the long haul (on the road salesman. I put on 30,000 miles a year, and want something I can drive 600 - 1500 miles a day, and not hurt when I get out of the car.
- A bit fancier / cooler then the Avalon.
Skip
I adjust so that I can just see the side of my car, then lean a bit towards the console to see out farther before changing lanes. Try it.
Also looking for rubber floor mats any suggestions
thanks
- http://www.weathertech.com/
Skip
Is the a model, style or brand that you can recommend?
Skip
take care
As for a class action law suit? With only 3 weeks on the car, my guess is (with a bit of toughness) the dealership will take the car back. Let them and Toyota Motor Corp., know "It's take it back, or I file a class action lawsuit"! My guess is, you won't own the car much longer, as it will be easier and cheaper to take it back, then the cost of a law suit.
Now, if in fact you and others find that this is a problem, and Toyota is ignoring it, then please, on the behalf of Toyota customers everywhere get some action taken!
Skip
PS This won't bow well, (the bad press) if they are coming out with an all new model for 2011. It will look like the 2010 was a problem child, and so, they re-did it for 2011, in hopes of fixing it.
As oppose to, coming out with a new model, because it was time for a change.
The thing is that Toyota knows that the new transmissions shift into high gear at too low a speed so the car is going to lug at times, yet they do it to promote better gas mileage without alerting the customer that their car is going to rumble at times.
Here in Maine, most dealers (because of state laws), have to take back, or work hard to satisfy customer with problem vehicles.
Now, this may not be easy, but if one is to complain hard enough, you should be successful.
Hell, it's in the dealers best interest.
Is there another car, that this dealership sells, that you can trade-in towards? I would think it would be in the dealers best interest to make you happy.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve