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
I just turned 35,000 miles and I can't say enough good about the Avalon. I haven't reset the MPG since purchase and it now sits at 27.6. I usually lose a few tenths in the winter when I go to the Phoenix area, but gain it back when I return to the Dakotas.
I just returned from a 1,000 mile trip and I kept track manually of my mileage and it was 29.7 which included one tank into a headwind. For the cabin size and the power, I can't think another car can come close to this.
Now for a problem. I sometimes would like to leave my cell or ipad in the car charging but haven't been able to figure out a way. When I shut the car off I lose power and if I leave the ACC on I can't lock the car. Any suggestions?????
In my line of work I rarely turn off my base model Avy 2011, winter or summer, having all sorts of power hungry items plugged into the power sockets or converter. I can lock the single driver side door leaving the car running or with the ACC switch on with no problems go on my inspections comming back to a nice and warm or cool cabin depending on season.
I have several copies, one in by wallet, another in my laptop/tablet sleeve, and yet a third in my satchel or oversize bag. The *dumb* key copy cannot start the car nor open the boot...just unlock/lock the door.
I really can't see a reason for getting another one made unless I'm missing something? I would use the one in my FOB and then keep the FOB with me?
Thanks again.
My Toyota dealer told me it would cost around $295.00 to replace any key FOB if I lost or damaged it so it made sense to me just to have a flat metal ( no plastic end) to lay tighter in my wallet.
Hope this helps?
The start/stop thing concerns me. I thought an engine needed to be running to keep friction surfaces oiled. "Starting it is a terrible thing to do to an engine" is a saying that has stuck with me for years.
So, stopping and restarting your engine at every stoplight could lead to engine damage, no? They probably have worked that out, but I would worry. Even if it doesn't hurt the engine too much, it can't help it.
They contradict them selves right here:
Avalon style was inspired by the Audi A7, Jaguar XJ and Lexus lines. The Avalon will retain the V-6 engine of 3.5 liters but will intensify its handling.
2013 Toyota Avalon comes with a 24-valve 3.0-liter DOHC VVT-i V6 210 hp 5,800 rpm 220 lb-ft 4,400 rpm motor for both XL and Avalon XLS.
And this quote simply has me LAUGHING!!!! A manual trans in an Avalon????
For transmission, consumers can choose between a five speed manual or a continuously variable transmission
Could this comment have been for the Scion also mentioned in the above?
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
A vaurable transmission was a big concern for me. Less torque, with less horsepower MIGHT mean better MPG but I have no evidence to support that.
I didn't write it, someone else did. I only posted the site.
I had an 06 and loved it. The new model is of interest, I just hope that front end they are showing is tamed a bit. The lower grill as it is in the pictures is a deal-breaker.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
It sucks, but it is a wait and see thing we have going on here.
Skip
The DTS/Lucerne and the Panthers were the last and they are gone now.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
I have 18 thousand miles on my Avalon and hope I can get 20 thousand for another Free oil change. My MPG seemed to dropped some lately. I checked the air in my tires and the air pressure is fine. So I'm not sure why the MPG has dropped. I still get excellent gas mileage though. I hope there not putting something extra in the gas. I guess if you're going to drive nows the time. We're paying about $3.09 here in Southern Ga. and if you drive to SC ( about 10 miles away) you'll can but gas there for around $2.98 per gallon.
I really like my 2011 Avalon. I've only had the one problem and that's the clicking noise in the steering column. It's still there and I will tell the dealer next visit. The steering wheel seems loose. NOTHING wrong with the front end.
How long do they give the free oil changes? I think it was 2 years or 36 thousand miles. Right?
I wish you luck in getting that steering column replaced. Very happy with how it improved mine! :shades:
Now, I wish I had marked my old arms, because they said the replaced them, but the fact that it still squeaks, makes me wonder?
The good news is it only squeaks at the end of each movement. That being when the blades stop on top and and the bottom. They are quiet in the middle of the windshield.
I'm just hoping it doesn't rain much till I get my new 2013 Avalon:)
Skip
I will say after awhile they don't seem to cold at all, but once I get up and sit down again, it's back to "Cool".
As for comfort, it's a long on going debate / discussion. I personal feel the seats may not cool as well, and they are likely to be a bit more uncomfortable then other years, as Toyota (and others), work to make the cars lighter and more fuel efficient.
Bigger, heavier more comfortable seats needed a bigger, stronger system to cool the seats. So smaller, lighter seats allowed for a smaller fan?
I believe that these are some of the areas that folks complaints may have made their way to Toyota, as some of what I've read about the 2013 leads me to believe these will be better on the 2013 É here's hoping.
Skip
PS I do enjoy my 2011 and folks stop me and say it's a nice looking car - pretty regularly:)
It had always been my thoughts that the gps was correct but after doing some reading I'm not so sure the odometer isn't more apt to be correct. I have checked the odometer against mile posts and it looks to be dead on.
Isn't the Avalon great for comfort, both front and back.
So when I write down my MPG and I do every fill up. I write down the MPG my car computer says then I write down my MPG figured on a calculator. I've always kept records like this on all my cars/trucks.
Most people in her say that my figures is off, NOT the computer on the car. I'm sticking to my guns and say the car calculations on the car is off.
Again it varies on how much, usually about 2 mpg. Hope this helps!
I sat in the back seat of my Avalon for the first time. I mean I have sat back there but I never rode in it till now. I am really surprised on how roomy the back seat is. It's remarable on the amount of room. NOW, I know what others have been telling me is true. Wow! I just fell in love all over again. I have 19,000 on my LTD Avalon.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
I can't compare the 2011 Avalon with any other year Avalon because it's the first one I ever owned. I have owned a lot of high end cars though and this is one of the best. The MPG, the roomy interior, the power, it's just unbelievable workmanship.
I really have no complaints. I've only had one problem. The steering column has some sort of poping. The dealer in SC said they would fix it, IF I could point out the problem. It's a problem that only happens sometimes. So it's hard to pin point.
Good luck with your new Avalon and welcome to this blog. :surprise:
A 2011 is doing this? I thought this was limited to the 05s and 06s. Toyota replaced mine no questions asked when I brought to the service manager's attention.
It was a fairly common problem with the Avalon.
Also here is a note for all you 2011/2012 Avalon owners. If you are considering selling/trading in your cars do it now. National rental car just made a HUGE purchase of the last 2012 Avalon Limiteds for use in their fleet. In a year or so when they hit the market, the used car values for the Avalon will drop.
Avalons at National
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
Yes National has a place in damn near every state, but where it being the larger airports, cities away from the airports shouldn't be hurt by this.
National will likely sell them piece meal, so that should mean, fewer hit the market all at once.
National likely has auctions where and when they sell cars, which means, some larger dealer gets a bunch, and well, if said dealer is in Texas, then folks in Vermont don't have to worry to much.
Now the good news is, that many more folks will get to drive an Avalon and that should be good for Toyota.
I want to know why they are only renting until August, or is it that they will be the only ones to have Avalons until then?
Skip
I took the August 2012 as the "exclusive" time frame. In others words if some other rental company wants to buy Avalons to rent them, they will be able to.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
I am thoroughly enjoying it. Beautiful roomy car.
Steering column problem:
For some time I have complained about a poping noise coming from my steering column. I took it to the same dealer several times. The dealership said they couldn't find the problem. In fact they never admited there was a problem. The dealship was nice enough to say they would fix it *IF* I could tell them what was the problem.
So as months went by the noise got worse. At first it was ONLY me who notice the steering column noise and the clicking sound it made. Finally my wife noiticed it but when we took it to the dealship we never was able to dublicate the problem. FINALLY the noise got so bad the dealship did notice it, and after 3 days at the dealership they replaced the whole steering column. No noise these days. Plus the steering column seems tighter too.
I guess my only complaint was I didn't get a loaner. I'm happy though. So if you suspect or hear a noise coming from your steering column then I would stay on top of it till it's fixed. The noise is only slight at first and only happens when you turn the steering wheel a certain way. The actual problem is the column itself. It's loose.
My biggest problem the noise came and went. I hear the 06' had a problem like this. Any feedback that will help others should be posted.
20 Thousand mile check up:
Oh another note, I got a letter saying I need a 20 thousand mile check up. What's that all about? Anything I should be concerned with? Someone stated earlier the dealship will want to change the cabin air filter with the check up. Any feedback on this?
A couple of small things on the 2011 bother me and I see they're fixed. Could be interesting.
I wish they compared REAR seating room. I also wish they had the specs on the MPG, torgue, and horsepower. I'm afraid they are not telling enough about this new Avalon to make me RUSH out and buy one.
I understand they are trying to appeal to the younger people. I respect that but Toyota should be very careful not to lose loyal buyers. A fastback is a bold move for an Avalon. All of this is just my opinion. If the rear seat is smaller, then I certainly would never buy one. EVERYONE loves the leg room in my rear seat of the 2011 Avalon. Again just my opinion. Here in Evans Ga. they should have one very soon. I will take a look.
For example, go about 80 MPH and try to turn sharp, not real sharp but sharp. You'll feel your 2011, or 2012 Avalon car sway. Almost with the feeling of flipping. Now with RWD, the car will handle soooooooo much better. Of course I can tell you how much better but I know it will handle better. A noticeable difference. Plus safer. With that said I have heard NOTHING of a RWD Avalon, or an AWD. Only in this blog.
Usually a RWD cuts down on MPG. Front wheel drive cars get better gas mileage but it's a lot of weight on that front end. Oh that's another thing. besides the handling, the weight of the car is distributed MUCH better. I'm guessing this is why the handling of the car is MUCH better.
I still don't like the grill but I would be interested in a RWD. That's for certain. I only hope the interior room will not be cut. Hope this helps and maybe some mechanic can weigh in on this conversation.
My Dad was a mechanic all his life. He swore by RWD cars. He's not around to explain why.
My guess is, it's joke of sorts. I say this because he can't be the only dealer who's looked online for information and did or didn't see the it will come as a RWD and AWD model, and if others had seen it, they would be talking about É that' just my take on it.
YES, I hope it happens, but my guess is it won't:(
Skip
I would like a RWD Avalon but again I do not think it's going to happen. Why build a RWD, or AWD when you could just buy a more expensive Lexus. I think Lexus is RWD.
No, I suspect the FWD Avalon is here to stay. The only change I see in the future besides styling, is perhaps a hybrid. Other big luxury cars are now coming out with hybrids is why I say this.
I have 19,000 on my 2011. I'm happy with it. I finally got a good tech and found my steering column problem. It's now fix and I'm a VERY happy camper. My car is kept in my garage, and because I'm cripple I get the best parking places so I have no door dents that I know of. Yup, I'm happy with this big car.
He did say, that the model shown in NY was FWD, and they were told that nothing else would be available. He said his rep was in a few weeks ago, and that the hype is going MUCH better then they hoped and that they expect to sell a ton of new Avalons, and that he could expect to start seeing up-dates and more information the first part of September.
Oh, Nan48, they have already announced a Hybrid Avalon?
Skip
Skip, if this is a question then my answer is, I don't know. I only SUSPECT they will come out with a hybrid. I say this because Lincoln came out with one and I THINK other high end cars are coming out with them.
I know what you mean with the better handling of cars with FWD. I grew up in the hills and curves of AR and have slid around a number of curves and even used the RWD to pull our of some slides.
After leaving AR but going back for visits I would always find myself playing with someone who would see my out of state plates and start riding my bumper. I've had a number of them would try and keep up for a while but then decide that I might just be as good on the corners as they were. (I know some people never grow up)
Now with my Avalon I drive the corners like a little old lady. You have no feel at all when cornering to the point that I can't even tell where a slide would come from. I'm not sure the car wouldn't just overtun before it slid.
I also know when driving on straight highways at road speed I worry that I will need to make a quick evasive turn and if the car would hand it.
I also believe that RWD even rides better.
Handling is so important. Today handling takes second place to MPG. With gas going for 3.65 a gallon and rising it's no wonder.
My Dad died in 2006 at 86. He was a mechanic all his life and always hated FWD cars. He was my step Dad and we wasn't close, so he really never explained why. It was more than handling. Working on them is hard, (I THINK).
I owned my 2011 Avalon for about six months before I realize how it handled. I was running late taking my wife to Biringham for treatments. So one trip, I really put the pedal to the medal and came on the ramp really fast. I was surprised to find the Avalon handled so bad coming on to the freeway. I said then to myself. This car definally needs RWD. I still love the car though. I just believe it would handle better.
I also agree with someone who said it would not be good for snow. No, FWD is better for snow.
Take care, Bill 19,500 miles on my 2011 Avalon, Over two years old, July 16,
JMHO.
I looked it up on the internet only to find the curb weight is 36 hundred pounds. BUT THE GROSS weight is 4565 pounds. WOW! Does that mean the car weights that with a full tank of gas or what? Please explain!
My information came from this site:
http://autos.aol.com/cars-Toyota-Avalon-2011/specs/
Just got back from Biringham AL. Car preformed flawless, getting 29 MPG average, driving with two people, and not much in the truck. Now that's hard to beat. With my calcuations I got 28 MPG.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/jun/28/2013-toyota-avalon-features-both- -gasoline-and-hybr/?page=all
Thanks for the input about the gross/curb weight. So I guess my car, loaded weights 45 hundred pounds. Amazing!
On RV's, campers they give dry weight. This basically means with out anything such as AC, Fridg, etc. So when buying a camper always go by gross weight, just my thoughts.
I had no ideal the Avalon was so heavy. Took another trip to Biringham AL, got 30.5 MPG and that's my figures. The computer said I got 31.7. I have to admit this might seem hard to be true but it's true. We LOG every fill up. Now I was driving the car like the old man I am. LOL!
20987 on my 2011 Avalon, Really a good car. Two thumbs up!
This is the lowest mileage I've ever had to replace Michelin tires, but this is my first Toyota. Does this mileage sound low to anyone else?
I've always used Michelin and have always been happy with the ride and road noise issues. Does anyone know of a tire that they think is as good or better and costs a little less?
Thanks