Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options
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
The tires seem to be wearing premiturley. I have 10K on the car (2000xl). The tires are
Dunlop SP Sport 4000 A/S P205/65 K15
Max tire pressure reads 51PSI. (They came with car.) I thought that was very high and used the car manufacturures recomendation of 31PSI. My guess is that it is wearing quickly because it is a "sport" tire. However I don't think I should be replacing tires at 10,000 Miles.
The main reason I can't say for sure is because my precious Ava is in the shop after being assaulted by a flying mattress. Tore off the outside mirror completely, along minor scratches and dents (and I wasn't even in the same lane). The fool who failed to tie it down was a driver for a mattress company(what- no training?).
OK enough of that-back to your problem. I installed the rear mudflaps in the dark so I am pretty sure that everything that needed to, came off with a philips head driver.
A side story to this was that I had put on the 3M clear bra and headlight protectors-the headlight lens survived unscathed even though the headlight assembly cracked from the impact. Also I saw the mattress out of the corner of my eye and was able to swerve enough to avoid head on damage to the hood and/or windshield. Anyway, the first ding/damage to a new car is so painful even if the damage is repairable.
And I love your State--We've visited a few times and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Cheers!
Thanks!
#347
I have a 2000 Av XLS that I had since April. I have a rattle coming from the dashboard driver's left side. I found out that is is the AC vent on the left side of the steering wheel. When I'm driving and put my hand on it, it stops. I have no rattles on my Altima.
Radio
I've never been pleased with the radio. In town I have awful reception. As I'm driving the local stations drifts. It's doesn't go completely out but there is a lot of static. It's not worth the money I paid for it. The radio or CD also decreases in volume when it's playing. This happens on a flat road, when I'm driving, or standing still. They replaced one radio, but I still have the same problem. I think the speakers sound okay. But I prefer my stick antenna radio/CD in my 99 Altima over the Avalon. My 98 Altima or Galant never had any radio problems.
hmmm... SET option, eh? It's actually pretty slick - I wonder who makes it? It does look like it is perfectly fitted and color-coordinated to the point I thought it was factory original. They are about 4 or 5 inches deep - not at all like you would expect for a typical mudflap, but appear to be effective for their design. More rounded and contoured and sculpted perfectly into the wheel mouldings - they sort of wrap around the lower rear of the opening a bit as well.
BTW GCROFT, it came back from the shop w/out two of the anchor thingies that holds the fender and liner together and accepts the mudflap screw (i had removed the front mudflap before taking it in). I am going to ask the bodyshop tomorrow about them. It's probably something like a plastic nut.
So if you mess anything up, I'll find out the proper name for them in case you need to get some too.
Well, I have been reading about Avalons for ever, and I finally bought a new 2001 Avalon XLS, Black with Stone interior, Gold Package, paid $30,900.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
The car is really great. I wanted something easy to drive, smooth and reliable. I was sick of my V8 Explorer Limited, big engine, noisy, you know.
QUEST FOR ADD-ONS:
I really wanted a navigation system in my next car, so I have been checking everywhere to see what is available. I didn't want anything other then an in dash unit. For around $3200, you can have installed the Alpine Navigation system, it's DVD based, and pops out of the dash (goodbye 6 disc CD changer), very James Bond.
But then you have a dead space (alpine is only 1 din), and you have to fill that with something, my plan was to use some type of Pioneer deck and use the Pioneer steering wheel wireless remote to operate the cd, radio.
Anyways, it would be a real mess to intergrate everything, around $3600.00 by time you are done.
Then what happens if you don't like it?
So I just bought the Garmin StreetPilot Colormap, by the time you get the software and memory cards, its around a $1000.00.
But, it's mobile! It's small! It's color! And it works. And, whats cool about it is that it fits perfectly on the right hand side of the computer display on the Avalon.
It's a little further to the right then I wanted, but with some velcro, it sort of finishes off the dash.
PERFORMANCE QUEST:
I would really like to add some extra zip to my Avalon, anyone know of any performance exhaust parts? Or any other 'small' add-ons that I can add to spice up the engine?
Plus, has anyone added different wheels?
I would KILL to see a picture. I really think the Avalon could look twice a good with some sportier wheels. My current pick is the Mille Miligia Spider Chrome wheels. They are 17", and should help enormously. Check them out at the Tirerack, would love to know peoples opinions.
RATTLES, SQUEEKS, IRRITATIONS:
None. The only problem I have had was my Avalon was slightly out of alignment right out of the dealership. Fixed today and just fine. I have 500 miles on my car.
I have read all the complaints from everyone here about rattles and squeeks.
I have been psychotic about listening for any little noise in my new Avalon, and have not heard ANYTHING. God knows my Ford had noises, BYE BYE noise trap.
I have a theory.
The 2000 Avalon has quality issues. I know the 2001 has not been out long, but unless I am wrong, I have not read about one person complaining about rattles or squeeks in a 2001.
EVERY car in its first year has problems, and I would bet the 2000 Avalon is no exception.
If you own a 2001 Avalon, and have some squeeks or rattles, I would love to hear about it.
WISH LIST:
Audio controls on the steering wheel!!!! Come on Toyota, just steel the one you just added to the Lexus GS430 and strap it on to the steering wheel.
Ugh!
Navigation would be a huge plus also. At that point though, other then a bigger engine, SERIOUSLY, why would anyone buy a Lexus?
I want a navigation system so badly that I would do almost anything to get an in-dash system (but not at the expense of six disk CD player), something similar to the pop-up version in the Volvo S80.
The New England auto show is in Boston from Nov. 4 to Nov. 12. I will check to see what after market accessories are available and report back to this forum.
Good luck with your Avalon and enjoy the ride.
Thank You
I saw a new offering from Hyundai, the XGL-300. This model is suppose to be an Avalon killer, and if looks could kill, it would be a prime suspect. The car is sharp with interior refinements that rival its much more expensive Japanese and European competition.
It is a bit underpowered at 192 hp, however, it offers all Avalon options (i.e. leather, heated front seats, moonroof, VSC, wood dash and steering wheel, etc.)as standard equipment for about $25,000.
Obviously, Hyundai does not have the pedigree and quality reputation of Toyota but this car, the XG-300, attracted a lot of visitors. Has anyone seen or test drove this new entry?
p.s. pros and cons for xl and xls thanks
This car is tough to fill to the brim. There's something like 3.5 ft of pipe between the gas filler cap and actual tank entry; much of it runs horizontally underneath the car to the tank which is mounted pretty much amidship.
Anyway, I'm wondering what most Avalon owners do. Do most fill to the brim as in my scenario above; especially if you're checking gas mileage on a miles per tank basis?
The rattle would occur when the car would go over a bump/change in the road, but only when one side of the car would encounter the road change.
The noise sounded like it was coming from the base of the windshield right where the dash/windshield meet. I looked for anything loose. I did find the radio unit had all of the driver side mounting screws loose, but that did not fix the problem.
I had noticed the rattle would not tend to occur just after it had rained. So, last weekend I had enough of the rattle so I went looking again.
I found the problem, but it wasn't that obvious. On the outside of the car at the base of the windshield just below the wiper blade arms there is a plastic cover over the wiper motor and air intake for the vents.
I removed the plastic piece and noticed the passenger side of the plastic piece had some weather stripping but the driver's side did not have any. I cleaned the plastic and inserted some weather stripping on the driver side of the unit.
The rattle is GONE! I've been driving the car all week and the quiet Avalon has returned.
My "dash" rattle was really on the outside of the car.
Thanks.
I read somewhere that using premium fuel is required for the 95.
Is this true ?
Is this true for all Avalons, all years ?
Trudy - Our 2000 Avalon XLS had a front suspension noise that occured under similar circumstances turning right out of our drive way coincident with the nose of the car dipping down. Toyota confirmed that the sound was not within the parameters of 'operating as designed' and they replaced the front strut assemblies.
Good luck
My 2000 Avalon had the same sound as you described in the first month of ownership, a high pitch "wooing" sound when you turn the steering wheel sharply, only audible when the radio is turned down. In my case, the sound only came on each time after I drove for as least half an hour. It seemed like the steering needed to warm up before making the noise. The sound was coming right out of the steering column where the air bag is.
I made the mistake of leaving the car with the dealer without pointing the noise out to the mechanic as it happened. And as you guessed it, they could not duplicate the sound and told me that there was no problem. In my next visit, I made sure the steering was warm and the noise was there for everyone to hear. Fortunately, with the car stationary and the ignition on, I could produced the sound right there in front of the mechanic and his service manager.
They repaired it, I think it had something to do with a defective part in the steering column. In my case, it had nothing to do with the suspension. They had to order parts, which took a couple of days but they give me a loaner for that time.
Take your car to the dealer and make sure they, the mechanic and the service manager, hears the noise. If this is happening to you and it did to me, this may be a "common" problem. There may even be a service bulletin issued. In any case, it is easily fixed and no, you are not overly concerned, just a smart driver. Get them to fix the defect before it turns into something worst.
I was beginning to hate to drive the Avalon before I made this change because the noise was driving me crazy. It's wonderful to have the quiet car back.
Inconsistent or no response to the remote being activated is very common, even with new batteries. I could be right beside the door and have it fail more often than not.
Has anyone experienced similar problems and how did your resolve it? The dealer has been totally unhelpful. After hearing from them for the umpteenth time "that's just the way it works" I gave up and resolved to be disappointed until my next car. It's shame as I have no other significant irritant to speak about.
Any shared experience would be appreciated.
Sam
The invoice for option 3 which is the wheels and remote I think adds another 536.
This is the car I will be getting too, let me know what you find.
Also I may add the bench seat or leather.
Karen