FYI: after learning this past week that Sirius was being made available in the Camry, Solara and Landcruiser, as well as in certain Lexus models, I attempted to contact Sirius about the likelihood of availability in the Avalon. They would not give me a direct answer, so I called the Toyota 800#. According to Toyota, Sirius will "most likely" be available in the 2006 Avalon models, but unlikely in the 2005 model, though the gentleman I spoke with did indicate that he doesn't have any "specific" information regarding the 2005 Avalon/Sirius.
I'm disappointed. Guess I'll just suck it up and get XM.
Teereeves I am a little confused about your post on the IPOD being able to marry the Avalon. My investigation (see my previous posts) shows this not to be true. The Avalon (at least the JBL system) does not have the required CD changer outlet on the head unit. The CD changer is integral to the system. Your link to Monstercable.com confirms the requirement for the CD changer outlet.
My hope has been to find some way to substitute out the tape player and substitute in the IPOD. Nobody has confirmed that this can be done.
Please correct me if you find the above inaccurate. Dan
Folks, we are not here to discuss other posters. You don't have to believe every message that is posted here, but what you DO have to do is post in an on-topic and civil manner. Deciding that someone is not being truthful and making that opinion the subject of your post is not appropriate. If you feel you need to bring a situation to the attention of someone who can assist, emailing the host is the proper action.
Either way, your posts need to be about the cars. And if you have something further to say about this situation, you need to email me, not post any further about it.
I am sure that you will love the car. I too was considering another Cadillac after they would not come down on the lease buy out for my 2000 DTS. However, this car has everything the DTS had and I like it more. My wife drove the Limited for the first time last evening and although she is not ready to give up her RX-300 for it, she said that she likes it better than the DTS.
Your son certainly does deserve at least that much. He actually deserves so very much more!!! Please be sure to let him know how very proud we are of him and to GIVE HIM OUR MOST SINCERE THANK YOU FOR A JOB WELL DONE!! I have been at war and know somewhat what it is like. It is young people like him who recognize that there are more important things in life than just today and having a good time. I don't know where we find people like him when we need them but we always do. They give me hope for our future as a nation! God Bless Him!
I have seen spyshots of the 2007 Camry (rumored to be introduced in February 2006) and it seems to have some of the styling cues of the 2005 Avalon. That could impact the visual uniqueness of the Avalon. Does is bother anyone here that a couple hundred thousand Camrys with similar appearance to the Avalon will soon be roaming the streets.
I am planning on purchasing a 2006 avalon limited. The dealer I will be purchasing from tells me that I should have my 2006 sometime around the end of August. He does not have 2006 pricing as of yet but expects very little price increase, if any.
Did it bother anyone that there were many Lexus ES300/330's roaming the streets that looked like Camry's? I owned both and found the Lexus to be superior in all categories....and when it came time to sell it, you were selling a Lexus.
Hi again, regarding what I posted earlier today it seems there may have been some confusion. Again, I removed some off-topic posts and my message was directed at those whose posts were removed. It was not directed at anyone else.
I guess sometimes it is not clear that the boards are not - cannot be - monitored in real-time. Messages are posted when the poster is here and then hosts read them at the time that they get to the discussion. There is no magic way that only allows "approved" messages to be posted. And if a host needs to make an administrative post, as I did earlier today, the placement of that post indicates nothing further than what time the host happened to get caught up. It's important to not assume a post is a reply to another post unless it indicates it is a reply - normally, the title will clarify that.
I don't mean to disrail this discussion any further; I just don't want to have other misunderstandings. If there are any other questions about the housekeeping business here, please shoot me an email and we'll clear it up straightaway.
topazdan, you are correct. My bad. Monster didn't make it clear, that the factory unit has to be able to control an external CD changer like my '95 Avalon. So for everyone who has read my previous email, ignore it for the 2005 Avalon, it may apply to previous Avalon 2004 and back. I'm sorry for any confusion.
Thanks to everyone who responded to my delivery problems'. My dealer called me on 6/15 to tell me that a Blizzard Pearl Limited had arrived. However, it came with the NAV system. Of course, he wanted me to take the vehicle. I told him no and that I would have ordered the NAV in the beginning if I wanted it. We couldn't come to an agreement on the vehicle and he said he would get back to me after he had figured things out. I called him the next day and made an offer regarding the NAV. Of course, he didn't respond to that phone message. Lo and behold, the next day he called and said that he had been able to get my Limited for me. It would be in Georgetown on 6/27 and delivered somewhere around 7/1. Does anyone find it 'strange' that after refusing the 'loaded' Limited, he all of a sudden was able to get the car I had contracted for 3 months earlier, and, in such a short time? Somehow, I get the feeling that he may have never even 'requested' the car nor did he put in for a change order for his allocated cars. I am now hoping that he has finally decided to honor our contract! Charlie
It is interesting that you find that the brakes on your '05 XL require only mild pedal pressure, while other posters (I believe owners of Touring and XLS models; not sure about LTD) have noticed that their brakes require higher than normal pressure.
Could this reflect a difference between the XL and other '05 Avalon models (perhaps related to the different wheels in the XL)?
Perhaps other owners can shed more light on whether their brakes require "lighter than normal", "normal" or "higher than normal" pressure for a full stop, and what models they own.
An Atlanta Business Chronicle exclusive report published June 17, 2005 has interesting data on recent car sales in Atlanta. Exerpts:
"Atlantans bought fewer luxury cars, trucks and SUVs in the first quarter and instead found a new favorite -- the "near luxury" car."
"Sales of "near luxury" vehicles -- such as the Acura TSX, Toyota Avalon and Chrysler 300M -- shot up 18.5 percent to 1,938 from 1,635 from a year ago, according to AutoCountUSA."
"Overall, Atlantans bought 1.6 percent fewer cars and trucks in the first quarter of 2005, mirroring a national trend. Car sales in Atlanta increased 2.7 percent, while truck sales slipped 5.1 percent."
"Luxury-car registrations, which include those for BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, were down 11.8 percent to 2,274 from 2,579."
"Nearly all car categories saw a decrease in sales in Atlanta. Sales of subcompact cars were down, despite high gas prices. Sales of midsize cars, a category that includes the Toyota Camry, Ford Taurus and Honda Accord, also were down," said Mike Stark, vice president of sales planning for Southeast Toyota in Deerfield Beach, Fla., which distributes Toyotas in a five-state area, including Georgia.
"The one segment that has grown considerably is the premium midsize car," Stark said.
I just wanted to report back and let "just me" know that he was correct. I now have over 1400 miles on my car and I now am getting 20-21 mpg in the city. This is up from 17-18 from the first two weeks when we purchased the car. I am still driving the same distance with my same driving habits. I guess the car need to break in some. BTW Im not being nitpicky here, I just wanted to report back and let other owners know that their gas mileage will get better after the first few weeks.
If you read back thru posts from prior years you will see a pattern of improving gas mileage as the Avalon adds miles from new. It happened on both my '99 and '03 XL's and to many others. Given the engine is different in the '05 it was going to interesting to see if that type of event happens again. Looks like that's the way they built this one too. Everybody keep the room posted on when gas mileage finally levels off... probably under 20k miles if the past is any indication. The reported gas mileage numbers we see in this forum are very impressive already.
I have the same radar detector and would like to mount it on the visor. My problem is that with the poorly designed battery holder, the visor is hardly movable. If the Power Adapter Cord were used, how do you connect to the lighter socket and route the power cable up to the visor? What arrangement did you use??
Perhaps other owners can shed more light on whether their brakes require "lighter than normal", "normal" or "higher than normal" pressure for a full stop, and what models they own.
havalongavalon
In an earlier post I talked about the many things I liked about my 05 Limited but forgot to mention the break feel. To me this car puts my foot more in touch with the intended function of the break petal. I have never liked the feel of hydrolic brakes since I exchanged my '38 Chevy for a '50 Ford. However, as with so many things we have to live with, I got used to the feel of the hydrolic break petal. As for the effectiveness of the of the 05 Limited break system, I can say that it worked flawlessly for me in one emergency stop. Don't care to go through that one again. Hope this helps.
I have a XLS and my brakes are "normal" or the same as my old 2003 Camry. Seems to be just right. Not to soft and not to hard. I have to admit, I'd rather be using the gas pedal.
I does more than bother me. I am incensed that Toyota has absolutley no feel for what makes a car attractive and what brings people to a car style. They did that with the last Avalon, Camry and Corolla. They screwed up the sales of the Avalon in part because they could not keep it distinctive. From a marketing standpoint they can make the lower level cars look like the top level cars and make the owners feel good. I fear they will follow the same pattern with this version of the Avalon. After seeing the spy shots on the 07 Camry I am seriously considering cancelling my order and going to an Acrua TL
I've seen the photos and it the 2007 Camry doesn't look that much like an Avalon. However, it does make some sense for there to be some similarities. BMW sedans look vaguely similar. Why would they style them with no similar styling cues whatsoever?
My Limited has soft brakes compred to 97 Crown victoria. They are great. I feel it is better to have more brake assist than less. The discs are hugh on the front wheels and the car stops as required. My CV required all the foot power I could muster and you lost a heart beat when you needed a panic stop. The Avalons have the special shift that allows you to down shift going down hills to go easier on the brakes. Shifting to 3rd really gives a good brake assist from the engine compression. My Avalon really has free wheeling that is noticeable going down long steep hills. The brakes work well but why use them hard when you can use the downshift.The first 2-3 times you downshift it seems to be a pain, but now I don't think about it and just go and do it. It makes driving more enjoyable to use all the features it has. The car mfgs. can make as much brake assist they want. The Avalon brakes are slightly soft, they really stop on demand, and maybe they have some 90 lb women in mind too, that might drive . Ange1
Donb1 stated: "after seeing the spy shots on the 07 Camry I am seriously considering cancelling my order and going to an Acrua TL"
The Acura TL also has some similarities to the Honda Accord--same size, I believe similar chassis, and I beleive some shared body panel and similar overall look--I like the TL as well and will test drive that car before deciding whether to go for the Avalon. The Avalon has the benefit of a bigger trunk and more passenger space. They both have about the same horsepower, gas mileage similar, handling favors the TL. TL is more of a cockpit feel will better contoured front seating as compared to the more open space Av. I know there is a whole discussion on comparing these cars and I am keeping an eye on that. But I would expect that TL owners will vouch for the TL and AValon owners will be talking up their Avs so not sure how much you can gain from most of that discussion. But both cars have proven realiable and are very popular.
I've had my new Avalon Limited about two weeks and I noticed the view out the rear window is slightly distorted. I notice when looking at cars behind me as well as the lines on the road. It's definitely not the mirror. I don't know if this is due to the angle of the window and/or the lines from the defroster. Has anyone else noticed this? I drove another one at the dealer and saw some of this in that car.
I just bought the Avalon and had narrowed it down to the TL and Avalon. I drove both several times and what swayed me was the technology in the Avalon Ltd. It took the smart key system from Lexus which is a great feature. Also, the puddle lamps, the rear sun shade, the voice activated controls and the horsepower from the new engine. The Avalon handles very well and is great to drive. I think the question is whether you want the "cockpit" feel, which I agree is better in the TL or the newer technology in the Avalon.
There were previous posts that also reported distortion in the rear window. It seems to be in the rear window glass (not in the rear-view mirror, as you say). In my car there is some distortion in the upper inch or two of the rear windlow glass. A loaned Avalon that I drove for a weekend seemed to have greater distortion, and mainly in the lower half of the rear window.
IMHO if you use your transmission to slow down the car you are putting more wear and tear on the transmission. Think, what's more expensive to replace/repair the transmission or the brakes?
I think that many Avalon buyers appreciate the extraordinary gas mileage (given the car size and power), not "instead of", but in addition to the other fine features of the car. This technological feat has been highlighted by many a reviewer recently, and it certainly was one of the factors I considered when I decided to buy mine, last February.
It took me 3 months to receive my Limited in Blizzard Pearl. Now when it's finally here I would like to share a few findings with rest of you.
My biggest concern has to do with an active Homelinc transmitter even after the car's alarm is on. This is a major security issue for those of us who live in Florida, since most of the people do not park their cars in their garages since their garages are taken by junk, just like mine is. If someone breaks in your car while you are sleeping, all they need to do is push the programmed Homelinc button and "voila", not only that they are in the car, they are in your house too, free to take anything they want from your garage. Lack of common sense on Toyota's part. I have implemented an easy solution for that; where the multi pin connector plugs in the rear view mirror I ended up cutting a constant 12 Volt red wire and jumping the accessory 12 Volt yellow wire instead. Now when the alarm is armed the Homelinc does not work. I've used the constant 12 Volt red wire to feed my Valentine One radar detector and my permanently installed black SunPass via 3 Volt voltage regulator. I added both connectors to the plastic housing of the rain sensor. Total time spent - 3 hours.
Furthermore, I have also moved the bulky XM antenna inside to the flat surface in front of the rear windshield stop light and replaced it with the Terk, smaller one. The rear dashboard disassemble was very involving. Total time spent - 4 hours. Do not attempt it unless you have skills or you have done it before. The reception did suffer and I am currently looking in moving it to the roof by hiding it under the small fin-wing that BMW and Audi offer on their cars. Once I get the hood, I will painted and install it to the roof and I will keep you posted.
Other than that I am very pleased with the car, although I have received all of the annoyances like many of you before me. The transmission does not like to down shift to lower gear at 1800 RPM when slowing down, the car pulls slightly to the right, rear wind shield is "wavy" and distorted, the exhaust pipes are uneven, the front console trim does not line up, the latches on all three middle console covers feel cheap and clumsy, the fog lights are loose and there is a wind noise coming from the both rear doors over 60 MPH. All things I can live with considering the price paid for the car. Still the best bang for the buck, hands down.
FYI, I am 39. And I feel even younger inside this car. For those of you shopping for one, get it, you won't regret it. Take my Electronic Engineer word for it.
The TL and Accord share no salient styling cues. A car's chassis and overall size are not styling cues. The Accord is bland and uninspired at best - particularly from the rear, and the TL is handsome from any angle. Styling is largely a subjective thing, but comparing the TL and Accord is not. No, I don't own a TL, I own an 05 Avalon XLS, but I know a good looking car when I see one. Yes, the TL is better looking than the Avalon too, though not by as much when comparing a TL to an Accord. Regards, Deanie
I have been to the Toyota dealer so many times to sit in the Avalon that the salespeople have told me that after 2 more times I will have to get a salesperson's license. (all in good fun)
Now, about to step to the plate and drive off in an XLS, I am finding 2 things to make me wait. 1) The savings in depreciation by getting the newer year (probably $4,000 difference in 5 years) and 2) these "horror" stories about the transmissions not being addressed by the dealers (aren't the transmissions from the Lexus ES 300/330?).
Any comments or thoughts on the above would be appreciated.
Hi conelecon, thank you for your informative post, I enjoyed reading it. Some comments:
I see that you got improved functionality and greater peace-of-mind with your wiring mods, and obviously you are not concerned with voiding the warranty. Others who don't park in their garage would probably not bother to program the Homelinc to open the garage if this would pose an added security risk; but your solution is neat.
In time, the transmission should adapt to your driving style and up- or down-shift more appropriately, but you may be able to "train" it faster by consistently stepping a little on the gas, or briefly taking the foot off the gas, when you think it should be shifting.
As I recall, most reports of pulling to the right have been for Touring vehicles; but yours is a Limited. I suppose you have checked for the obvious uneven tire pressure and this was not the cause, right? (I'm just asking because ee's sometimes may forget about basic mechanical factors... )
I'm disappointed to hear that your recently delivered car still came with uneven exhaust pipes. Given the "noise" many of us made early on when we discovered this systematic defect, Toyota should have fixed the Avalon exhaust system assembly process by now. Would you mind telling us your car serial No.? (just the last 5 digits, rounded off to nearest 1000 would be great).
As to your being 39, you may in fact be somewhat above the median age for contributors to this forum (while we are sitting inside our cars, anyway!). You are very welcome, in any case!
Your concerns are reasonable, but I think the answers are straightforward.
1) Car model year is only one factor in calculating depreciation. Mileage and overall condition are also important, so I would be surprised that in Summer of 2010 the value of a "late 2005" and an "early 2006" XLS, equally equipped and in identical condition, would differ by as much as $4,000 -- maybe $1,000 to 2,000?
2) The 2005 Avalon transmission "problems" seem to be quite different from the notorious Lexus 300 transmission hesitation problems.
A final comment: the decision of when to buy a new car should also depend on when you think that you need a new car. In my case, I would have had to spend some serious money to fix my previous Camry, had I kept it another 6-8 months. I probably did better by trading it when I did. Far better!
Somehow I new that I will hear from you havalongavalon, you are the godfather of this forum and that is awesome. I have red most of your posts with great interest, they helped me to pay more attention and I respect you for that.
As far as the warranty is concern, no, I am not afraid of voiding it, since by trade I am an electronic engineer and the mods I've done are performed just like Toyota would have done them at the factory. I think that Homelinc should not be active while the car is locked and alarm is on.
Another mod I am working on is bypassing the override window switch so the driver can still operate all of the windows when the switch is pushed in like it is, for example, in the BMW vehicles. I find that rather annoying since my 4 year old keeps playing a "waiting game" for his turn to exercise his window up and down. After all, I think the whole purpose of this switch was to keep driver in control of all windows and to disable the passengers from messing with it.
I also want to extend the number of characters for the XM display beyond 10. Whoever wrote that software, he or she did not have their mind straight that day. I feel that this can be modified rather easily.
Of course I have checked the tire pressure as soon as we drove the car home. And no, that wasn't it. The car pulls slightly to the right.
The last 5 digits are 43836.
Do you think that I should trust any dealer to replace the rear wind shield? I am very concern about this job being performed at the service department level. Thanks.
Thanks to all the information here, I've decided a few days ago to place my order on an Avalon Limited (with NV, CL, VD) with blue mirage metallic exterior and ivory interior. The est. delivery is mid August. Can't wait.
Your concerns are reasonable, but I think the answers are straightforward.
1) Car model year is only one factor in calculating depreciation. Mileage and overall condition are also important, so I would be surprised that in Summer of 2010 the value of a "late 2005" and an "early 2006" XLS, equally equipped and in identical condition, would differ by as much as $4,000 -- maybe $1,000 to 2,000?
2) The 2005 Avalon transmission "problems" seem to be quite different from the notorious Lexus 300 transmission hesitation problems.
A final comment: the decision of when to buy a new car should also depend on when you think that you need a new car. In my case, I would have had to spend some serious money to fix my previous Camry, had I kept it another 6-8 months. I probably did better by trading it when I did. Far better!
Best wishes,
havalongavalon & topazdan,
WOW, wife and I never realized there was so much involved including math in deciding on whether to buy or wait. All we know is that we took our perfectly running 2000 XLS in for a tire rotation and oil change and it cost us $25,000. While waiting for our XLS to be serviced we browsed around and spotted this 2005 Avalon Limited. Just as we were getting ready to move on a salesman came by and ask if we would like to get in. I said yes and that was the beginning of the end. The nail in the coffin was "how'd you like to take it for a spin" the salesman said. Sure I said and away we went as the salesman said "don't baby it". That did it plus my wife was sitting in the limo like back seat not knowing exactly what to say. We said we might be back and when our XLS was done we headed for another dealer 35 miles away and got what we thought was on ok deal but wanted to check out the original dealer. He was unable to come closer than $2500 to the second dealer's deal. So I'll cut this short. Logic and reason are not the only things involved in buying decisions, especially in connection with the 2005 Avalon Limited.
Very interesting to read the various pro's/con's of Avalon against a myriad of other autos & models. I "left" US manufacturers in 1978 while stationed overseas - my first "riceburner" was the popular Honda Accord HB and it began a long term love affair with Japanese brands. Next was a Camry HB, then Accord sedan, then another Accord sedan, then Civic SI, then Avalon '98, 4Runner, a CRV, Lexus ES300, Tundra, another Tundra, a HIghlander, and now another Avalon (05 LTD). Notice the last 5 vehicles? All Toyota or related to... Reason: Honda's workmanship has degraded and with constant recalls we decided to go Toyota all the way. While shopping for the ES300 we test drove an Acura but we were stopped dead by the road noise it permitted - and that is the 2nd big reason to stick with Toyota - they've got it licked with reducing or eliminating road noise.
Friend of mine bought a 300M at same time I got the Lexus. He was bragging up a storm about how quiet his car was.....until he went for a ride with me. Three weeks later he had traded and was driving a Lexus.
I think I'm extremely lucky with my recent purchase. Reading various postings re the 05 Avalon and transmission probs, seat comfort, etc, I have had zero complaints with my LTD with the exception of XM antenna placement. That was a minor bump and it now sits inside on the front dash with perfect reception and near invisibility. My transmission (knock on wood) shifts great, I'm getting consistent 28 mpg in the city, seats are super comfortable and the car rides smooth as silk. Notice also how hard it has been to get the Blizzard white - I told my dealer I wanted that color with the XM option (not alot of demand here for it OR Sirius) and they called KY and were able to divert one with that color and option to the dealership. I got it 2 weeks later - only thing I wished I had ordered was the NAV but then I have a Garmin and I'll live.
This really is a great board to read and participate in - hope all keep up the informative postings!! zekeman1
I have the same Silver Bullet radar detector and would like to mount it on the visor. My problem is that with the poorly designed battery holder, the visor is hardly movable. If the Power Adapter Cord were used, how do you connect to the lighter socket and route the power cable up to the visor? What arrangement did you use??
Does anyone else have trouble with seating position in the power driver's seat? I find the up and forward or down an back only makes it impossible to get a really comfortable position. Either I am back and all the way down with my knees in the air, no thigh support, and all the weight thrown on my tailbone or I raise the seat which takes me too close to the dash and puts the emergency brake release petal against my left shin. The Avalon would be my next car if I could get a comfortable seating position. I don't understand how other cars costing 1000s less can have the up/down and forward/back motions separated on the power seat and Toyota, which does so many things well, refuses to make a more adjustable seat.
" I don't understand how other cars costing 1000s less can have the up/down and forward/back motions separated on the power seat and Toyota, which does so many things well, refuses to make a more adjustable seat. "
I think you may not understand how to use the seat adjustment controls. The main seat control can be used to adjust the seat in eight seperate directions, as well as seat cushion length, seat back control and lumbar control. If you have a broadband connection, there is a good tutorial on adjusting the seat position at: www.mynewavalon.com
that is one interesting narrative about the brakes. the word "soft" when used in describing a brake system, usually has a negative connotation. but, i get what you're saying: the brakes are overboosted and don't take much effort to apply. one observation that might be worth mentioning, especially on a new car that no-one has any experience with, the "soft" pedal might be due to soft brake pads, meaning that they don't require much effort but they won't last very long. some manufacturers equip their cars with softer material for the pads which will allow less effort for the brake application but will not last as long as a harder pad. jackg 90seville 97k
No thats not the case. There was a discussion earleir in these forums about the gas mileage so thats where this came from. I am happy with all of the fine features of the car including the great gas mileage.
Hi zekeman1 - I'm glad you are enjoying this discussion and your new LTD. I just need to make one point. I can easily tell from the messages you have posted that you meant no offense whatsover, but because "rice" terms related to anything Japanese arose from ethnic slurs, we don't use them in our Forums. Just using terms such as "Japanese vehicles" ... or "boy racer" if you are needing to convey a specific genre of souped up, tricked out vehicles ... should suffice.
Thanks for your understanding - and as I say, I know you meant no offense.
Comments
I'm disappointed. Guess I'll just suck it up and get XM.
http://www.toyotanation.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/691/cat/585/page/1
I am a little confused about your post on the IPOD being able to marry the Avalon.
My investigation (see my previous posts) shows this not to be true. The Avalon (at least the JBL system) does not have the required CD changer outlet on the head unit. The CD changer is integral to the system. Your link to Monstercable.com confirms the requirement for the CD changer outlet.
My hope has been to find some way to substitute out the tape player and substitute in the IPOD. Nobody has confirmed that this can be done.
Please correct me if you find the above inaccurate.
Dan
Either way, your posts need to be about the cars. And if you have something further to say about this situation, you need to email me, not post any further about it.
Thank you.
Your son certainly does deserve at least that much. He actually deserves so very much more!!! Please be sure to let him know how very proud we are of him and to GIVE HIM OUR MOST SINCERE THANK YOU FOR A JOB WELL DONE!! I have been at war and know somewhat what it is like. It is young people like him who recognize that there are more important things in life than just today and having a good time. I don't know where we find people like him when we need them but we always do. They give me hope for our future as a nation! God Bless Him!
I guess sometimes it is not clear that the boards are not - cannot be - monitored in real-time. Messages are posted when the poster is here and then hosts read them at the time that they get to the discussion. There is no magic way that only allows "approved" messages to be posted. And if a host needs to make an administrative post, as I did earlier today, the placement of that post indicates nothing further than what time the host happened to get caught up. It's important to not assume a post is a reply to another post unless it indicates it is a reply - normally, the title will clarify that.
I don't mean to disrail this discussion any further; I just don't want to have other misunderstandings. If there are any other questions about the housekeeping business here, please shoot me an email and we'll clear it up straightaway.
Okey-doke, back to the Avalon and thanks.
Tee
It is interesting that you find that the brakes on your '05 XL require only mild pedal pressure, while other posters (I believe owners of Touring and XLS models; not sure about LTD) have noticed that their brakes require higher than normal pressure.
Could this reflect a difference between the XL and other '05 Avalon models (perhaps related to the different wheels in the XL)?
Perhaps other owners can shed more light on whether their brakes require "lighter than normal", "normal" or "higher than normal" pressure for a full stop, and what models they own.
havalongavalon
"Atlantans bought fewer luxury cars, trucks and SUVs in the first quarter and instead found a new favorite -- the "near luxury" car."
"Sales of "near luxury" vehicles -- such as the Acura TSX, Toyota Avalon and Chrysler 300M -- shot up 18.5 percent to 1,938 from 1,635 from a year ago, according to AutoCountUSA."
"Overall, Atlantans bought 1.6 percent fewer cars and trucks in the first quarter of 2005, mirroring a national trend. Car sales in Atlanta increased 2.7 percent, while truck sales slipped 5.1 percent."
"Luxury-car registrations, which include those for BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, were down 11.8 percent to 2,274 from 2,579."
"Nearly all car categories saw a decrease in sales in Atlanta. Sales of subcompact cars were down, despite high gas prices. Sales of midsize cars, a category that includes the Toyota Camry, Ford Taurus and Honda Accord, also were down," said Mike Stark, vice president of sales planning for Southeast Toyota in Deerfield Beach, Fla., which distributes Toyotas in a five-state area, including Georgia.
"The one segment that has grown considerably is the premium midsize car," Stark said.
link: link title
havalongavalon
http://www.iihs.org/news_releases/2005/pr061905.htm
havalongavalon
In an earlier post I talked about the many things I liked about my 05 Limited but forgot to mention the break feel. To me this car puts my foot more in touch with the intended function of the break petal. I have never liked the feel of hydrolic brakes since I exchanged my '38 Chevy for a '50 Ford. However, as with so many things we have to live with, I got used to the feel of the hydrolic break petal. As for the effectiveness of the of the 05 Limited break system, I can say that it worked flawlessly for me in one emergency stop. Don't care to go through that one again. Hope this helps.
I have a XLS and my brakes are "normal" or the same as my old 2003 Camry. Seems to be just right. Not to soft and not to hard. I have to admit, I'd rather be using the gas pedal.
However, it does make some sense for there to be some similarities. BMW sedans look vaguely similar.
Why would they style them with no similar styling cues whatsoever?
The Acura TL also has some similarities to the Honda Accord--same size, I believe similar chassis, and I beleive some shared body panel and similar overall look--I like the TL as well and will test drive that car before deciding whether to go for the Avalon. The Avalon has the benefit of a bigger trunk and more passenger space. They both have about the same horsepower, gas mileage similar, handling favors the TL. TL is more of a cockpit feel will better contoured front seating as compared to the more open space Av. I know there is a whole discussion on comparing these cars and I am keeping an eye on that. But I would expect that TL owners will vouch for the TL and AValon owners will be talking up their Avs so not sure how much you can gain from most of that discussion. But both cars have proven realiable and are very popular.
havalongavalon
When do the 2006's come out, when do they arrive at the dealers and what kind of changes will they have?
thanks,
avalon_tomato
I think that many Avalon buyers appreciate the extraordinary gas mileage (given the car size and power), not "instead of", but in addition to the other fine features of the car. This technological feat has been highlighted by many a reviewer recently, and it certainly was one of the factors I considered when I decided to buy mine, last February.
havalongavalon
My biggest concern has to do with an active Homelinc transmitter even after the car's alarm is on. This is a major security issue for those of us who live in Florida, since most of the people do not park their cars in their garages since their garages are taken by junk, just like mine is. If someone breaks in your car while you are sleeping, all they need to do is push the programmed Homelinc button and "voila", not only that they are in the car, they are in your house too, free to take anything they want from your garage. Lack of common sense on Toyota's part. I have implemented an easy solution for that; where the multi pin connector plugs in the rear view mirror I ended up cutting a constant 12 Volt red wire and jumping the accessory 12 Volt yellow wire instead. Now when the alarm is armed the Homelinc does not work. I've used the constant 12 Volt red wire to feed my Valentine One radar detector and my permanently installed black SunPass via 3 Volt voltage regulator. I added both connectors to the plastic housing of the rain sensor. Total time spent - 3 hours.
Furthermore, I have also moved the bulky XM antenna inside to the flat surface in front of the rear windshield stop light and replaced it with the Terk, smaller one. The rear dashboard disassemble was very involving. Total time spent - 4 hours. Do not attempt it unless you have skills or you have done it before. The reception did suffer and I am currently looking in moving it to the roof by hiding it under the small fin-wing that BMW and Audi offer on their cars. Once I get the hood, I will painted and install it to the roof and I will keep you posted.
Other than that I am very pleased with the car, although I have received all of the annoyances like many of you before me. The transmission does not like to down shift to lower gear at 1800 RPM when slowing down, the car pulls slightly to the right, rear wind shield is "wavy" and distorted, the exhaust pipes are uneven, the front console trim does not line up, the latches on all three middle console covers feel cheap and clumsy, the fog lights are loose and there is a wind noise coming from the both rear doors over 60 MPH. All things I can live with considering the price paid for the car. Still the best bang for the buck, hands down.
FYI, I am 39. And I feel even younger inside this car. For those of you shopping for one, get it, you won't regret it. Take my Electronic Engineer word for it.
Regards,
Deanie
Now, about to step to the plate and drive off in an XLS, I am finding 2 things to make me wait.
1) The savings in depreciation by getting the newer year (probably $4,000 difference in 5 years) and
2) these "horror" stories about the transmissions not being addressed by the dealers (aren't the transmissions from the Lexus ES 300/330?).
Any comments or thoughts on the above would be appreciated.
I see that you got improved functionality and greater peace-of-mind with your wiring mods, and obviously you are not concerned with voiding the warranty. Others who don't park in their garage would probably not bother to program the Homelinc to open the garage if this would pose an added security risk; but your solution is neat.
In time, the transmission should adapt to your driving style and up- or down-shift more appropriately, but you may be able to "train" it faster by consistently stepping a little on the gas, or briefly taking the foot off the gas, when you think it should be shifting.
As I recall, most reports of pulling to the right have been for Touring vehicles; but yours is a Limited. I suppose you have checked for the obvious uneven tire pressure and this was not the cause, right? (I'm just asking because ee's sometimes may forget about basic mechanical factors...
I'm disappointed to hear that your recently delivered car still came with uneven exhaust pipes. Given the "noise" many of us made early on when we discovered this systematic defect, Toyota should have fixed the Avalon exhaust system assembly process by now. Would you mind telling us your car serial No.? (just the last 5 digits, rounded off to nearest 1000 would be great).
As to your being 39, you may in fact be somewhat above the median age for contributors to this forum (while we are sitting inside our cars, anyway!). You are very welcome, in any case!
havalongavalon
Your concerns are reasonable, but I think the answers are straightforward.
1) Car model year is only one factor in calculating depreciation. Mileage and overall condition are also important, so I would be surprised that in Summer of 2010 the value of a "late 2005" and an "early 2006" XLS, equally equipped and in identical condition, would differ by as much as $4,000 -- maybe $1,000 to 2,000?
2) The 2005 Avalon transmission "problems" seem to be quite different from the notorious Lexus 300 transmission hesitation problems.
A final comment: the decision of when to buy a new car should also depend on when you think that you need a new car. In my case, I would have had to spend some serious money to fix my previous Camry, had I kept it another 6-8 months. I probably did better by trading it when I did. Far better!
Best wishes,
havalongavalon
As far as the warranty is concern, no, I am not afraid of voiding it, since by trade I am an electronic engineer and the mods I've done are performed just like Toyota would have done them at the factory. I think that Homelinc should not be active while the car is locked and alarm is on.
Another mod I am working on is bypassing the override window switch so the driver can still operate all of the windows when the switch is pushed in like it is, for example, in the BMW vehicles. I find that rather annoying since my 4 year old keeps playing a "waiting game" for his turn to exercise his window up and down. After all, I think the whole purpose of this switch was to keep driver in control of all windows and to disable the passengers from messing with it.
I also want to extend the number of characters for the XM display beyond 10. Whoever wrote that software, he or she did not have their mind straight that day. I feel that this can be modified rather easily.
Of course I have checked the tire pressure as soon as we drove the car home. And no, that wasn't it. The car pulls slightly to the right.
The last 5 digits are 43836.
Do you think that I should trust any dealer to replace the rear wind shield? I am very concern about this job being performed at the service department level.
Thanks.
Your concerns are reasonable, but I think the answers are straightforward.
1) Car model year is only one factor in calculating depreciation. Mileage and overall condition are also important, so I would be surprised that in Summer of 2010 the value of a "late 2005" and an "early 2006" XLS, equally equipped and in identical condition, would differ by as much as $4,000 -- maybe $1,000 to 2,000?
2) The 2005 Avalon transmission "problems" seem to be quite different from the notorious Lexus 300 transmission hesitation problems.
A final comment: the decision of when to buy a new car should also depend on when you think that you need a new car. In my case, I would have had to spend some serious money to fix my previous Camry, had I kept it another 6-8 months. I probably did better by trading it when I did. Far better!
Best wishes,
havalongavalon & topazdan,
WOW, wife and I never realized there was so much involved including math in deciding on whether to buy or wait.
All we know is that we took our perfectly running 2000 XLS in for a tire rotation and oil change and it cost us $25,000. While waiting for our XLS to be serviced we browsed around and spotted this 2005 Avalon Limited. Just as we were getting ready to move on a salesman came by and ask if we would like to get in. I said yes and that was the beginning of the end. The nail in the coffin was "how'd you like to take it for a spin" the salesman said. Sure I said and away we went as the salesman said "don't baby it". That did it plus my wife was sitting in the limo like back seat not knowing exactly what to say. We said we might be back and when our XLS was done we headed for another dealer 35 miles away and got what we thought was on ok deal but wanted to check out the original dealer. He was unable to come closer than $2500 to the second dealer's deal.
So I'll cut this short. Logic and reason are not the only things involved in buying decisions, especially in connection with the 2005 Avalon Limited.
Friend of mine bought a 300M at same time I got the Lexus. He was bragging up a storm about how quiet his car was.....until he went for a ride with me. Three weeks later he had traded and was driving a Lexus.
I think I'm extremely lucky with my recent purchase. Reading various postings re the 05 Avalon and transmission probs, seat comfort, etc, I have had zero complaints with my LTD with the exception of XM antenna placement. That was a minor bump and it now sits inside on the front dash with perfect reception and near invisibility. My transmission (knock on wood) shifts great, I'm getting consistent 28 mpg in the city, seats are super comfortable and the car rides smooth as silk. Notice also how hard it has been to get the Blizzard white - I told my dealer I wanted that color with the XM option (not alot of demand here for it OR Sirius) and they called KY and were able to divert one with that color and option to the dealership. I got it 2 weeks later - only thing I wished I had ordered was the NAV but then I have a Garmin and I'll live.
This really is a great board to read and participate in - hope all keep up the informative postings!!
zekeman1
I have the same Silver Bullet radar detector and would like to mount it on the visor. My problem is that with the poorly designed battery holder, the visor is hardly movable. If the Power Adapter Cord were used, how do you connect to the lighter socket and route the power cable up to the visor? What arrangement did you use??
I think you may not understand how to use the seat adjustment controls. The main seat control can be used to adjust the seat in eight seperate directions, as well as seat cushion length, seat back control and lumbar control. If you have a broadband connection, there is a good tutorial on adjusting the seat position at:
www.mynewavalon.com
one observation that might be worth mentioning, especially on a new car that no-one has any experience with, the "soft" pedal might be due to soft brake pads, meaning that they don't require much effort but they won't last very long. some manufacturers equip their cars with softer material for the pads which will allow less effort for the brake application but will not last as long as a harder pad. jackg 90seville 97k
Congratulations on your LTD.
Can I ask, how much off of MSRP can one expect to negotiate?
Dan
Thanks for your understanding - and as I say, I know you meant no offense.