2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

bakeroid1

Is there any way to over-ride your not being able to add waypoints while the car is moving. My wife wants to be able to do this while I'm driving.

Thank You

Bakeroid

mstem

Hello Friends!

I have been a lurker on this Forum Board for many months. I just registered and hope to now be a regular contributor. Bit of background: in December of 2003, after also many months reading the Toyota 4-Runner Board I took delivery of a 2004 4-Runner Limited, all options except NAV. It has proven to be an absolutely fantastic vehicle and I learned a lot from the frequent posts on that forum. Those folks over there have the same passion for their SUV's that many of you have for the new Avalon. We recently sold my wife's 2001 Highlander and she has now decided to "take over" the 4-Runner! That's the bad news, as I really luv driving that vehicle.

The good news: I need another vehicle and just ordered a 2006 Avalon Limited yesterday. The color I picked is Silver Pine Mica, with Ivory interior, all options except NAV system. (You can see the pattern here, I just can't come around to seeing the value of that kind of $$$ for a digital map?...) I DID go for the Laser Cruise Control, the Remote Start, Stability Control, etc etc etc... The vehicle is due on my dealer's lot on August 22nd. Fallback date is September 5th if I want to change the options around. Interesting side-note: I could get any color EXCEPT Blizzard White Pearl, was advised they are simply "un-obtainable" for the time being.

Am really excited about this vehicle, I appreciate all of the advice gleaned so far from this Board. If it is half as good (I know it will be...) as my 4-Runner experience I will be most happy! Hope to be a regular here and give back some assistance in payment for all that I have received so far.

Final note: what do you think of the color "Silver Pine Mica?" and is there something I am overlooking as to the value of factory NAV system? I can modify my order until 5:00pm this Monday. Thanks in advance!

Mike from Ohio

donb1

Mike

I just got an XLS but I did get the Nav and XM as well as VSC and heated seats. I do some traveling so I thought the Nav might be handy. The other reason I got it was that it is getting to be a very popular item on newer cars. I keep my cars for 3-5 yrs and I was afraid I would be at a disadvantage selling it without, what might be then a very normal option, kinda like A/C used to be.

I liked the Silver Pine Mica a lot and nearly got it. I opted instead, for the Blue Mirage and I am very happy with it. I am sure you will like your color. I have not seen one on the road yet, but then I have seen only White ones and one of the Dark Red

lgigante

I was given a Navigation disk when I picked up my Limited. I have used it a lot. I also got a call from Toyota about a month later asking a bunch of questions about the tutorial and how I liked it.

buck11

Hey Mike,

I live in NC and it looks like we have the same delivery date scheduled for basically the same car. I also ordered the Silver Pine Mica w/Ivory. I only ordered mine with the remote start and deep window tint. I was told the third week of August for delivery. I've seen yours and one other that quoted 8/22. Let's hope for the best.

Larry from NC

johndjr

Bakeroid,

On my Limited (without XM or whatever) the bottom button on the rt side of the radio freq.(AM, SAT., XM etc) selector is labeled 'Talk" or something like that. If I have a CD in, this button will cause the title etc to scroll and give all the info.
Might work on the XM or whatever.

johndjr

There have been discussions on this in the past.
Ran across this site that has a pretty good discussion on it and what the advantages/disadvantages etc are.
It was posted 07/05/2005 so it is a current article.

Edmunds.com Editors

Have fun.

pat

Is this the article you found - Do You Really Need Premium?

teereeves

Has anyone used a plug and play Bluetooth car kit for their 2005 Avalon or has anyone had a permanent Bluetooth car kit professionally installed? Thanks.

Tee

islandavy

Mike,
I also decided on the white until I saw the Silver Pine. I've had my SP/ivory int since June 17 and couldn't be happier. Here in the Florida Keys, almost every car on the road is white, silver, or tan as it is summer and hot all year round. The SP looks the greenest in the bright sun but around sundown, it looks almost all silver. Congrats on your choice. My new baby is named the "Green Flash"
:shades: Donna

zekeman1

If you have the XM option installed in conjunction with the vehicle radio, the only readouts you get when choosing XM are: the XM channel # or the name of the channel or the name of the song or artist - nothing scrolls.
zekeman1

johndjr

pat,
Yes, that is it. Below is the complete heading for it.

Do You Really Need Premium?
And Answers to Other Gasoline Questions
By Edmunds.com Editors
Date Posted 07-05-2005

pat

Okay. I thought you were trying to post a link when you posted the phrase "Edmunds.com Editors" so I was trying to take care of that for you. The article I linked in my first reply to you actually carries Philip Reid's byline, not the general editors' byline, but I think you and I are talking about the same article - you did click on my link to make sure, yes?

rwb2

I don't have the NAV in my Limited. As far as the value of it, I think you would need to take into account how many times a month/year you would use it. I know, that unless I was on a driving vacation, that I might hardly ever use it. When I drive for business I normally rent a car as that is more efficient for my company than paying me 40.5 cents a mile. Let's see; if the NAV system costs $2,000 and you kept the car 5 years and used it 50 times a year, the total number of uses would be 250. Works out to $8.00 a time. I suspect I'd use it 5 times a year at a cost of $80.00 a time. Mapquest costs zero. AAA costs $40 year. Now if you put that $2,000 into a good Mutual Fund, wait that's another story.

fragmire

It's been 4 days since I took delivery of my Limited, and I'm noticing rattling in the back seat area at higher speed (> 40mph). I've checked that this is not the moonroof or the passenger-side seat belt, but more like vibration from the rear-right segment of the seats (i.e. the whole right-side reclining seat). Does anyone have this problem? I plan to take it to the dealer on Tuesday to have them take a look while they fix my loose foglights.

dan41

You are missing an important element in your argument and that is the resale value added by having the nav. Although you'll never get anywhere close to the original cost of the nav, it does, nonetheless, add to the resale value. Like most other options, however, this is one that you should consider only if there is a need and you'll benefit from having it. This is my first car with a nav and I can't imagine not having one in my next car.

gbinplano

My Limited has a rattle (fairly quiet, but annoying) in the passenger rear that I am taking in to be repaired on Tuesday. It started just recently. Shortly after delivery, my Avalon had a similar rattle on the driver's side rear. That was repaired by repositioning the strut tower. You may want to avoid a second trip and have both strut towers checked.

Greg

rwb2

You are correct and I left the resale discussion off purposely just to get a response like yours. As with many extras in life you don't know what your missing if you don't have it. Please share why you'd never have another car without it and how often and why you use it. Thanks

retired7

On long trips ( many hrs behind the wheel) in our 05 Ltd, we have noticed that the front seat belts (driver and passenger side) become increasingly uncomfortable; we constantly pull on them to relieve pressure/pulling around the waist. Very tempting to unbuckle but too safety conscious for that. We are average size adults and looking for any ideas out there to make them/us more comfortable. Thanks in advance for your help..

NW BLIZZARD

dan41

I have used it to get to client appointments and to even, as recently as yesterday, to travel to a restaurant on the shores north of Boston and it got me there without any issues. Also, just two weeks ago my wife and I took a vacation in New Hampshire and used the nav to find both local restaurants and points of interest. It also came in very handy in helping us get back to our rental house during some very late nights out. For me, I just find the usefulness of the nav worth the cost. I certainly understand and appreciate that a navigation system may not be needed or wanted by all and that is why it is an optional purchase. I do believe that this technology will only get better and less expensive. In the end, this is a "win, win" for the consumer. Regards: dan

happy2bhere

Thanks Ken and to all who responded to my query. I will try your suggestions when I am on the road (since you can't check out this particular function unless you're in motion). And I will take your advice, Ken, and talk with the dealer about logging me on and taking the tutorial.

Jeff

rwb2

Dan, you make a lot of sense,

garry4

Consumer Reports (CR) released its rating of the Avalon. The "Highs" were acceleration, powertrain, quietness, interior room, access, cabin storage, controls and fuel economy. The "Lows" were agility, steering and brake feel. CR recommends the Avalon and was very positive about the car. CR tested the XLS with Bridgestone Turanza EL400 tires. Nothing was said about hesitation or most of the problems that have been mentioned in this Forum.

I thought you would be interested in this rating. I subscribe to CR's online service and expect the magazine to arrive in a couple days.

garry4

fragmire

Greg, I'm fairly uneducated about automobile mechanics. Exactly how much was involved in repositioning the struct tower? Is this something that would take several visits to complete?

jason15

Gary, thanks for pointing out the Consumer Reports article is available online.

CR's copyright permissions page states: "Consumers Union allows its material to be distributed for noncommercial, educational purposes only."

So here it is everyone: CR05Avalon.pdf

motownusa

Excellent review; thanks for posting the article. Consumer Reports does an outstanding job of laying out the pros and cons of a car. Their no nonsense review, devoid of all the hypes by so called automotive journalists, makes them such a respectable publication. IMO, they are a lot more credible than JD Powers which does receive advertising fees from corporations. It is good to see that reliability remains very good despite some minor first year issues.

tinatina

Thanks for the information on the report, Jason15.

Motownusa, your statement could also apply to Motor Trend, Car and Driver, whicih also receive advert. fees. I agree, however, that Consumer reports is the best though since they are independent.

CR gave a white dot for trunk space and fuel economy, which are fair. I have posted about the lack of fold down seats and the fold-in mirrors.
I am still undecied about an '05 or an '06. Maybe the fold down rear seats, at least as an option, are being offered?

mwalker

I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM.

IT TOOK THE DEALER 3 DAYS TO FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE STRUT TOWER INSIDE THE BACK SEAT AREA.
GOOD LUCK.

REKLAW17

3puttmax

The CU article makes the Avalon sound like an old Buick or Olds, with floaty handling. While I subscribe to CU and have great respect for their testing, I have not found the Avalon's handling to be sloppy in any way.

Perhaps I'm not pushing it anywhere near the limits, or I'm not used to driving BMW's. I can believe that when pushed to its limits, the handling probably is poorer than the best sport sedans. But in normal driving, including highway/freeway with high and medium speed corners, I find the Avalon very stable. I have the Limited with Michelin tires.

Max

fragmire

reklaw17, thanks for the response. Do you know specifically what's wrong with the strut tower? I'd like to explain to the dealer as clear as possible the first time so I don't have to pay them multiple visits.

bakeroid

teereeves,

I have a Motorola "Bluetooth enabled" cell phone, and bought a Motorola BLNC Bluetooth Car Kit IHF1000 on line for my '05 Limited. Had it installed at Best Buy. It is incredible. Push one button on the dash for outgoing calls (the rest is voice) and on incoming calls you just say hello and start talking. You'll love it.

Bakeroid

bakeroid

zekeman1,

Thank you for your reply. The problem is that it only displays the first 10 characters/spaces of the title or artist. How disappointing. Seems to me that it would have been no big deal for them to either display more characters or to allow them to scroll.

Bakeroid

bakeroid

johndjr,

Thank you for the tip, but unfortunately it doesn't work. That one feature would make the XM a perfect "10" rather than a "9.5".

Bakeroid

greenbelt

What in the world does it mean to reposition the strut tower. I thought that strut towers were the overall housing which was an integral part of the unibody - not something that could be repositioned.

My curiosity was further piqued when I googled "Repositioning the strut tower" and found a series of articles about adding commercially available braces between strut towers in sports cars and racing cars to help stiffen the suspension.

There also was an article about NASCAR rules that prevent strut towers from being modified in certain kinds of races.

The strut towers in our Avalon look like they'd have to be repositioned with a blow torch.

Repositioning a strut tower sure sounds like it must really be something else.

zekeman1

You bet! Given the fact that aftermarket XM compatible head units can scroll, one would think that the unit installed in a $30K+ vehicle would do the same. Toyota signed up with XM to put the units in the new models - don't know if it's Toyota's lack of imagination (or XM's) in what they're putting into the cars. Lousy antenna placement is another example!
zekeman1

rwb2

The Consumers Report report is hard to digest. While not reviewed with the "Luxury Sedans" it takes the number 3 spot in the "luxury sedan ratings". It also makes the "CR Quick Recommendation" with the luxury sedans. CR does not include the Avalon on the "Compare Performance" page with the luxury group. The Avalon is on the next page titled "Auto-Test Extra Large Sedan". You've got to flip the pages to compare. When you do this it seems that the Avalon has many more filled in "red circles" (CR for for an excellent rating) than any of the Luxury sedans and, low and behold the 0 to 60 mph,sec. is tied for number one.

I felt that CR couldn't quite find a clear catagory for the Avalon. Clearly if the low end Avalon had the features of the LTD and the LTD had back up sensors and head lights that turned and 1 or 2 other goodies, CR would have placed it in the Luxury catagory. As it is Toyota has a car that competes with the high end Camrys and Accords and is a clear alternative to the $50,000 "Luxury cars" (for a lot less money).

55396

Also try Jim Healey at USA Today for no nonsense tell it like it is reviews.

ange

I notice the Limited requires both hands at 60-70 MPH in turns.I know the power assist is reduced at high speed, but I don't feel comfortable holding the steering wheel with one hand as I have with other cars. The front end appears heavy and noses down during braking. One big plus--31.1 MPG at turnpike speeds. Ange1

gbinplano

The service receipt showed about one hour of labor for the repair and a realignment of the rear wheel.

Greg

teereeves

Thanks for the reply bakeroid. I found information about Motorola's IHF1000, now I have questions for you.

1) How much did you pay for your unit?
2) How much did Best Buy charge for installation?
3) Did you have Best Buy install the external speaker or did they tie the unit to the Avalon stereo system?
4) Where did you have them place the chrome keypad?
5) Where did you have them place the multi-directional microphone?
6) Can you take a photo of the chrome keypad and microphone placement?

Thanks, you are providing a lot of us with a bluetooth solution, since Toyota does not have this as an option for 2005 and may not provide us this option for 2006. I am planning on purchasing a 2006 in a month or two. Thanks again.

Tee

mhepple

I've been lurking for months and have found this forum very helpful. My wife's black 2005 XLS went in to the local Toyota dealer for service yesterday. 3,323 miles and 4 months.

For those who want a quick read: the TSB for the Avalon 2005 trans ECM is two months away per this service dept. Toyota is aware and working on it.

We like the car (traded in a 2000 Lexus ES300.)

Problems reported were: 1) rattle, pass side RV mirror bezel; 2) warped or misaligned glove cover box; 3) loose driver side fog lamp; 4) rattle somewhere in the parcel shelf; 5) mis-aligned exhaust pipes and ...tada... 6) trans searches for gears/lags/etc.

This wasn't a pleasant experience, but I think will work out ok as on a follow-up phone call I initiated he said "Look, we got off on the wrong foot, so can we start over?" I said yes (hey, we all have bad days.)

I'll post the resolution tomorrow. I'll give this guy a second chance/start over just once, but I am not pleased so far with the quality of Toyota service.

mwalker

I BELIEVE THAT THEY SAID THERE WAS A GAP IN THE MOUNTING AREA WHERE THE STRUT MEETS THE BODY OF THE CAR. IN MY SERVICE TECHS WORDS THEY POUNDED THE SMALL GAP DOWN WITH A HAMMER. NOT EXACTLY WHAT I EXPECTED THEM TO DO. BUT THE NOISE SEEMS TO HAVE GONE AWAY MOST OF THE TIME. LET ME KNOW WHAT THEY FIND OUT WITH YOURS

fragmire

Hm ... Hammering down doesn't exactly sound like the professional thing to do. The car will be in service tomorrow for both the loose fog lights and the noise (sounds more and more like a misaligned / faulty strut tower). I'll post back on what I find out. Hopefully nothing major.

jeffscout

Going to pick up my 2005 LTD w/ Nav, VSC, Laser and extra mile in Phantom Gray Pearl today! We are both very excited. Initial order was placed on July 16, so roughly two weeks.

sbrown2

Navguy,

Just a heads up the Toyota technical documents specifically show the GPS antenna in the front dash for the 2005 Avalon.

sbrown2

kinzua

gladiator99

I had the Garmin Street Pilot 2620 that I used in my 2000 Avalon. I found it very adaquate for the price. The only negative was, no multiple route options. The cost about $900 was a plus.

gbinplano

Just returned from Toyota after having the rattle on the passenger side fixed. Again, it was the rear strut mounting. Specifically, it was described as "poor fit". The fix was to loosen the strut support assembly and reposition. This was the same action taken on my driver's side rattle. My guess this is a new design problem that has been discovered by many owners of 2005 Avalons. Toyota of Richardson's service department knew exactly what was wrong from my description of the first rattle. I bet this is not a problem on the 2006 Avalons as they begin to make it to the streets!

Fragmire, did your rattle get fixed? Did they tell you the cause?

Greg

js1

folks,

Put 5k on my new avalon ltd this month. Same noise, the dealer is trying to fix. Seats don't fit me (dealer told me this is a common complaint...something about a bar running under the seat). I want to add XM. Too bad this 35k car didn't come with it (my 04 accord did). Can't get the correct answer from the dealer about parts. I want to have my local car audio guy do the install with a different antenna and location. The dealer quoted me 4 parts $600. One was for a bracket ($48), the other was for an antenna ($160). My guess is I don't need either. Any help (part numbers) would be appreciated. I will keep you all posted on the noise (I hope they don't grab a hammer). I am looking into somehow fixing the seat, I will keep you posted. :mad:

js1

maryj

After reading all the posts, I also have my own list of aggravations. I have an 05 Avalon XLS, with 600 miles.
The transmission is baffling. Whenever I slow down or come to a stop, as I apply the brake, the car seems to want to speed up and then it drops into a lower gear. This is a weird feeling when you want to slow down and it feels like you are speeding up.

With the windows up, closing the door is a really solid sound. With the windows rolled down a couple of inches, closing the door rattles the windows like an old jalopy.

My driver's side foglight is also loose. What is this about the left light?

You can feel every highway seam when driving and on two occasions a hard vibration set up which felt like driving on a gravel road. It lasted about 5 seconds each time. It only happened twice, during the first two weeks. Have Michelin tires. I don't know if this is strut related or not.

I'm trying to drive it until the first oil change before I take it in, but I'm not sure I will be able to wait that long. :confuse:

kinzua

I don't have the NAV in my Limited. As far as the value of it, I think you would need to take into account how many times a month/year you would use it. I know, that unless I was on a driving vacation, that I might hardly ever use it. When I drive for business I normally rent a car as that is more efficient for my company than paying me 40.5 cents a mile. Let's see; if the NAV system costs $2,000 and you kept the car 5 years and used it 50 times a year, the total number of uses would be 250. Works out to $8.00 a time. I suspect I'd use it 5 times a year at a cost of $80.00 a time. Mapquest costs zero. AAA costs $40 year. Now if you put that $2,000 into a good Mutual Fund, wait that's another story.

rwb2,
How did you ever rationalize buying a $35,000 automobile?