2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

donb1

I have the XLS with the Ivory interior. Though the seats are different between the Limited and the XLS every thing else is the same. I have only had the car over a month and I don't have children, or grandshildren crawling around in it but I have not had a single issue with keeping it clean. I think it looks great and it does not appear that it will be a major issue.

koondog

You mention you got Remote Start. An earlier post said that they have to turn the engine off before entering the car. Is this true? A friend of mine says that if the car is cranked with the remote start and someone else tries to open a door without the "Smart-Key" near, the engine will shut off. I'm just wanting to know exactly what the rules are for using the remote start. Thanks in advance for your reply.

billygator

First car washing today, and I noticed a minor misalignment of the left rear bumper panel at the taillight and along the side. Other side fits fine, but on this side the seam is squeezed together and the taillight is off by about 1/8 inch. Is this worth trying to get fixed? My wife says I'm the only one who will ever know.

Here's a simple question. Is there a bracket for the front license tag? I did not receive one ( I guess since I live in a state that does not require front tags) and was wondering if others had to ask. How does it look? I'm debating whether to bother installing a college tag.

Bill

easyrider300m

if you are in a state not requiring 2 tags, then why install any front tag. First of all, you would probably have to put a couple of holes in your front fascia--and second, it breaks up the look of the front of the car. If I had the option, I would leave it off.

College tag? Just curious--how old are you? It seems the Av is attracting a younger audience than previous years.

buck11

You don't really have to turn it off before entering the car, it does it automatically when you unlock the car. I've had remote starters in the past and they all shut off the vehicle at some point in time. My last one shut off as soon as you put your foot on the brake. Here's exactly what the manual says on the automatic engine shutdown.

"The Remote Engine Starter will automatically shut down or will not start the vehicle's engine under the following conditions:

1. If any door is manually unlocked via Smart Key.
2. If any door is opened.
3. If the shift lever is moved to any position other than "P".
4. If the hood is opened.
5. If the push button is pressed.
6. If the brake pedal is applied.

The two main ways to shut off the engine are to press the "Unlock" button on the remote or press and hold the LOCK button for two or more seconds. Hope this helps.

gladiator99

Hi jds4.
Our Avalon has the Ivory interior with light wood trim. As we live in an area where the summers are very hot, the white exterior and the lighter interior are somewhat cooler in the summer weather.
We also have the black mud guards and they look fine. I didn't know if I could have found the colour matched ones but I feel the black ones don't look out of place.
Take Care!
Gladiator99

jmw1

Has any one experience a shake in the passenger seat which is accompanied by a noise? I have a brand new 05 and this is the only issue. Looking to see if anyone else encountered this problem before I take it in. Thanks.

jim250

We took some friends today on our first road trip in our new Avalon. The jaunt was 200+ miles up to Wisconsin Dells for an early breakfast at Paul Bunyan's then a woodsy loop further north afterwards. On the freeway return trip I tried out the laser cruise control and found it to be a great convenience. I had set the cruise control to a requested 75 mph and was following another car which was maintaining a steady 70 mph. With the LCC set for "far" mode it seemed that I was trailing that other car by about 7 seconds. At "medium" setting I was trailing by about 5 seconds. As I always prefer to maintain at least a 5 second following distance I didn't even try out the "near" mode but I suppose it would have produced about a 3 second following distance. As soon as the car ahead moved out of my way, my Avalon quickly sped up to the requested 75 mph. One such occasion even caused it to downshift two gears in order to quickly accelerate uphill. It was nice not to have to constantly tweek the cruise control setting as other cars moved into my path and were uncomfortably near in front of me. The LCC took care of it for me. What a great invention! With four people aboard, A/C on part of the time, and while driving up to 75 mph, on this trip the car averaged a little more than 28 mpg. We're fairly happy with that figure as it is about what we had expected.

Jim

zekeman1

Yep, mine rattles a bit when no one is sitting in it...I just ignore it.
zekeman1

billygator

I have always supported my alma mater on my car - we take our college football seriously here in the south. Plus, I will likely be relocated to a two tag state soon. Some cars look better with a front tag than others, that's why I'm curious as to others opinions.

I'm not young (49), but I would have never considered the Avalon until this latest revamp.

Bill

chrstna446

I hate, when I lock or unlock my car using the remote control, the horn sounds. To me the horn is too loud. Is there anyway to stop this from happening?

Thanks,
A new 2005 Touring Owner!

dhath

I ordered colored matched mud guards for my Titanium Metallic LTD thru www.anythingtoyota.com the color was an excellent match and they seem to really be helping.

mstem

I noticed that my dealer's Web site listed six (6) new 2006 Avalon's now in stock, including four (4) Limiteds. This I had to see for myself. So I ventured up there Sunday evening for a look-see. Sure enough, there they were, plus a couple of Touring models not listed. Most Avy's I have ever seen in one location! While there, I conducted a scientific evaluation of the loose fog light issue. EVERY vehicle on the lot had the loose lights. "Loose" being defined as the ability to wiggle around a bit in their housings. Guess they all come this way, eh?! As Microsoft would say, "... that's not a bug, but a feature!..."

Mike

garry4

A 2006 XLS is arriving at the local dealership on Wednesday of this week. It has Vehicle Stability Control & Traction Control which comes with heated seats, but not ventiliated seats. Since the front seats are heated, will the seats be uncomfortable? Are the uncomfortable seats just on the Limited, or does the heated seat option make the front seat uncomfortable.

I have back problems, and I will not buy the car if the heated seat option makes the front seat uncomfortable. ALL ADVICE WILL BE APPRECIATED.

jl618

I have thought, for some time, that a back-up camera integrated with the navigation system in the Ltd. would be a very desirable option.

The September 2005 issue of Consumer Reports, in a segment on the Lexus GS300 states "As in the Infiniti, the screen doubles as the backup system monitor when the car is moving in reverse."

It lists one of the vehicle HIGHS as the optional backup camera.

According to Edmunds, the GS300 back-up camera is included with the navigation system option ($2250 MSRP). MSRP for my '05 Ltd. nav with no back-up camera showed $1900. Thus, at MSRP the option should only add about $325. That is cheap insurance, considering the repair cost when backing into something. And, no doubt Lexus pads their figures some anyway.

I would suspect that just like add-on back-up sensors, one could aftermarket a clean system for much less than the approximate $325 delta.

Does anyone know if the GS300 navigation system, or for that matter the one in the Sienna, is a virtual clone of the Avalon's?

If so, it shouldn't be too difficult to tie in a rear view camera with the Avalon nav.

But, perhaps I am the only one interested.

njny

Yes my un-occupied passenger seat rattles as well. It's quite annoying and my service department claims there is nothing they can do. Check and see if your rear seat pass-thru is loose as this was rattling as well on my vehicle and it sounds like it's coming from the passenger seat as well.

haggis

I think that the seats in the Limited are very comfortable. The only way you can tell if the seats are comfortable to you is the test drive the car. Before you drive off make sure to play with the seat adjustments until it feels just right (this may take a while because the seat adjusts so many different ways). Since you have back problems there is a seperate control to adjust the lumbar support that may help you a lot. If there are two drivers for your car, consider the Limited as the drivers seat automatically adjusts to the person opening the drivers door. Good luck.

alan_s

There is a rattle in the front passenger seat. I fixed mine. It was caused by the electrical harness that runs from underneath the seat, into the bottom of the seat and up along the inside of the hard plastic panel on the seatback and into the seatbelt sensor. The wire harness is made of hard black plastic and it rattles against the inside of the hard seat backing. I removed the seat backing, insulated the harness with some self-adhesive weather stripping wherever it came into contact with the seat backing, replaced the seat backing and the rattle has gone.
If anyone is interested, I can post the instructions to remove the seat backing. It is more awkward that difficult.
If you don't have the stomach to do this yourself, tell the dealer what the cause of the problem is and if you are really lucky, they may fix it.

pablo2

Alan, please post the instructions which you went through to elimiate the rattle in the passager front seat.

Thanks.

Paul

alan_s

Description: Front passenger seat rattle which can be reproduced by gently drumming on the backrest of the seat.
Disclaimer: No responsibility is taken for damage to your vehicle, and there is no guarantee that this will fix your specific seat rattle.
These instructions are provided for informational purposes only. Use them at your own risk.

1. From the rear passenger area, loosen the lower fabric-covering which covers the bottom of the back of the front passenger seat area by unhooking the plastic retaining clips which are hooked underneath the seat.
2. Pulling the fabric covering toward you, locate and remove the two Phillips screws securing the plastic panel, located on the left and right hand side of the underside of the seat.
3. Swing the plastic panel gently toward you and then GENTLY pull down and toward you.
(You may be able to avoid unhooking the panel if you can locate the harness and insulate it from the side.)
4. The panel should unhook from the securing mechanism on the inside of the panel. Do not pull the panel away from the seat - you will damage the harness.
5. Locate the black wiring harness that runs vertically along the inside of the plastic panel. A flashlight may help.
6. Place self adhesive weather-stripping (available from Home Depot) along the inside of the panel where the harness contacts the panel, and/or wrap weather-stripping around the harness to prevent contact.
* Do not excessively stress the harness.
7. Replace the plastic panel by aligning the hooks on the inside of the panel with the securing mechanism at the top of the inside of the seat, while GENTLY pushing forward and upward - tricky.
8. Replace Phillips screws making sure that the screws pass through both the plastic panel and the fabric covering holes. Very awkward!
9. Pull fabric covering evenly underneath the seat and secure the retaining clips under the seat.

Note: Plastic retaining clips and plastic hooks can be easily broken. Do not force anything. Be gentle and methodical.

indigoxls

I too have an annoying rattle from my unoccupied passenger seat when going over bumps. I've been reading this forum for a while, but this is my first post. I finally upgraded from my 1992 Camry V6-XLE (with 227,000 miles) and now have about 9000 miles on my 2005 XLS with VSC/heated seats, and floor mats. My tailpipes are slightly uneven, the foglights move a around a little bit, and there is some minor waviness in the rear window. These things don't bother me. The steering doesn't pull, the transmission does not hesitate, and I find the drivers seat comfortable. The engine is great! Most of my driving is on country roads and I get 27-28 mpg on regular unleaded.

There are some things I don't like about the car. The passenger seat is a major issue for me. Most of my driving is solo so I hear the rattle all the time. It is not the seatbelt, it is the entire seat or seatback. I can see the seatback vibrating and the rattle seems like its coming from the headrest. However, I still get the rattle with the headrest removed. The dealer acknowledged the rattle but said there is nothing they can do. I have suggested ordering a new seat, but they won't. I'm interested in the recently posted wiring harness solution.

I also have a defective driver's door. Many times it won't open from the outside even though it is unlocked. I have to go in through another door or open window to open it. The dealer said they could not reproduce the problem so they did nothing.

Overall the ride on my Avalon seems a little harsh on bumpy roads. It doesn't seem to have the cushioned ride that I remember from test driving a different Avalon. The reviews I've read seem to agree that the ride is very comfortable over bumps, but I don't agree. It is as though I have the stiffer Touring suspension on my XLS. This could partially account for some other rattles I've heard when the passenger seat is occupied.

These problems and the lack of concern by the dealer will make this my last Toyota. Toyota quality is NOT what it used to be, and the dealer doesn't seem to care.

blane31

Hi! Was your window tint applied by the dealer?

alan_s

I agree. I think the biggest problem with the Avalon isn't the car itself, its the dealers. There are bound to be some teething problems, the BIG problem is with the Toyota dealers. Disgraceful. My dealer actually called me to complain about the uncomplimentary survey I sent to Toyota!!!! :lemon: They are arrogant, have a bad attitude, are incompetent and absolutely don't care. If you have a problem and it is fixed you quickly forget about the problem, right? If it isn't, you end up hating the whole car... Toyota had better get rid of the bunch of horse traders they have and train their dealerships in customer service and competence if they want to keep their lead. Don't they see Hyundai in their rear-view mirror?
From your description, the seat rattle sounds like mine did.
What tires do you have? I wasn't satisfied with the Bridgestone EL400's that came on the car. They are a new tire for both Bridgestone and Toyota. They are noisy and have a hard ride. Dealer blew me off. The Michelins give a better ride and so do the Bridgestone Turanza LS-V's. See my earlier post.

maryj

I just use a decal of my Army wings on the front bumper. Have been doing so for last few cars. They never come off. Better than drilling holes.

tarhe

buck11

It was applied by Southeast Toyota Distributors. Same thing with the Remote Starter. I guess they ship them from Georgetown directly to them, where they add certain options, including the stupid Toyo Guard that they want to charge $699 for and other miscellaneous stuff before forwarding them to the dealer. I was in the business at one time and this dealer was a friend of mine so there was nothing put on my car that I didn't order. I got mine with mats, remote starter and deep window tint only.

sdanders

I have a two month old XLS 2005 Avalon that was damaged on the passenger side doors by someone in a grocery parking lot by purposely pushing the cart into the doors! When I had the local Toyota dealer estimate the cost to repair (about $800) I casually asked if the repair (done by this certified Toyota dealer) would have any affect on my corrosion warrantee, which is 60 months and unlimited mileage for any corrosion perforation. I was astounded when the Toyota shop manager told me that since they can never give the car the corrosion protection that it had prior to the accident that they would only warrant the car (any part!) for the std. time frame of 3 years and 36,000 miles-the normal bumper to bumper warrantee. I was sure he must be wrong, so I called Toyota headquarters and got the run around about how Toyota would stand behind their car if there were to be a problem in the future. I thanked them and asked that someone in authority (like an officer of the company, VP Quality, etc.) just put something in writing to me indicating that the 60 month unlimited mileage warrantee for corrosion perforation continues to be in effect if the car was repaired at a certified Toyota repair facility. They would NOT do this. My issue is primarily with my insurance company. my loss is actually greater than just cost to repair the doors. I have also lost a significant value in my warrantee from Toyota. My purpose in asking Toyota for something in writing was simply to assure me I was being treated fairly and, since I have a $500 deductible for comprehensive, whether I should receive compensation for this loss from my insurance company. But it certainly makes you wonder about the commitment to the customer by Toyota.....I merely asked for validation of something they have already printed. I have an Avalon, Highlander, and Corolla.....but maybe not much longer.

sdanders

I have noted the severely optically distorted rear window, just as many others have. The tires seem to be be out of balance between 55 amd 75 mph. The right passenger door/window has a significant air leak. The doors/covers for the drink holder and tape deck won't open easily or close and stay closed easily. They replaced one, but managed to scratch up the console area a bit where they got it out. I did not make an issue of it but they were willing to replace what was needed. So I will just live with it. I have about 5000 miles on it and get between 22 and 25 mpg in mixed driving.....not as good as expected...no difference noted in different grades of gas. Shifts smoothly and no hesitation. Biggest problem with Toyota is the arrogance and indifference of the management.

indigoxls

I have the Michelin tires. They were orignally inflated to 36 psi, which made the car ride even rougher. I now have them at 31 lbs, but it only helps a little. To me, the entire seatback is vibrating too much, from the hinges at the bottom, and something just needs to be tightened. I know, wishfull thinking. The dealer seemed reluctant to attempt any adjustment to the seat as if they had no experience with my type of problem. I don't think they know the new Avalon very well and need some time to get familiar with it. Seats are not new technology however. I read on this forum that Johnson Controls makes the seats. Is that a well known fact? and do they support their products?

bhallinan

I'm glad that I found this message board, now I don't feel so crazy when I think:
- my seats are hard to get comfortable
- the windows are ALWAYS hazy
- passenger seat rattles

Has anyone else seen the nav control door start to show a little wear? The paint seems to be chipping near the top edge. I think that this will be an issue to come.

All in all, I love the car. Does not have the same road feel as my last few Accords, but the engine in wonderful with great MPG.

I think that I may want to upgrade my suspension later, a little too soft for me. I liked the Touring, but hated the rims (always looked dirty). Does anyone know of a site that sells performance parts for the new Avalon?

petl

I understand your frustration. However, I wouldn't worry to much. Someone damaged my 2002 Camry in the parking lot (2 years ago). The front fender and bumper had to be replaced. The work is garanteed for as long as "I" own the vehicle. They did apply rust proofing to the replaced (Toyota) parts. Unfortunately, it is no longer original and I can understand why the warranty cannot be the same. I am confident that the work will last beyond the 6 year warranty period. The bottom line is, have it repaired where the work, reputation and garantee is good. I had it repaired at the dealer because I know they will stand behind their work. Good Luck.

alan_s

Take the car to a Michelin dealer and ask them to check all 4 wheels for dynamic imbalance and also for static imbalance (tire hop). They may do this under warranty, and if not it will be worth the $25 or so they will charge. Tire hop upsets the suspension and can make the ride feel very rough and will also induce the seat vibrations you describe. Tire hop can be fixed by aligning the high and low spots of the tire and wheel. Tire dealers have the equipment and experience to properly diagnose these problems. Ask them to put an experienced tech on the job. Forget the Toyota dealers. They can't even set tire pressures correctly.
If you want to learn more about this, there is a good description here:
http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/brochure/info/tmpInfoBalancing.jsp

imidazol97

For balancing the tires and wheels talk to your dealer about whether they use a Hunter 9700 Road Force balancer--I see you have 9000. My new 03 car (different brand) for ride problems was warrantied up to 12000. The Road Force balancer compensates for the variation in the "crush" in the sidewall of the tire. Michelins have been best in that department. You didn't say which Michelins (or I missed it). The slight variation in the crush causes an up-and-down hopping just like an out-of-round tire will.

If your dealer won't give you satisfaction, find a Michelin tire store that has an experienced person using the 9700 and pay them to fix your problem.

lnt

My passenger seat rattles, too. I can see it vibrating when I go over bumpy roads.

lnt

Your HORN honks when you unlock your car?? My car just has this quiet ding when I unlock it. Sounds kind of like a chime.

zekeman1

Mine "dings" too.
zekeman1

chrstna446

Yes. It makes that nice ding, but then there are two horn blast when I unlock and one when I lock. My previous car had the horn responses, but this car's horn is very, very loud. To me it is more a blast than a beep. So it seems your cars come with the ding and not the blasts, which confirms that it must be a setting.

Any sages out there?

deanie

Hi All:
I've been a little quiet these past few months while enjoying the '05 XLS I bought in April. However, Toyota wised up and finally offered VSC on all models, including the Touring, the one I wanted in the first place. Those who recall my earlier posts know I won't buy a car without VSC - which is why I bought a VSC-equipped XLS over the Touring in April.

I may now trade in the XLS for an '06 Touring w/VSC, but first I'd like to hear some knowledgable people comment on whether or not the alignment/drifting problem that seemed to vex '05 Touring models (due to the suspension probably) has been exorcised, changed or otherwise addressed in some way by Toyota. Thanks for your help!
Regards,
Deanie

slimsthc

Go to service department It can be changed to flash lights whistle dixie or whatever you want

slimsthc

Contact District rep, toyota hates imperfections both auto and cust. service

robertu

"Go to service department It can be changed to flash lights whistle dixie or whatever you want "

Slim, took your advice. Asked for Dixie. Service man said "No can do!". Well, that broke the camel's back if you know what I mean. So I gave that arrogant so-and-so a piece of my mind about problems from this here forum. You know the ones, dings and loose foggers, nauseous leather, hard ride, rusty exhaust, whacky exhaust tips, soft ride, dirty wheels, achy bunions (threw that in because mine are killin' me and thought I remembered that the Tokyo boys had a massage they threw in every now and again). I'll let ya' know how it turned out.

Now, I know if we had that there Mackagee guy that used to post here - he would know who to call at corporate HQ about all these issues. Otherwise, those dudes at Buick will be more than happy to welcome us with open arms. After all, they'll let us buy their stuff at the same price they pay. Now isn't that special.

ROBERTU

baltoman

Regarding
"Otherwise, those dudes at Buick will be more than happy to welcome us with open arms"

They are just trying to get their customers back. Afterall, according to Toyotas own statistics, 60% of Avalon owners came from Buick. Similar personality types, they say.

bahraini_zupra

alan ur my hero i didnt receive my car yet but i need to be armed for any sucha problem so can u please post some pics where exactly the rattle fix please cuz it seems hard to me to locate it :S please if u can post a good write up along with pics would be so much appreciated

Ali

bahraini_zupra

Plus ur tire balance site was sooo much informative thanks ALOOT !

alan_s

There is an insurance term called "Diminished Value". When a vehicle is damaged it has a reduced market value even if it has been 100% repaired. Some insurance companies have started to compensate customers by paying them out an amount for diminished value, which is calculated based on the value of the vehicle and the cost of repair. Some insurance companies will pay you out without asking. Others won't and you have to ask for it. Do some research on the internet on diminished value so you can speak to your insurance company from a position of knowledge, and you will get some money you hadn't anticipated.
The repaired parts are covered under a repair warranty. The rest of the car remains covered by the Toyota warranty.

abfisch

Mike:

That is a great observation and says poor things are the quality, unfortunately. The most important aspects of auxillary lighting, whether they are FOGS or Aux. DRIVING LIGHTs are the aim. Yes, the aim. The quality of the bulb and reflector are important too, but if the light is not solid on its attacment, it cannot be aim appropriately. If they all are like that, then they all cannot illuminate appropriately in FOG or White OUT conditions of low or no visiblity.

The older model did not seem to have that problem, although I opted not to get the XLS, and got the XL and installed two sets of auxillary lighting attached to the underside of the steel bumper.

PIAA has an excellent site in which they show you exactly how to aim FOG LIGHTs and AUX. DRIVING LIGHTS, if anyone is interested.

What do you think the chances are that all of those FOG lights are aimed right at the factory????? Sure.................

abfisch

reggie358

My 2005 XLS seems to not have the voice button on the steering wheel to activate the voice command. When I first asked the dealer they said it was only available on the limited model, I investigated and could not find where anything like that was mentioned. I called them back and the sales manager said he checked another XLS on the lot and indeed it did have that button on the steering wheel. Has anyone else had this problem?

wyn

It appears that the wheels on the 05 Avalon XLS are not designed to take weights on the outside. Every one I have checked has balancing weights only on the inside of the wheel. Wonder if this is a factor?

jeffscout

Garry,

Not to be rude, but how can anyone on this forum tell you if your seats are uncomfortable to you? Some things you just have to figure out on your own.

We have an '05 LTD and have no complaints on the comfort or lack thereof of our seats. There are many others here that have made similar comments that the seats are not uncomfortable to them.

garry4

Jeffscout,

I purchased the 2006 XLS with VSC today, and the seats are different since the Limited has seats that are ventilated. The ventiliated seats have less cushion which has prompted numerous complaints on this forum. When I was able to compare both today, it was an easy decision. The composition of the seat is key - not to be rude. I have to admit that it is a nice car, and I was able to purchase the car at $500 over invoice - no Toyoguard, etc. My 2006 XLS came with Michelin tires and matching silver metallic mudguards.

avalon_buyer

I have basic question about Navigation system in XLS . Is any GPS subscription required to use this Navigation?