I will write more later but my first impressions are fantastic ! I live in the Northern VA / DC area and bought from Koons - North Arlington and I have to admit it was nothing but a very pleasant experience overall.
Some of you might have read my earlier posts about waiting for an 05 swap (I'm the ex Q45 owner) for the Ivory interior with Nav, VSC, and CL. Well, in mid-August, Koons agreed to getting me an 06 (at our agreed upon 05 price) and it came in on 8/30. In addition to my requested options, this one has the remote start as well. Seeing that I didn't order this, they didn't charge me for it ! List was $38,482 and my out the door price was $35,995 plus tax, title, etc.
What am I doing inside --- I'm going out to drive it !!! More later...
Quick question - does anyone know of a reputable place in the DC area that can chrome the limited wheels ? I've googled to no avail and Koons couldn't do it and didn't know of anyone either.
I can't thank this forum enough for the valuable information gained --- THANKS TO EVERYONE.
My 2005 Limited has a a standard size tire with alloy rims.I added 35PSI. My older cars had the "donut", small tire made especially for flats. These tires had 60psi rating. Trust your Avalon has the standard size rim. ange1
I have already sent in my letter to Toyota - got a response right away, too, telling me they pay attention to those letters. I wonder if they do change the seats, if we will be able to put the better seats in our "old" cars??
Ange1 - thanks for the response. I also believe the spare tire pressure on 2005/2006 Avalons should be the same as the regular ones (~32-35 PSI). However, the manual is VERY confusing. Here are a few observations:
1. The spare tire on my 2006 LTD is a full-sized 17" tire. It has "R17" in its spec, which is the same as the regular tire.
2. On the side wall of the spare tire, it says the max pressure allowed is 44 PSI.
3. HOWEVER, in the owner's manual of 2006 Avalon, it requires that spare tire's pressure be at 60 PSI ! (But the manual says "compact spare tire" - which I don't have on my car!)
4. When I got my car, the spare tire's pressure was also at 60 PSI!
This is very confusing now. Anyone on this forum has more insights into this? I may call toyota to find this out. I think the manual is wrong. It sucks.
Perhaps Toyota should have used the extremely comfortable seats found in Volvos as the benchmark. I haven't yet tried those in the Limited, but they certainly LOOK cheap! The leather has the appearance of the Mickey Mouse-like rubber material that you place under a slippery throw rug !
I would love to know the average age of the Avalon owners, males and females. A friend of mine was telling me that only old people drive Avalon, and I say not necessary. Who is right ? Thanks
Just picked up my 2006 XLS in Cassis with Ivory interior. The picture on the toyota.com web site turned out to be very accurate. I'm in upstate NY and dealers I talked to either had 1 in stock or could get it from their "pool". I couldn't be happier with the color and ivory interior.
It will be interesting to see new members/owners' responses to that question, but those interested would probably like to know that we've discussed it previously. The "Search This Discussion" feature on the page bar should turn up prior answers.
I agree with you mackabee. I listen to books on tapes and am glad I have the cassette player. My daughter has a cassette tape with her ipod that she uses in the car also. I'm not a senior citizen yet (45), but God willing, I'll make it there!
Yesterday I was driving and I noticed that the check engine light was on. Temp was normal, and so was all that I could sense.
I continued to drive and got to my first destination, opened the hood and took a quick look to confirm visually that all was OK. It seemed to be.
I drove the car again and the light was still on. It stayed on for another 7 miles and then went away. This morning, I started the car and let it run for a couple of minutes, no light.
Any ideas on what might have caused this? It has me concerned.
I'm waiting for my '06 Indigo Ink Limited with chrome wheels, which will be my 3rd Avalon. Previously owned a '95 and an '01. Great car, reliable roomy. I'm a 42 male.
I sent my letter of complaints to Toyota Motor Corp., 1900 S. Western Ave. Dept. WC11, Torrance, Ca. 90509 2991. I think that is an address I got from this forum. Anyway, I got a phone call in just a few days. She said they put my letter in a file.
Lazarous? You are interested in the average age of Avalon owners? I have just received my '06 Ltd Avalon. This is my second Avalon. I'm 56 yrs. old as of this past August. My first Avalon was a '00. Folks purchasing an Avalon tend to be 'older'. The Avalon is more expensive than many popular cars such as a base Camry. Price alone rules out many younger buyers.
Does anyone know if remote start is a dealer install acces. or factory install...? Also is Sirius offered or not. Toyota says no, Sirius says yes, whon knows. Also has anyone put their satellite antenna inside the car, such as the trunk or on the rear deck by the third stoplight. I bet it would work there and be out of sight to.
I am a 61 year old male. My 2006 Avalon Limited replaces a 2002 GMC Envoy that we totaled last March. Safety was a major factor in the choice of the Avalon, but the comfort and quietness were also big pluses. The other car that I considered was the Acura TL. I might have bought it except for the fact that the seats were so low that my 5 foot tall wife could barely see out of the front window. As I drove my new Phantom Gray Pearl Avalon home from the dealer, I used the navigation system and was amazed by its accuracy and ease of use. The use of voice commands makes it simple to operate. I am hoping that Toyota has upgraded the mapping software for 2006. I hope they won't charge an arm and a leg for upgrades. I couldn't be happier with the choice of the Limited.
Sirius is now available. Just ordered the kit yesterday. It consists of 2 parts, the receiver, part# PTS31-0052 and the "fit kit" (antenna, wiring, brackets, etc) # PTS31-07050. Dealer says it should arrive sometime this week. Price for both totaled $300. Don't know if I will attempt a self-install or have it done by a pro. I will try the inside antenna first.
Yes, this is correct. It should be 32 PSI, NOT 60 PSI - the manual for 2006 Avalon is simply WRONG. All 2005/2006 Avalons have a full-size spare tires - I am surprised to see such silly mistakes in the manual.
Dealer just installed remote start for me. Only thing the car didn't have, that I wanted. It came with XM, and I was told you can't get Sirius, yet. Don't know about the antenna location, I'm going to move mine too. Don't like it on the side of the trunk. I was thinking about the rear deck by the third brakelight. Or at least to the middle of the trunk lid. Don't know why they install it where it is now ?
Many thanks for the posting! I must admit to doubts that this system could possibly be the best solution to the oil and filter problem? Looks like several additional opportunities for mistakes wnen the service is done. Even with the old system, I have seen threads stripped in the oil pan, filters not tightened, vehicles backed out with the oil still sitting on the workbench.
Not sure if this is a better oil filter solution for the car or Toyota is just trying to take away from servicing the vehicle on your own... I believe someone will need to special order/buy new tools to get the oil filter elements replaced...
I am 36 and I bought the car for my 27 yr old wife. We picked it over the TL, Maxima, ES300 and the Chrysler 300. We just passed the 3000 mile mark and we couldn't be happier with our car.
It may be marketed for the older folks, however, it has all of the features we wanted for the price. We purchased the Limited Pearl White with additional options such as chrome wheels, the touring spoiler, mudguards, tinted windows and pinstripes. Its a great looking car and rivals any 40 grand grand luxury car out there on the road today.
Did you purchase your remote start from the dealer or somewhere else. I asking because I have a remote start (Black Widow) that was taken off my son's car that was sold. It was removed where it was purchased (Best Buy). I don't know if I want them to work on my new car - that's another story. I was wondering if the dealer would put a after market remote starter on my car or if someone else does it, would it void any warranties ? :confuse:
Some folks received XM Radio discount coupons for 3-12 months 'trial' subscription when they purchased their Avalons. Folks, are there any coupons available that are not going to be used? Is there an Internet source for discount subscriprtion to XM Radio?
I know pushing the "I Agree" button is pain. They should make it "I Do Not Agree." Put some time for you to read and to disagree and if you don't press it, it should automatically agree. I should still protect Toyota from legalities.
Toyota remote start, ordered and installed at the dealer. I pick it up tommorow, so not sure about the distance? Casis Pearl with Ivory interior LTD. Can't wait !
I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and am interested in buying an Avalon. I still can find some 2005 models in the local Toyota dealers and I can get a better pricing for a new 2005 Avalon than a 2006 Avalon.
Question: Is it a good idea to buy a first year new model, which usually comes with lots of bugs? It takes some time to correct the bugs and a 2nd year (2006) model might be a more reliable car than 2005 model.
Check the current issue of Consumer Reports. They have an article on this exact subject. Yes, most new or redesigned models have significantly more problems in the first year than in subsequent years. But Toyotas do a lot better than most other brands in this respect.
Some got 'em, some didn't. I didn't. Think it may be a regional thing; I've had XM in my cars since it came out in the late '90's. I've never seen a discount subscription anywhere. Better bite the bullet & pay the going rate - I think it's worth it (and besides, I'm a stockholder! zekeman1
Might be a good idea for everyone to check the pressure in the spare. Mine was also at 60 psi. Whoever is initially checking the pressure (at the factory or dealership?) appears to be taking the info in the owner's manual to heart. Don't know why manual only talks about compact spares when I believe all Avalons have full size. Maybe they initially planned to use spacesavers. I lowered mine to the 44psi as it is the max recommended and they do tend to lose some air over time.
Enjoyed the post on the oil filter change. My 64 corvette also uses a drop in filter but changing it is a lot simpler. You just remove a cannister that holds the filter element using a rachet, remove the old filter element, place a new one in and reinstall the cannister. Wish Toyota had gone this route. Maybe if there is enough demand the aftermarket will come up with an adapter for using normal oil filters like the aftermarket suppliers came up with for the old Chevy V8 owners.
I imagine the longer you wait, the less potential for bugs there might be, but after going through the ordering & buying process late in the 05 model run I don't see that buying an early 06 would be any different than a late production 05. Fixes are generally made throughout the model run. I am no expert but it is my understanding that other than the 05/06 designation, the last 05 would not have been any different than the first 06. I haven't looked at 06's yet but I doubt if various complaints on this forum that would require significant change, or were very technical, have been addressed yet (items such as too little padding in the vented seats or the "I agree" on the Nav system). It would seem like the easier fixes such as misaligned exhaust tips, loose fog lights, and distorted rear glass would be the ones Toyota could have corrected by this time. The only bug I have noted in my 05 is one exhaust pipe is 3/4" lower than the other and it is an easy fix the first time I take it in for servicing. After 2 months I am very pleased with this particular car's quality.
Car and Driver says the ride of the touring model is "crunchy", i.e., very rough over broken pavement. What's your view? Is there much body lean on turns with the touring model?
Does anyone know if Toyota has a front end mask for the new Avalons yet? My dealer was going to give me an excellent deal on the 3M clear stuff, but I didn't want it until I could see it on another car. Didn't know if I would like it or not, especially on the Cassis Pearl. I just want one for long road trips. Or does anyone have an email address for an aftermarket place that sells toyota accessories?
I also see that they offer the front-end mask that your looking for: Item: PT218-07050
Although I haven't seen the mask, I do want to put in my vote for the 3M clear material. Two reason why: 1) it does not change the appearance of the front grill work. 2) it also offers protection to things like headlights and fog lights.
I had mine installed for $600 (I live about 30 minutes within the Boston, MA area) . This is full coverage including the side mirrors, headlights, and fog lamps (My installer also added coverage to my DLC lens). Also, insist that they put 3M and not the Avery-Dennison film. I heard that the Avery film has tendency to turn yellow.
I have been complaing about the horizontal raised crease in the driver's front seat on my Limited 05 Avalon since my earliest posts. The dealer agreed to order a new seat back for me under warranty. Turns out they only order new seat back leather covering, which they had to send out to get sewn on. I also brought it in for the 5000 mile service and to take care of a few squeaks and rattles. They took care of 1 of the squeaks, I still have an annoying rattle behind the rear passenger shelf area. As far as the seat quality, I know they replaced the leather as it has fewer vertical folds in the leather, but the horizonal crease is still raised an noticable on anything longer than a 5 minute trip. I would have bought the XLS had I known this was going to be an issue.
Picked this up on news this morn. Something else to go wrong.
Japanese automaker Toyota has developed a safety technology that it says will keep the driver's eyes on the road.
An image-processing computer system developed by Toyota Motor Corp. (TM) and a Toyota affiliate uses a camera near the steering wheel to detect when the driver stops looking straight ahead.
The system flashes a light on the dashboard display and emits a beeping noise when the eyes start to wander. If the driver still doesn't respond, brakes kick in, Toyota said Tuesday.
The feature will be offered in Lexus luxury models set to be sold in Japan in spring next year. Toyota won't comment on whether it will be offered in models sold abroad, company spokeswoman Keiko Nakajima said.
Research shows that most accidents happen because the driver isn't paying attention, according to Toyota.
I just got the VIN of the Limited I ordered (to be delivered in about 10 days). The sequence number is 72509. Can anyone tell me when that sequence began?
Comments
Some of you might have read my earlier posts about waiting for an 05 swap (I'm the ex Q45 owner) for the Ivory interior with Nav, VSC, and CL. Well, in mid-August, Koons agreed to getting me an 06 (at our agreed upon 05 price) and it came in on 8/30. In addition to my requested options, this one has the remote start as well. Seeing that I didn't order this, they didn't charge me for it ! List was $38,482 and my out the door price was $35,995 plus tax, title, etc.
What am I doing inside --- I'm going out to drive it !!! More later...
Quick question - does anyone know of a reputable place in the DC area that can chrome the limited wheels ? I've googled to no avail and Koons couldn't do it and didn't know of anyone either.
I can't thank this forum enough for the valuable information gained --- THANKS TO EVERYONE.
dcboater
1. The spare tire on my 2006 LTD is a full-sized 17" tire. It has "R17" in its spec, which is the same as the regular tire.
2. On the side wall of the spare tire, it says the max pressure allowed is 44 PSI.
3. HOWEVER, in the owner's manual of 2006 Avalon, it requires that spare tire's pressure be at 60 PSI ! (But the manual says "compact spare tire" - which I don't have on my car!)
4. When I got my car, the spare tire's pressure was also at 60 PSI!
This is very confusing now. Anyone on this forum has more insights into this? I may call toyota to find this out. I think the manual is wrong. It sucks.
Mackabee
Paulex
I continued to drive and got to my first destination, opened the hood and took a quick look to confirm visually that all was OK. It seemed to be.
I drove the car again and the light was still on. It stayed on for another 7 miles and then went away. This morning, I started the car and let it run for a couple of minutes, no light.
Any ideas on what might have caused this?
It has me concerned.
I am assuming that by properly you mean turning the cap untill you hear a click.
CJP
Anyway, I got a phone call in just a few days. She said they put my letter in a file.
Hope this helps.
Larry
Note: Use Adobe to open file
It may be marketed for the older folks, however, it has all of the features we wanted for the price. We purchased the Limited Pearl White with additional options such as chrome wheels, the touring spoiler, mudguards, tinted windows and pinstripes. Its a great looking car and rivals any 40 grand grand luxury car out there on the road today.
Question:
Is it a good idea to buy a first year new model, which usually comes with lots of bugs?
It takes some time to correct the bugs and a 2nd year (2006) model might be a more reliable car than 2005 model.
Comments please...
zekeman1
Enjoyed the post on the oil filter change. My 64 corvette also uses a drop in filter but changing it is a lot simpler. You just remove a cannister that holds the filter element using a rachet, remove the old filter element, place a new one in and reinstall the cannister. Wish Toyota had gone this route. Maybe if there is enough demand the aftermarket will come up with an adapter for using normal oil filters like the aftermarket suppliers came up with for the old Chevy V8 owners.
I bought my all-weather mats from here http://toyota.autowebaccessories.com/store/toyota-avalon-accessories-cat385_1208.php title. I was very happy with the mats and the overall buying experience.
I also see that they offer the front-end mask that your looking for: Item: PT218-07050
Although I haven't seen the mask, I do want to put in my vote for the 3M clear material. Two reason why:
1) it does not change the appearance of the front grill work.
2) it also offers protection to things like headlights and fog lights.
I had mine installed for $600 (I live about 30 minutes within the Boston, MA area) . This is full coverage including the side mirrors, headlights, and fog lamps (My installer also added coverage to my DLC lens). Also, insist that they put 3M and not the Avery-Dennison film. I heard that the Avery film has tendency to turn yellow.
Hope this helps.
JR
The dealer agreed to order a new seat back for me under warranty. Turns out they only order new seat back leather covering, which they had to send out to get sewn on. I also brought it in for the 5000 mile service and to take care of a few squeaks and rattles.
They took care of 1 of the squeaks, I still have an annoying rattle behind the rear passenger shelf area. As far as the seat quality, I know they replaced the leather as it has fewer vertical folds in the leather, but the horizonal crease is still raised an noticable on anything longer than a 5 minute trip.
I would have bought the XLS had I known this was going to be an issue.
Japanese automaker Toyota has developed a safety technology that it says will keep the driver's eyes on the road.
An image-processing computer system developed by Toyota Motor Corp. (TM) and a Toyota affiliate uses a camera near the steering wheel to detect when the driver stops looking straight ahead.
The system flashes a light on the dashboard display and emits a beeping noise when the eyes start to wander. If the driver still doesn't respond, brakes kick in, Toyota said Tuesday.
The feature will be offered in Lexus luxury models set to be sold in Japan in spring next year. Toyota won't comment on whether it will be offered in models sold abroad, company spokeswoman Keiko Nakajima said.
Research shows that most accidents happen because the driver isn't paying attention, according to Toyota.
The sequence number is 72509. Can anyone tell me when that sequence began?