2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

squatos

Tread lightly...Your in Limited country...

hrao

is it not as nice to drive as Chrysler 300 ?

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2005/toyota/avalon/100510857/researchlanding.html
Cons: Not as much fun to drive as a Chrysler 300, stability control can only be had on top-rung models.

did anyone test drove both ? any feedback appreciated

limiteddriver

I've done a search and can't find the answer. I think in the past there was a post from an owner who had bought and installed these on his car. Can someone please tell me the post number. TIA

eddieb1

Hey,

I thought I was the only person with rattles. I have been reading hundreds of posts and there have been so few of them relating to rattles. I have one coming from right above my head in the sunroof. There is also a rattle coming from the passenger side dash area. I can't believe we are only people with this problem.The car has already been back to the dealer. Had it for 6 days, said they fized it, and of course they didn't. So I have to bring it back. What a pain in the neck. I want to hear from other people!

jt7

Hi,

I had a company car of 300 Touring (Magnesium Pearl with Slate Leather interior).

The car is nice but not nearly an Avalon. I have only 3 major gripes with the 300:

1. The windshield (visibility) will drive you crazy if you are taller. I have to lay my head on the dash to see a red light.

2. Quality- within the first week of owning the car (I have had the car since October 2004 and have 22k miles on it), the right side body molding fell off the car. Just feels cheap in many places like the plastic inserts in the steering wheel and etc.. Also, I ordered the lever to raise the gas and break pedal for my short wife. It works great on the way out but when I get in the car it sometimes will not lower the pedals back down- now my Knees are on the dash.

3. People are turning this car into the Escalade with the 20 inch wheels and etc...

Things I liked:

1. Fold down rear seat so you can carry huge items in the trunk.
2. Relatively firm suspension (compared to Avalon Ltd)

Hope that helps.
:shades:

pablo2

I, also, attached my license front and back directly to the bumper. Since the MO. plate background is white it looks great on the Blizzard Pearl LTD.

Paul

squatos

#8729 of 9092

tmeframe

Hey All - There is INDEED a bracket for the front license plate, and it's a Toyota part. It's $14, and if your dealer says that there ain't one, he's not lookin hard enough, so go somewheres else..

Steve

stlmo

eddieb1, after 2 1/2 mo & 2,000 mi the only rattle I have so far is the hanging seat/shoulder belt rattling against the pillar between the windows. If anyone has a good fix for this other than always having the belt fastened when there is no front passenger or putting it around the headrest, please let me know. Your rattles seem a little different from most posts as they deal with rear shock towers, passenger seat, or the occasional window. Hope they manage to get yours fixed.

stlmo

You are right. After the license plate posts earlier today I picked one up for $10 at the dealer. It is called "Bracket Sub-Assy, FR"; Toyota PN 75101AC050. Earlier post said all Avalons shipped to Canada have them in the trunk although Canada doesn't require front plates. Seems odd that cars staying in the US don't have them when the majority of states require front plates. All the vehicles I have owned in recent years have come with ones similar to what I bought today.

06indigoavalon

I bought my set (2 front and a one piece back) of clear mats from anythingtoyota.com. They are made by Exactmats. They are great and don't slip arounds like mats I've had before.

islandavy

Kendall Toyota in Miami had my car in 17 days. I planned on ordering Blizzard Pearl until I saw the SPM. It's gorgeous!
Island Avy :shades:

havalongavalon

Fixes for seat belt buckle rattles:

1. slide the shoulder belt pillar anchor to the top of its range, so that the retracted seat belt buckle hangs farther away from the pillar (closer to the seat back).

2. if the buckle is touching the pillar, give it a 1/4 twist clockwise so it hangs parallel to the pillar.

havalongavalon

bdyment

I don't know about every province and territory, but Ontario and Quebec require front license plates.

wulffman1

Regarding the sulphar smell, check out some other toyota model forums, some have boards dedicated to the smell issue. In short it has plagued a number of models and Toyota's current response as I have experienced with a 2005 4Runner, is to try different gas until you find the one that lets you ride with the windows down! Ridiculous response and totally unacceptable, but since it is not a significant impairment in the function of the vehicle, fighting it will only be frustrating.

robertu

"I notice when I rev the engine or accelerate quickly, soon afterwards a rotten egg smell fills the car."

Hammerin' Hank - This one's been discussed before here. Try a search on "egg".

Meantime, switch to 87 octane if you've been using ethyl. After that, try Mabel!

ROBERTU

regis

"Earlier post said all Avalons shipped to Canada have them in the trunk although Canada doesn't require front plates."

Uh! Just to set the record straight, most provinces in Canada do require front plates.

stlmo

Sorry, was just going from post 9073 which says Alberta doesn't require them. Post also said they thought they were supplied with all Canadian shipped cars. Apparently just like in the U.S. some places mandate them & some don't. Did yours come with one? Still don't see why they would supply them for some & not for others. Unless my dealer was removing them so he could sell them separately. Thanks for the tip on the seat belt rattle Havalongavalon, I'll give it a try.

regis

>"Did yours come with one?"i>

Yes, the black front license plate holder was in the trunk. The dealer already had his cheap plastic plate holder installed. I just removed that and installed the black holder using the same holes. Looks much better and protects my plate from bends etc. I brightened up one of my photos to illustrate below. Sorry for poor quality.

http://groups.msn.com/ToyotaAvalon/regis2006avalon.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=34

regis

I just came across the new Garmin Street Pilot 2720 at www.gpscity.ca for $999. This is the best price I've found in Canada so I plan to order it today. It also has the bean bag mount that I much prefer (less cable showing). I believe I can mount it on the shelf just to the left of the blue display. Has anyone done this and if so, does it degrade reception?

stlmo

regis, nice pics. Tint looks great. I like the gold emblems, wasn't sure whether they would look good on the front given the chrome grill, but they do. Where did you get them? Are they a dealer instal or did you do it? My dealer also put his cheezy advertising frames on my car. Maybe this is why he didn't throw in the factory one.

gws

"Earlier post said all Avalons shipped to Canada have them in the trunk although Canada doesn't require front plates. Seems odd that cars staying in the US don't have them when the majority of states require front plates."

Perhaps Toyota Canada can afford to include these 'extra' brackets in view of the considerably higher prices obtained by Canadian dealers. Many U.S. buyers report purchases somewhat above the invoice, while in western canada, at least, most dealers have been getting list or nearly so. The list price on a 2005 XLS with Package B (VSC, TRAC, f-s spare, top audio, wood strg wheel) was Cdn $44,635, including $1,160. freight/delivery charges. At the exchange rate of U.S. $1 = Cdn .86 cents, that's a U.S. $38,386 equivalent.

regis

"gold emblems, wasn't sure whether they would look good on the front given the chrome grill, but they do. Where did you get them? Are they a dealer instal or did you do it? "

The dealer arranged to have the emblems gold plated. Cost $177 + Tx. I believe it looks especially good on the blizzard pearl.

http://groups.msn.com/ToyotaAvalon/regis2006avalon.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=30

regis

"Many U.S. buyers report purchases somewhat above the invoice, while in western canada, at least, most dealers have been getting list or nearly so"

In Ontario at least, I've had no trouble getting my 06 for $1,000 over invoice ($3,885 off list for an XLS with Package . No dickering at all but your salesman must understand you are prepared to buy now. Simply asking for "your best price" usually won't work.

Hmmm . . . . $3,885 savings could pay for vacation in Ontario.

hutch34

Has anyone located a source for an aftermarket grill?

johni

For you do-it-yourselfers, I found that a 65mm cup type oil filter wrench fits perfectly on the oil filter housing. I bought one for $6.00 from Advance Auto Parts; but any auto parts store should have them. I bought the filter from Toyota Parts World (www.toyotapartsworld.com) for $3.69.

donb1

I test drove and then rented a 300 earlier this year. At the time I was considering a 300, and Acura TL and the Avalon. I spent a week or so in the rental version which did not have leather or other high end options to be fair. I was disappointed in the interior appointments. At first glance they looked fine but over the course of the week I began to notice some fit and finish issues and the inexpensive look that emerged. The engine was the lower version so I never really experienced the kick of the the Hemi. The short windhshield was bothersome if you pulled up too close to a trafiic light. The radio antenna was crappy. I was in the Tampa-Clearwater area, not exactly the sticks, yet I continually lost the radio signal.

The interior of the trunk lid had no sound deadening at all, just bare metal. I was surprised by that and the noise level in the cabin overall.

This model had minimal adjustments on the drivers seat and I never could get it just right. Again this was the rental version so no whistles and few bells.

I have to say that the 'Wow" factor was there when driving it. I got lots of looks at every light and gas station. It was a pleasant car to rent and I am glad I did.

I think the Avalon, which I finally bought, was far more refined, quiet and comfortable. than the 300. It was the first of the finalist I eliminated.. The struggle between the TL and Avalon went down to the wire.

mstem

My shipment from Stoner's arrived and I immediately put the product to the test. In only three weeks of ownership my Avalon Limited had built-up a most serious case of glass film/haze on all interior windows. It had resisted my efforts of purple Windex application, which had always proved satisfactory in the past. I applied the Stoner's product per the instructions, then used the two different towels that came in the package. One (blue) is rather course weave, the other (yellow) is some kind of "miracle" cloth the likes of which I had never seen.

The results were absolutely amazing! I know I sound like an infomercial on cable television but the glass is so clear and clean it is hard to believe. I will use it tomorrow on my wife's 4-Runner and my daughter's little Mazda. The Mazda is only a couple months old and suffers also from the new-car haze issue.

Thanks to all who praised this product. I would recommend it to anyone. Many on the list have found it at places like AutoZone and even Wally-World. I ordered it on-line from their Web site and bought the package that included the towels. I think using the right towels and avoiding paper-towels and home rags is a big part of the success.

Mike

deaner1

Here is the web page that has the instructions on how to install the painted side moldings.

http://www.dawn-ent.com/install/feavalonmld.pdf

limiteddriver

Thank you, it's what I wanted.

squatos

Should I go synthetic and if I do what is a good brand? I have heard if you change to synthetic you should stay synthetic. Is this true?

jackerussel

Thought I'd give a post after driving my 2006 Avalon Limited Blizzard Pearl. I am happy to report that I have experienced no transmission hesitations, no drifting to the right, no bowling ball in the seats, no wavy rear glass, no rattles and no smells. What I have experienced is a wonderful riding and handling vehicle. So Silky smooth and quiet. Such a pleasure to drive. Those of you who have stomped on the gas know the awesome result. I have been keeping detailed records of mpg at each fill up, and am averaging 26-29mpg in a mixture of mostly freeway and some city driving. I might ad that I looked at the Acura Tl, chrysler 300, and Lexus Es models and for me the Avalon was hands down .

Regards

Jack

beeman4u

Hey, I have a 2006 XLS that is awesome. My only drawback is it doesn't have the HID headlights. The touring comes with it but lacked some of the other features and so does the limited but I didn't want to spend the extra dollars for the other items. These lights should have been standard considering its in the Touring. Has anyone put HID (either from the Toyota Dealer or aftermarket) in their XLS model? Was the safest watt/bulb # to use to get the brightness but not damage the wiring harness? And did you go to get them?

beeman4u

Is it possible to get them PERIOD? Does the HID work in the XL?

beeman4u

Did ever find your answer? Is it possible to get them PERIOD? Does the HID work in the XL?

easyrider300m

You're comparing 20 and 30 yr old Chrylsers and a motor home to present day Chryslers. Chrysler has come a long way. I still have my 2000 300M and the only thing that failed on it after the warranty expired was one door lock actuator---it cost me $55 for the part and I installed it myself in an hour. Chrylser now makes great, styling dependable cars.

Sorry for the off topic post. Now back to the Toyota Avalon discussion.

I really like many things about the Av. The seat comfort would bother me and also the trany hesitation would bug me. I hope toyota is listening to its customers and make a few improvements in the car.

quilter

I totally agree! I could not fathom anything doing as well as this!

Steve

skrumph

This is my first venture to an online forum. I have had my 2006 LTD for two weeks. I had four people enter the car. After being parked in the sun for two hours the interior of the car was uncomfortably hot even though the out side temp was about 72 degrees. I thought that the air conditioner was still set for about 72 degrees because the car cooled off nicely as I began to drive. In a few minutes the rear passengers were complaining that the rear ducts were blowing hot air. I reached back and they were right. My front duct was blowing very cold air. I am not yet familiar with the controls especially while driving. I finally figured out what was causing this problem. My from seat passenger was a bit cold so he had switched the mode to dual and raised his temp setting to 78 degrees. Evidentially his side was controlling the rear air temp. As soon as I switched the mode to "auto" cold air started flowing through the rear ducts. I found no mention of this in my manual.
This is my fourth Avalon and I am not disappointed except for some small omissions of past features, like trip time and mpg. If you have guidance these features are absent.

tmeframe

The HID assemblies used in the Touring and the Limited are wholly-encased units (ballast and bulb) that with minor modification can be installed in an XLS. The 9006 connector just plugs into the back just like the halogens. I believe they're also made by Stanley. The problem is that they are around $1100 each from the parts bin.

Steve

petl

Quebec does not require a front plate

rwb2

Take off shoes and socks before entering. Wash feet

rwb2

Yikes! I wouldn't let a dealer near my car with a drill. You are one brave soul.

rwb2

Maybe a loved one (your spouse) hid an egg in your car so that you wouldn't drive it and he or she could.

rwb2

All due respect to this forum, I would think Toyota could get accurate info from their dealers who report and charge Toyota for warranty work.

regis

"My reluctance to move ahead with a purchase now is directly related to the number of problems reported on the product via this forum."

One common mistake some make when viewing internet posts about complaints is to assume that this represents a large percentage. It reminds me of a medical forum I used to monitor. Those who had a negative experience tended to post while happy campers didn't bother.

clipper1

Well folks -- I cnxl'ed my '06 order....

Thanks to this Forum -- Y'all saved me a bunch of $$$$ --on what appears a 'lemon.'

I'll wait for the '07 Camry -- Hope Toyota listens to their engineers & customers... instead of the bean-counters.

regis

"Well folks -- I cnxl'ed my '06 order.... Thanks to this Forum -- Y'all saved me a bunch of $$$$ --on what appears a 'lemon."

Huh? A lemon??? See post # 9134. My read in this forum is that the majority are very happy with their Avalon.

barclay3

I hope you are driving a car now that will last a very long time because if you're basing your car buying on Forums like this you will never buy another car again! Take a look at the other car forums in Edmunds and try to find a car that doesn't have problems. You're making a big mistake...it's a great car!

fin

Nothing is perfect clipper1, but as has been posted...read some of the other forums about other makes and models. Avalon is a tough car to beat and Toyota is a great manufacturer. Buy what you like...I am waiting till after Jan 1st...but take a good look at all the posts here on Edmunds.com, not just a few. My .02.

jackerussel

Clipper- Have you even driven a Avalon? Or maybe sat in one? I can assure you that I did not buy a Lemon. Before I bought my Avalon, I did sit in and drive Buick, Ford, Acura, Chrysler, Lexus and in my opinion the Avalon was far superior than all tested. It is a fantastic automobile. The best I have ever owned.

Regards

Jack