2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

gladiator99

Hi folks!!
Yes, some provinces require front licence plates. Here in British Columbia we are issued two plates and Yes, my new Avalon came with the front plate holder which the dealer installed our front plate on to.
It seems that most Canadian dealers have addopted their so called "access pricing" which is full list price, no discounts whatever. Most dealers won't even throw in a ball cap!!! This is really price fixing disguised as something else.
The only thing you can do is to negotiate a better trade in price. I believe that it was outlawed in Ontario. Toyota's own website states that Toyota dealers are free to sell at whatever price they want. I don't think that Toyota Canada wanted to be part of this " access pricing". I did purchase an Avalon but had to really search for a dealer that would give me a fair price for my trade. I do believe that Toyota automobiles offer good value for the dollar, however it would be nice to get to negotiate a reasonable discount. It seems that dealers in the USA are much more prepared to discount. It is possible to purchase your vehicle in the USA and bring it back to Canada. I previously looked into this and the Avalon is approved for import into Canada.
Take care.
Gladiator99

beeman4u

Steve, thanks. Lastly, the dealer said they cost ~$500-600 per bulb. They meaning the bulbs for the Touring and Limited. Buying the bulbs and plugging them in will not work and/or burn out the existing wiring?

sjdunham

:confuse: I've got a 2005 XLS with the JBL audio and the GPS nav system. Before I start dismantling things, does anyone know if there is an easy-ish way to reconnect one or both of the console power outlets to be hot all the time instead of only with the ignition on? Maybe an accessible wire somewhere under the dash or engine compartment that has a connector I can disconnect and relocate to a different place?

beeman4u

Clipper, are you CERTAIN this is what you want to do? My Avalon 06 doesn't appear to be a lemon, in fact i think its a good buy for the money.... You get a great bang for your buck. Make the purchase, if you're unhappy trade it in on a camry, and keep the change.. but I don't it!

PS This is my first Toyota and I'm very satisfied. My only complaint is Toyota didn't put HID headlights in my XLS.

PSS Subscribe to consumer report.com, they rate this car CR Recommendation. Also, view the comments by other buyers. You should be very pleased

regis

"It seems that most Canadian dealers have adopted their so called "access pricing" which is full list price, no discounts whatever"

Gladiator99, I am quite sure Toyota Canada abandoned "Access Pricing" some time ago. :confuse: I also understand that there are several lawsuits still in the works about this (Quebec etc.). I had no problem negotiating a $3,875 discount on a 06 Avalon ($1000 over invoice in Ontario). See link on this below.

http://www.carcostcanada.com/1104/en/research/details.asp?sno=894&catid=6

will16

Clipper

I just bought an 06 Avalon, I traded a 02 Lexus RX300, I wanted better mileage, so far 34.2 on the highway is my best. The car is just like my Lexus, Perfect and quiet
I have never heard of any problems with the 06-- what have you heard?

Will16

havalongavalon

Hi regis,

This is welcome news... for my next Toyota purchase, anyway.

Like Gladiator99, here in British Columbia I had to accept Toyota's fixed "already lowest" new car prices. The only opportunity was to shop around to find out what dealer offered the highest trade-in value. The range offered by dealers was very large, so it was easy to decide among them. At the time I did not consider maybe buying an Avalon across the border which in retrospect could have been a good option, according to Gladiator99's findings posted here a while ago.

Still happy that I bought mine when I did.

lbs1

Thiss system is a $2000 baaad joke. Can't register my own "home" accurately, can't register location accurately in case of EMERGENCY . the voice activation does everything but what it is asked to do, I'm left 3 blocks from my destination and I'm told that's the way it's supposed to be. I've had a navigation system before(99 Acura) and had none of these problems. Did the '05 navi system in the Avalon have the same problems? I understand they're put out for bid each year so the systems may differ.

ski1003

I have had my 05 Avalon since Feb. and have experienced hard starting. The car has plenty of battery power but just will not kick in. In turn the key off and try again and it aways starts the second time. I have brought it back to the dealer a couple of times but they cannot duplcate this condition. It happens about once a week of less but can' t figure why. Any one else have this similar problem?

captain2

have a touring. unfortunately got into a minor fender bender, front bumper cover was damaged -cost to replace including repainting $600.00 - right headlight lense was also scratched - Allstate adjuster told me that headlight must be replaced as an assembly (can't believe this) and cost per headlight complete $961.00 NOT including labor! HID lights one of my favorite features on my Av but it sure sounds like Toyota is making an absurd amount of money selling parts for it! $2000.00 to switch out headlights is ridiculous, especially considering that the XLS is already more money than the Touring.

johni

If you're willing to spend the extra money, go with synthetic: better low/high temp performance, cleaner engine, longer drain intervals, less wear, lower oil consumption. I'm familiar w/ Mobil 1 which is the oldest major oil company brand synthetic. Lot's of testing and good history with Mobil 1. See their website:

http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Synthetics/Whats_It_Do_For_Me.aspx

Some performance/premium brand cars factory fill with it per Mobil's website:

"Mobil 1 is factory fill in:

Aston Martin, Bentley Amage and Bentley GT, Cadillac CTS, XLR, SRX and STS,
Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Viper, Mercedes-Benz AMG vehicles, Mercedes SLR,
Mitsubishi EVO, Pontiac GTO, All Porsche vehicles.

High praise that speaks louder than words."

There's no particular reason, other than the benefits, why you need to stay synthetic.

n0v8or

My recommendation would be to rewire one of the power outlets (or add an additional one) to the pasenger power seat feed. This is a 30A fused violet wire that runs between connectors located under the console and under the passenger seat. To me, it is easier to remove the passenger seat for access than to disassemble the instument panel.

regis

"ridiculous, especially considering that the XLS is already more money than the Touring."

Just noticed your statement that the XLS is more than the Touring. In Canada, the Touring is about $2,000 more than the XLS. Anyone know why? These models appear to be identical in both countries. See photo of pricing at the bottom of this album . . .
http://groups.msn.com/ToyotaAvalon/regis2006avalon.msnw?Page=Last

larrymit

I can't speak for the Avalon navi system, but my 2004 Solara has a navi system that works well. A few months after purchase I received a recall notice from Toyota which said they weren't happy with the accuracy of the navi system in the Solara. They sent me to the Toyota dealer for installation of new software (a new DVD, I assume) which fixed a couple of minor glitches in the maps that I had noticed, and, I assume, other problems.

Avalon owners with gripes about the navi system should complain in writing to Toyota, and maybe an update will be issued at no charge.

squatos

Thanks for your time. It makes things easier to decide.

beeman4u

You're comparing base to base? Here are the basic reasons why. Dual heated color-keyed power outside mirrors with driver-side auto-dimming feature, Power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade and indirect lighting, AM/FM Cassette/6-disc in-dash CD changer with nine speakers, in-glass antenna and FM diversity reception, Auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and HomeLink® [3] universal transceiver, and a BIG ONE FOR SOME. Voice-activated DVD navigation system that you can't get in the Touring. With all this said, Toyota DELIBERATELY left out the HID lights in the XLS but put them in the Touring.. go figure.

msavalon

Clipper,
It will be your lost. I never drove the LTD until after I purchased it! I had surgery and was unable to drive so I took my husband's word for it (He can be very critical and he is a big and tall guy). I must say also that I've never owned a Toyota before. I love this car!!!!! You can tell from my name. From now on, the way things are (I've never had any of the problems posted here - Thank God.) I will probably become a loyal Toyota customer. This baby is sweet.

captain2

In US - Base Touring = 29415.00, Base XLS = 31615.00, Canada is different?

tfrank

n0v8or,

Could you please send me the info that you sent ange? I am in the process of trying to do the same thing, and any added instructions and pictures would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance,
Tad

gladiator99

Hi again!!
I too have an Avalon XLS without the HID headlights. I sure wish Toyota had included the HID lights, however there are some aftermarket replacement lamps which can help to get brighter lighting for a reasonable cost. If you log on to www.sylvania.com you can go to their product comparison page and see how much brighter their selection of aftermarket bulbs are. They have the standard halogen bulb, the xtravision bulb, the cool blue, and the silverstar bulb. The silverstar gives off the brightest light and according their photos of light output, is close to that of the HID lamps,however the bulb life is somewhat shorter than a standard bulb. I personally am considering changing my low beam bulbs to the xtravision bulbs which should give a good increase in light output.
They also show an aftermarket HID kit (X1010) which is priced from $299.99 to $499.99. I don't know if this is a separate complete light or a replacement light assembly. I had the HID lights on my 02 Acura TL and they were very bright in comparison to the 05 Avalon. Just thought I'd pass on this info. for those of you who might desire more light from your avalon's headlamps.
Regards
Gladiator99

n0v8or

No need to send . . . it is posted online at:
http://members.cox.net/n0v8or/console_removal.pdf

If not clear and/or you have questions; just post them here.

cjponline

I'd like to hard-wire my ESCORT radar detector directly to the inside fuse box. However, all 3 "spare" fuse slots are not switched. I'd prefer to use a connection that powers off with the ignition.

Also, is there an easy way to fish the power cord down behind the dash, without extension dash removel? I have my radar detector position just above the center speaker.

Any thoughts,,,,,,,

captain2

My touring actually stickered for the same money as the XLS base because it does have everything on your list except, of course, for the NAV which would be extra on the XLS anyway. Less the NAV, then the difference between the 2 cars is the wheels/tires and the suspension tuning (a question of how you like the car to drive) , the 'real/fake' dual exhaust (2005 models), and the real/fake 'aluminum' vs. real/fake 'wood' interior trim - neither of which likely has a significant impact on how much it actually costs Toyota to build the car. My point is that the HID lights are a desirable feature to most of us and Toyota can not have more than a few hundred dollars cost difference in putting the HID on the Touring - but no, let's charge those XL/XLS owners 2 grand or so (on a replacement parts basis) . Sure seems to make the XLS appear to be a relative ripoff (and probably encourages more Ltd. upgrades) if you want the HID - some people don't because of the sharp cutoff in the light patterns.

n0v8or

If you have the electrochromic central rear-view mirror or rain-sensing wipers, and yout are willing to mount your Escort near the rear view mirror, ignition-switched power is available at or behind the mirror.

Rain sensor - violet wire
EC mirror - yellow wire

mgold

I am a former GM loyalist. I've had a long line of Buick Le Sabres and my wife still drives her 04. I recently purchased an "05 Avalon XLS and I love it with the exception on one thing. The car is very jerky. When I drive away from the curb it goes into second just as I pull away. It clicks into third and fourth with a jerk. When I slow down to make a turn and then accelerate into the turn, the engine revs and then jerks into the lower gear. In normal freeway driving in overdrive, if I take my foor off the accelerator to coast, the car feels like it is vacuum braking. Even though it does not have the touring suspension, it rides hard on a slightly bumpy road. I recently took the technicion from the dealership for a ride and he said that that's how it's supposed to ride. Am I just too spoiled from driving a cushy Buick or have any of you had that experience?

jl618

1. Simply pull up in your driveway and mark the location. Then you can transfer it for "Home" use. It will take you back to the exact spot each time.

2. If you go to Destination and select Emergency, you will see your current Lat/Long location. It couldn't be easier.

3. Should the Nav system tell you that you have arrived at your destination when 3 blocks away, simply look at the screen and it will show you graphically where you are in relation to the destination.

I concur that the navigation system needs improving, but you will find the more you use it the more intuitive it becomes. As I've said in previous posts, the Avalon display because of its location is much easier to see than most other OEM systems. It does not wash out and is quite clear. Voice commands sometimes are laughable, but you will learn what/how to speak.

Other than "typing in long addresses" I prefer the joystick in the Avalon to a touch screen. The joystick location is well placed.

Too bad car manufacturers don't offer plug and play Garmin/Magellan sytems compatible with an OEM screen (7 inches or larger). Then again, it would be difficult for sound/climate/info interfaces.

Bottom line for me is that I believe it would be a mistake to not to include the Navigation system in an automobile with an MSRP in the mid to high $30's.

Dangling wires and a small nav screen are not an option for me.

Wonder how many Lexus LS430's are sold without a navigation system? That system is a virtual mirror of that in the Avalon.

regis

"In US - Base Touring = 29415.00, Base XLS = 31615.00, Is Canada different?" :confuse:

Well yes! Canada is different. That was the whole point of my post. In Canada, the XLS at $39,900 (same XLS as the US) is about $2,000 less than the Canadian Touring at $41,800 (same features as the US Touring). Why is this reversed in the US? Both have same head lights as US models.

mackabee

Please say it isn't so! No Avy for you? What will you do? Buy a Subaru? No towing, no mowing, no Toyota for you!

Mackabee

squatos

L O L

limiteddriver

Remember that HID lights have a different reflector than halogen lights so just changing the electrical parts will not give the same affect as the factory OEM version.

pablo2

beeman4u, how long can we expect these lights to last. keep my cars for at least 10 + years. Condensation many times are the reason for headlights failing to function.

Paul

gladiator99

Hi limiteddriver!!
I realize that HID lamps have a different reflector. I only suggested that a change of the bulbs only, to a whiter and brighter bulb will produce an improvement in the light output without going to a great expense of changing the whole headlight assembly. These bulbs that I suggested are still a halogen type bulb. I have heard good things about them and possibly someone in our forum has tried these and can comment!!
gladiator99

avvy

I had to wait almost two and half months for my car. Silver Pine Mica is a color you either love or hate. It is only on XLS and LTD. I love it!

The Salesman tried his best to talk me into getting the XLS, Silver Pine that was on lot, but I wanted the LTD, hence the wait. I love this car. Good Luck to you.

dmorcos

You are aware that there is a TSB fix for this with a new/redesigned catalytic converter that is supposed to neutralise this problem?

dmorcos

WalMart carries a Type B oil wrench cap for $2.99.
Hope this broadens the availability.

fragmire

With the discussions regarding the lack of side moldings on the new Avalon, I was surprised to find that this is also the case on new 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-class. Perhaps Avalon is simply along the start of a new trend?

Also, note the center console layout on the S-class is somewhat similar to the Avalon as well, with the Nav display connected to the driver's instrument display.

Just thought I'd bring this up

lakedog

Your experience sounds very much like mine. I have owned many GM cars, and in my opinion, you can't beat the smoothness of their transmission. My new Ltd. has the "gear searching" problem, especially at lower speeds. Otherwise, I love the car, everything else about it is first-class. I guess I'll just try to live with the transmission glitch until Toyota comes out with a fix, hopefully soon! :shades:

havalongavalon

You are right, fragmire! Especially on the S-class paneled dash and center console layout.

Tsk, tsk. These copycat Germans...

imidazol97

You might want to read through this discussion on hesitation. It doesn't bode well for any solutions since the "lost hunt" seems to be a built in property according to the factory's explanations:

donx, "Engine Hesitation (All makes/models)" #1977, 4 Oct 2005 12:25 am

petl

One of the first vehicles I can recall seeing without side moldings was the original Lexus SC model. I believe it was in 1990. I had a hard time understanding it at the time. Since then many new vehicles have adapted the same styling cues. Others have them situated so low they are useless in protecting against door dings. Also, with the many larger and different sized vehicles (vans, SUV's) now available it is nearly impossible to protect against parking lot dents. That's why I park in a spot that is wayyyyyy back when parking at a shopping mall, on the top of the upslope, not near the where the carts are stored, you get the drift (still not a guarantee but at least I've made the attempt). I figure the exercise is good anyway.

joe369

Mgold,

Have you driven a 6 cylinder car before? The "jerkiness" is probably due to the difference in how a 6 cylinder and a 8 cylinder handles.....

cjponline

Since my wiring skills are limited, would I splice into the the yellow (EC Mirror) power?

BTW - I have a LTD.

Thanks.

imidazol97

Being a 6-cylinder is not a reason for jerkiness. The Buicks were 6-cylinder. My 6-cylinder cars are not jerky.

n0v8or

Would I splice into the the yellow (EC Mirror) power?

Yes. You also have to tap into the negative (ground) wire. For limited wiring skills, you could use these connectors:

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=64-3053

EC mirror wire colors:
Yellow: +12V switched via ignition
White/black stripe: ground
White: signal to operate outside EC mirrors
Black: signal to operate outside EC mirrors

dshahs

Avvy, I just ordered my silver pine mica and its arriving the 3rd week of October. I have learned so much from this forum so i thank all here for all the great info i have gained.

joe369

was yours a RWD though? FWD cars is seems to be more jerky...and also i said 6 cylinders were more jerky than 8 cylinders usually....since it has less low-end toruqe and needs to shift gears alot more, and rev higher, than 8 cylinders especially if you live somewhere with thills

alan_s

The transmission should not be jerky. My Avalon gear changes are almost imperceptable. There are undoubtedly some glitches in the software logic which make this transmission lean towards the Multiple Personality Disorder side of things which should be resolved by Toyota in the future as a software fix, but the actual gear changes should be as smooth as silk. Rough changes have been fixed on Camrys and previous model Avalons by reflashing the transmission computers. Ask your Toyota dealer to do this for you, or find one that will.

captain2

Buicks have been one of the 'softest' vehicles for years, much like the Avs were 2004 and earlier. The 2005+ models are certainly more towards the 'sports sedan' side of suspension tuning than the previous models. Would suggest that the 'jerkiness' you are experiencing may be simply getting used to the power your car now has - there has never been a Buick LeSabre that can run with your Av. I find my Touring the smoothest and quietest (and almost the fastest) vehicle I have ever owned.

imidazol97

Buick hasn't made RWD for decades.

All v6, all FWD since 1980.

cjponline

Thanks for the info!

The plug to the radar detector is a 4 wire, telco-type plug. I'll have to determine that wiring as well.

Casey