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Comments
If you are using laser-assisted cruise control, which is the default when you turn on cruise control, then it automatically disconnects the cruise control when wipers are used. Sort of a safety issue. If you go into standard cruise mode, without laser assist, it will leave cc on in the rain. I've noticed this when the rain-sensing wipers turn on in the rain, and cc is on.
If you just have regular cruise control, then I don't know what the problem is. In either case, I don't think there is a solution to the "problem/feature".
Max
Another way to reset the fuel meter is to park briefly on a steep hill when you have about 1/2 a tank of gas or less. Doing so shifts the fuel to a part of the tank away from the gas sensor/meter, tricking the sensor into thinking there's very little gas left in the tank. When you leave the steep hill for level ground, the sensor then thinks the tank has just been filled because the sensor/meter detects a large quantity of gas it thinks was added that was previously not known to be in the tank.
How do I know thins works? I have a steep driveway at home. It's a shame Avalon owners have to use these methods to deal with a fuel economy meter that is so non-intuitive in its use. Boneheaded design in an otherwise really good car.
Regards,
Deanie
7500 miles now and:
Dashboard rattles galore
Wind noise
Road noise louder than a 71 Chevy and way louder than my
98 Buick Lesabre or the new Buick Lucerne
The transmission hesitates all the time when shifting.
The Navigation system is almost useless due to over complexity
The XM radio cannot display more than 10 characters
The ENGINE has gotten so loud that people have asked me if I had a diesel. Also taps all the time.
Dealer says all is within normal limits except the dash noise which he will tear out to find the rattles but I know that if he does I know I'll end up worse
The front seats are as hard as rocks in comparison to the 2002 Avalon XLS or any of the buicks I've had. The Lucerne seats are great as usual for Buicks.
Also check out the distortion in the rear window.
Now go check out the new Buick Lucerne. I did and am trading in as soon as the NAv system is available for the Buick.
I have. Removed the gas cap a couple of times, without refilling, and the fuel milage did not reset.
How ever, twice now, it has dropped dramatically for no reason, then within 5-10 miles it is back to very near to where it was.
I don't mean just due to town driving. The first time, I had about 150 miles on the tank, fuel milage at 28.8 when I pulled into a parking lot. When I restarted the car and pulled onto the highwy, I looked at it and it read 9.9 :surprise: . By time I drove about 5-10 miles, it was back up to 28.7. :confuse:
John D 05'limited w 8.6k miles
The reset itself does not bother me, but I am just concerned the computer or some electronic device upstream of the sensor is not stable and will cause bigger problems later.
I agree with you on this design. Personally, I would rather have a manual reset.
Larry
zekeman1
I have been following this forum for over a year and really get tired of all the comments concerning non problems such as the gas mileage indicator. So what if it doesn't reset every time you get in the car, who cares?
Also all the comments about things that might go wrong, why are we talking about things that might go wrong?
If you read all the comments about perceived problems, you would think the car is a piece of junk. I'm hear to tell you, it is anything but junk. My car runs flawlessly, is very quiet, gets great gas mileage and takes off like a rocket, when needed!
All cars have their own characteristics.
Just because a particular car doesn't have everything the way you would like,
doesn't mean the car has a problem. The problem is probably with the operator.
So please, if you are going to comment in this forum, comment about something that is meaningful. Be it good or bad!!!
Hutch 34
first accelerate is ABS self test. The owners manual mentions this and is normal. Hope this helps. It only seems to happen if you don't have traction controll, at least that was what we found testing at the dealership.
Have your dealer pull the TSB, it contains detailed instructions on what the problem is and what is needed to fix it - it does require some minor part replacements. Warranty, of course.
I also had an oil leak on my 05 Avalon. I took the car in 3 times to have this problem fixed. The first time the dealer replaced a power steering hose or line. After getting the car home, it still leaked oil. I told the dealer that I was sure that it was engine oil and not power steering fluid. After another trip to my dealer in late December they were shorthanded and couldn't look after the problem, so I made an appt.for March 1. They discovered a TSB and replaced an oil line which I guess was defective. Got the car back yesterday and it seems to be fixed now.
Take care!!
And Hutch34 - while I personally agree with you about the oft times minor nature of the 'problems' discussed here, I think we should all understand that what might be minor for you and me, may mean much more to somebody else - even down to things like incorrect bluescreen mileage displays and glitches in NAV systems. And another thing I'll agree with you about - the Avalon an absolutely outstanding car!
The dealer service department told me it would cost $250 to reprogram. This is a wrong answer. I will get the service manager to get his response. $1990 bucks is alot for a system in the first place. I am planning on getting it right so how or some way.
I almost had to get the navigation system because my car order after 6 weeks was not filled. Dealers request a car, they do not order. I was called expecting to get the car I ordered and was surprised to hear my car was not built and another was paperworked to come to the dealership. But this had the nav and laser systems I did not want. My choice, start over or get this car in 6 more weeks with the added cost. This makes the poor nav operation more disturbing. The laser system appearence on the car is disgusting and the performance too. I would not recommend this unit to anyone. Toyota should rethink their front design better and their instruction manuals. Rearending might become a problem. Overspeeding another.
I could do this on my last system.
This system requirements are so stupid for 1900 bucks.
I'm buying a Garmin portable unit which you can program the entire route into once without changing anything one you put in the car. (You can if you want to)
Also, the voice control is also next to useless on the Toyota. You may have to say the command seceral times before it does the right thing.
This whole car is a $38000 joke.
Have read a number of comments about hard seats from those who opted for the heated/ventilated seats and it is a common complaint for a number cars so equipped. Taking out some padding obviously to provide what people think they want I guess. My Touring seats are wonderful.
DNC
Reminiscing the discussion a year ago on pros and cons of early adoption of a brand new model, I'm reassured that buying one of the first new Avalons was no mistake at all. Waiting for the 2006 would not have changed anything except allowing the option of VSC on the Touring, because like Deanie, I would have considered the Touring if it had VSC in 2005. Nor were there any major problems in the 2005 Avalon that required modification in the 2006 model. I haven't seen any sign of the reported oil leak yet. Minor goofs that kept some of us preoccupied a year ago, such as uneven tailpipes seem to have been fixed, while others such as the rattling passenger seat belt buckle or warped rear window glass, seem to have been ignored but are really only minor nuisances.
My only disappointments have been in the handling area. The "sometimes indecisive transmission" has continued to sometimes wait too long to upshift, allowing the engine to race up by another 1000 RPM or so. When this happens I shift into "S, 5" and this cures it. It is interesting that the 2006 seems to do the same, and Toyota has not come out with a firmware or software upgrade. I also think the XLS suspension is a bit soft for its weight and power -- too Buick-like? This is noticeable when leaving a lane to quickly overtake another car and merge back in front; my XLS tends to bank a bit (like a 777 would). I would have liked a firmer suspension and more feel in the steering wheel. I haven't driven a Touring, but from what owners have posted, this is where the Touring seems to have an edge.
The interior is superb. All the seats are super-comfortable. Space in the rear continues to impress passengers, including lanky teens who enjoy frequent rides. It's great to never feel a knee pushing into my ribs, even though my seat is all the way back.
Engine noise is notable after cold starts, but settles down. Wind noise only becomes noticeable at truly excessive speeds. Some months ago I could hear an occasional chirpy squeak coming from the rear when going over uneven pavement, but not recently, maybe it's a warm weather-related noise that will come back eventually. Acceleration is of course excellent, and highway handling is first-class.
Fuel consumption over the first year an average of 12.5 liters per 100 km (19 mpg) in mostly hilly urban driving, and as good as 6.3 l/km (39 mpg) at constant, level highway speeds.
In reading this forum for the past year, most of the complaints seem to have been with Limited-only features, such as uncomfortable seats or misbehaving laser cruise, rain-sensing wipers or keyless system, which are not available in Canada; or with the factory Nav system, which I opted not to get and I'm glad I didn't, since in the past year I can recall only a single time when I really wish I had it, but all it took was to pull over and look at my trusty $11.95 map book. But I still see the value in having a portable unit when travelling through unknown territory, which reminds me-- did you ever buy one, Gladiator 99?
In terms of Toyota Service, it has been excellent and in the first year I didn't have to spend a single dollar, since the first 4 service visits are complimentary with the 7-year extended warranty.
Lastly, did I miss out on other newer options by buying the Avalon a year ago, when I had to trade in or repair my 1997 Camry? Well, the new Camry will be worth considering especially if the 6-speed is flawless, and have a look at the hybrid; but it's coming out more than a year too late for me. And I checked out the Lexus GS (much too expensive) and IS 250/350, a lovely car but quite small inside. So all in all, I remain very happy with my Avalon. Besides, "havashortlexus" somehow doesn't have the same ring to it!
Regards,
havalongavalon
Did you ever replace your headlights with the xtravision? If so, can you tell me about your experience?
On a different note; did you ever replace your halogen headlights with the xtravisions? If so how was that experience?
My driveway is steeeeeep - about 4ft rise in 30ft, which is why my fuel econ meter resets after parking the car with little gas in the tank. Your one foot rise in 30 feet seems nearly level.
Regards,
Deanie
Nice post. While the 07 Camry may be a better value than the Avalon (for those who don't need seating for five), I read that the 07 Lexus ES has an estimated base of around $33K! The way the 07 Camry and 07 ES so closely bracket the Avalon in price, performance, and luxury, it seems the Avalon may not be the obvious choice in the coming months. We shall see.
As for my XLS: almost 8K miles, no probs other than those build quality gripes I had when I bought the car in 4/2005, hwy economy is 25-30 mpg depending on my mood or how late I am, and city mpg is never better than 19 (not bad considering many trucks/SUV's don't get that on the hwy.
Still, I hate seeing lesser cars have the trunk strut hinges that we should have, and of course I am envious of any car with an inuitive fuel economy meter with a manual reset option. Sadly these last two things can be had on many cars costing $5-10K less than we paid for our cars. Oh well.
Regards,
Deanie
I am curious to hear when and how often you are using the manual S-mode for driving and what your experiences are. I have a brand-new XLS (120mi) and don't want to do any harm to my new machine, although the manual says that you can'd do anything wrong there. Thanks for you feedback.
Andre.
the Passat has a nice feature: if you want to make sure that you are not driving to fast you can set a "target speed" and once you reach it a chime will sound. I like that and I wonder if this is available aftermarket for the Avalon in some way.
Thanks
Andre
zekeman1
Although not too clear in the instructions, it is easy.
First, open your glove box and press the push button switch on the left side of the box itself. A flashlight may help you find it the first time (See Page 46 of the instruction book for location). This disables the "smart Key" function for the trunk.
Next, lock the glove box with the "mechanical key" that is included in the "smart key" fob.
Also, lock the rear seat/trunk pass through with the "mechanical key".
Then take the "mechanical key" (and your other attached keys) with you and give the attendant the remainder of the "smart key".
He/she can now do everything they need to do (start it, drive it, lock it) without having access to the glove box or trunk.
Rod
Although not normally a fan of extended warranties, I was a little concerned with the cost of potential failures of some of the "Gee Whiz Electronics" in my Limited.
My dealership initially wanted $1650 (retail price) for the Toyota Platinum Extended Warranty (7 Year/100,000 mile/zero deductable).
I used the information gained from this forum to reduce the price to $980, which I consider a much more reasonable cost for this additional "peace of mind". The best thing about it was my dealership's "Service Contract Reimbursement Guarantee" which states "in writing" that I will receive a 100% reimbursement of my $980 at the conclusion of warranty period if the extended warranty has
never been used.
My dealership was Heartland Toyota of Bremerton Washington who provided me a very pleasant buying experience in all respects.
Other dealerships that allegedly (I have not confirmed this personally) sell the Toyota Platinum 7 year/100,000 mile/zero deductable warranty for $985 are:
Toyota of Greenfield, MA
Toyota of Glen Burnie, MD
Crown Toyota, KS
Dan Porter Motors, ND
Stone's Town & Country Motors, ID
Thanks again for all the great forum inputs.
Rod
After driving the Avalon for a week. Here is my observation.
Before buying Avalon I did lot of research. I looked at Acura TL, Lexus ES 330, Nissan Maxima, Infinity G35, VW Passat, Audi A4 etc. At some point I wanted to wait for 2007 Camry XLE or 2007 Lexus ES 350. After comparing vehicles in Edmunds and test driving Avalon, I decided Avalon is THE car I wanted.
I have 2001 Honda Civic LX, which increases read noise instead of reducing it. I used to get headache whenever I drive Civic.
Avalon is a great car. Well finished interior with very carefully designed cabin. Lot of leg room. Flat rear floor. All the necessary luxury features. None of the above mentioned competitive cars are match for the price I paid.
(Nissan Maxima is nothing when compared to Avalon. I found the interior is not of good quality and is not built carefully)
Of course, I have some suggestions for the Avalon too.
1. No bluetooth. Very very very bad. Ridiculous.
2. No MP3 for the 12 speaker JBL. Very bad.
3. No Audio input to connect my iPod at least. Using
Macally FM transmitter to listen to my iPod.
4. Salesman said we can watch DVD movies when Car is in
Parked position. I tried but failed. Anyone tried this?
Can we watch DVD (by replacing the trunk map DVD)?
5. Can't input destination to navigation system when
car is in motion. Owners manual says it is a safety
feature. I agree, but it doesn't even allow passenger to
enter the destination. Some features of nav are disabled
when the car is in motion. Acura TL Nav doesn't do this.
Over all, I am very satisfied with Avalon.