Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
Options
Comments
The other issue is the fact that tire compound formulations today are so advanced that there is little difference in surface adhesion of a fully stopped tire vs a slightly rolling tire.
But, don't take my word for any of this, go google it.
I am experiencing a rattle on the moonroof wind deflector when traveling above 70 mph. If I put my finger on it and depress it slightly, it stops. You eluded to a fix, any suggestions?
...
tire compound formulations today are so advanced that there is little difference in surface adhesion of a fully stopped tire vs a slightly rolling tire.
But, don't take my word for any of this, go google it.
wwest, since you are familiar with sources that back up these facts, can you provide links?
thanks,
havalongavalon
Also, if you were in a 2006 Avalon traveling straight ahead and suddenly locked the rear wheels, you would not spin around. See Newton's 1st law of motion. You just slow down quickly.
But ABS is here to stay and it certainly helps in difficult situations.
I look at her throwing up my hands mouthing the words ..'what the hey?!' and she rubs it and says no dent. Then she goes running into the mall. I am thinking surely there has to be a dent. I have never seen someone slam a door into a car so hard, so I jump out to take a look and guess what?? NO DENT! What are these cars made of anyway. My other car an Intrepid had a few little door dings and so far so good on this one. Anyone else have such luck?
Regardless of my good luck I still park far away from the entrance of such places.
MelBC
Are you guys sure the 06 will have the 6 speed?
Any suggestions on comparable vehicles instead of waiting for the 06?
Thanks,
Rich
It's a strange thing about parking lots, I guess what you might call a lose lose situation because when you enter a parking lot you're on private property and you can bet the owner has a disclaimer indicating they're not responsible.
Part 2 is even if you see the dirty rotten scoundrel that modified the side of your car, do you have a witness and if you do have a witness do you really want to take this to court....do you hear the lid coming off that can of worms?
Baaaaaaaaaaaa (you hear that lamb?)
Have a nice day!
Bob
They are installed as follows:
1. Fully open moonroof.
2. From the outside, start at either the left or right side of the car and depress the deflector until the stops can be seen. The stops are attached to the front of the deflector where the deflector curves backward and downward toward the lower hinge.
3. Using a pair of tweezers or a similar tool, place the round rubber foot on the stop and press tightly to make it stick. Pull the deflector upward and hold against the stop for a few seconds applying pressure to secure the adhesive bond.
4. Repeat for opposite side.
The rubber stops now insulate the deflector from vibration.
Now why couldn't Toyota have included these instead of saving the penny they cost?
Guess Toyota might goahead with tranny software upgrade if lots of people get into class action lawsuit and have a Ford Explorer experience....."
Suppose...
It appears, seemingly, that most of us have long ago learned that a slight momentary release, and reapplication, of the gas pedal will oftentimes result in an upshift of the automatic transmission.
But what is our "learned" reaction, experience, if we want a downshift but not necessarily create a dramatic increase in engine torque?
Might we possibly have learned, uncousiously even, to depress the accelerator pedal beyond the point of our true "desire", and then quickly release it back to a more moderate position.
BA, Brake Assist, works based on a presumption of the driver's intent, not what the driver actually does.
Can "we" be sure that the driver really isn't creating these extended shift delays due to accelerator pedal activaty of which we are totally unconscious? What if we are unknowingly sending mixed signals to the engine/transaxle ECU?
Anyway, to answer your question, the lower dash panel just below the steering wheel was vibrating in mine. I placed some foam underneath the panel and against the framework behind it to "tension" the panel so it wouldn't vibrate. This cured the noise.
CAUTION: Don't place any foam under the little knee-airbag door in this panel, as it needs to open unobstructively if necessary.
I spent a few hours today trying to find yet another new tapping sound that has developed behind the rear seat.
I must have the worst built Avalon out there. I am beginning to think the only way I'll get rid of the rattles is to get rid of the Avalon.
I drove the Azera and the Lucerne last week. The Azera is rapidly looking like a potential replacement for my Ratalon...
http://www.safercars.gov/
http://www.iihs.org/ratings/default.aspx
I recall that the new for 2002 Camry also scored poorly for side-impacts so Toyota improved the structure for 2003. Perhaps Hyundai will do this too. Anyway, I guess I am getting off-topic...
I guess this is why commercial and military aircraft have been using anti-skid braking systems (the aviation equivalent of ABS) for 25+ years.
link title
"Do cars with ABS stop more quickly than cars without it? Not always. Although the stopping distance with ABS is shorter under most road conditions, drivers should always keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front of them and maintain a speed consistent with the road conditions.
In what circumstances might conventional brakes have an advantage over ABS? There are some conditions where stopping distance may be shorter without ABS. For example, in cases where the road is covered with loose gravel or freshly fallen snow, the locked wheels of a non-ABS car build up a wedge of gravel or snow, which can contribute to a shortening of the braking distance."
link title
"ABS was introduced in the mid -1980s and has become "standard" equipment on the majority of vehicles sold in Canada. ABS in cars and most Multi-purpose Vehicles (MPV’s) works on all four wheels. This promotes directional stability and allows steering while maximizing braking.
Is the stopping distance shorter with ABS? No! From early commercials, it may have looked like you could stop on a dime. That instantaneous stop is not realistic. When braking on dry or wet roads your stopping distance will be about the same as with conventional brakes.
You should allow for a longer stopping distance with ABS than for conventional brakes when driving on gravel, slush, and snow. This is because the rotating tire will stay on top of this low traction road surface covering, and effectively "float" on this boundary layer.
A non ABS braked vehicle can lock its tires and create a snow plow effect in front of the tires which helps slow the vehicle. These locked tires can often find more traction below this boundary layer."
link title
"Do cars with ABS stop more quickly than cars without? ABS is designed to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle during emergency braking situations, not make the car stop more quickly. ABS may shorten stopping distances on wet or slippery roads and many systems will shorten stopping distances on dry roads. On very soft surfaces, such as loose gravel or unpacked snow, an ABS system may actually lengthen stopping distances. In wet or slippery conditions, you should still make sure you drive carefully, always keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front of you, and maintain a speed consistent with the road conditions."
link title
"Finally, we strongly recommend that buyers choose a car equipped with antilock brakes (ABS), which, with few exceptions, help decrease braking distances on any road surface and in any weather."
So in summary, with ABS the stopping distance is generally shorter, but not always. Exceptions include gravel or snow, when a non-ABS braked vehicle can lock its tires and create a snow plow effect in front of the tires which helps slow the vehicle.
havalongavalon
A) Stopping in the shortest possible distance?
C) Using ABS to help remain on the runway centerline while otherwise maximizing braking effects?
D) None of the above, divert to Seattle.
Wait a minute here, you've got to read the fine print and consider a few things....
IIHS:
"The overall ratings are based on a two-step evaluation. In the first step the geometry (distance behind and below the head of a seated average-size man) is rated good, acceptable, marginal, or poor. Seats with good or acceptable geometry then are subjected to a dynamic test simulating the forces in a stationary vehicle that's rear-ended by another vehicle of the same weight going 20 mph. Seat/head restraints with marginal or poor geometry aren't tested dynamically because they cannot protect taller people in rear-end crashes. These seats are rated poor overall.
In the dynamic tests measurements are recorded on a dummy (BioRID) representing an average-size man. BioRID is designed specifically for rear-end testing at low to moderate speeds. The dynamic ratings are derived from two seat design parameters (acceleration of the dummy's torso and time from impact initiation to head restraint contact with the dummy's head) plus tension and shear forces recorded on the dummy's neck. Overall ratings are based on both geometric measurements and dynamic results."
Apparently they didn't test the Avalon rear seat, the way this reads they only measured the seat and decided not to test. The testing they conduct in step two isn't even done in an actual car! They simulate a rear collision with the rear seat only...
They must've considered the Avalon rear seat "geometry" to be incorrect for taller people as stated. Speculation would say it's a head clearance issue but then they're only concerned about the distance behind and below the head. The Avalon does have a rear seat adjustable head restraint which can be raised, the question is did they consider that and did they raise it when they did their initial measurements!?
I don't like the way this test reads at all......
One would think that motorized head-restraints would be the rage, where the headrest would sense the occupant's height and either raise or lower itself automatically to provide the optimum protection.
Most people (depending on height of course) don't realize that driving with the headrest fully down provides very little neck protection.
Hope your luck is better than mine.
Make sure you get a workorder from the dealer that accurately describes the problem, each and every time you take it in for this (or any) problem. If they don't fix the stalling after 3 DOCUMENTED times you can use the Lemon law to get a new one, or a refund.
Bob
Thanks,
Peter
PS. It's a little disturbing to hear all these complaints about the new Avalon. I had a 96 XL for over 120,000 miles and the only issue I had was a check engine light somewhere between 80-100,000 miles. Toyota and Honda both seem to be slipping a little, but they're probably still the safer bet vs Europeans.
The Volvo I am driving is the base model and I priced it with the options that my Avalon has. It came out just a couple of grand less. However the ride, comfort, response to my lead foot, space, gadgetry, compartments, and the list goes on are NO comparison to my car. The 168 horsepower is laughable. I had to constantly remind myself that I was not driving my own car. Actually the reminder came when everyone left me in the dust as my poor rental tried to keep up with everyone else. The hard plastic, cheap feel of the inside was hard not to ignore. I actually thought I was driving an older model car until I checked out mileage and it was only 2500 KMs!
I seriously challenge anyone that is regretting their purchase or thinking that they could get a better bang for their buck to take out a couple of rentals for a day or more. After such a day as I had yesterday all I can say is give me back my Avalon!
MelBC
I have written a strong letter to Toyota. If they don't do anything for me I am going to cut my losses and dump this thing.
Unlike some other 'screamers' that post here, however, your comments and suggestions are appreciated - and yes, I would be interested to know what Toyota does (if anything) to make you happy - good luck!
Island Avy
MelBC
I am beginning to think we need to start a new thread re rattles! My car has been in twice now for rattles. The first one was at the rear parcel shelf area. On my work order I can quote what they said they did: "Removed parcel shelf and found foam at back of shelf not enough so reapplied foam and also foamed several wires."
This cure worked for a couple of weeks and then the rattle came back again. Since the work order was still open because they had to order a part for the other rattle, I asked them to work on it again. I picked my car up today and guess what?! It is STILL rattling. However I am not sure if there was some confusion as to whether that rattle needed working on again. I know... it sounds confusing. My husband was so ticked off he took out the carpet over the spare tire and guess what he found sitting on a large piece of metal on the right side. Two pennies! I have not had a chance to take the car out to see if that might have something to do with the rattle. I know I am probably too hopeful but if it is gone tomorrow I will be the happiest woman alive.
As for the second rattle. It was near the front window and dash area. It sounded like someone was walking on a creaky wood floor. I will once again quote the work order. "Installed new front cowl, if noise still there recommend E" whatever the heck "E" is. :confuse: So far no rattle from the front window. I think they may have just fixed this one. Once again I may be too hopeful. But I have confidence that they will eventually figure it out if they haven't. I feel like they really are trying at least. The only thing I hate is that I seem to lose my car for the entire day. They provide a rental though.
As far as wrecking anything while they did these fixes. I am THE most fussiest person when it comes to marks or scratches or anything not where it is supposed to be. I gave my car a thorough once over and I cannot even tell where they worked on it. It looks perfect to me. That was one of the reasons I really didn't want to take it in. But it is fine.
As I said earlier though, it sure feels good to get my car back rattles and all. It is such a good ride.
MelBC
I haven't had any complaints about this car...no rattles, hesitation, etc. What a great car!
As the interior temperature changes, dissimilar materials (plastic vs metal, leather vs plastic) expand and contract differently so that rattles and squeaks come and go during temperature swings.
Cargo- a penny in the spare tire well, a pen in the bottom of the glove compartment can cause noises that are hard to locate. Yesterday I heard a funny metallic chirping from the back seat, turned out to be the zipper on my canvas briefcase vibrating against the side pillar. The Avalon interior is so good at blocking out road and outside noise it seems to amplify every interior noise. After a while I learn to live with the small noises, life is too short to sweat the small stuff anymore.
Unfortunately, the car is again back at the dealer since i noted an oil leak after I got the car home. Hope this will be the last thing.
I mentioned the Tranny and DBW marriage issue and pointed them to this and other forums. Today Toyata recalled Lexus seatbelts (over 15K cars). Think how they feel..15k more money out the door
Bob
I guess I will go back next week and harass them some more. I need time with my car before I rent another Volvo?!
MelBC
When I got home I washed my car and noticed a little piece of gravel on the rim. I wiped it off with my hand and a teeny scratch formed. I am thinking you might want to be careful when you wash these rims. I don't know if there is anyone crazy enough to use one of those brush on a stick things (looks like a broom) that they use on the car lots, but if you are, be careful!
MelBC
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
OK, so when I got home I started looking for the chip in the wheel. Couldn't find it. When the wheel came in, I asked the Tech where the defect was. He showed me and I told him that it was so small I would have never known it was there.
He said, "well, I would have known, I did it when I took the wheel off." This dealership has proved several times that it is the best I have encountered. TedJ