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.
Options

2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

1229230232234235287

Comments

  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Luckily the research has already been done, over and over again. The results indicate that ABS will almost always result in longer stopping distances. Some of this is obviously the result of ABS being something of a compromise. The mechanical limitations dictate an on-and-off, FULL on, then FULL off, duty-cycle sequence rather that a true brake application modulation.

    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.
  • roskiroski Member Posts: 15
    alan_s

    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?
  • havalongavalonhavalongavalon Member Posts: 460
    Luckily the research has already been done, over and over again.
    ...
    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
  • finfin Member Posts: 594
    Any test results that show ABS to produce a shorter stopping distance for any specific car are the result of minor variations in the test conditions. A different driver, a timing difference in brake application, even a change in air/track/brake rotor temperature can skew the results. In pure physics theory, with the same rotors and pads equally applied, ABS cannot stop the vehicle faster, only straighter. But we are wandering off topic...

    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. :)
  • melbcmelbc Member Posts: 31
    I had to laugh at your sacrificial lamb comment re Wally World. I hate parking my car at these places but I thought surely I would be okay if I sat in it while my kids ran into the mall to grab a coffee. Well I am looking at a magazine just for a second and the moment I looked up I saw a lady swing open her door hard enough into my new Avalon to rock it ever so slightly. :mad: :mad:

    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
  • richa502richa502 Member Posts: 16
    I'm thankful there are web sites like these! I was considering the 2006 Avalon, but after researching it on sites like this, as well as others, the tranny hesitation problem became very apparent. So I decided to take a test drive at my local dealership to see for myself, and sure enough, I experienced the lag/pause/hesitation when trying to accelerate. I told my salesman about it, but he shrugged it off (naturally). I'm not going to pay 30 something grand for a defect like that! I guess I can wait for the 2007 with the 6 speed, or consider other vehicles.

    Are you guys sure the 06 will have the 6 speed?

    Any suggestions on comparable vehicles instead of waiting for the 06?

    Thanks,
    Rich
  • richa502richa502 Member Posts: 16
    ...I meant 07 instead of 06, concerning the new 6 speed tranny.....
  • easttexaseasttexas Member Posts: 23
    It was good to read your Avalon left the parking lot in the condition it came in.

    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!
  • bobwileybobwiley Member Posts: 241
    I test drove an Acura TL which was my 1st choice--I'm 6'2" and 250 lbs--just too tight for me--but what a car---smooth, fast and quiet. Don't overlook a Buick Lucerne---awesome car--just go look and drive before ya say NO WAY! After test driving the TL G35 (I was VERYdisappointed--noisy & rough riding) and ES330 (very nice--but much smaller than the Avalon for the same $$$), I drove the Lucerne--just as quiet TWICE the room (even more than the Avalon) smooth, quick and the build quality--look how the body fits--all the seams are uniform. My only and biggest concern was it's the 1st year for the car. I did check recent reviews and they are VERY positive. As far as the tranny hesitation---I haven't had any problem and since the 07 Camry has a 6 speed I'd bet the 07 Avalon's will also. But, I'd drive the 07 Camry and see if it has the tranny lag! Good luck in your car buying venture!
    Bob
  • alan_salan_s Member Posts: 362
    The moonroof deflector vibrates against the hard metal "stops" attached to and on either side of the deflector, where it's spring pushes it up against the underside of the roof. I fixed this inexpensively by using the small round self-adhesive transparent rubber "feet" normally used for VCR's PC's and similar equipment, obtainable from Home-Depot.

    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?
  • fragmirefragmire Member Posts: 97
    alan_s: While you're on this topic, could you be so kind as to provide a fix for the rattle coming from somewhere in the dash behind the steering wheel? This happens when the road causes the car to vibrate, and occassionally when the car is traveling at high speed on the freeway. I'm having trouble reproducing this through tapping. Thanks! :)
  • extremeavalonextremeavalon Member Posts: 3
    Does anyone know if there any coilovers that would fit an 06 Avalon. Maybe another car with a similar chassis like the ES or the Camry would share the same parts. Actually any kind of aftermarket parts would be nice for this car...
  • neil5neil5 Member Posts: 118
    I just googled transmission problems hestiation on Lexus sites and found lots of same complaints with camry's and Lexuses (many models with DBW). One guy recommeded and went ahead with reporting to NTSA Here's his message "and claim it drives per design specs. So - I lodged a complaint with Lexus and with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. I urge all owners to do the same at with Lexus (1-800-255-3987, prompt #4) and the NHTSA at this url: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/."
    Guess Toyota might goahead with tranny software upgrade if lots of people get into class action lawsuit and have a Ford Explorer experience....."
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Human effects...engineering....

    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?
  • alan_salan_s Member Posts: 362
    fragmire: Seems like my Avalon has had EVERY rattle out there.
    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...
  • lzclzc Member Posts: 483
    You might first want to compare Azera/Avalon crash test scores, if such things matter to you.

    http://www.safercars.gov/

    http://www.iihs.org/ratings/default.aspx
  • alan_salan_s Member Posts: 362
    Thanks. Interestingly, the Azera's crash scores are very close to the old Avalon's and the new Avalon is much better. I also noticed that the new Avalon gets a surprising Poor rating for rear-end collisions.
    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...
  • bach63bach63 Member Posts: 18
    Luckily the research has already been done, over and over again. The results indicate that ABS will almost always result in longer stopping distances. Some of this is obviously the result of ABS being something of a compromise.

    I guess this is why commercial and military aircraft have been using anti-skid braking systems (the aviation equivalent of ABS) for 25+ years.
  • joe369joe369 Member Posts: 61
    wwest is most probably correct in his statement. The goal of ABS is to maintain directional control of the vehicle. It is not designed nor intended to reduce the stopping distance.
  • havalongavalonhavalongavalon Member Posts: 460
    My apologies to Avalon-only readers because this post relates to other cars too. I did what wwest suggested, I googled "ABS stopping distance" and found the following information in 4 out of 6 top hits relevant to passenger cars:

    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
  • avaloncruiseravaloncruiser Member Posts: 19
    I am 4' 11" and wear a lady’s 5 1/2 shoe. I have no problem reaching the break peddle with firm pressure. My foot pivots on the heal from the gas to the break with comfort. And I am a full figured gal so I do not have the seat far forward. I have experienced the transmission hesitation on a few occasions but not often. I could count it on one hand and I’ve had my Limited since the first week the 05’s came out and 17K miles on her.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    So, if you were landing a 747 at Fairbanks or even Anchorage in the dead of winter which would be of higher priority:

    A) Stopping in the shortest possible distance?

    B) Remaining on the runway centerline during emergency STOP measures?

    C) Using ABS to help remain on the runway centerline while otherwise maximizing braking effects?

    D) None of the above, divert to Seattle.
  • bluesman3bluesman3 Member Posts: 202
    "I also noticed that the new Avalon gets a surprising Poor rating for rear-end collisions."

    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......
  • alan_salan_s Member Posts: 362
    Good point. Having been rear-ended on the freeway back in '88 in a 3 week old Cressida, I now pay particular attention to neck-protection. I have noticed that Toyota and Lexus provide high seatbacks with adjustable head restraints for all passengers, unlike many manufacturers' flimsy attempts, so I had assumed that Toyota rear-end protection was better than most.
    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.
  • dlongerichdlongerich Member Posts: 3
    Yup, picked up my Limited yesterday and on the way home it stalled twice! Plus a little gas leak I noticed as it was sitting for 2 minutes in my driveway, before I took the car back. Gee 16 miles on the car and 2 stalls. They are looking at it today. Boy do I feel uneasy with this new car.

    Hope your luck is better than mine.
  • alan_salan_s Member Posts: 362
    Sorry you are having a problem. Just another example of Toyota's new standard of quality.
    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.
  • bobwileybobwiley Member Posts: 241
    Just another opinion: I bought a new Bonneville in 1977--drove it home and it quit--after they fixed it, some electronic thingamebob--it was an awesome car. Same thing happened when I put in a new furnace and a/c--in Feb--woke up next AM and house felt cool--turned up the thermostat and nothing--they came and replaced the "computer brain" and never another problem. We have so many electrical and mechanical devices on our cars, its a wonder we don't have many more problems. Sure its frustrating, but, remeber, the same things happen to Rolss Royce's, Mercedes & BMW's! I can only say, that our Avaoln Limited is one FANTASTIC automobile and in 2,100 miles it has performed flawlessly. Hopefully the stalling problem is a minor fix and you'll have years of driving pleasure!!
    Bob
  • viper2viper2 Member Posts: 38
    Good morning. I am interested in a Touring with stability control. I hear that most of the cars on the lots do not have VSC. Does anyone know how long I would have to wait if I ordered a car from the factory? I know that the Europeans take about 6-8 weeks. An Avalon shouldn't take as long since they're built here in Kentucky.

    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.
  • melbcmelbc Member Posts: 31
    Just a quick comment re other cars and their difficulties. I am presently driving a rented Volvo 20si while my Avalon is getting some annoying rattles taken care of and my rims changed out. Other than the rattles it is a fantastic car.

    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
  • captain2captain2 Member Posts: 3,971
    and the funny npart of this - Ford Europe and Volvo about the only place left where Ford Motor can make any money!
  • alan_salan_s Member Posts: 362
    Perhaps I got an exceptionally bad one. I'm working on the 17th rattle and believe me, I am really getting sick and tired of spending all my (precious little) spare time chasing rattles. I can't accept that a $33,000 car is so shoddily built. I may expect this from an under $10,000 Daewoo but surely not a Toyota of all things.
    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.
  • captain2captain2 Member Posts: 3,971
    alan - really find it almost unbelieveable that you continue to have what are certainly quality control issues. Mine an early '05 and other than that recurrent seat belt buckle rattle against the passenger side pillar (which is easily adjusted) can honestly say have had no rattle problems in my car - even to the point that I think it is the best made car I've owned from a fit and finish point of view. Then again, never could justify a Lexus!
    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!
  • islandavyislandavy Member Posts: 21
    Can you believe this? One night I backed my 05 Limited into a parking spot at a local restaurant. There was no concrete barrier and the bumper hit a tree trunk. I could see that the bumper was dented in and the tree was dripping sap where it was hit. Next morning, the dent was gone--popped out by itself. Just a tiny scratch in the bumper barely visible. Amazing!! And yes, this parking spot was the furthest from the restaurant.
    Island Avy
  • melbcmelbc Member Posts: 31
    That was a Volvo S40 2.4i I rented just to clarify things a little. It's been a long day!

    MelBC
  • alan_salan_s Member Posts: 362
    melbc: Where were the rattles and did the dealer fix them without wrecking anything?
  • jordan7jordan7 Member Posts: 77
    I also have an early 05 Limited and except for having to change the leather on the driver's seat in the first month I had the car, no problems. I have not heard one rattle and love the car. I am very sensitive to rattles so if there is one, I would hear it. just drove from MD to FL for the third time and going 80 mph, i average between 30 and 31 mpg. the A/C seats are great in Miami and the sun shade is useful. Once you iron out the bugs, you will love the car.
  • melbcmelbc Member Posts: 31
    Hi Alan,

    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
  • luvmyavalonluvmyavalon Member Posts: 11
    I am on the west coast and wanted a blizzard pearl XLS with stability control. It was virtually impossible to find this color with the stability control because none of the models were coming into California with VSC on them (it wasn't in the California packaging). I had two dealers working for me. It took four months, and by then the 2006 models were out so I got the 2006 (which pleased me). I will admit, though, that it was CERTAINLY WORTH THE WAIT...I love this car and it is the best car I have ever owned, by far! Part of the reason for the longer wait was the color.....blizzard pearl was in such high demand and hard to find. It is beautiful, though.

    I haven't had any complaints about this car...no rattles, hesitation, etc. What a great car!
  • mem4mem4 Member Posts: 52
    I have sympathy for the people who have the rattles, I know how bothersome they can be. I chased rattles in my Tundra for months, found some, fixed some, lived with some until I traded for my Avalon. I think a lot of noises can be explained by two things- temperature and cargo.

    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.
  • viper2viper2 Member Posts: 38
    Thanks.
  • hgalliehgallie Member Posts: 8
    My 2006 Avalon has no rattles, no leaks, no transmission problems nothing except excessive wind noise and some tire noise. Everyone talks about how quiet this car is. My 03 Camry was actually quieter. Hate for 1st post to be a complaint but wind noise is excessive and I know of no way this could fixed. Beautiful car inside and out but why does no one mention wind noise? Have not read ALL posts so maybe I missed it. Thanks, H. Gallie
  • dlongerichdlongerich Member Posts: 3
    Got the car back from the dealer yesterday, and they noted that the charcoal cannister had liquid fuel in it. They believe that the tech who filled the tanked, overfilled it and the gas went into the cannister. With liquid in the cannister it will make the vechicle stall. They cleaned it out and told me not to overfill the gas tank. It will be interesting to see when I fill the tank for the first time if the problem occurs. Has anyone else had problems or heard of problems on overfilling the tank?

    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.
  • captain2captain2 Member Posts: 3,971
    see post 11508, Toyota did have a TSB about a drain tube that supposedly only effected early Avs. Dealer may know nothing about it, and if my experience is any indicator may have a heckuva time finding the problem.
  • neil5neil5 Member Posts: 118
    I just filled out my online quality assessment for Toyota. You have the option to be very specific as I was. They monitor this very very closely both the sales manager ans salesman told me (they begged me to fill it out positively).
    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
  • nimiminimimi Member Posts: 249
    As anyone found a good source for inexpensive wiper blades or refills?
  • bobwileybobwiley Member Posts: 241
    My Limited is SOOOOOOOOOO quiet--I keep the Satellite or CD loud--otherwise it would be easy to go to sleep! Check how the weathers tripping is fitting around the windows--might apply some weather stripping softener--Meguiara's is what I used--just to keep it soft and pliable--get it at Wal Mart or any Car Parts place. I test drove an Acura TL, Infiniti G35, Lexus ES330 and Buick Lucerne---all quiet--quietest of all---even better than the Avalon--the Lucerne! Drive another Avalon--see if the wind noise level is more or less--if less--get the dealer involved.
    Bob
  • melbcmelbc Member Posts: 31
    Well it looks like not only am I a perfectionist. I am an optimist as well. The rattle is still there although it only happens on bumpy roads. It is fine on the highway. The pennies on the side shelf beside the spare tire area had nothing to do with it. My common sense must have been on vacation last nite to think that might be the culprit. The front window squeak appears to be coming back as well. :mad: But it is very intermittent.

    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
  • melbcmelbc Member Posts: 31
    I forgot to mention. Is anyone else having trouble with scratch marks on their rims. When we took delivery of our Avalon and washed it the next day,later in the sun, it looked like someone had taken an s.o.s pad to it. We complained and they gave us 4 new rims yesterday. The Toyota people think the rims were the victim of an overzealous car washer on the lot.

    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
  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,932
    I've had my '06 XLS now for a week. I swear my '03 Xl was quieter (both engine and wind noise). Anyone coming out of a 2000 through 2004 feel the same way? Maybe its just me. By the way aside from the seats I think this car is far superior to my 2003. Much more power, room, and crisper handling, not to mention a lot better looking.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • maryjmaryj Member Posts: 53
    I took my 05 Avalon in for 6,000 mile tire rotation and balance. After the tech finished, he told me that he ordered a new wheel. He said there was a small chip where he removed the Toyota cap so he could install it on the balance machine.
    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
Sign In or Register to comment.