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Comments
If only we existed in a vacuum :-)!
- p.
Had some strange activity this weekend regarding my auto headlight on/off on our '05 Avalon XL. Seems Saturday was another dark, cloudy and rainy day in New England. Around 5:30 pm the instrument cluster lights kept switching between high and low intensity as it got darker and lighter during the storm. It was annoying behavior for an otherwise fine car!
Does anyone know how to adjust the light sensor to require less light before it activates? Is this something that would need to be done at the dealership? I put the headlight switch to the "on" position, but even that did not stop the hi/lo switching of the instrument cluster lights.
Thanks in advance for any info you can offer.
- p.
A question: did you have to modify anything that would prevent or complicate putting the original grille back if you (or a future owner) wanted?
A request: please post photos! Side view or 3/4 view would be great, to see how deep the new grille sits.
havalongavalon
Now here is another thought. Soon, in congested highways, all cars may travel locked in step behind official pacer drone cars, all keeping their distance by way of laser cruise. Now, if the pacer drones are programmed for optimal fuel efficiency on hills, everybody will benefit!
But on the other hand -- that would constitute ultimate boredom. Forget it; not for me. I'd rather watch the road and use my foot. Fortunately, there aren't that many cars cluttering our hilly roads here -- yet.
havalongavalon
The answer is "yes". The four plastic bumper tabs that were removed from the lower part of the opening are designed to position the factory grill. If I had to change out the billet and replace it with the original grill, I expect it could be done, but you might have to jury rig the thing to hold it in proper position.
The opening I had to cut in the black plastic filler panel at the top is to enable clearance for two new brackets that fasten to the top of the grill. It would not be affected by reverting to a factory grill.
I'll take some photos of the new grill today or tomorrow and post them. I've never tried to do that, but see that Pat has posted instructions at #5183 on how to go about it. Right now I'm installing some backup sensors, to be followed by chrome wheels and a backup camera later on.
Incidentally, I got a great deal on the chrome wheels - $600, including the chrome center caps and two way shipping (CA to OR). Check out their eBay store under oechromewheels.
I re installed the black plastic filler piece without cutting it. It works fine!! I placed the upper brackets under the grille tabs rather than on top, this seemed to provide more clearance!!
Hutch
Dandydon
">http://s52.photobucket.com/albums/g4/dandydon10/Avalon Billet Grill/?<img src="
Tried part stores and website and came up empty.
NWBLIZZARD
I feel for you and your problem. My Limited is less than two weeks old and so far no dings - knock wood. I, too, ordered the body side molding but didn't stop there. I also went to http://www.autobarn.net/acp20030.html and bought a couple of Park Smart Magnetic Door Guards as a preventative measure against door dings and chipped paint.
When you find yourself in a tight parking spot, just put them on the side of the car and you have another layer of protection. They have a smooth magnetized rubber strip along the top that holds a 25"x 6.5" piece of vinyl on the door without scratching the paint.
Good luck with your touch-up job on the vinyl strip and may you suffer no more dings. A pox on all those who carelessly open their doors when parking.
Dandydon
Too bad it does not come standard on the limited.
Thanks
Anyone know where it is listed???
The glass replacement man says it shows just two windows for the Avalon (with or without the rain sensor), nothing about noise reduction.
Either way, he is going to replace it for less than my deductable, and a better rate because it's my cash and not the insurance co.
Didn't someone say something about the Avalon w/s being about 3 times the normal is cost?
John D
I am aware of the bent bars and have contacted the manufacturer about the situation. In any event, I have no intention of re installing the OEM grill, since this one is such an improvement. Please don't be concerned about my bubble; it is still intact.
Dandydon
Anyone from the Chicago area know of a Limited with this technology offerred?
Overall: In deciding between the two, this is how I see it. If you want a sporty handling ride buy the TL or if you want a smoother more luxurious handling ride buy the Avalon.
Navigation: If Navigation is important to you, you will like the TL navigation 1-million times better. It is much easier to use and can be used while the vehicle is in motion. On the Avalon, the vehicle must be stopped to search for a destination. Hands down, the Acura has the better navigation.
Bluetooth: Not available in the avalon, very nice feature that is also linked with the navigation], so you can have it call the restaurant you just looked up in your navi and make reservations while you are on the way there.
Power: They both have more than adequate power at all speeds. I count them about equal in this area
Handling: Both handle well. In the Avalon, the car had an unnerving sway on the model without the VSC and Brake Assist, etc... With these features, it handles great. The TL has a much tighter handling that will inspire a much more sportier feel. In the TL you will feel every bump in the road, while in the Avalon you feel like you are floating on a cloud.
Audio: In the TL, I will speak having never really listened to any DVD-audio discs. This being the case IMHO (although I have a fairly discriminating ear) the Avalon provides a slightly crisper and clearer sound, but both are very good.
Comfort: Avalon, hands down... not to discount the the TL as it is quite comfortable as well (in fact better than many competing cars), but not nearly as good as the Avalon. One feature that the Avalon Limited has that I didn't expect to value as much as I now do is the Dynamis Laser cruise control. It will slow the Avalon down to pace the car in front of you or speed you up to your desired speed when you pass them or they change lanes. This system is not perfect and requires a clean car (otherwise it thinks the dirt is a car in front of you) but it is a really cool feature.
Safety: The TL comes standard with most every safety feature, while on the Avalon some are optional.
Here in the Florida area, Bluetooth is now an available option for $299 on all models. I don't know if it can be installed afterwards, but I intend to find out.
-Pete
havalongavalon
Personally, I think it's considerably better than that of the 2004 Lexus ES 330 I just sold. Matter of fact, the Avalon is superior in every way, and then some, to the Lexus.
and 31.7 for a avalon limited,am holding out for the limited. I will be renting a ltd in a few days and will
make a choice then,the 06 as far as I know would ride the
same as your 04.
John in Kansas City
The old car also has a somewhat softer seat, and a larger trunk. Still, I like the new one - it's all about the engine. The new engine, trans makes the new Avy a great combination of performance & mileage.
Max
that one is easy - the answer is on that blue screen that says 'average mpg'. Every Avalon I test drove had screen read outs of 27-28 mpg with maybe 100 miles on the cars. Test drives would normally not yield anything close to that kind of economy especially at 'in City' dealers. So let's overinflate the tires, and have the salespeople take the cars on a nice little highway run and the trip computer will say what it needs to say to sell the cars...
It sure does make a difference on ride quality, eh!
havalongavalon
Sorry to hear you are disappointed that the Avalon's ride doesn't compare to that of a Lexus. Although manufactured under the same corporate umberlla, I fully agree that the car is not a Lexus. I'm sure that is the case in many other areas as well.
I'm fine with that however, as we are having fun with the money we saved by opting for the car with the "worst" ride, yet (arguably of course) similarly powerful and reliable drivetrain. We are **former** long-term Mercedes owners that love our Avalon and don't miss the MB, its image (not what it used to be), or its maintenance costs one bit.
Chacun a son gout... :-)
- P.
The real reason is to prevent flat spots on the tires from sitting on dealers lots and also from sitting at the plants/factory before delivery. I work for another Japanese car dealership as a tech thats why I know. The tech who did the PDI (pre-delivery inspection) is responsible for adjusting tire pressure. A lot of times, sales people sell vehicles without being PDIed yet due to demand and that is the result. Overinflated tires. From the PDI's I did, before adjustment, I see tire pressures normally set between 40 to 50 psi coming from the factory.
But.
If you rely on the onboard computer for MPG readout it will very likely indicate a lower mileage/distance than you actually travelled due to the tires' rolling circumference being greater than with normal inflation.
So, bottom line, all things are not equal.
"You know something's amiss when BMW ranks 27th out of 37 brands in overall quality. No,the Ultimate Driving Machine isn't conking out on the highway: BMW tied with Toyota brand for third place in terms of quality defects.
BMW ranks No.3 in fewest defects and No. 36 in fewest design flaws.
Does anyone know where Toyota ranks in design flaws?
I'm waiting to get broadsided when trying to merge into traffic.
I continue to persue a correction or buy back.
Chuck
I bought a light blue Limited two weeks ago at Lithia Toyota in Springfield, Oregon. Paid $300 over invoice. No problems of any sort since then and I don't anticipate any. Best car I've ever had, and this is number 41. If you get one, consider having them add the side bumper molding to the doors before you pick it up. Good investment.
I understand the '07 models should debut this fall. As with the '06, minimal change is expected per all reports. Speculation says Toyota will add the 6 speed trans and perhaps some audio options. Good luck with your purchase. I guarantee you will love driving it!
Dandydon