2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

abfisch

TOTALLY CORRECT IN EVERYTHING YOU SAID. SMARTER THAN MOST CATEGORY. The CR report was I believe at 5K intervals, and 200K on the engines at the final report.

abfisch

ronn

Do you have the new Avalon? I need to learn more about the Bluetooth? I would like to try it, but not sure how to go about it?

ronn

Hey... I was wondering the same thing about the moulding, however after much thinking, I'm not going to explore too much. I feel it will distract from this car. This car is designed like the BMW 5 series which doesn't have moulding either. I would suggest saying a prayer and leaving it. I do feel it will take away from the looks. Just my thoughts!!! If you decide to, let us know the outcome

ronn

Sorry about your experience...I must tell you that I bought a Black Limited, and it is the finest car I have ever had. I have friends that have Lexus, and one traded for this Avalon.He said this car was much smoother, more quiet, and had better looks. Perhaps you just drove a bad one. I guess there can be lemons with all cars. This is truely a fantastic car...try again

ronn

The honeymoon should last forever. Don't you love the balck. I have one too!!! Have you tried the Laser Cruise yet. It does take some getting use too..but it's fun.ENJOY!!!!!!

ronn

Hey...I'm just interested what age group is buying this new Avalon. I am 46(young) and I love it. I feel it is very sporty, and has great looks. I bought Black with gray interior, and it's one sharp car. This car gets lots of looks, and while that is not important to me totally,it's fun to get the looks.The older Avalon went to the older age driver because it's looks were not as sporty and young looking. I hope younger folks will buy this as well.

dalcolli

There seems to be quite a range of age for the new model, with the majority still being the older demographic, who seem to frequently be repeat Avalon customers. My guess is that this will even out a little more over time as word gets out about the overall “awesomeness” and the image shifts from “old man car”. I'm 25 and will be thinking about kids in the next year or two, so the huge back seat and safety features add to the appeal from that perspective – mine will be here in a little over a month. Someone asked this a few hundred posts back, and there were several responses from people in their early-20’s, lots of middle age, up to somewhere around the 70’s – definitely a broad range of appeal.

dep

Can the Navigation system on the 2005 Avalon be used while the car is moving? That it, can you interact with it; enter addresses, change routes, and the like.

On some Toyota models the controls of the Nav are locked out while the car is in motion and I was wondering if this is still true for the Avalon.

Thanks. D

mol_son

I would like to buy Avalon 2005. Could anybody give me advice about dealer in New-York who have a good prices or can make a good discount. Thank you!

bmwdoug

Ronn, I do not have the new Avalon. I am very intrigued by the car. It appears to be a "true" luxury sedan for a great price. I love bluetooth ability, which the Avalon does not have. That would not stop me from buying the car, I just wish it had it. There are after market solutions available. I have been reading about After market bluetooth kits, which are easy to add. I am trying to find out if they work as well as any factory bluetooth.

ronn

I recently purchased the new Black Limited..I was wondering about adding a spoiler. I still can't decide. The car looks awesome as it is now...wonder if it could get messed-up if I add one at the dealership, and will the color match? Can anyone give me some advice. I actually haven't seen one with the spoiler to know if it adds or not.

abfisch

Just my opinion. Resist and don't do it. In the past, when it comes from the factory, they block the 3rd brake light and need to connect to the harness to feed the light in the spoiler. In addtion, it adds weight to the truck mechanism and it closes differently, it obscures the backside view, may lower gas mileage at lower speeds, can be a nidus for rust if not put on properly, and last but not least should not really be put on a FRONT wheel drive car, as it actually causes the back down force to unload the front wheels. It still is a front drive platform.

Not the best thing to dress up the car. If you must, there are more functional things to address.

abfisch

mackabee

I wouldn't worry to much about adding a spoiler to the car. It's a lip spoiler which weighs very little and really doesn't affect the handling of the vehicle unless you're goint to be driving in a Nascar or Formula one racing. Spoilers on race cars work to keep the tail end down but at much higher speeds than passenger cars will be driven. Mostly they are for looks.
: )
Mackabee

ronn

Thanks for the reply.....Great luck with your new one. Hope you love it as much as I do!!

1violinist

I think the best way to find out is to go to Toyota web site and locate the dealers in your area (let's say in a 50 miles radius) and send them an e-mail asking for their "best price" on an 05 Avalon with the options that you like. From their responses you'll be able to select the most cooperative dealers and work out a deal to your satisfaction. Good luck!

abfisch

Honeymoons rarely last forever. That is why they are honeymoons, and that is why they come out with new model years every 5 years.

The excitement usually goes away in a couple, and then you find out if it is a friendly machine or not, and it fits your needs if they haven't changed. The Avalon usually if good as fitting in the needs of persons who need a large sedan, although it has changed directions some now.

abfisch

abfisch

burl

I don't remerber exact #"s but about 1990 Toyota was suggesting 7500 Miles in the drivers manual on the 3.0 engine under "Normal" driving conditions.

Lexus and Toyota both started losing 3.0 engines
(more than a few) some at lower mileages.People
started GeGettingad of course an they went to a hihigherileage "SECRET" warenty But NOT talked about in any loud tones on the 3.0 engine and backed off the 7500 mile under normal conditions to 5,000 miles. Because of newer technology they may have gone back to 7500 miles.

The condition was "described" as Engine failer because acaccumulatedil "sludge"in the 3.0 engines.

How do I know ????? because 85000 miles on a Lexus RX300 with the problem would get U not a rebuild ,
of the problem engine but a whole brand new 3.0 and extended new car warrenty on it.

I guess nothing is perfect.......

abfisch

Mackabee:

Thanks. Can you tell me the towing capacity of the new Avalon??? I read awhile back that it decreased, but I have a hard time believing that. If the torque/hp is increased and the frame is essentially similar, I would expect it to have b/w a 2K and 3500 towing capacity, with either a Class II or III hitch.

Can you comment on this??? I remember the first time I saw an Avalon 00, way back in the day, I was coming back from Toronto during May, and this older couple was towing a little streamlined trailer looking like they were going to maritime Canada for the summer. I personally have place a hitch on myself, and use it weekly, believe it or not to two a small utility trailer as we purchased a small Log home with 40 acres or work. It has proved very handy.

Please comment. thanks.

abfisch

abfisch

Burl:

I have 63K on an 02 Avalon, with oil changes every 5K I do myself. I use Toyota filters bought in bulk, and regular 5W-30 except for the winter up here, where I use synthetic 0W-30 Mobil 1. No problems to date with sludge. Reasonable to say my last vehicle, a 92 Honda Civic, I did the same and sold it at 236K, only because it was killin my back on long trips.

abfisch

jnazara

two security systems are offeredas options on the touring model i believe. what does each contain? no mention made of the specifics of each system on the options page..thanks for any information on this subject.

dan41

How well the spoiler will look is subjective, so I suggest you find a dealer that has a black Avalon with a lip spoiler installed so you can see how it would look on you Avalon.

I had a lip spoiler on by black Lexus GS300 and also have on on my Blizzard Pearl Limited Avalon IMHO, a lip spoiler adds a touch of elegance and, particularly in the Avalon, it compliments the lines of the body.

There have also been some questions with respect to the Avalon not having side moldings. Initially, I thought the same thing, but now I really believe the design team hit a grand slam by not adding side moldings because the moldings would detract from a very sleek design. The more I drive this car, the happier I am that I bought it to replace my Lexus GS300.

Regards:

Dan

douglas1

Can you see the Spoiler when you look in the read view mirror, if so it might help when you are backing into a parking space so you don't bump the vehicle behind you.

If you can see the Spoiler in the rear view mirror I just might get one on my Phantom Gray Limited.

ronn

I was wanting some information on the xm radio. . What is involved in adding it to the Limited. At the dealership, they weren't very clear on this.
Is something added to the current stereo or what? Can someone help me with this?

clipper1

Forget the add onspoiler.

roswellbuckeye

We are thinking about black, but haven't seen one. Does yours have that light yellowish wood trim inside? Some of the pictures show it darker, but our dealer thought the wood was all the same.

perico1

Okay, so now it gets better. They came today with the gold package add ons and WOW! They put 24K on all the emblems and the logo on the wheels. It is incredible and worth every penny. The pinstriping on the side gives the car a sleeker look and is really sophisticated. I cannot recommend enough the gold package. Anybody buying this car should consider it, especially for a measly 150-200 bucks. I will post pics tomorrow or weekend.

hawk1eye

Ronn, congrats on your new black limited. Did you get a gold package on it? Does anyone elso have a black limited with the gold package. I talked to my dealer and said that they don't have it anymore. Thanks in advance. Hawkeye

hawk1eye

Perico1 Congtratulations. I happy for you and also for me because I can now order my black Limited with gold package. I was disappointed. I think some of the dealers are a little behind the curve of the new Avalon. Happy driving and I hope to see your pics soon. Thanks again. Hawkeye

gschultz3

I will have my black Avalon LTD in about 10 days. It has the ivory interior. The light gray interior has darker wood. Both look great but I took what was available short term on a black LTD with Nav and VSC. This is my first Toyota.

gschultz3

I have never seen a Nav system you could program while the car is moving except for third party installs. The auto companies are worried about liability!

gschultz3

I want the Park Pilot on my new Avalon. Thanks for the information. Checked the Houston dealers and it was there! Hope it's installed by the dealers. Volvo dealers install it as an option. I'm going to f/u with my dealer in the East tomorrow. I want it so bad I may drive to Houston! They also had free activation and 12 months XM radio subscription in the SW.

johni

I've only had my Avalon a couple of days and only a novice on NAV; however, I was able to use it while moving. I have set the destination home both with voice and joystick commands while moving. The next time I'm in the car with my wife driving, I'll try some other commands with the joystick and let you know if I see any limitations.

ronn

Thanks.I did not get the Gold package on my black Avalon. They do have it...when I bought mine, there was a Blissard White one with gold. I would think you could get it on all colors...not sure.

clipper1

Not with Titanium you won't!

gschultz3

Is this typical of Toyota or the dealers. I sometimes think I get more excited about the options than I do about the car. I'll have an LTD in 10 days but it won't have Park Pilot, Pin Stripes or a Gold Package. Don't the dealers offer the same options everywhere? I have had backup cameras in two other cars and thought it was great. Toyota is not new to backup cameras. Where is it on the Avalon? Assumed I might get this added later ..... added one on a VolvoV70T5.
I've never had a cushion extender, a power sunshade, a knee airbag, a wooden steering wheel....... this car is awesome but I want more.

I bought the Avalon because of it's ride, power and size I guess!

gschultz3

Can't wait to see your pic's. I want one too. I'll ask my dealer tomorrow. Was the gold package put on by your dealer?

ronn

My black Avalon has gray with dark wood trim. There are two shades of trim..the yellowish lighter one I saw on a green Avalon. I recommend the darker with the gray and black outside.

ronn

Can someone help me with this...Can the xm radio be added at the dealership? Does it work with the exsisting sound system or do you need something else?

gschultz3

Please let us know. I am sure you can't add new destinations (addresses). I assume you can use all of the voice commands. I hpoe I am wrong because it's handy to be able to have your passenger add new destinations on the road.

buckwheat

Go up to the "Search This Discussion" window on the right side and enter "xm radio" there are 4 pages of posts related to "xm radio" you "might" find exactly what you are looking for..

greglawson

The Honda/Acura system lets you do anything to the nav system while moving/in drive. It's the toyota system that has lockouts.

perico1

The dealer used a contractor named Wendy, she does all the work for a lot of dealers in the
Tampa bay area. She was definitely a pro, has done over a dozen Avalons in the last month with the gold package....stunning work. It took her about 2 hours to complete the entire package
All I know is that the black looks great with the gold, especially the wheels...just the toyota logo part, real classy and sporty.

gschultz3

I'm 64 but please be assurred I would have never purchased a pre-2005 Avalon. My most recent car purchases have been a Volvo V70 T5(TV, DVD,Backup Camera, Nav,Sirius,Weather Radio), an Infiniti G35, a Nissan 350Z 19" wheels, Infiniti FX45 loaded with everything and now the Avalon! Cars are for utility and for fun. As we go through different stages in our life we need more or less of each. I personally enjoy driving smaller faster cars but my wife wants bigger slower cars! I believe we will both enjoy the Avalon.

mackabee

capacity for the 2005 Avalon is 1000 LBS. I don't remember who asked but here's the answer.
: )
Mackabee

gschultz3

Thanks. I'll drive from Buffalo to Tampa to get the gold package, on my way to Houston to get parking sensors! X*/! I just moved from Ft. Myers!

ronn

Dan41...do you like the spoiler and do you think it looks that much better. I have the Black limited, but I'm still trying to decide about the spoiler.

priggly

For anyone who has driven the Avalon at 70-80mph on the highway, is there much wind noise?

Thanks.

agent

There has been much debate on the wind noise issue. I think it is a matter of personal expectations. Have you seen the movie Bad Boys 2? When I take a test drive, I take a test drive! The only sound I heard while test driving the XLS Avalon was my heart beat and man was it loud! Enough said.

bmwdoug

Can you use voice commands or the joystick to adjust Navigation commands on the Avalon? Or, do you have to pull off the road every time you want to change a destination?

jcu1963

I've really enjoyed these postings over the past couple of weeks. Thanks to all for the information. I live in a very rural part of Southern Illinois and do not have the luxury of choosing from among several competing Toyota dealerships. Rather, there are probably 3-4 dealerships in the "area," but they are 50-75 miles apart. Most of the postings I've seen outlining pricing strategies and "how much above invoice" seem to be from larger metro areas. What kind of pricing has been offered in smaller, rural areas such as mine?