2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

ronn

I have replied several times to another post about color. I have the black limited with the light gray and love it. I think the light gray looks great as the dealership had it with Titanium silver. Actually, the dealership here didn't have the darker gray as interior color on any so far.

lnt

Where is Greenfield Toyota? I finally got my financial guy at Toyota of Richardson to come down to $1595 for the extended warranty(7 yr/100,000miles). If it is the same warranty as the one you got for $985, I wonder if I can cancel mine and buy one from Greenfield Toyota??

just__me

New vehicles don’t attain maximum fuel economy until they’re “broken in,” usually around 3-5 thousand miles. Using 4-wheel drive reduces fuel economy. Four-wheel drive vehicles are tested in 2-wheel drive. Engaging all four wheels makes the engine work harder and increases crankcase losses. Small variations in the way vehicles are manufactured and assembled can cause MPG variations among vehicles of the same make and model. Usually, differences are small, but a few drivers will see a marked deviation from the EPA estimates. Some consumers may notice that their fuel economy estimates differ from EPA's estimates. This can be caused by any of several factors related to driving conditions and driver behavior, vehicle maintenance, fuel characteristics, and vehicle-related factors. This link may interest some of you... Have a great week starting with tomorrow. Goodnight all....

photoquests

bmwdoug,

I am 50 and own a computer consulting business. A BMW 530, Lexus 630 or Audi A6 were on the list and part of the test drives. even though I can afford $50k+ I just wasn't thrilled with any of them (ok except for the beamer, but it would have been a 740). I almost bought a Maxima loaded but when I test drove the Avalon it was immediate love. The price, roominess, quietness, ride, options and looks convinced me. This car is for my wife but I am sure that we will be crusin' in the Avalon instead of the 2500 Sierra Duramax, unless of course we are pulling the Holiday Rambler behind us.

just__me

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/atv.shtml

1violinist

Analyticangel:

If money is not a big issue, go for the Limited. It's got all the goodies of an upscale luxury car (L-e-x-u-s). With Titanium Silver I'd go with the Graphite interior for good contrast. Nice thing about Graphite it's not too dark like Charcoal. Good luck! :-)

jmarlin

After looking at Mercedes, Lexus, BMW and Nissan the 05 Avalon was the winner. The car is grand. For the price, I feel even better to bank the 10 - 15K I saved. I purchased an XLS with all the options in Desert Sand Mica. I don't care what age bracket this car is geared towards, I'm 32 and loving it. I highly recommend this car for anyone. Age isn't a handicap, its all in one's mind. FAB car!!! I actually can't wait to go to work tomorrow. My son who is 29 months old is chilling in the back seat. He's loving the surround sound.

steelhead1

Is the JBL sound systems as good as BOSE? I would like to get XM but don't like the way Toyota puts the antenna on the trunk. Can you get another XM receiver etc and hook it to the JBL system?

The saleman didn't know much about the NAV. How useful and easy to use is this option? Is it as good as the NAV used in the Acura RL?

For some reason the Toyota brochure doesn't have much details on these options so I'm wondering what owners think.

mikes.

Greenfield is in Massa...heck I can't spell it, ya know, where Kerry & Kennedy are Senators from.

It looks like at least 2 people here have gotten the extended warranty from them, both at $985.00 USD.

We are talking about the Toyota Platinum 7yr/100k mile 0 deductible extended warranty.

I paid my dealer $1,450 for mine. If I can get one from Greenfield I will cancel the current one and buy a new one from Greenfield. Should get all of my 1,450 back from Toyota.

MikeS.

mikes.

Seems like we have a lot of IT folks here, me included.

MikeS.

douglas1

The 05 Avalon brochure describes the Moon-roof :
Power tilt/slide moon-room with sliding sunshade and
INDIRECT LIGHTING.

What is heck is INDIRECT LIGHTING? Does that mean the moon-roof is just tinted like every other moon-roof or something different.

BTW I have had one minor warranty repair so far. The passenger side rear view mirror would tilt all the way out when either of the memory buttons was pressed. No big deal the memory nodule is in and being installed tomorrow.

mikes.

My 05 LTD is the first time I've owned leater anything other then footwear. What do I need to keep my new seats looking good? I'm looking for how-to information and what products to use.

Thanks gang,

MikeS.

1violinist

Check out this web site for info:

http://www.autogeek.net/leathercare.html

Note: you can buy similar products a lot cheaper at Walmart.

dshimkat

Here is another site that has excellent products. A bit pricey, but the products work very well. I have used Zaino products since 1999. For car wax, I have since switched to Meguiar's NXT, because it gives the same results with much less work. You can purchase Meguiar's NXT at WalMart or Target. The Zaino leather cleaner and conditioner is probably the best of any leather products that I have ever used. If used every month or so, your leather will always look, feel, and smell like new.

http://www.zainostore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=Zaino

Scroll down the page to see their Z-9 (Cleaner) and Z-10 (Conditioner)

dan41

Toyota of Greenfield, Massachusetts is where you can purchase the extended warranty for $985. Again, a big thanks to Pat (PMcB48) for providing this information as it saved me $140. My dealer would not budge from their "final" quote of $1125 until I told them I would buy it from Greenfield Toyota for $985. They matched the Greenfield quote!

ronn

Hey Everyone,I hope all of you on this Forum will write a review on the Avalon in the REVIEWS AND SPECS for Edmunds. I actually wrote the first review.It hasn't been published yet, but hopefully soon. It is so great to see so many love this car as I do, and there has been such a wealth of information as well. This is a great Forum. Keep it up. To all getting the Avavlon this week, wnjoy. I have had mine a month. One fantastic car!!!!!!

ronn

Glad you love it too!!! 29 months and lovin the surround sound!!!! AWESOME!! I've had mine a month!
ENJOY and do a review for REVIEWS AND SPECS under AVALON for Edmunds.

pricecutter

I did answer your question, but you never answered mine. You said that the price of cars is in the eyes of the beholder. Is that what you really believe? If so, car salesmen should erect a statue in your honor. Your philosophy is exactly what allows them to manipulate prices on unwary buyers. Have a great day!

dalcolli

That's funny - I'm IT, too. I guess that explains why everyone here seems so tech savvy, especially (and please don’t take this the wrong way) considering age. I’m 25 and so is my husband, who is a mechanical engineer. It’s so great to see the broad appeal this vehicle has.

pat

Pricecutter, that sort of conversation belongs in an appropriate discussion on our Smart Shopper board. We are talking about the Avalon in this one. Thanks.

just__me

Yes Ronn, it' one fantastic car. I think the car reporters have one mind set, they copy articles that everyone else writes, like about for seniors only. I saw young people at my dealer glowing over the car and buying it. Maybe it has something to do with the new advertising for young family's. Either way this car gives me so much pleasure, I am driving it to my dealer today for the mud guards. Whats even best about buying this Avalon besides it really being a luxury sedan is that we pocketed thousands by forsaking a status name plate, and I love that. Let those with egos think they are getting a better car, they aren't, JMHO. I will write my review for Edmunds shortly.

abfisch

Everest:

Excellent info. Some people just cannot understand the need for a car and towing capacity at the same time. They just want to sell you a truck or an SUV. That is not what I need.

Thanks for the info. Although, I cannot rationalize the cost of a new 5 series and there reiability is not above average, the generous towing capacity is nice to see. Obviously, HP an torque are not the only things consistent with pulling a trailer.

In regards to break away mirrors, yes, the Avalon does not have them, although the Acura does. A top model car some might expect to have one. I had to replace a mirror in my 02, during a wind storm, as a shopping cart took a beeline for my door and ripped the mirror off. $200 for the part, and about 1.5 hours of my time to replace it. Just a thought on cost cutting.

abfisch

prime time

You're kidding me. No breakaway mirrors? Inexcusable.

pmcb48

See my post #2116. It's in Massachusetts. I think you have 30 days to cancell; they may well match the price if faced with a request like that.

just__me

I got 25.6 Average MPG going to my dealer this morning, 70% city and 30% highway driving. Awesome, better than my 04 and this car isn't broken in yet, 446 miles to date. I know now I will get 30 plus on the highway, something else that's better than others in this class, and yet the Avalon has all the power one needs and than some.. I have been using 93 Octane and will stick to it. When you figure over the course of the year, I can afford it. I don't have a cell phone and my wife and I got one for a month and made one call, and didn't have a years contract through my local phone company, so gave it back. So the extra cost for Premium will be like I still am paying for my cell phone, Ha Ha! In all seriousness I couldn't be happier with this car. It has everything I want. I really enjoy the slide out arm rest. My wife was sitting in the rear with the seat reclined back and she stretched her leg out across the arm rest and said it was so comfortable. So on long trips she will be able to take a snooze with her legs elevated.

mackabee

Thank you gschultz3, that's the point I was trying to make to pricecutter. You put it more succinctly than I did.
: )
Mackabee

mackabee

Breakaway mirrors create wind noise that's why the Avalon does not have them.
Mackabee

mackabee

Has anyone compared the new Avalon to the Lexus GS? I was on their website a few days ago and if this Avalon and new GS aren't almost the same car than my name is not Mackabee!
: )
Vic

smith1

The new Avalon does seem rather similar to the new GS....except that the latter is RWD, with AWD available, and thus presumably will have sportier handling.

buckwheat

they are probably about as close as Mackabee & Monterrozza. :-)

pricecutter

I certainly apologize if my comments were inappropriate. However, you do realize that my comment was in response to two people: one saying that my comments about pricing were illogical and, another,saying that my car was a good buy but overpriced. In fairness, I think your comments to me should also be directed to these two people.

fin

Even though I never tow anything, I had to ask a retired engineer who lives down the street about this reduced towing capacity. More power, but less capacity.

The answer is this: The entire car is engineered for many things, towing is one factor. If you increase towing capacity, you must give up something else. Spend more to build it, stiffen parts here and there, change the unloaded ride characteristics, etc. Toyota made a decision, the buyers live with it. Seems odd Toyota says 2005 Avalon buyers only tow up to 1k pounds, but that is apparently it.

Now we all know...tow safely.

oldjack

Mackabee'

See my post 2088 on this forum.

The cars are hardly identical, and each has definite advantages over the other. The GS is much more of a sport car (even though the Avalon is faster to 60 mph), but after waiting seven years for the new GS to come out, I found that for me, the Avalon was superior and about $12,000 cheaper comparably equipped. Furthermore, I was told that in order to get the Nav system I would have to order all wheel drive since the early production of fwd GS models would be without nav.

Hope to get my new Limited in about a week.

barclay3

Pricecutter...which other Toyota dealers did you contact through AAA?

barclay3

Mackabee... I saw both cars the same day and I noticed it then. The interiors appear to be quite similar in style except for size. I liked the exterior on the GS much more but that may have been because of the color (one was red and the other a beautiful blue). The GS was my 2nd choice but I couldn't justify the extra cost.

tulsalawyer

I bought a White Touring with the Charcoal interior. It is great, you won't go wrong with that combo.

Enjoy.

just__me

"However, if Subaru's one aberrational value is deleted, the chart shows a strong dominance by Toyota over all of its competitors." See the link below...
http://www.autooninfo.info/NAEd200410AutoRelUpdates.htm
As you read this link, you can compliment yourselves by doing a great research job which has led to those of you who purchased the new Avalon. No matter what the magazines say, or who they favor the facts are here and none of the other makes, Chrysler, GM or Ford can hold up to the Avalon. Congragulate yourselves. Happy Motoring.

boatsman

I've seen posts on here refer to a sliding arm rest. I have a limited and my arm rest doesn't seem to slide. Am I doing something wrong????????

prime time

it's the driver's seat that slides forward

gschultz3

I agree except that you say it won't be cross shopped with a Lexus 330 (probably). I've seen more than one post where it has been cross-shopped with simular or more upscale luxury cars. I didn't consider a Lexus 330 this time around because I didn't like it three years ago when I purchased a G35. My other choices were a Lexus RX330, Volvo V70R, Acura TL and a Maxima $33-50,000. I replaced an Infiniti FX45 MSRP $56,000 with the Avalon LTD. The size, quality, mpg, HP and visual impression were the deciding factors for me. I'm 64 but I also drive a Nissan 350Z with 19" wheels! I believe the 2005 Avalon will have a broad customer base ..... luxury car, business car, limo, police cruiser, family car, retirees car......... I'm sure I'll hear about the first turbo Touring model before the year is over/400 HP!

ski1003

The arm rest does slide. Press a release under lip of arm rest and slide forward. It gives you more room but you must slide it back before you can open the arm rest up. I have XL and think it's a good feature.

gschultz3

I don't think they were inappropriate just in the wrong place. I'm sure I could forget where I am but I'd pretend it's just senility (64)

pmcb48

"really enjoy the slide out arm rest. My wife was sitting in the rear with the seat reclined back and she stretched her leg out across the arm rest and said it was so comfortable."

Hi--are you talking about the center console armrest? sliding vs slide out? do you slide it back to use it as you describe?

pat

Sorry, I am trying to say - again - to everyone that this is not the place to get into extended discussions about generic (non-Avalon related) things such as shopping techniques, dealing with sales folks, etc.

We have a number of discussions that should interest all of you who want to talk about such things on the Smart Shopper board and I think those of you who are interested will have a lot of fun exploring them and contributing.

'kay?

ron6

I'm in the Midwest and have contacted five dealers from Minneapolis to Omaha to Kansas City to get a price on a 2005 Avalon XLS. Contacts have been made thru Autobytel, Carsdirect.com, Autoweb and Edmunds. Four of the dealers quoted prices exactly $1000 under invoice and the fifth refused to budge off of MSRP. I wonder if it is more than coincidence that these four dealers all quoted the same pricing basis? How do I get one of them to dig a little deeper?

lnt

RE: extended warranty They included the price of my warranty in with financing of the car, so I guess they would have to redo all of the papers?? I knew I should have paid cash for it.

lnt

I kind of have to slam my little radio door to get it to close. The only problem I've experienced is that my driver's window switch won't open the passenger side window. Will be taking it in this week. Also, just took a 9 hour trip in it and the seats were not NEARLY as comfortable as the seats in my 2000 were. Guess it is the fan that cools the seats, but felt like I was sitting on a basketball after about 2 hours. The seams across the seat back also bothered me. I love the Cassis Pearl, but every time I see a black one I get a little sick that I let my husband and son talk me out of the black. My last Avalon was black and I loved it!

just__me

Yes the center console armrest. You have to slide it back to get into the storage area. I keep it fully extended as comfort for my right arm. I only slide it back when I have to put something into the storage area or take something out.

mackabee

I didn't say they were identical. I said there is a lot of similarities between both cars. The Avalon of course is the better bang for your buck. The GS has a nicer interior IMHO. The exterior didn't change much from the previous gen as the Avalon's did. Just an observation.
: )
Mack

jnazara

one thousand under invoice? seems like a fantastic, deal,lower than that ,you may have to hold a gun to their head..