2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

15253555758287

Comments

  • ron6ron6 Member Posts: 27
    Sorry -
    I meant to say "$1000 under MSRP". WOW
  • lntlnt Member Posts: 192
    I just got my extended warranty out and looked at it. It is not a Toyota extended warranty. It is the Executive Premier New Vehicle Coverage Guide by Mechanical Protection Plan. It says it "Wraps around the manufacturer's warranty" and coverage is not limited to the repair of manufacturer's defects. They claim that if a covered part fails due to wear, tear, or use - they will fix it. I don't know how this differs from Toyota's extended warranty. You can go to www.mppco.com and read about it. I find it kind of strange that they sold me a warranty that isn't by Toyota. I am a little leery. I bought a "Warranty Gold" warranty for my 2000 Avalon and they went bankrupt about 9 months after I bought it. Lost $1200 on that one! Hope this one isn't bad! Surely a reputable dealership wouldn't sell bad warranties??
  • kirkendollkirkendoll Member Posts: 21
    I have just finished the configuration of my new avalon, wondering if the DVD nav. has a touch screen. Is it worth the price?
  • gladiator99gladiator99 Member Posts: 104
    Just ordered my new Avalon in blizzard white color but passed on the nav. system. A portable nav system can be purchased for $ 570.00. The system I am referring to is the Garmin IQUE M5.
    This system can be purchased on ebay or other electronic outlets. The beauty of the system is that it can be transferred to any other vehicle, or taken on a trip and used in a rental vehicle. Comes with maps of North America. Gives voice prompts and according to my sources is better than some of the nav systems installed in some high end automobiles.
  • thor1thor1 Member Posts: 4
    try prepaid tracphone,virgin, etc
  • analyticangelanalyticangel Member Posts: 83
    Hi There
    Can anyone either post a pic of the Graphite leather or point me in the right direction. I have seen pics of the Light gray and the Charcoal but not the graphite
    Thanks everyone!!
  • kennyg5kennyg5 Member Posts: 360
    How big the display on the Garmin unit? I believe the stock nav in the Avalon is only 6", which is 2" smaller than the stock nav in the TL. For me, I like a bigger screen.
  • everesteverest Member Posts: 12
    "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."

    In the time of reduced incomes and increasing gasoline prices, multipurpose and roomy vehicles with a good gas mileage will be in increasing demand.

    I wouldn't be surprised to see Toyota make a station wagon version of Avalon, and make chassis changes to allow over 5000 lbs of towing.

    That would create less of a need for a gas guzzling SUV. As a car Avalon will give much better ride and comfort, compared to the SUVs.

    Many are forced to buy SUVs because they want to pull a trailer or a boat. Toyota or others can hope to capture a portion of this market by increasing the towing capacity of their sedans.

    An Avalon Station Wagon with a large towing capacity can be an alternative to Dodge Magnum, until now, an uncontested sport-wagon!
  • pmcb48pmcb48 Member Posts: 192
    "Surely a reputable dealership wouldn't sell bad warranties??"

    Define "bad." In all likelihood, they'll sell the one that makes them the most money. See the Extended Warranties Forum under the Smart Shopper branch of this site. The general consensus is to avoid 3rd party warranties, and stay with manufacturer-backed ones. See in particular an excellent list of reasons for doing so in post #861, as well as related points in #888 and #901.
  • thor1thor1 Member Posts: 4
    lawyer, age 52, kid about to start college, selling worn out Infiniti Q-45, moving over to 99 Volvo-wife gets Avalon. Live in Birmingham, AL- 3 metro dealers-all short of cars-all want MSRP+ & bogus ($599)toyoguard package. By internet went 50 mi south and got $1600 off MSRP & never met sales mgr. until pickup. The discount covered sales tax and processing. Not a great deal like I've seen herein but good for my area. XLS, Phantom Grey, Ivory, carpets, toyoguard, tax, title-$32,688-out the door. Rides like my old beloved '85 Peugeot 5005 with much better acceleration. A little light in handling but a successful compromise between geezer ride and my former aggressive driving style. I think I may represent the marketing target for this new model. OK-it meets my needs at a relatively fair & reasonable price. I suspect tires will be a significant issue but I am very satisfied with this purchase and applaud the participants in this forum for, in most responses, extremely valuable information.
  • pmcb48pmcb48 Member Posts: 192
    The Avalon's NAV system is not touch screen; it works via a joystick controller. As to whether it's worth it, that is an individual judgment. I think so, others don't. There is a huge number of NAV-related posts already on this forum. Type NAV into the "search this discussion" window above, then hit the Search button. You'll then see all the posts that mention the NAV system.
  • ronnronn Member Posts: 398
    Thanks JUST ME...Glad you are getting mudguards..I did the same thing..they don't look bad either.
    Glad you are writing Edmunds,I hope others will do the same. I will do all I can to promote this fantastic car.
    Take care,
    RONN
  • pmcb48pmcb48 Member Posts: 192
    I doubt papers would be rewritten. They can cut you a check for refund. You take that, get the cheaper warranty (so your loan is still financing the new warranty), and put the money you saved on your loan as well.
  • pmcb48pmcb48 Member Posts: 192
    They don't look bad, but do they look good? Are you and Just Me getting the color-matched mudflaps? I had heard they wouldn't be available untill later this year. Not sure about the black ones. I have been leaning against mudflaps as not fitting in with the new sleeker styling, but still not sure.
  • ronnronn Member Posts: 398
    Hey..I got my mudflaps when I purchased the car. My car is black, so the black guards look fine. I was a little concern as I had not seen any on this car, but they look great!!!! They are smaller looking than some I've seen, and they do fit the design of the car. These were mudguards from Toyota that were for the 2005 Avalon. They really help also!!!!
  • gladiator99gladiator99 Member Posts: 104
    The display on the Garmin unit is only approx 3" x 5" so it is rather small but is also a PDA and is bluetooth compatable. You can do a search on Google and read the Specs.
    Where I live in Canada all of the Toyota dealers have adopted what they refer to as Access pricing which is full retail MSRP. My XLS before taxes listed for $ $45,010.00 Canadian. The only area I could negotiate on was the value of my trade. Sure wish I could buy in the USA.
  • just__mejust__me Member Posts: 508
    The color keyed mud flaps aren't available yet. They painted the black ones to match my desert sand mica and said if the paint chips they will replace them with the color keyed ones when they arrive, so that isn't a bad deal and shows the faith in the paint job they did. I think it goes with the style, in fact it adds a European flair I believe. Either way I have always found the mud guards do a great job keeping road tar off the bottom of the car saving me some effort when cleaning it.
  • rwb2rwb2 Member Posts: 85
    Thanks to your tip, my dealer is moving my XM antenna free of charge.
  • solara00solara00 Member Posts: 81
    Mackabee, I have heard that too on the Camry as well as the Avalon. Not sure about their other models.

    I'll gladly trade the breakway mirrors if that means less wind noise. I can see where others might think this is "inexcusable".
  • mikes.mikes. Member Posts: 337
    "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."

    I won't take it wrong, 47 isn't such a bad age. I can still do everything I did at 25, I just choose not to on some of them :)

    I'm kinda different with my IT history, I started keypunching when I was 11 (1968) for my Mom, the FORTRAN programmer. Started writing in COBOL when I was 13.

    Today I have a great job that makes my family a nice income and let's me buy great cars like my 05 LTD.

    MikeS.
  • mikes.mikes. Member Posts: 337
    "it's the driver's seat that slides forward"

    No it's not, the center console slides back and forth when you lift the latch and slide it. The console will only be available if the full rearward position.

    MikeS.
  • calriskcalrisk Member Posts: 10
    Just picked up my Limited. So far so good, except for one point. I find it almost impossible to read the odometer during the day. Any one else having this problem?

    For some strange reason, the odometer is an LCD. It is very dim, even with the backlighting set to maximum. Now to be fair, this is under bright sunlight and I am wearing sunglasses. But I have no problem reading the clock (which seems to be an LED or fluorescent display) under these circumstances. And there is going to be a lot of driving in sunlight, with sunglasses.

    At night, it is fine.

    Why would Toyota use such a poor display??
  • dan41dan41 Member Posts: 182
    I've had no issues reading the odometer during the day on my limited. Have you tried to adjust the back-light by turning the very small knob?
  • ronnronn Member Posts: 398
    Hey Just Me...go to the Forum page to Acura TL vs. Avalon 2005.. I need some support promoting the Avalon over there!!!!!!

    RONN
  • ronnronn Member Posts: 398
    I have not had in problem reading either...don't know what might help?
  • dalcollidalcolli Member Posts: 23
    A post over on Toyota Avalon: Prices Paid & Buying Experience made me wonder about something.

    I don’t think dealers can mix and match the options within packages, but do they group option packages with accessories and rename it? For example, would they take Toyota’s option package c, add floor mats and call it option package A at their dealership?

    PS. MikeS – I learned COBOL for a project during my college internship. That’s awesome to have been in on programming and computers in general at that early stage. It was taught to me in college as history – not quite the same as living it. :-)
  • just__mejust__me Member Posts: 508
    Calrisk. Yes it is slightly dimmer but I can still read it. I agree it could have used a little more brightness, but it doesn't present a problem, it's not like I need to look at it while driving, but your point is well taken.
  • just__mejust__me Member Posts: 508
    Hi Ronn, okay I will try that now.
  • jordan7jordan7 Member Posts: 77
    $1000 under invoice OR under MSRP?
  • just__mejust__me Member Posts: 508
    Okay Ronn. I posted as you asked. Glad to be of help. I said it the way I feel.
  • macemanmaceman Member Posts: 11
    I am one who cross shopped the Lexus ES330 with the Avalon. I have been driving a Mercedes E320 for the last 3 years, but I am fed up with the little electical problems and other things that go wrong with the car. I do like the way the Mercedes rides and drives. When I test drove the ES330, it was clearly a step down from the Mercedes - not as smooth a ride, and a lot more road noise. The next day I drove an Avalon. I was very impreseed with the ride and its quietness as well as its power. I do not care for the high tech look with all the little silver plastic doors, but I am searching for a good price on a Limited despite that. I'm 48, and I'd rather be flying than driving. If I'm going to drive I like a quiet, smooth ride in a dependable vehicle.
  • ron6ron6 Member Posts: 27
    Sorry....under MSRP.
  • prime timeprime time Member Posts: 40
    I don't buy the reason for not having breakaway mirrors as "wind noise". I want the breakaways. My experience with the fixed mirrors has not been good. Bump the side of your garage and they are history. The breakaways would be forgiving and live to see another day. To me its inexcusable not to have breakaway mirrors.
  • prime timeprime time Member Posts: 40
    Do I understand correctly the color coded mud guards are not available at this time?
  • rewoprewop Member Posts: 35
    prime_time wrote: "Do I understand correctly the color coded mud guards are not available at this time?"
    I live in Florida and a week ago saw a Metallic Titanium Avalon with matching mudguards.
  • johnijohni Member Posts: 43
    Would mud guards adversely affect MPG?
  • lntlnt Member Posts: 192
    Thanks for the advice on the extended warranty. I am going to do some complaining to Toyota of Richardson because the Financial guy did NOT tell me this was not a Toyota Extended Warranty. I feel like I have been taken!
  • ronnronn Member Posts: 398
    Thanks JUST ME!!! I read it..my feelings exactly.
    Have a great day!
    Others may want to visit the Forum Acura TL vs Avalon.

    RONN
  • ronnronn Member Posts: 398
    Good for you!! Glad you decided on the Avalon..it is a great car. Good luck with the price!!!
  • mikerochmikeroch Member Posts: 69
    Hi,

    Here's a link to a fresh review of the Avalon (only the XLS and Touring since Canada :(

    http://www.auto123.com/en/info/news/roadtest,view,Toyota.spy?artid=37606
  • mcardlemcardle Member Posts: 36
    It is possible that I've just been really lucky, but I've never hit anything with my side mirrors. The only time I've ever even seen my mirrors folded (on my Highlander) is when taking it in for a nice car wash and the kid pushes them in.

    Now, it is entirely possible we build our garages a little wider and paint our parking lines a little broader up here in America's Dairyland (to go with our big old keisters), but I can't think of a scenario where I would need the extra 3" that a folding mirror gives you.

    Am I missing something?
  • cc12wittcc12witt Member Posts: 8
    Puzzling question!!! If we in the States travel to Canada to avoid being grossly overcharged by our drug stores, why in the world can't a Canadian car-shopper take a hike over the border to buy a car? Also, why not just consider doing the deal over the phone????
  • dalcollidalcolli Member Posts: 23
    Finally – a picture of the car in Indigo Ink! This is the first I have seen (besides the ones someone here was kind enough to post a few pages back).
  • williamtwilliamt Member Posts: 39
    "Finally – a picture of the car in Indigo Ink! "

    That whets my appatite even more for the LTD I have on order--both the photo and the very favorable review. The reviewer's opinion on the value offered is the same as my own assessment, albeit seen through the rose-colored glasses of an 02 Avalon owner.

    But I'll have to continue waiting. My salesman told me last night that it will be closer to the end of the 4-to-6 week period he predicted when I bought on 2/28. In the last allocation my dealership got just one of the eight they had requested (Mid-Atlantic). They still do not have a Limited on the lot, but the cassis red Touring model I first test drove is still there. He attributes that to the ride, which -he- likes but most Avalon shoppers here do not. It was that ride that almost turned me against the 05 Avalon--until I tried an XLS.
  • gschultz3gschultz3 Member Posts: 134
    Can't help but comment on your comment about the Dodge Magnum an uncontested sports-wagon. The Volvo V70R 300HP is a neat sports-wagon. While it's $10,000 plus above the Magnum it's a great car. I'd be in line to get an Avalon wagon if they made it unique in the back like Volvo and Audi (also a great sports wagon!).
  • grozagroza Member Posts: 89
    We're taking del'y. on a black/ivory XLS tomorrow, from Earl Stewart Toyota in FL. Lead time from order to del'y. was approx. 3 weeks.

    Waiting to see if heated seats are included in the $1090 VSC/TC/BA option (Option Combo B for XLS). According to toyota.com, heated seats will be included. Dealer was not certain.

    Stewart Toyota sells for straight MSRP, but does not charge dealer prep fee, which was $699 at the other Toyota dealer (Palm Beach Toyota). Also did not have to pay for Toyoguard, etc..
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Get a bigger garage or learn how to drive.
    ; )
    Mackabee
  • ronharvronharv Member Posts: 51
    Mild soap and water. That's it. Everything else is marketing and/or humbug. I've got three costly leather couches in my house and researched how to care for them properly. Turned out that simple was best.
  • ronharvronharv Member Posts: 51
    "Surely a reputable dealership wouldn't sell bad warranties??"

    Surely you jest.
  • ronharvronharv Member Posts: 51
    "I can still do everything I did at 25, I just choose not to on some of them :)"

    Well, I'm 490 in dog years (which means I've been retired for 119 of them), and if I tried to do some of the things I did at 25 I'd probably need an ambulance instead of an Avalon.
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