The government imposes duties and then taxes which would make the vehicle more expensive. Also our dollar is somewhere around .81 cents US. Remember the speedometers in the Canadian cars are in kilometers as are the odometers. Strange land we live in. Actually I did all my dealing over the phone and computer. I sent out requests for pricing to about 5 dealers in the province and only 3 replied, One of the dealers showed a lot of interest in my trade and was able to give me the dollars I was looking for. Over $1,000.00 better than a local dealer. Should be driving the new Avalon next week.
I've heard the same thing from people who are in the leather business. I have always wondered why the conditioners don't attract more dirt down into the pores. As mentioned in prior posts perforated leather tends to collect the conditioners in the material under the leather and then discolors. I think I will try to avoid using cleaners and conditioners. I had a Volvo which had leather tanned using a new, non-toxic process. After a couple of years it seemed like I was removing the color from the leather using leather cleaners.
How is the navigator map data updated, and how often? There doesn't seem to be a DVD slot for NAV data. One salesman told me the data is downloaded automatically from satellite - that sounds like BS. Anybody know?
Calrisk ... are your sunglasses polarized? If so, they will wash out an LCD display almost completely.
You can check to see if they're polarized by holding them up, looking at the LCD display through one lens, and rotating the lens. If the sunglasses are polarized, the display will change from clear to black while you're rotating them.
Unpolarized sunglasses should only darken the LCD display, not wipe it out.
Anyone...With all the snow we recently had, has anyone driven in the snow yet. How does it handle, are the tires OK?
Mikeroch...you said you got the Cassis Pearl. What color interior and what color wood did you get. Does it go good with the exterior color.
Dalcolli...1st learned using paper tape as input, then assmbly language, Fortran, COBOL, PL1, CICS all on the mainframe using cards! (all before you were born)
Ask to try the XM with the antenna "installed" on the rear package tray. XM says the antenna needs 2 sq feet of metal to work properly. I use the car kit that play through the cassette deck. I place the antenna on top of the dash and it works fine there. No reception problems at all in nearly 9 months of XM enjoyment.
"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. :-)"
I too was glad to see the pictures of my Indigo Ink, I had been loking for a picture for wallpaper.
As for COBOL, it is far from "History" It is still used in a lot of mainframe shops. Big Iron has been rumored to be dead for 20 years, Guess What, Far from it. Back in 98 & 99 I made a lot of Y2K money reworking COBOL programs.
Now I maintain about 35 terrabytes of DASD on both IBM & Unisys mainframes.
Washed my 5 week old car this morning and found 3 tiny paint chips on the hood, clear down to bare metal. Either tiny gravel from salt & sand truck for the snow or 10 wheelers not having their cargo covered. Anyways, I'M NOT HAPPY!
" How is the navigator map data updated, and how often? There doesn't seem to be a DVD slot for NAV data. One salesman told me the data is downloaded automatically from satellite - that sounds like BS. Anybody know? "
DVDs are bought from the dealer and put into the unit, which I believe is in the trunk area.
I have just seen a master listing of authorized Toyota dealers in the US with California having the most at 136, next runner-up Texas at 79, the least is a tie between Alaska and Delaware at 4
First, thanks to all who have posted here. The input has been very helpful in my decision making process. In response to the demographics question, I am 63 and a consulting engineer. I have a Limited on order – should be here in time for Easter! I decided to go with the Limited because the added options seemed worth it to me ( a personal judgment call for sure).The key items for me include the perf leather, seat cooling fans, driver’s seat extension, HID headlights, mirror and seat memory, and dimming mirrors on both sides. I loaded it up with navigation, stability control, dynamic cruise control, and XM radio.
Equipping an XLS as close to this Limited as possible puts them about $2000 apart in MSRP dollars. Turns out that it is more than that because the discounting is deeper on the XLS from what I could find.
A few random thoughts – 1. XM – If you are not sure about adding this option, go to http://www.xmradio.com/ and click on “listen now” and sign up for a three day free trial over the net. This resulted in adding the option for me. 2. If you want to see a bit about the high end audio system go here- http://www.toyotajbl.com/ 3. I did not like the XM antenna location on the trunk lid and I e-mailed Toyota to request a fix before they built my car (haha). The end of the story is that the service department at the selling dealer is going to move it like that shown in an earlier post (#2192) at no charge. I think Toyota is taking some heat on this one. 4. I have been watching data from the Southeast Region and offer the following: a. During the first month ( 2/10/05 to 3/10/05 ) the rate of sales has been that for each Limited sold, 1.6 XLS’s were sold. b. I don’t think the above numbers were anticipated as inventory seems to run 2 XLS to 1 Limited and it appears that no adjustment has yet been made to produce more Limiteds to change the inventory ratio to one closer to the way sales are going. The result will continue to be less discounting as a percent of MSRP on the Limited than on the XLS. c. Sales where high initially as one would expect but they appear to still be strong. 5. I have driven an XL and a Limited – no hesitation problems – smooth and quiet.
Yes, my sunglasses are prescription/polarized. I will try tomorrow to see if this is the issue. If it is, I guess I am stuck. This is my first vehicle that uses LCD's, and I feel that they are an inferior display system. Where power consumption is an issue they have a place. That is not an issue in an automobile.
To those of you who have had your XM box moved to the center of the trunk, could you tell where it had been? Did it leave any kind of residue or anything on the paint? I have the Cassis Pearl and am afraid there will be a spot or something when they take it off the side of the trunk. Also, I had a 98 Avalon- same color as this one and had the gold package. I liked it, but am trying to decide if I want the gold on this one or not. Has anyone added the gold package to their Cassis Pearl?
Boatsman A VERY special thanks to you for all your patience, guidance and knowledge Thanks to you I ordered an Avalon today via the same dealer you used. I thank you for sharing the info as NO ONE in South Florida was being cooperative with pricing and this dealer offered what seems like a fair deal without haggling. I dont want to "jinx" myself and will hold my breath until I get the call. I believe you said you had t o drive approx 48 miles (not sure if you live south or north of tampa) but I have to drive 260 miles North to get the car! I was not able to afford the Limited as some of you lucky buyers but I think I shall be content with an XLS with VSC Again thanks to you and all the others who have shared their knowledge and expertise.........Still am searching for on line photo of Graphite leather but you can't have everything!!!
Can anyone share with me the price paid to add XM to Limited at the dealership?? The radio is prepared, so what is needed to purchase to have it added? I was told by a local dealership it would be around 600.00 to do the job and buy the necessary equipment? I'm really having trouble deciding what to do???
"To those of you who have had your XM box moved to the center of the trunk, could you tell where it had been? Did it leave any kind of residue or anything on the paint?"
Int,
Please look at my previous post #2192 on this forum which provides a link to pics of my XM antenna before and after relocation by my dealer. There was no residue or marks of any kind in the original location.
I am looking for performance numbers. Toyota prints the 0-60Mph time at 6.6. Does anyone know what the 1/4mile speed/time, and the vehicle top speed is rated at?
I just bought a Avalon Ltd with the gold package. While I realize that the gold package is added at the dealership I was surprised that my dealer is telling me(after I have the car) that the gold license plate holders and the gold emblem on the wheel covers are not part of the package. This will be my 4th Toyota with a gold package and all before this have included those items. Any input. By the way this website has been incredible. Thank all of you for your input.
To Int: Is your Cassis Pearl Avalon an XLS or LTD? If so, what is the interior color, Ivory or Lt. Grey? And what is the wood color, light or dark? How do you like the overall combination?
We have a Cassis Pearl LTD on order with the Lt. Grey interior. We dearly would have liked to get the Graphite (with the lower contrast between inside and out and with the darker wood), but it simply is not available. Touring model turned out not be an option for us, with the tighter suspension and fewer options.
I am curious about the prices paid for the new Avaon. I paid MSRP for mine and I see many talking about getting good deals below MSRP. Was there a trade in involve? What kind of trade in value did you get? I got the Kelly book trade in value for my car. I'm just curious how others did with a trade and did they get discount from MSRP and full Kelly book trade in value?
Yes, that is the graphite. The light gray is very much lighter, almost as light as the ivory. The graphite comes with the dark woodgrain trim (as shown) and both the ivory and the light gray come with the lighter woodgrain trim, as seen in the Toyota website. The dark charcoal is produced only in the Touring model , and is very dark, almost black. I haven't seen the graphite in person, but it looks nice in the picture. I've seen the other three, and they all look great. I personally prefer the ivory, which is what I ordered on my Limited.
Not normally unless the person that's doing the plating will do it for you if asked. Were the previous Toyotas done at the dealership also or was the GP from the factory? : ) Mackabee
Maybe you should talk to your dealer again....my dealer had the license plate holder sent directly to my house from some company called Grenada. The packaging states it is designed for Lexus and Toyota.They did have to order it because the dealer doesn't stock them but the dealership picked up the tab.
I ordered the XM package, which will be installed by the distributor (Gulf States Toyota). The package was $450, and includes a one year subscription, which is worth $120 alone. On the Limited or any other model with the JBL system the controls are integrated into the stereo unit and steering wheel, and there is no separate XM control unit. Other posters here have indicated that the dealers can acquire and install this same setup. I would suggest that you ask your dealer why he is so much higher than the distribitor. You can verify this price by going to the Toyota website and building a car under a Texas zipcode. You will see the XM package as an option at that price.
Thanks sward...I am really confused on something..The dealership I called after reading your post, told me they couldn't give me that deal, but also told me that they had to take off car side panels Etc. to do this job. I thought the wiring and everything was already back to the trunk of the car, and everything is done from there? Can you answer this, or any one else reading this? This is the Limited model. Thanks, RONN
Perico1: Thanks for the input. Did your gold package come with the gold wheel covers. I thought that that was part of the package. Thanks for your reply. Hawkeye
Very impressive times, yes. And familiar. My 1960 Chevy Impala (with 348 ci) did those same numbers many times at the dragstrip. The real difference is that my Chevy got HALF the gas mileage of the new Avalon and obviously had none of the safety features. This 2005 is an engineering wonder...
Hey Macabee We could use your expertise I am not sure if the pic previously mentioned #2853 of the Limited is showing the light gray or Graphite
Any comments/opinions on the two colors and do you have a pic of Graphite! Which do you think would look better with Titanium I really look forward to all your input and comments THANKS!!
Hi Thanks for the try I am not sure if that is light Gray or Graphite leather either It is a bit hard for me to tell . Good luck on your new car and thanks evreyone for the input
"Can anyone share with me the price paid to add XM to Limited at the dealership?"
I got "satellite radio" (XM) thrown in as part of my negotiation on Limited loaded with everything else but. The saleman valued it at a total, installed, of $495. I believe this includes an initial subscription as well, and it certainly includes installation.
The company, West Coast Gold, applied the gold to the Toyota logo on the wheels as an additional charge of 12.00 per wheel. It really looks fabulous, it was worth is to me. I want to put the pics on the Forum in a reply, but I cannot seem to figure out how to do it. I know how to email them, but not how to enter a site to look at them.
My interest is also installing portable (1) nav system (new Garmin c330??) and (2) XM radio. How did you come out with your March 13 dealer discussion....and what brand/models of each did you have in mind for portability between vehicles?
For the XM Radio, I already have a Delphi SkyFi2. It's fantastic. It has a "Tivo" like option that allows you to rewind up to 30 minutes or pause the music. How cool is that.
For the NAV system, I have a friend that uses a Garmin SreetPilot 2610 and loves it. I'm not one for the "dummy" proof equipment so the fact that it has to be manually updated appeals to me.
I'm at a crossroads with the Avalon in general. XLS or Touring? Colors? Unlike most in this forum, money is a concern for me and it battles my desires at every turn. I also need to sell my current car before I can do anything anyway. The balloon option lease on my Jetta is up May 3rd and it has way too many miles on it to make it worth my while to trade it in or turn it in. What am I to do? My Jetta goes in the paper this week-end. If God wants me to have a new Avalon than he'll sell my car for me. :-)
with the limited or xls models you have three choices of interior colors,can u have any of these interiors with any exterior color? can u choose which interior "wood " trim you wish with any interior leather? i`m so confused
I'm really curious about the appearance of the XL interior, anybody have a link to a picture? The dealers in my vicinity don't have any XL's in stock. Is there much difference in appearance between the XL's "silver metallic" trim and the "textured metallic" trim in the Touring?
The XL's silver trim is much more metallic appearing than the textured trim in the Touring, which to my taste is unattractive. All the models' trims are pretty obviously glossy plastic. Of course, one man's tacky is another guy's beauty.
No, not all interior colors are available with all exterior colors. You can see details on Toyota’s website (Menu” Vehicles->Cars->Avalon, then “Photos and Colors”, then “Colors” tab. Click on a color to see available interiors).
This is my understanding of wood options.
------------------Ivory---Lt. Gray--Graphite Blonde wood---X---------X Dark wood-----------------X-----------X
You'll love the car. Im 33yr and i work with workers compensation Att's, I bought the Blizzard Pearl white with all the extras, XM, NAV, DLSC, VSC, TRAC, Rear Spoiler for the sporty look, and the VIP Glass Break sensor with the remote engine starter. I LOVE IT! I was actually waiting for the new GS and happen to drive this car first. Once you get pass the Lexus/Toyota brand thing, this car is by all means Lexus quality. Coming from a GS 400, this car kicks A**
These days the dealer has the gold replacement emblem's there and just replace the existing 1's. I feel for all of you waiting for the limited's, I was in the same boat, and had my hands on 2 that I let get away because I didn't know at the time they would sell so fast. I ended up with a Blizzard pearl white limited with every option. Remote start on down, even the rear spoiler which looks very nice. GOOD LUCK!
Comments
(Unless the dealer is fibbing... pick it up in a few days)
I've always wondered what exactly is "mild soap"? Specifics please.
You can check to see if they're polarized by holding them up, looking at the LCD display through one lens, and rotating the lens. If the sunglasses are polarized, the display will change from clear to black while you're rotating them.
Unpolarized sunglasses should only darken the LCD display, not wipe it out.
Mikeroch...you said you got the Cassis Pearl. What color interior and what color wood did you get. Does it go good with the exterior color.
Dalcolli...1st learned using paper tape as input, then assmbly language, Fortran, COBOL, PL1, CICS all on the mainframe using cards! (all before you were born)
I too was glad to see the pictures of my Indigo Ink, I had been loking for a picture for wallpaper.
As for COBOL, it is far from "History" It is still used in a lot of mainframe shops. Big Iron has been rumored to be dead for 20 years, Guess What, Far from it. Back in 98 & 99 I made a lot of Y2K money reworking COBOL programs.
Now I maintain about 35 terrabytes of DASD on both IBM & Unisys mainframes.
MikeS.
How is the navigator map data updated, and how often? There doesn't seem to be a DVD slot for NAV data. One salesman told me the data is downloaded automatically from satellite - that sounds like BS. Anybody know? "
DVDs are bought from the dealer and put into the unit, which I believe is in the trunk area.
Equipping an XLS as close to this Limited as possible puts them about $2000 apart in MSRP dollars. Turns out that it is more than that because the discounting is deeper on the XLS from what I could find.
A few random thoughts –
1. XM – If you are not sure about adding this option, go to http://www.xmradio.com/ and click on “listen now” and sign up for a three day free trial over the net. This resulted in adding the option for me.
2. If you want to see a bit about the high end audio system go here-
http://www.toyotajbl.com/
3. I did not like the XM antenna location on the trunk lid and I e-mailed Toyota to request a fix before they built my car (haha). The end of the story is that the service department at the selling dealer is going to move it like that shown in an earlier post (#2192) at no charge. I think Toyota is taking some heat on this one.
4. I have been watching data from the Southeast Region and offer the following:
a. During the first month ( 2/10/05 to 3/10/05 ) the rate of sales has been that for each Limited sold, 1.6 XLS’s were sold.
b. I don’t think the above numbers were anticipated as inventory seems to run 2 XLS to 1 Limited and it appears that no adjustment has yet been made to produce more Limiteds to change the inventory ratio to one closer to the way sales are going. The result will continue to be less discounting as a percent of MSRP on the Limited than on the XLS.
c. Sales where high initially as one would expect but they appear to still be strong.
5. I have driven an XL and a Limited – no hesitation problems – smooth and quiet.
Again, thanks to all
Yes, my sunglasses are prescription/polarized. I will try tomorrow to see if this is the issue. If it is, I guess I am stuck. This is my first vehicle that uses LCD's, and I feel that they are an inferior display system. Where power consumption is an issue they have a place. That is not an issue in an automobile.
A VERY special thanks to you for all your patience, guidance and knowledge Thanks to you I ordered an Avalon today via the same dealer you used. I thank you for sharing the info as NO ONE in South Florida was being cooperative with pricing and this dealer offered what seems like a fair deal without haggling. I dont want to "jinx" myself and will hold my breath until I get the call. I believe you said you had t o drive approx 48 miles (not sure if you live south or north of tampa) but I have to drive 260 miles North to get the car!
I was not able to afford the Limited as some of you lucky buyers but I think I shall be content with an XLS with VSC
Again thanks to you and all the others who have shared their knowledge and expertise.........Still am searching for on line photo of Graphite leather but you can't have everything!!!
I'm really having trouble deciding what to do???
Int,
Please look at my previous post #2192 on this forum which provides a link to pics of my XM antenna before and after relocation by my dealer. There was no residue or marks of any kind in the original location.
http://auto.consumerguide.com/Auto/New/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/38244/Act/Photos/
Last picture on right
Pretty impressive if you ask me.
Is your Cassis Pearl Avalon an XLS or LTD? If so, what is the interior color, Ivory or Lt. Grey? And what is the wood color, light or dark? How do you like the overall combination?
We have a Cassis Pearl LTD on order with the Lt. Grey interior. We dearly would have liked to get the Graphite (with the lower contrast between inside and out and with the darker wood), but it simply is not available. Touring model turned out not be an option for us, with the tighter suspension and fewer options.
Glad to find a Cassis Pearl owner.
Thx, dajab.
I haven't seen the graphite in person, but it looks nice in the picture. I've seen the other three, and they all look great. I personally prefer the ivory, which is what I ordered on my Limited.
: )
Mackabee
I would suggest that you ask your dealer why he is so much higher than the distribitor. You can verify this price by going to the Toyota website and building a car under a Texas zipcode. You will see the XM package as an option at that price.
sward
Thanks, RONN
We could use your expertise I am not sure if the pic previously mentioned #2853 of the Limited is showing the light gray or Graphite
Any comments/opinions on the two colors and do you have a pic of Graphite! Which do you think would look better with Titanium
I really look forward to all your input and comments THANKS!!
Thanks for the try I am not sure if that is light Gray or Graphite leather either It is a bit hard for me to tell . Good luck on your new car and thanks evreyone for the input
I got "satellite radio" (XM) thrown in as part of my negotiation on Limited loaded with everything else but. The saleman valued it at a total, installed, of $495. I believe this includes an initial subscription as well, and it certainly includes installation.
It really looks fabulous, it was worth is to me. I want to put the pics on the Forum in a reply, but I cannot seem to figure out how to do it. I know how to email them, but not how to enter a site to look at them.
For the NAV system, I have a friend that uses a Garmin SreetPilot 2610 and loves it. I'm not one for the "dummy" proof equipment so the fact that it has to be manually updated appeals to me.
I'm at a crossroads with the Avalon in general. XLS or Touring? Colors? Unlike most in this forum, money is a concern for me and it battles my desires at every turn. I also need to sell my current car before I can do anything anyway. The balloon option lease on my Jetta is up May 3rd and it has way too many miles on it to make it worth my while to trade it in or turn it in. What am I to do? My Jetta goes in the paper this week-end. If God wants me to have a new Avalon than he'll sell my car for me. :-)
Thanks!
No detergent.
This is my understanding of wood options.
------------------Ivory---Lt. Gray--Graphite
Blonde wood---X---------X
Dark wood-----------------X-----------X