2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

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Comments

  • williamtwilliamt Member Posts: 39
    "I don't get it. So you are saying the new Avalon's trunk is smaller because it has a full size spare? "

    Could it be the trunk volume is less because of provision for the reclining back seats? That has been my suspicion all along--what else has changed? In which case, so what? I seldom need the space that's available in the 02.
  • barclay3barclay3 Member Posts: 90
    This may be interesting, for all that have already received 2005 Avalon, would you post any defects found and the remedy.
  • littlejohn600littlejohn600 Member Posts: 80
    Just ordered a Limited from Beltway Toyota (Andy).
    Nice people to work with.
  • cherie1cherie1 Member Posts: 16
    I posted this question before but I didn't receive any info from you folks. Maybe because of the weekend. I would appreciate help from anyone about this offer. Is it good or not so good. Here is the post:
    I got this quote yesterday but I needed more info so you folks could maybe help me out better. Here is what I got. A quote From Fleet Sales for a 05 Avalon Limited Base with added Dynamic cruise, Vehicle stability control, rear spoiler and floor mats for $33,988 + Tax and License and a $45. DMV doc fee. I said I just wanted the base Limited but he said ALL of the Limited's are coming in with the Dynamic cruise upgrade. This is N. Cal. Is this a good price or what can I say to do better?
  • grozagroza Member Posts: 89
    "So you are saying the new Avalon's trunk is smaller because it has a full size spare?"

    Mackabee: That's right. The full-size spare needs a deeper well than the space saver. For a given rear clearance (under the trunk) and a given trunk lid height, a full-size spare will encroach 2 to 3 inches more into the trunk. Projecting this dimension across the area of the trunk yields approximately 2 cubic feet of trunk space. I stated this in my original post to rationalize the smaller-than-expected trunk volume.

    "What about the previous generation Avalon? That one had a full size spare also."

    Mackabee, I'm guessing that the previous generation car's trunk also could have been larger as well, if the spare were a doughnut.

    Look, I'm an engineer, but I've never designed cars. I could be off base on this one, but I think the relationship makes sense. Of course, gas tank size, suspension, etc., enters into the equation as well. One way or the other, the car is a wonderful design.
  • jll1jll1 Member Posts: 12
    Can one of you guys provide the apporoximate dimentsions in inches (h x w x d)of the trunk?
  • jll1jll1 Member Posts: 12
    What does the Toyota Manual say about an intial break-in as far as speeds, miles & first oil change/servicing?
  • 3puttmax3puttmax Member Posts: 119
    I live in Los Angeles, and just received a quote for a 2005 Avalon Limited for $35,111. For this car, Edmunds.com shows invoice at $32,805 and MSRP at $37,429. So my offer is exactly in the middle, at $2300 above invoice and $2300 below MSRP. This seems pretty good in the current market - I'm thinking hard while trying to get more quotes. Edmunds TMV is $36,898. Any opinions?

    Options include Navigation(NV), Laser Cruise(CL), Vehicle Stability Control(VD) and carpets(CF).

    Max
  • jcu1963jcu1963 Member Posts: 22
    There are a number of queries in this forum regarding dynamic cruise control and VSC. I'd suggest that you do a search on either or both terms, and you should find a wealth of information.
  • just__mejust__me Member Posts: 508
    Tops 55 miles an hour for the first 1,000 miles, but alternate the speed, 45, 50, 55, etc, don't stay at one constant speed for the first 1,000 miles. 5,000 miles first oil change (or 7,500 depending on the environment) but I change mine the first 1,000 miles, I'm old fashioned, and than every 3,000 miles.
  • ronnronn Member Posts: 398
    Hey just me...after 1000 can you go any speed? Hope so, I went 75 this weekend. I have 1085 miles.
  • holysmokeholysmoke Member Posts: 3
    Some folks are shelling out $40K for this car. For that kind of cash I would expect a 4 yr. warranty.
  • fndlyfmrflyrfndlyfmrflyr Member Posts: 668
    The Falken 512 tires (CR #1) on my Avalon, compared to the OE tires, are noisy, have a harsh low speed ride, and don't turn in as well. Highway ride is fine, they are good in the rain, and ultimate cornering grip is okay too. Cost was low, but not worth the savings.
  • mikes.mikes. Member Posts: 337
    " I posted this question before but I didn't receive any info from you folks. Maybe because of the weekend. I would appreciate help from anyone about this offer. Is it good or not so good. Here is the post: "

    Cherie1, please read post 3216 in which I answered your question on 03/20/05, which happened to be my birthday. We didn't ignore you.

    MikeS.
  • mikes.mikes. Member Posts: 337
    I don't know about LA pricing but DC area is still pretty close to MSRP, maybe 1k under.

    MikeS.
  • just__mejust__me Member Posts: 508
    Yes as fast as you want, just don't get caught. :)
  • lon1lon1 Member Posts: 1
    Recently looked at 2005 LTD.Own a 2000 Avalon XLS. What I found to be disappointing is that the passenger seat is not six way as in my Avalon, but only four way, preventing the seat from going up and down. The other thing that I found which was rather cheapish as well, was moving the Home Link buttons from the visor to the rear view mirror. Most people have already mentioned the trunk space reduction. Maybe they should have left the rear seats fixed, and given us the same trunk space in the 05. The engine is a little more noiser on acceleration than my 2000. Maybe it has to do with the dual exhaust ? The cheap plastic lid hiding the radio doesn't make any sense either, and it looks like it interferes with putting in a CD. The glove compartment door might be lower to the floor than the one in my car, because it to hit my knees when I opened it? Also when my 2000 came out, I got over $3000 off MSRP, and with taking a trade of an old car, and the dealer delivered the car with the color and interior I wanted within a few days. That certainly isn't the case here in my state of New Jersey today!
  • deaniedeanie Member Posts: 172
    Hi:
    I recently spoke with 1(800) go-toyota and they told me there are currently no plans yo offer VSC on XL or Touring until a complete model redesign. Maybe their response was just a corporate ploy to get us to buy their pricier models. If so, that is very lame.

    I hope you're right about the Touring w/VSC because I prefer the Touring over all other models, but won't buy a car without VSC. Keep us posted.
    Regards,
    Deannie
  • jordan7jordan7 Member Posts: 77
    that is not a bad price. notwithstanding what Macabee has stated on this site, in the Washington, DC, Md. and Va area the United Buying Service price is $600 above invoice with NO dealer preparation charge for any Avalon. try to find that service in your area or call them in the DC area and ask if they are in your area.
  • jordan7jordan7 Member Posts: 77
    i have been told by my Toyota service and the 800 Toyota number that any speed is OK from the get-go just vary the speed every 30 minutes or so. i would not use cruise control since that is constant. no fast starts or hard breaking if you can help it.
  • hawk1eyehawk1eye Member Posts: 61
    Maclabee, perhaps I missed your response. Were you able to confirm the new model introduction date? Thanks for your help. I hope you are feeling well. Hawkeye
  • ronnronn Member Posts: 398
    Several have commented on the cover over the radio. On a positve note, I find it to be nice looking and clean, and it helps to keep dust out of the controls and CD housing. I hope others find it to be nice. I do keep the door open at night. Easy to see controls lighted, and I have switched out 6 disc. without any problem with the door as it is not in the way.
  • ronnronn Member Posts: 398
    Hey JUST ME...thanks for the advice. I sure don't want a ticket!!
    I find the Avalon an awesome ride at 75mph !!!
    I did enjoy. Have a great day.
    RONN
  • ronnronn Member Posts: 398
    I don't understand why they would come out with another model so soon? Can anyone explain? Has anyone heard if any change much would be made? I'm sure it's to early to tell.
  • grozagroza Member Posts: 89
    "Can one of you guys provide the approximate dimensions in inches (h x w x d) of the trunk?"

    42x42x14. Standard 43" driver in bag fits fine. Golf club, not midget.
  • just__mejust__me Member Posts: 508
    Ronn like you, I love the little doors, I find them neat and also a way to keep dust off the radio etc. It's neat and feels good to the touch. They work immediately when I touch them or close them and are definitely not in my way, neither is the coffee holder door. Jordan, I have about 700 miles on my car now and I haven't gone over 55 miles yet and of course no cruise control until I hit the 1000 mile marker even though the 800 number said okay. As I said I'm old fashioned and always take my sweet time during the break in period. I wish I could take a picture and show these black bumper guards I put on my bumpers, they are neat and add a nice touch besides preventing scratches. I'm staying further behind cars and trucks trying to keep those little pebbles from hitting my front and chipping the paint as they always do. But I will have to face it when it happens. Have a good day my friends.
  • analyticangelanalyticangel Member Posts: 83
    He just me........ I am looking for some "old fashioned" advice
    Firstly, what is the reason that you should not go over 55 during the break in period ....what is the theory/rationale behind it
    Secondly, I am interested in learning more about the bumper guards ie where did you get them and who did the installation.........I agree would love to see a pic :) Thanks
  • dalcollidalcolli Member Posts: 23
    Actually, cherie1, I remember seeing several responses to your earlier post. There was a lot of activity over the weekend so maybe they just got lost - you'll find most of them if you do a search on your username. imho, I think that is a very good price.
  • just__mejust__me Member Posts: 508
    I have a meeting to go to, I will reply when I get back. Thanks.
  • prime timeprime time Member Posts: 40
    just me - why don't you put on one of the clear masks on the front of your car to prevent the chips? 3M product and costs maybe $125 to install. I would put it on the backs of the rear view mirrors also. Where did you get the bumper guards? Sounds like you love the car.
  • kirkendollkirkendoll Member Posts: 21
    Purchased my Ltd. Blizzard white w/ VSC,spoiler,remote start CF from Midwest Toyota in Hutchinson, KS. Ask for Damon Preston. $500 over invoice.
  • kirkendollkirkendoll Member Posts: 21
    Talked with Toyota Corp. office this morning. Found out that the 06 avalon will be available in 08/05. No difference in the car but may be in price per Toyota.
  • iflyx5iflyx5 Member Posts: 14
    The invoice was $31,156, plus spoiler and mudguards, I paid $32425.00.
  • havalongavalonhavalongavalon Member Posts: 460
    "Can one of you guys provide the approximate dimensions in inches (h x w x d) of the trunk?"
     
    "42x42x14. Standard 43" driver in bag fits fine." -- groza.

    groza's dimensions describe the largest single box that could pass through the trunk opening and fit inside the trunk. This box would measure 42" x 39" x 14", but a lot more room would remain for other items on either side and above such a box. I measured:

    h = 20" for rear half of trunk, effectvely down to 17" under center speaker (JBL) and tapering down toward pass-through.

    w = 62" behind wheels, tapering down to 39" between wheels.

    d = 42"

    havalong
  • jl618jl618 Member Posts: 64
    After reading the many posts here discussing what is or isn't a luxury vehicle, here is Edmunds.com definition:

    "1. Certain nameplates are classified as "luxury nameplates," which means that all of the vehicles bearing that nameplate are classified by Edmunds.com as "luxury vehicles." This is a somewhat subject determination and is made by reviewing the brand's history, the promised level of dealer service, the available convenience and safety equipment offered, and the price range of its models. Generally, luxury brands are promoted as conducive to pleasure and comfort throughout the ownership experience."

    It then lists the usual suspects, Acura, Audi, Rolls, etc.

    "2. A model that bears a nameplate that is not otherwise classified as a luxury nameplate may be classified as a "luxury vehicle" typically based on the model's price. An example is Volkswagen's Phaeton."

    One could easily make a good case to Edmunds.com that the Avalon has reached all of their requirements as a luxury vehicle, except the PRICE.
  • star51star51 Member Posts: 17
    For Just Me:

    If the bumper guard seller's website has a picture of the bumper guards, could you post the link to the site?
  • motownusamotownusa Member Posts: 836
    did you ask them about VSC and trac being available for the XL and Touring models ?
  • jnazarajnazara Member Posts: 10
    are any of the features on the drivers armrest illuminated,backlit at night? on the stearing wheel are any of those controls backlit? the gear selection on the console illuminated at night?
  • burlburl Member Posts: 40
    Truth is.... as hard as it is to wrap our minds around the conception.....these "rules" applied to the older technology and machine tollarences that were avaiable at the time. Little metal shavings WERE expecded to be produced in the early use of any internal combustion engine ( farm equipment, boat motors lawn mowers, auto engines) etc. Thus the recommended 1000 mile oil change. It was very very common to have to rebuild an automible engine at 60,000-100,000 miles for high oil consumption and even high volumes of smoke out the tail pipe due to piston walls and oil rings being scratched or worn.
    MANY MANY service managers if you know them well enough WILL tell you that TODAY you can drive any speed you want during THE "BREAK IN"period and you won't hurt the engine as long as you have the correct amount of oil in it.

    Yes I know it sounds like the raving of a lunatic
    but it is true.
    I can't stand to do it this way either as I come from the old school where it was drilled into our heads that it is as great a sin as not changing oil because it broke down from heat and would cause an engine failure.
    Today there are long haul trucks THAT never change their oil.......It does not break down from heat, the problem comes from accumulation of metal fragments and etc.
    BUT......... they have very expensive Filtering systems that remove the containments and they add
    oil as needed to keep the Oil level correct.
    WOW... how times do change!!!!!!

    One more shock before I have to dodge the BULLETS from these statements.
    You can set the cruse control and forget it during the first 1,000 miles. This statement is based on old technology. It was done to keep the rings and pistons from not breaking in correctly and leading to early problems from not being evenly polished or "taking a seat" as they called it.
    These General statements are still being made today as it is hard to have "FAITH" in a service department that would make such statements on your New Baby. It is just a whole lot simpler to not try to explain why and what the suitation is today.

    Now....You can tell me that I am crazy and an idiot and you will go on doing it the "old way...Me too... Just can't do it" and the old way will not hurt the car and make you feel like you have done your part to protect your investment.

    You asked for an answer and this is it.
  • ronharvronharv Member Posts: 51
    You wrote: "any speed is OK from the get-go just vary the speed every 30 minutes or so."

    Absolutely right. And this has been the case with cars for years now because engine technology has advanced well beyond what it was a few decades ago. And for those who still worry about violating dated break-in rules, check your tachometer when you're driving at 70 mph. With overdrive you'll still be under 3000 rpm. And to the poster who changes the oil after the first 1000 miles: Why are you doing that? Surely you're not older than my 490 dog years.
    And to Burl: Re older technology, in 1957 I bought a '55 Chevy with 28,000 miles on it. (It didn't have a heater or an oil filter.) It needed the engine rebuilt at 36,000 miles. Luckily I had purchased a warranty on the power train, but still had to argue with the company which, I swear, claimed that burning a quart of oil every 400 miles was normal.
  • burlburl Member Posts: 40
    I tried to get this changed but could not get it done: Should have read......Rings, pistons and BEARINGS not taking a "seat" during the breabreak in peroid by setting cruse control
  • grozagroza Member Posts: 89
    Can someone please describe how to remove the silver plastic engine cover? I have pried on it all I dare, without discovering where the hold down clips/fasteners are. I have to see the full resplendency of this motor close up.

    groza
  • williamtwilliamt Member Posts: 39
    "Truth is.... as hard as it is to wrap our minds around the conception.....these "rules" applied to the older technology and machine tollarences that were avaiable at the time. "

    I marvel at the tolerance modern automotive engines have for abuse. But just about the only conditions they do still suggest are to avoid continuous single-speed operation and full-throttle acceleration, at least for a little while. I don't know why continuous operation at one speed would harm break-in, but I trust the manufacturers on that--their engines last so much longer than they used to.

    For the older crowd, here is a recollection--my parents bought a new 1949 Plymouth. What agony--according to the book, for the first 2000 miles we could not exceed 35 mph without damaging bearings, rings, pistons. But we did it, and sure enough the car did not start drinking oil until well over 60,000 miles. Those were the days!
  • petlpetl Member Posts: 610
    I find it difficult to believe that people will spend $30,000 or more on a vehicle and not follow the recommended break-in period suggested in the owners manual. I guess Toyota prints this stuff just for the heck of it. I'll trust what is written in their manual before what the salesperson or others say. The bottom line is... it's your car and it's your money. Individuals can do as they wish. I prefer to error on the side of caution.
  • grozagroza Member Posts: 89
    petl - Err on the side of caution. That's the Canadian way, ehhh?

    Now, what does the owners manual say about taking the plastic engine cover off? Or should I be afraid of doing it if Toyota doesn't say anything about it?

    Groza
  • kirkendollkirkendoll Member Posts: 21
    From the information I gathered this morning from the cop. office. no difference in cars or models except stamping from 05 to 06. no other changes are being made at this time.
  • kirkendollkirkendoll Member Posts: 21
    Good News!!! Just talked to a dealer today in the Gulf States, he states that color key mud flaps will be available soon, just got an O.K. from Toyo. corp. office.
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    I'm with you on this one. Back in the days when I was still selling cars on the floor, I would sit down with every customer and go over the owner's manuals paying particular attention to the scheduled maintenance section, the keys and key code, anti-lock brakes, AND breaking period. Every single customer got this whether it was their Toyota or the fifth one they were buying from me. No exceptions. It still baffles the daylights out of me of the number of trades and lease turn ins we get with the owner's manuals intact. Many a service visit can be avoided by looking it up in the owner's manuals first.
    : )
    Mackbee
  • just__mejust__me Member Posts: 508
    Yes I LOVE, LOVE MY CAR. I installed them myself. You just have to be careful when taking off the red backing covering the adhesive. I got under the red adhesive with a razor blade, and once it starts peeling it comes off so easily.The bumper guards have a nice shine to them, the picture doesn't do it any justice, they are beautiful on the car. On the rear I put them maybe 4 to 5 inches around the side like the picture and at the point at the top of the bumper where the bumper sticks out the furthest. In the front I put one up against the bottom of the chrome molding and the other one below that at the bottom of the bumper lined up exactly as the first one just above the dam. For those of you who need a license up front you can't do it. It's a very strong adhesive and looks like it will stay on for many years. I bought them from this link below, they were for the same ones anywhere from 3 to 10 dollars cheaper for the same ones. Their shipping was also less. They deliverd as promised. I also bought the car mats from them and am very pleased. Excellent quality for the price and nice size. The ones I bought are called "Ultra Carpeted Mats". You can go into Googgle, click on Bumper guard protectors and you will see some other companies that sell them, but the link below had the most inexpesive ones for the same product and my experience with the company was excellent. Prime Time, as far as the clear masks, I read about it and it cost much more to have it done professionaly and I don't want to see the line where it ends.
    The ones I purchased are called "Sport Bumper Guard Set".. Here is the link.
    http://store.perfectcar.net/exterior-accessories--bumper-guards.html
    Hope I helped. Good Luck.
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    my last post should read: "whether it was their first Toyota or the fifth one"
    Mackabee
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