2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

analyticangel

Hi Just Me!
I wanted to thank you for all your great posts and willingness to share the info I have the link for bumper guards and hopefully within a month my car will be in!
Trying not to worry too much about the 06 coming in so soon and the prices I do agree with others life is short I was able to get a few thousand off the MSRP but am not sure what that is compared to invoice

mackabee

I wouldn't say so. The car is in extremely high demand right now with the big summer selling months still to come. Another thing to consider is that the Avalon is built in Kentucky right where the bread and butter Camry is built. Toyota will not jeopardize the number #1 selling car crown to accomodate a few more Avalon sales.
: )
Mackabee

wesg

I appreciate your expertise and the information you have posted here. Just curious...What is your answer to the guy who walks in today and says he wants...a 2005 Avalon Limited, Silver Pine Mica, Light Grey interior, and Vehicle stability control....agrees to the price and sez.."OK, I'll buy it" with a contigency that it be delivered in 90 days. What would be your answer and best guess on delivery date? Thank you, sir....Wes

jackeve

We have had our LTD for one week now and we have found zero defects. The car is a joy to drive,can't imagine anyone wouldn't like it. We are having the most trouble learning to use the navigation system, it will just take some time to get familiar with all of the gagets.All FUN!

pmcb48

Mackabee can answer this better based on his years of experience, but if the 2006 is the same car plus $500 or so more expensive, why would the dealers be motivated to drop the price to invoice? Seems the extra people trying to avoid the price increase would keep demand high. If it was the same situation as 04/05 (new model replacing old model), or even "refreshed" model replacing older model, I think you'd have stronger argument. I think it remains to be seen what has happened to who, early people avoiding price increase, later people getting pre-06 bargain price, or later people getting the same car for a $500 price increase. I'm hoping it's the first option. :-)

mackabee

Yeah, some of the leftover 04's are going for invoice or below with a $1250 rebate on them right now. In my region anyway, I would assume it's the same way nationwide.
: )\
Mackbee

analyticangel

OK...When would you expect then that the 2005's would be sold in a similar fashion (ie this time next year) or as soon as the 2006 model is out late summer?

mackabee

That wouldn't be a problem. I would preference a vehicle with the requested options if I didn't have one on my incoming allocation OR do an allocation swap with another dealer to get the vehicle as long as I had a Limited on allocation to swap. Delivery time would be around 45 days or less. The only problem would be the light gray interior as it is no longer being offered in my region. The Silver pine will look a lot better with the Ivory IMHO.
: )
Mackabee

mackabee

See post #3396.
: )
Mackabee

ejmann

My dealer has been trying to find an XLS in Blizzard Pearl for over a week and now says they had to order it built. Likely, it will take 30-45 plus days to get it made. Must be very popular. Also added vsc and the remote start. Also getting the heated seats with the vsc. Paid about $750 over invoice, because Avalons are selling before they get delivered. The show room model has been sold for weeks...the buyer is in Fla on vacation.

jscott2

Clipper1 -- Do you mean that if one were to wait till July, he/she could expect to get the '05 for invoice? Or do you mean he/she could expect to get the '06 for invoice? Please explain.

havalongavalon

OK. Since you insist. Here are ALL the defects I found in our XLS in the first 23 days of ownership:

1. Tires were overinflated upon delivery. I fixed that.

2. First time it rained, the driver's side wiper missed a 3" wide area down the middle. Took it to dealer. A salesman found that the blade was improperly inserted and he fixed it right in the parking lot.

3. Next time it rained, my wife noticed that the passenger's side wiper was not cleaning as well as the driver's side. I took a paper towel, wiped the blade clean, and this fixed it.

This is it, so far.

I think that all three "defects" may have been caused by my eagerness to take delivery ASAP after the car arrived. At the dealer's they had not yet taken the course on the new Avalon and they would have kept this first car a little longer, I think. They did a good job of cleaning it, but they goofed on adjusting tire pressures and may not have fully tested the windshield wiper action.

Havalong.

just__me

Absolutely no defects as yet, I would tell you if I found one. It's just one great car.

just__me

Your so right, elegant is the word. I was staring at it today from the rear side to the front from the store I just left, I looked and looked and saw the elegance you speak of and can't understand those people who called it ugly, when some other well known names aren't as nice, but I won't call names, everyone has his own perspective. Whats amazing Marcom, is how some people nit pick, and some bring up the same thing over and over again. Anyway, thanks, you are so right, all this stuff you point out to panic people, "Instant dings because of no side moldings" etc., when some of the new more expensive model autos for one don't have them either. It's a look. Oh well, such is life, you can't please everyone. Car and Driver has a very nice write up in the April issue, I saw it today. Motor Trend Aprils piece is ecstatic over the car, the word elegant can be weaned from their article as well.

just__me

Thank you so much.

deanie

There are financial arguments for buying now ('05) vs. later ('06), to be weighed against owning now (the pleasure, joy, fun) vs. driving and risking paying for repairs on your old car (or getting into an accident in an older less safe car). Unless your old car is going to break down or need a costly repair right away, the depreciation on an older car is negligible. And hopefully none of us will get into an accident anytime soon. No price can be put on the fun, pleasure and enjoyment derived from a new car (that's a factor that varies for us all).

Reading this forum, it is obvious many are still willing to pay thousands over invoice for an 05. But that 05 is not the bargain some might argue it to be. By waiting for an 06, you might be paying $500-600 (higher MSRP and subsequently higher invoice price), but dealer inventories will have significantly increased and outpaced demand by then, decreasing selling prices to $500 over invoice +/- a few hundred bucks (depending on your negotiating skill/timing of your purchase, etc.). As such, you'll likely pay $1000 or $2000 less for your 06 than for an 05.

That having been said, I find it hard to argue for an 05 based solely on a financial basis. Remember Econ 101? Law of supply and demand ultimately dictates pricing, and unless Toyota plans on artificially limiting supply (not gonna happen) supply will soon outstrip demand and prices will drop accordingly.

So, in a perfect world, I recommend waiting. Buy your 06 Avalon for less than an 05, rest assured that the 06 may be marginally better screwed together than an 05 and benefit from any minor production changes, modifications, etc that the 06 may have over an 05 (Toyota may or may not admit to making such changes). But, If you just gotta have it yesterday, or your circumstances require a new car now and you feel the urge to seize the day (carpe diem), and live for the moment, do so knowing that you'll be driving a great car. I'll probably be a few months behind you seizing the day in August or September.
Regards,
Deannie

mackabee

See post #3396.
: )
Mackabee

clipper1

Well rebutted -- I just think I would have waited 4 more mos -- If ONLY I knew the '06 would be available that early.

I know I will enjoy my car -- but, there will always be that lingering doubt of money waisted.

deanie

I read your post (3396) - very sound reasoning, and may end up being the case. But, right now the high prices on Avalons seem to be motivated as much by being on the slow end of typical production ramp up as they are because of the inherent excellence of the car.

Summer is still several months away, and I think (hope) Toyota will have substantially increased production by then. After all, Toyota plans on selling 85,000 of them this year.

I truly hope I'm right and you're wrong, not because of childish pride, but because if you're right and demand outstrips production into the summer, then I'll have to pay a far higher dealer profit than I ever have before :{

Regards,
Deannie

ronn

barclay3.....This is Ronn, and I have had my Avalon for a month and half, and not had any problems.

just__me

"Buy your 06 Avalon for less than an 05, rest assured that the 06 may be marginally better screwed together" How can you make such a statement especially regarding a quality car manufacturer. Sometimes the opposite happens, but rarely with Toyota's quality control. I've experienced buying 4 Avalons from Toyota, and one thing I learned is they don't load up the dealers like GM and Ford. They control the market for their cars, even their Golden Camry. One of the reasons they don't have to offer all the incentives the others do. Just like now, a new car and the dealers aren't loaded to the hilt. Toyota marketing people aren't kids or foolish. They know what they are doing and they aren't going to introduce a 2006 and give it away, they will wait till the 05's are mostly gone. Deanie, I think everyone appreciates your opinion, but let them make the decision whether they want to buy now or later, same as you, I wouldn't advise you one way or the other nor anyone else. Yes I remember my economics 101, and Toyota does a great job controlling supply to demand. Read todays Wall Street Journal and you can see Toyota gives up profit for long term gains opposite the American corporate culture trying to satisfy the shareholders. Another reason why the Avalon with all it's added amenities and powerful engine only increased a couple of hundred bucks. We can rationalize all we want, but truth is we don't know what goes on in the board room at the highest corporate level. If you take a look at how little TV advertising is being done on the 05 that ought to tell you the car is selling without them having to spend millions as Ford 500 to push the sales. I believe you mean well but again for what ever your reason decided to tell people to wait, last time you said it was because you are a little jealous seeing others buy the car. Your Post #3098 "I apologize for the harshness. Perhaps I'm jealous of those willing to get their Avalons now while I resign myself to wait". I hope Pat understands I'm not criticizing but responding with all humility.

tasso

First 1500 miles and no problems. On really cold days there is a plastic rub on the passenger dash, goes away quickly with some interior heat - that is all my problems. And that came standard on all my previous gm cars/trucks.

My local dealer has pre-sold all there black limiteds in allocation for months. Tourings not selling as well. I am soooo happy I bought my black limited with ivory interior sight unseen, otherwise I would be waiting for months for this amazing car. I LOVE IT.

Waiting - I always said everything gets cheaper the longer you wait. Just enjoy yourself, do as you chose, to each his/her own..... I have gained for than $1000 of pleasure in these 5 weeks. One could argue if you wait a couple months (4-6) after the fall release of the 2006, a 2005 will show up used for a good deal.

Love it, but it is only a car, and they all seem to depreciate, at least the ones I buy

jmarlin

Sooner or later we all get screwed! Perhaps some of us were in a position waiting wasn't an option. In my case my lease was up. It just so happened the Avalon met my needs. Timing is never perfect.

pmcb48

"there will always be that lingering doubt of money wasted."

I certainly hope not. What if the 06 Avalons came out in a more-expected October 2005? Would you have waited 4 months, but not only 2 more months to possibly save some money? Why not second-guess yourself on the whole deal while you're at it? Could you have negotiated a better price? Did you buy an extended warranty? How good a deal did you get on that? How much did you get for your trade in? Could you or should you have made more selling it yourself? (this is just a hypothetical). The point is, at some point you have to say you did the best you could at the time with the information on hand, live and learn, and move on. Lingering doubts will do nothing but drive you crazy. It that's the kind of driving you would put up with, you wouldn't have bought an Avalon to start with. :-)

fls3rd

Just leased 05 Avalon XLS on 3/23.Traded in an 01 Highlander and still had 16 months to go on a lease.
Due to resale value of Toyotas was almost able to get payoff on trade with 16 months left. Try doing that with other types of vehicles than a Toyota or Honda and see how much negative equity you have to carry over.I have numerous Toyotas including a 95
Avalon XLS and the 01 Highlander I just traded. I have been extremely satisfied with each and every one.So read all these posts and opinions with a grain of salt.BUY WHAT YOU LIKE!! A good deal is a state of mind. With Toyotas,I always feel like I got a "good deal".

jmarlin

Well said!

fls3rd

I agree.VERY WELL SAID. Buy the car you like,enjoy driving it and don't worry yourself to death if you
could have or should have saved a little bit of money.

just__me

I have to say the following after just watching TV and seeing what happened to Terry Schiavo, a once thriving and happy person who was full of life like the rest of us. Some years ago I wrote an essay on Happiness and how I see it and I share it with you who I consider my friends in this forum. I hope it helps you make a decision that it's okay to do whatever you want without you burdening yourself with guilt, did you make the right choice, did you pay to much, to little, and that each moment is precious. Take that moment and embrace it and don't second guess yourself and look back. We all work hard every day and bringing a little joy in our life through the fruits of our labor shouldn't be denied while we have the presence of mind to make a decision. I share this with you to try and put the proper perspective on any decision you make, and that once you do enjoy it whatever it is. $1,000 dollars over 5 years is $200 a year, certainly we are all worth that. A dinner in NY and a show and parking with a wife or girl friend would cost you as much in one evening and after it's over you just have the memory. With a car you love you will enjoy it each day. Focus on that, not could I have gotten a better deal some place else et cetera, et cetera.
"HAPPINESS"
"The striving to achieve a desired goal may in itself not bring us happiness. The struggling towards its attainment may be less rewarding in its own end that is after reaching the desired result; one may experience a let down. Looking forward once again to some new adventure, always searching for happiness in the future and finding it elusive, rather then enjoying the experience of living each day marveling at our creation and the life sustaining oxygen that re-energize us.

It’s true “that it’s better to attempt and fail then never to have tried at all”. So action rather then inaction brings fulfillment to the soul. It might be that a state of happiness can be possible when we are aware of our own presence combined with the security of our independence, individuality and our own uniqueness. Wishing all others well, coveting no other persons possessions, following the dictates of our own thoughts, uncompelled by outside forces, with self applause, rather then external. Receiving and giving love to a special person in our life, someone we can share our innermost thoughts, joys, and fears with, might give us the inner peace and calm that could be some of the required ingredients for a daily sustained life of happiness regardless of the normal ups and downs we all experience. Humbleness, humility, moderation, and pacing ourselves will give us a better chance at happiness, then a vaunted ego roaming the world looking for applause and acceptance from others. The Pursuit of happiness in and of itself I believe is unattainable. If the accumulation of money is desired to impress and give social status and acceptance rather then financial security and some philanthropy, then the happiness we think it will bring us will only evaporate moving us forward to continue to accumulate, pleading for acceptance that never arrives in truth, only in the trapping of others sharing and looking for the emptiness of invisible and intangible happiness that is only there for the modest souls who understand more of the philosophy of the trials and tribulations of life. The journey of this quest ends when we realize that Happiness is an attitude and is WITHIN OUR OWN SELF WORTH".

Make your decision on buying the new Avalon one way or the other, just know whatever it is, is right for you, and no one should ever judge you. Time is not on our side, it moves swiftly and we never know what tomorrow brings. I respect each and every one of you whatever your choice is. Whether you buy an Avalon or not, A Beamer or not, an Acura or not. When all is said and done as much as I love my Avalon, in the end it's quality transportation and for me worth the price and comfort. I hope each and every one of you realize your dreams and bring a little satisfaction and happiness into your life whatever you decide. Forgive me for being to wordy and a little off topic. Of course what I said is mostly for those that are fearful of making a decision one way or the other. It's okay, go with your intuition. It usually serves us well.

douglas1

I had to have the passenger side review view mirror replaced because it wouldn't hold the preset positions when changing from memory 1 to memory 2.

Dealer ordered new mirror, arrived in 2 days, installed in 1 hour and everything is fine now. pretty minor stuff if you ask me.

Still love the car, gets better every day.

analyticangel

What is invoice on an XLS with those options

groza

In previous posts 3268 & 3290 I described ride quality of our XLS with Bridgestone Turanza EL400's as harsh. Our dealer, Earl Stewart Toyota of North Palm Beach, swapped out the Turanza's with a set of Michelin MXV4 Energy S8's from an inventoried car.

In the ride home from the dealer, ride quality was just as harsh as with Bridgestone's (aaarrrggghhh). Checked tire pressures, which were almost 40 psi - hot. Waited until the tires cooled overnight, rechecked, and pressures were 36 psi - cold. Bled off pressures to 32 psi - voila! Silky smooth ride just like we like it. What a ride. What a car.

Michelin's seem to be marginally quieter also, but this is subjective.

For some, the Turanza ride (they were also set at 32 psi, per spec) may be preferred. Like the touring model.

Groza

abfisch

JLL1:

Thank you for that response. I have been laying low, giving my input, since this forum and the new model year, have turned it into a frenzy. To some, gold packages, colors, and other electronic options have superseded, the construct of the vehicle, its change, both good and bad in direction, and its comparison to other vehicles in same price range and size range. The site will probably again change once the 2006/2007 come out and it is not the new kid on the block anymore. Then we all can appreciate better its good points and bad, all cars have them.

It amazes me how many of these buyers are facinated with personal preferences rather than direct objective comparisons, etc. I am sure the maintenance thread will be more robust as time goes on and people that actually work on their vehicles can gived input as well as those that have the experience of using the 2005 model now, can comment on good and bad.

There are those that feel much like you, and I am sure the HOST we do there job in giving us more topics to access for this model.

abfisch

mikes.

"Everyone...Have you found any defects in your new Avalon? If you have, what are they and will they be fixed. Can you reply too if you found absolutely nothing wrong. Thanks :-) "

None.

MikeS.

bushka

Please remind my dealer about how Toyota and Lexus vehicles are supposed to have incredible resale value, and are known for low depreciation. I have a 1998 Lexus ES300 in close to perfect condition, with excellent maintenence, no accidents, etc. Just over 100,000 miles. Paid $35,000 when I bought it new. Today, in trade on an Avalon, I was offered $7,000. That's only 20% of what I paid for it. Just a few months ago, I spent nearly $2,000 in major maintenence work, and a brake job at this same Toyota dealership. If losing 80% of my money represents Toyota/Lexus idea of low depreciation ... what in the world is HIGH depreciation?

Does this mean a new $35,000 Avalon will be worth only $7,000 in 7 years? Answer - Probably yes. We get so infatuated with new cars that we sometimes forget that they ALL depreciate rather quickly. Yes ... even Toyota and Lexus. Please excuse my venting here, but I'm a little bummed out at the moment. Bushka

just__me

Kelly Blue Book Trade in price is $7,650. I'm sure if you tell your dealer $8,000 he will give it to you, since the retail value is $12,375 according to Kelly and the Private party is $9,975. So now you have something to discuss with him. If you tell your dealer if he gives you $9,000 and you will buy the new one, maybe he will budge when he sees you did your homework, and he realizes he can sell the used one lets say for around $11,500 after he services the car. Use that as part of your negotiating the price. Kelly prices are based on EXCELLENT CONDITION, NO DINGS ETC. What you paid for major maintenance has no affect on car pricing.

just__me

One other thing. An average of 12 thousand miles a year is 84,000miles in seven years. So your 14,000 miles plus a year does have a negative affect on the pricing. Each day the book the dealers use based on auctions etc., the price goes down. If you compared another make in the same class you would see the price even less than the Lexus. So overall the Lexus and Toyota products do depreciate at a lower rate. Good Luck.

norskey

In the new Consumer Reports reliability scores for 2004 models, how do you think the '04 Avalon rates for reliability compared to the Chevrolet Impala, Lexus ES330, Nissan Maxima, Chrysler Concorde and Lincoln Town Car? (Just a sampling of larger 4 door sedans) Granted these are last years models, but these are the newest on CR's chart. Surprise! Chevy's Impala had the fewest trouble reports, a virtually perfect scorecard. The Avalon, Chrysler Concorde and Lincoln Town Car were close behind, each with only one minor debit. Next was the Lexus ES330, followed by the Nissan Maxima. The Toyota Camry tied the Impala, both with perfect CR reliability scores. Many car shoppers regard American cars as unreliable, but the CR reliability report shows many American cars do just as well as the best of the Japanese brands. The Consumer Reports annual auto issue is on the news stands now. Interesting reading. I look forward to a CR report on the '05 Avalon. Most of the reports in other magazines I've read are quite favorable, though not exactly overwhelming in their praise. I don't think most car reviewers regard the Avalon as an enthusiasts' car, although that's debatable. Many who have posted on this forum are obviously enthusiastic! One criticism I've often heard about Japanese cars in general is that they have excellent technology but no soul or personality. I can think of a few exceptions to that criticism. I think of the new Avalon as impressive, but not quite exciting. Still, impressive and reliable works for me, so I'll consider buying one when the dealers start dealing. Norskey

badgerfan

Interior quality problems?
http://www.freep.com/money/autoreviews/phelan24e_20050324.htm

mackabee

Consider the source on this one. This is the same guy that did a review on the Scion tC and had all his facts wrong. I e-mailed him with the correct information and he never replied.
: (
Mackabee

just__me

Besides look what he is complaining about and making a big issue over something correctable. My little doors close and open like a charm. Yet he goes on to praise the car, the smooth engine etc., but in one car a couple of things need fixing and he paints with a broad stroke every Avalon the same way. He's completely off the wall and it's his interpretation about the light thing being the cheapest he has seen while he praised the rest of the interior. As far as the wood simulated trim matching the doors, if you bend a little you see they are together but the break between the two as they wrap around gives you a false impression, and maybe Detroit got on his case. I guess he had to complain about something. Maybe the part didn't fall off at all, maybe he unscrewed it while playing with it.

teereeves

Hyundai has just announced its Avalon competitor at the New York Auto Show, its 2006 Azera. It will be available this Fall. It is expected to be priced between $25000 and $30000. Some features that it has that the Avalon does not are Power folding side mirrors, Power tilt-telescoping steering wheel, Power adjustable pedals, Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control standard, Heat Reflective Glass, and others.

Tee

boatsman

I wrote about these several days back and have seen no other comments about them. 1. When starting cold in the morning my engine revs up to around 1800 rpm and stays between 1500 and 1800 for several minutes until the engine warms up. I don't even want to shift into reverse to get out of the garage at that speed. 2. The car always feels like it's dragging down as in a lower gear rather than coasting as in neutral when I take my foot off the gas driving down the road. Yes it is in the "D" position and the parking brake isn't on. Has anyone else noticed these things? I will have the dealer check them out but I'm waiting for my first oil change to take it in as I'm an hour away. Other than these things love the car. I also love the silver doors over the radio etc. One of the reasons I think the interior is so sharp.

analyticangel

HI
Has anyone tinted the windows on the new avalon? I am interested in how it looked and whether you went with dealer vs outside company
Here in Florida it gets so hot All advice is welcomed Thanks

1violinist

1) That's normal to warm up the engine. My 01 Camry does that. You don't have to wait several minutes idling; if you tap the gas pedal the RPM will go down just below 1k.

2) That should only happen when you take your foot off the gas AND touch the brake (engine braking).

just__me

I had my 04 tinted from an outside company and they did a wonderful job. The dealer farms them out or has some one come to him to do it. I will do my 05 shortly, and yes it looks great and definitely saves on the cooking inside, I can sit on the seat in shorts after its been out in the sun and no problem.

just__me

"The car always feels like it's dragging down as in a lower gear rather than coasting as in neutral when I take my foot off the gas driving down the road. Yes it is in the "D" position and the parking brake isn't on. Has anyone else noticed these things?" I notice the opposite, it rides freely and feels wonderful.

just__me

I had different answers regarding my 17 inch tires on the XLS Avalon versus the 16 inch I had on my 04. Well I can tell you now after enjoying how I turn corners so smoothly, like once I start turning the wheel they just seem to know where to go all on there own, no jerkiness or oversteer, like a well honed oiled ball bearing machine, and today I finally realized after enjoying how smooth the turns are, that it is the 17 inch versus the 16 inch that does that. I don't know why, but I was told that and all I can say is it's true and wonderful.

marcom

"Just Me" ... as someone who evidently appreciates the finer points of automotive design, have you tried shutting off the blue information screen at night ... leaving only the all-white instrument cluster and diffused white console pushbuttons illuminated?

It's incredibly simple-looking and beautiful! Really a departure from the bright red or orange lighting found on many upscale cars.

(For those out there who don't know how to shut off the blue info screen, it's a small button in the right corner of the open dashboard area. It not only looks good at night, but is less of a distraction when you don't need the information.)

Enjoy!

Marcom

just__me

Enjoy...the egg hunt, maybe you'll find an Avalon.

just__me

Yes I did and showed my wife, she also enjoyed it, thanks.