2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

just__me

I have the XLS, and was also out in very windy conditions yesterday. Like RONN, my car stayed true to the road very little movement from the wind gusts and extremely quiet. I haven't driven the LMTD., but can't see how it could be any quieter than mine, (so can't see how the windshield would make it quieter than it is) mine being so quiet to begin with. When you floor the gas pedal the engine hardly purrs, and if you hear anything it is a beautiful hmmmmm almost imperceptible. Enjoy, hope I helped.

solara00

Hi jmarlin,
You might have already gone to the Homelink website, but if you haven't, I have pasted the link below. From there you can get instructions for your particular gararge door opener. They also have a toll-free number (1-800-355-3515) or an e-mail contact link:
(http://www.homelink.com/contact/contact.taf)

This is their homepage: http://www.homelink.com/home/faq.tml

I had a similar problem with our Camry Solara, but it was simply a matter of following the directions for our particular garage door opener.

Good luck on getting it working. I'm sure you will.

just__me

ski1003, My car was built in January 05 as well and I was about 1,500 more than you in the sequence with my car being delivered to my dealer to memory around the 15th of Feb. RONN is within the first thousand, he gets the door prize, well so far.

toyava03

Deanie,

Very perceptive. I can't say I "love" the car but I am very fond of it. My wife drives it daily and likes it very much even though our XL doesn't have some of the features, like the automatic air, she had on her previous car, a loaded Mercury Sable.

I believe the problem with my steering is unique to my particular Avalon. I actually disagree with Consumer Reports' only bad comment about the Avalon - that the steering is somewhat loose. I have a good feel of the road and know exactly where the car is tracking. Parking and small spaces are a cinch. I expect the new Avalons to be similar even with the longer wheelbase.

After monitoring this forum and visiting several dealers I'm impressed with the new Avalon and it is near the top of my list for our next sedan. Of course if reliability continues to be excellent and maintenance costs stay reasonable, I might keep my 03, steering pull and all, for a number of years.

I sympathize with you about lack of VSC on some 2005 models. It wasn't available on my base Avalon. But Toyota finally put it on some some base 2004 XLs - a year after I got my XL. Hope they don't wait long before making VSC available on all four new models.

Regards,
Barry

chipmunk47

I have a Blizzard White XL. Before I boought it, I test drove a Limited. There was a noticable harshness when that car shifted gears. In my car, there is no harshness in gear shifting & I don NOT hear any wind noise. The car is much quieter than my '98 Avalon was(although it wasn't noisy either). It also handles better & gets better gas milage. I use premium gas.
My dealer said to change its oil at 1000 miles & each 3000 miles thereafter. I have followed their directions for 20 years on all the Toyota I bought from them & NEVER had any mechanical problems. They also said to change the battery after 3 years. I did't listen to them with my 98 Avalon in this regard & 3 months after its 3 years "birthday", the battery died while we were on a trip- naturally I got soaked for the price & a tow.

cafpaf

As an previous owner of several black cars, I have a tip to pass along that may help. Go out to your local parts store (Auto Zone, Pep Boys, etc) and get a California Duster. It is a long handle soft cotton brush that is treated with paraffin I believe. In any case, just use it when the car is dusty. I used to do it every morning before I pulled out of the garage to go to work. It will literally take two minutes and it does a great job. Having said that, we are waiting for our Mirage Blue Avalon to arrive. About four more weeks.

ronn

THANKS cafpaf......I will get one of those dusters. With all the wind we have been having, it will come in handy. I know you are anxious to get the Mirage Blue Avalon....
Have a great day!
RONN

jms132

I picked up my 05 Limited with VSC and Laser on Friday. My first impression are a complete love for this car. Great styling, love the laser cruise, smartkey is amazing, should be standard on every car.

The only things I have noticed versus my Acura MDX (not that you can compare the two) are that the steering is a little looser, the 1st gear is not a quick to grab and the rain sensors are way too sensitive even on the lowest setting. I also can't figure out where a small rattle is coming from on the passengers side.

Anyone else encounter these issues?

Otherwise a great luxury car for under $35k. First time I have ever seen carpeted rear wheel wells (must be to reduce noise).

groza

"...how about developing a new fuel that burns clean therefor being environmentaly friendly and gives you 60 MPG. I know you have it in you, you can do it."

just me: Toyota already has this covered. Let there be no doubt that Toyota shortly will "hybridize" the Avalon's 3.5 liter V6 with an electric motor, like their Prius, and ratchet mileage up to the 40 to 50 mpg level. Toyota already has the technology developed. They'll gear up manufacturing to build it when consumers see $4 per gallon gasoline. This high mileage - super low emission configuration will cost an extra $5,000 to $10,000, and will develop 300+ hp.

So as usual, Marvin, the Japanese are in position to techologically leapfrog domestic competition, who instead are busy developing cute styling and hip hop commercials. What do you think, Mackabee, when will you be able to sell a $50k, 45 mpg Avalon?

Groza

ronn

jms132........ If you go back to earlier post, their were several people having problems with a rattle on the passenger side, and it was the seat belt hitting against the side panel. After straightening it out, it stopped the noise. Mine does it too, if it is not straight after using it. Check that out and see if it helps.It took care of the problem with mine.

RONN

y123

I'm curious as to where in Louisiana you purchased your Limited? Sounds like you got a good deal. Most dealers have a very small inventory and I feel like I'll have to shop in Houston, unless you can direct me to the dealer who sold you your Limited. Thanks

just__me

If it's not the seat belt as Ronn suggested maybe what your hearing is a low muffled sound on the right that only appears when you turn the ignition on and start to roll within a couple of seconds if you hear this muffled controlled sound for a couple of seconds, it's the Vacuum Pump for the Evaporator System and is normal.

just__me

I informed everyone about the Donlen Fleet Service and the August date for the 06 Avalon, that it only applies to the Fleet Service. I had also written Toyota to clarify this and I finally received an answer which I post here. They listed a phone number you can call, but as Pat our Host informed me we can't list names of individuals or phone numbers so I'm only posting the short answer which confirms what Donlen told me, the August date which will probably move forward for the 06 Avalon is only for the Fleet Service not for consumers via the Dealerships or Retail, and that the 06 Avalon will probably not be available till the end of Oct or possibly January because of the late start of the 05.
"You have reached Toyota Motor Sales, USA Inc. Fleet Department. I don't show you with a Fleet ID. Fleet product is ordered for a different delivery window than retail. Please contact the Toyota Customer Service Department"
TMS Corp. Fleet Department
Fleet Customer Svc Admin

avalonturing05

sorry man i was in capital mode

no screems for now on ------i do cabeesh.

lets get on with the topic before host gets us. :P

good to meet you

avalonturing05

i did not know my pipes are uneven I never saw that before

how can toyota let this go by

I quess they smoke alot stuff other then cigerettes
over there in that plant in kuntucky-------well better that! --- then something like
a no fixable wheel alienment. :sick:

jicka

What happens when both drivers approach the car? This is assuming that both drivers have "keys" on their person.

ronn

jicka.....It will respond to either person.

johni

Help. How do you get the clock to go forward one hour? The manual shows adjustments for hours & minutes below the clock that aren't there on my Limited. In the NAV menus there's an entry for daylight savings but that doesn't seem to change the clock. I guess that only affects the NAV.

mackabee

Not in a too distant future! Toyota's goal is to have every vehicle we sell available in both conventional gas engine and gas and electric. The Highlander is next this coming June, with the Camry following it shortly, then Sequoia. Avalon shouldn't be too far behind.
:shades:
Mackabee

mackabee

Same here, welcome to the board! You will definitely enjoy your stay. We have a great bunch of guys and gals and we sometimes agree to disagree and get along fine.
Mack

jms132

I pressed and held the hour button below the clock and let go once it had moved forward one hour.

loudspeaker76

Jicka
The Avalons keyless access systems are RFID just like you see at all the local grocery stores for those who prefer not to pay for goods (or those plagued with the clerk who forgot to run it across the little black pad). Anyway, the system in the Avalon will not care who approaches the car because from the systems perspective it's the signal it needs to allow a start.

BTW, whoever the Toyota engineer is that decided to make the car allow the start button to work only when the brake is applied is a genius.

-LoUdSpEaKeR

loudspeaker76

just me
CONGRATULATIONS!!! You won the 4000th Avalon Post!

Once the prize committee finally comes out of their time warp caused by DST this weekend you will be awarded with a gold plated '05 Toyota Avalon antenna! :surprise:

...Any other ideas on what just me's prize should be?

-LoUdSpEaKeR

pricecutter

Hi,

The commands are all listed in the last section of the NAV manual. You'll find that there are several quirks in the system that can drive you up the wall sometimes when you'r trying to establish a destination in a hurry. Hope this helps.

ronharv

Anyone know if it's standard procedure to be given an estimated build date and delivery date after makng a deposit on an Avalon? I can't get a response to this question from my salesman beyond a "Don't worry. Your car will be coming." Having made my deposit at the end of February, I'm not convinced that the order to the factory was even placed. I'm beginning to suspect that the dealership is simply waiting to see if they can get the right color XL allocated to them from another dealer in my So Cal area. Of course, the Toyota factory may simply be unresponsive, although when I've ordered other brands of new cars in the past I was given approximate delivery dates.

pricecutter

Use the NAV manual. There are two switches that you have to mark as "on":
daylight savings and automatic. I just did this yesterday and as soon as I turned them on, my clock automatically switched to dls. Ignore the regular manual because it provides directions for cars that don't have a navigation system.

just__me

How about a case of beer, LOL. Keep the antenna, Ha Ha! Just a little fun Pat, back to the Avalon. I got stopped on the highway by another motorist driving the LMTD in my color Desert Sand Mica.He asked me where I got the black bumper protectors. I gave him my phone number, he will call me tonight with his email and I will send him the link.He said they look beautiful. That's what I think, but it certainly made me feel good.

hutch34

On the same screen as the daylight savings time entry there is an entry for automatic adjustment. Activate this item and the clock will automatically adjust itself.

mackabee

Only if the car you want is already on their allocation, otherwise they have to preference the vehicle or swap allocation from another dealer. If they preferenced your vehicle in late February it should arrive mid-April to late-April. What options did you request?

Mackabee

donaldl

First of all, I want to tell all of you how much I enjoy this forum - - you go to the head of the class!! I'm a proud owner of a Silver Pine Limited - - took delivery on 2/16 - - 3 weeks later I got rear-ended! Needless to say, I was s-i-c-k!! Oh well, at least no one was hurt. Car gets fixed next week - - about $2000 damage. Had a 1998 and 2000 Avalon - - both were great cars - - but this one is truly one of the best cars I have ever owned. My only problem - - I seem to have alot of wind noise when driving around 50 mph + - - never noticed that in my other Avalons. Several of you have commented otherwise. Any suggestions? My dealer is repairing my car, so I plan to bring it up to them at that time. I did talk to my salesman and he thought it could be the moon roof cover - - but it seems to be closed tightly. Again - - great forum - - and thanks for all the helpful "hints".

avalonturing05

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR INSURANCE PREMIUMS :sick:

For sombody that got hit you sound pretty calm

if that was me i would of gone insane I would personaly get the guys glasses
for not seeing you and flung his glasses to the river ----I mean whats the point

LOOK are what you did to my car

man you got nerves of steel

gbinplano

Thanks, pricecutter, for your response. Unfortunately I won't get a manual until my Limited is delivered in May. I was trying to get a leg-up on learning the words it uses. I was hoping someone perhaps had scanned those pages and had them available [hint, hint ;0) ].

Greg

sixtynine

There's one thats been sitting in the showroom at Bev Smith in Ft. Pierce for quite some time now.

sallyd

Hey, y123...I do not know if I can say a dealer's name on this forum.. To be general, I'm in southwest LA and I did have a heck of a time finding one. At the dealership where I eventually purchased, there was a limited in silver pine on the lot.. The only reason it was still there is because it came in damaged and they were returning it to Toyota. No other dealer in my immediate area even had one to show me. Another had one but called me back to say it had been sold. Anyway, If I can say, I'll tell you where I purchased.

dcallies

Just want to thank everyone for making this a GREAT forum! The information that I've learned in this forum is just excellent. Nothing on the web better than this group here!
Thanks to Pat for keeping it focused.

I ordered- purchased my 2005 Avalon on 3/12/05. The dealer was going to find my car and make a trade (yeah right). A week later they informed my that there allocation that they had was being built the week of 4/11 would be revised to my order and would arrive 4/18 to 5/2. I think I was lucky that they had a allocation was available. If this allocation wasn't available I could see myself waiting months. This waiting is driving me nuts (short trip).

Question for someone/anyone: I noticed the avalon only has one keyed door (drivers side). Is there no keyed access for the trunk? Keyed Glove box? Is there a key that only works in the ignition (not the glove or trunk).

Thanks !

ronharv

"What options did you request?" None beyond asking for Blizzard White with the gray interior. I specifically said no sun roof. While I don't really want a six CD player or mats either, I'd accept these provided the XL's colors were right. Also, I don't know what you mean by preference the vehicle. Is that the same as a factory order?

rtimbo

I too am having what seems to be excessive wind noise at 50+ MPH. Please let us know what your dealer find out. Did not notice it when test driving other Avalons

chipmunk47

I ordered my XL in mid February. It came to the dealer on March 18. The dealer told me it wouod take 4 -6 weeks to get the car. I' have been dealing with this Toyota dealership since l986.

ronn

Loudspeaker.......I think we need to send JUST ME to JEOPARDY . He knows all the questions !!! He's great!!

By the way loudspeaker..didi you buy the Avalon, and what color did you get? Also, did you like the stereo?

ronn

Hey guys..in regards to the commands I must tell you this little story. I hope Pat will not throw me off this forum, but this really happened.
After I got the Limited, I took a freind for a ride and they said what happens if you say a bad word? I thought I would try one, so I said _ _ it, and the voice command replied with this" SYSTEM SHOWS HOSPITAL ICONS" This really did happen. The next time I tried, it wouldn't do it again. We LOL all afternoon and still share that with others.It was funny!!!!

ronn

donaldI....just want to say I'm sorry about your accident!!! I'm sure it was hard to take. Best of luck to you!!!
RONN

douglas1

Since each of the key fob can be set to one of the two memory seat positions, one key fob for each memory position, what happens if both key fobs approach the car. Does the system only recognize the key fob that approaches the drivers door?

BTW so far I'm averaging about 18.5 around town, 20% better than my 01 Avalon.

The more I drive this car the more I love it !

sixtynine

My dealer told me he received a VIN number for the car I ordered. Does anyone know what this means as far as a timeline goes? Do the dealers get the VIN numbers after the car has been built or shortly before? thx

ronn

sixtynine......they use to give a production number first, and then when the car has been built, the VIN number was given. If this hasn't changed, your car should be built now since there is a VIN number.
Hope this helps.
RONN

ronn

GREAT JUST ME..... Glad the bumper guards are adding to the already beautiful car!!
I washed mine tonight..had to get the dust off. It took me a few minutes today to figure out the clock change!! I finally did. It was also mentioned on the post earlier tonight. So much education on this forum. Congrats on the 4000 post. We will send you to Japan to see this engine being made, and stamp JUST ME on it.
RONN

just__me

Hi RONN. How about branding it on my forehead and add Avalon Sequence #4129. Might think I'm an Alien from Galaxie Avalon.
Thanks Ronn for your remarks. You get a Gold Medal for trying to help everyone when questions are asked. That tool the guy mentioned to wipe the dust off your car sounds like a good idea, as long as the dust while being wiped off doesn't scratch the surface. I'm still old fashioned, water first.
Ronn, I never enjoyed driving a car as much as I do this one. Sometimes I sit in my garage for a couple of minutes and enjoy the styling. The engine is so powerful and yet so quiet. Yet we get excellent gas mileage. It's hard to believe but in checking after filling up today (so far premium) I averaged 23.5 MPG, (400 miles divided by 17 gallons), I have the receipt to prove it, LOL, mostly 95% local, lights and all. I re checked my math, it was correct.

gkerber1

I've been thinking about buying a Limited Avalon. I see someone mentioned a JBL website describing the audio system in the Avalon. Anyone know the website?

just__me

http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/automotive/columnists/chi-0503200385mar20,0,48210- 17.column
This other link I'm not sure if posted yet.
http://www.motorway.com/Stories/0,1413,243~25475~2719625,00.html
You can now begin to see why this car is selling, and the proof is in the pudding when you test one yourself.

just__me

http://www.jbl.com/

yurik

It's amazing, but I also ordered my phantom grey pearl limited with NAV,remote starter and VSC on 3/12/05. Initially dealer mentioned it'd take 6-8 weeks.Then, dealer told me it was allocated on Friday,4/1. Today he said Toyota didn't accept Laser Cruise Option. I wonder if Mackabee nows what it means? Is is because they are having problems with this option. I remember, even before my order, I called another dealer in February and they said Toyota was having problems with Laser Cruise controls,so they expect to start getting them again in March. Anyone heard anything about this issue?