2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

courtney11

Since this model was introduced a bit late I am surprised it was not a 2006. The Lexus GS and Infiniti GS are both 2006 models. Does anyone know when the 2006 Avalon will be relaesed?

3puttmax

I don't even own one yet, and may not for some time due to supply-demand situation, especially for the Limited. But, I'd love to hear about using the tape input for an IPod or whatever - seems like a waste not to.

Also, I think when I do buy I'll get the Toyota XM radio parts and let a stereo stop install them, using a new, smaller antenna that can be installed under the front windshield. I'd like to know if anyone has done that. There's just no way I could live with the standard installation of a big black blob on the trunk.

Also some kind of protective mod for the laser cruise seems almost a necessity, according to some posts.

Standard Limited wheels look kinda so-so. Can they be chromed?

Looking forward to more mod info in this forum.

Max

just__me

I don't think I have to post another article praising the Avalon, this article says it all once you see it...Consumers Digest April Issue has a great article on our 2005 Avalon. It is worded so well and speaks so highly of our car it's worth buying the magazine and cutting the article out for safe keeping as a memento, that's how wonderful this article is in praising the Avalon. You have to buy it and read it for yourself. Ronn and I have always spoken about our Avalon being almost a Luxury car, in fact the article lists the Avalon under the heading Luxury Cars and makes it a BEST BUY. They say it's a refined luxury car masquerading as a plain Jane family sedan. They also say it has virtually the same reliability as the Lexus 430, yet in choosing the Avalon you save thousands if you are willing to give up a prestige nameplate to get an excellent deal. It points out that it corners well and predictably in return for over the road ride quality and in fact rivals and beats more than a few luxury cars costing thousands more. They say the Avalon is the class bargain. You can't get any better than that. It's now on the news stands. Read the full article when you stop by the magazine stand.
Also in the latest Intellichoice Buyers Guide Magazine, the Avalon is given an excellent rating in refinement, luxury and size. The Audi got ratings of Average and worse than average, the BMW Series got better than average and worse than average depending on whether it was the 745Li or 760Li. The Jaguar was average, the Cadillacs, Buicks, and Ford 500 were better than average and average. Some of the Mercedes got better than average. The Chrysler 300 got Excellent like our Avalon. After reading these articles and others, you can now begin to see why an educated consumer spending time to research a family sedan for comfort, power, quality, reliability, and price, is buying the 2005 Avalon. I'm not writing this to convince me or anyone here, I'm doing it because it's exciting to own such a fine car and I just wanted to share it with all of you. For those of you with some problems with your Avalon, with patience I know Toyota will take care of it as long as it's under warranty.

Here is another A nice report. http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/05avalon.htm

havalongavalon

Thank you johni for helpful information on back-up ultrasonic sensors (posts #3865 and #4098). That website shows several types of bumper sensors (different sizes and angles). Could you tell us the part number of the sensor type that you chose, and how high off the ground you installed them? Where are you planning to place the beeper so that it can be better heard?

havalongavalon

I've been 37 years old since the day I turned 37. That was quite a while ago; I can't remember when. Hope this helps the statisticians among us!

lnt

It is the limited-no options other than door edge guards and that $349 sound shield package and tinted windows. I bought it 3/2/05. It now has 1,600 miles but just because we went to Louisiana in it. I wanted a black one because I love black. I really like this color,too, but when I see a Black one, I feel this twinge of desire for black. I paid $34,050 and I just sent in imformation to Toyota of Greenfield for the Platinum Extra Care Warranty for $985.

pmcb48

What is the sound shield package? :confuse: Sounds familiar (includes undercoating?) but can't find specifics.

pmcb48

This is a good chance for you (and other new members) to use the Search This Discussion feature. Type "2006 Avalon" in the Search This Discussion window, or whatever else you might have a question on, and you'll see all the prior posts which mention those words. In this case, you'll see what little we know about the 2006 Avalon. Search This Discussion is a good deal, as it allows new members to get their questions answered without "old information" (to some of us ) having to be repeated too often. Welcome to the Forum.

lnt

It has glass break sensor, (Vehicle Shield Package includes: lusterizing Sealant, sound shield, sealant cleaner, rental car assistance,) custom Tape stripe, wheel locks, XM Satellite Radio w/ free activation & 12 mo. subscription, mud guards, carpet mat set, and rear trunk mat.

I think the Lusterizing Sealant is just the clear coat.
Oh, and the interior is ivory with the light wood or rather fake wood. I like the color combination.
The dealer added the window tint.

agent

Ok I'm an Avalon junkie!!!! I will be meeting with my dealer tomorrow to secure (put down a deposit) on an Avalon allocated to another dealer and being delivered on April 25th. My dealer called the other dealer and the car has not been assigned to anyone yet so the possibility of a dealer trade is very good. If my dealer is being honest, he rules!!!! This is what I'm getting: 05 Avalon Touring with power moon roof and the midway updated 6 disc cd changer. That's it and that's all I wanted. Phantom Grey the color I wanted. ( I'm trying very hard to hold in my enthusiasm :-)
So...... Here's my question. I'm being told that I'll be paying $500 over invoice + fees and what not. I'll just let you know the facts that I have from the dealer's website. (very informative by the way)

Invoice Base - $25,554
Options - $949
Del, Proc & Hndlg - $590
Admin - $585
TOTAL INVOICE PRICE OF $27,678 (sweet isn't it....I'm so excited!!)
In addition to that there will be the $500 over invoice, the $56 tags fee, $395 dealer something fee that he says is standard, and 3% tax.

Are all of those fees common and necessary?? Is the $395 redundant? Add all of those numbers up and I'm left with the # that I was quoted; $29,478. Pretty good I know but am I being charged too many fees? Is this dealer being 100% upfront with me?

For those of you that may not recognize me, I'm 29 and a real estate agent in the VA Beach area. This car is perfect for me! I also want to let you know that no, I'm not being frugal. I will end up paying whatever it costs to get this car. Money is a factor for me however so an over $500/mnth payment does scare me a little. I'm not trying to rape this great dealer that has given me so much help. I just want to know that now when we're getting down to the actual purchase, I'm not being messed around with. ANY AND ALL COMMENTS WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!! This is a very big deal to me and the thought of purchasing a $30k car (please be understanding) makes my stomach turn.

I’m sorry Pat for posting this in this forum but with the activity this forum gets apposed to the “Toyota Avalon: Prices Paid & Buying Experience” I need to know these answers ASAP. Please and thank you Pat for your understanding.

boatsman

Are the Limited Wheels clear-coated?

I believe so as they do have a shine to them. I wish they were chrome as I have a black limited and the car needs more chrome on the side. Has anyone seen the chrome wheels that Toyota offers for the Avalon?

gladiator99

Hi Just me!!
Your link to Canadian driver gets you to their "First Drive" of the new Toyota Avalon. This weeks article is another "Test Drive of the Avalon, and is a good review also. It can be accessed at: www.canadiandriver.com/articles/pw/05avalon.htm
I have almost 400 miles on my new Avalon and absolutely love this car. It continues to impress. Will look for the consumers digest report. Take care!

mackabee

:lemon:

boatsman

Has anyone gone to www.mynewavalon.com ? It is a great website for anyone wondering about different features of the car.

gschultz3

While I probably won't do many mods myself I am very interested in what is possible .... LED Tail Lights, Rear Camera, DVD & Game Ports (Nav), Chrome Grill, Chrome Wheels, Minor Tuning Parts (Exhaust & Intake). I have a 350Z with some mods and had a Volvo V70T5 with $5,000 worth of electronics. By the way I'm 64 and never thought I'd buy an Avalon until I read about the 2005 on the Internet. It will take more time for people to believe there is a market for Avalon mods.

gschultz3

They weren't offered by my dealer! Do they really exist?

barclay3

Here are my guesses. 1st - since you live in the SE area of the country your total invoice price is $585 more than in my part of the country. 2nd your dealer is charging an additional $395 fee which my dealer didn't (but my dealer didn't discount as much as yours so they didn't need to add in this extra fee). So you are actually paying $585 + $500 + $395 or $1480 over what the invoice would be for someone not in SE area. Still not too bad. I may be wrong though. I'm sure Mackabee knows.

gschultz3

I think my Avalon is great but is anyone else disappointed with the plastic envelope Toyota uses to hold the Owner's Manual? That and a plastic key chain dealer logo I got, seemed like I bought a Yugo! Not sure why Toyota is downgrading such a great car. The envelope and key chain logo go well with the unimpressive Avalon brochure. Is this typical of Toyota?

alphawolf

I just turned 34 a few weeks ago. The Avalon Limited is a very impressive package all around- without having driven one.

I think in regards to age- it's redesign, nice interior, and most important...280HP will bring in much younger buyers.

If only Toyota dropped a smokin' V8 and made it RWD/AWD, and made it a special edition...it would be a 300c killer. Or...at least take away some of it's market share.

How I ended up looking at the Avalon...I will be needing a full sized car or SUV and I hate SUV's. I want something with a bit of personality and stlye with a fair amount of power.

just__me

Thank you Gladiator99. I did see that link and read it as well. This Consumer Digest Magazine, article is sterling. All it does it compliment the Avalon in the nicest way. Superb for Toyota. This has got to be one hot car and maybe why some people posting aren't able to get the car as soon as they want it. The more people read about this car, the more they are going to want it. For what it is, it's excellent value IMHO when compared to others. Have a good one.

alphawolf

>>For those of you that may not recognize me, I'm 29 and a real estate agent in the VA
>>Beach area. This car is perfect for me!

Interesting. I'm 34 and transitioning into Real Estate and after many months of thinking I'd have to get an SUV, I decided I'd prefer to get a full size car I liked.

The Avalon seems made to haul people around in comfort. I will be considering the 300c as well though...I'm not buying until I move down to Florida end of this month. The more I look...the more I find the Avalon to be all I need and a lot of what I *want* in a new car.

-Dean

roski

It looks like there are a few of us interested in sqeezing even more out of our Avalons. I think I'm getting close to understanding how to create a plug and play device to hack the NAV system and get rid of the annoying "I AGREE" (how many times do I have to agree?) button press. And fooling the speed sensor going into the NAV to make it think we're not moving is the next step but doesn't seem too hard based on the success with the Prius and Sienna. Then I'll be able to have my passenger (never myself) enter destinations while moving. There is an occupancy sensor in the passenger seat, Toyota could have at least enabled NAV if someone was sitting there.

I'm sure we can fool the JBL head unit (is it made by Panasonic?) into thinking a tape player is attached and at least getting an audio connection, but maybe even being able to control an iPOD through the steering wheel. The biggest problem is that the Repair Manual won't be available until end of May, and I'm not sure I want to "dig" into the dash without knowing where all the fasteners are located. Anyone have a line on removing the dash?

I talked to a couple of dealers looking for a specific part number from the Electrical Wiring Manual which would plug into the back of the NAV and JBL unit, but the part numbers aren't showing up on their computers. After calling Toyota CS, they explained that they can't help me because I'm considering an "unauthorized modification". I didn't realize when I bought my Avalon that Big Brother was looking out for me. If I'm willing to assume the risk for a mod, what's the big deal? It bugs me that Toyota (or perhaps class action attorneys) have created an environment where I can't get maximum utility because either (1) they know what's better for me than me, or (2) they're worried about some lawsuit.

The biggest hold up is sourcing the maker of the connectors on the wiring harness to fit into the JBL and NAV. One of the dealers suggested buying a new harness ($3,800) for the three $0.50 connectors. WHAT? This is a big stab in the dark, but does anyone have any connections (no pun intended) so that we could find out who makes the wiring harnesses?

In any case, I'll keep plugging along and if anyone is interested, I'll post my findings.

jordan7

I have not seen anything but the factory wheels on any of the 05 Avalons. I did see a new Avalon in the Boca Raton area tonight with body side molding. It looked good and would help prevent the door nicks. Has anyone else seen or know where to get this molding.

gschultz3

Post your findings! Can't believe how the lawyers took away all of the possible options that the LCD can be used for. I had a third party system with TV, DVD, game port, video backup, Sirius and programable Nav while underway. It was great while parked and provided entertainment for my wife when we were underway. Back seat entertainment systems are only useful to kids. It is the drivers responsibility to watch the road. I wonder why there are signs, bill boards, radios, control buttons, dials.....................

gschultz3

Don't know where you can get side molding but I was surprized to find out there is side molding below the doors already. I scrached it when I hit a bail of wire. Since it is molding the repair is isolated and will be inexpensive ...... repaint the molding and replace a mud guard.

You can send your wheels out to be chromed but it is inconvienient unless the demand is high. If they have significant business they send chromed wheels to you first and then you send them your wheels afterwards. Doubt if there will be much demand for Avalon wheels in the near futur.

roski

Has anyone experienced a problem with Voice Guidance on the NAV where the volume gets muted way soft? I can't seem to replicate the sequence to reproduce it, but sometimes the voice automagically gets changed so that it is so soft I can barely hear it. I use a voice command of "Softer" or "Louder" and the volume returns to normal - a big jump from where it was, not an incremental "Louder" like it usually does. This may be a software bug in the NAV unit. If we can make it reproducable, they may fix it in their next upgrade to the NAV software.

just__me

I never thought the Avalon would look good with side molding because of the different horizontal style lines from front to rear. I'm not even sure stripes would look good if they break these lines. Well take a look at this link and try imagine the same applied to the Avalon. I will stick to parking as far away from the door throwers as possible. http://www.insightman.com/opinions/molding.htm
Good night for now.

alphawolf

I find this hard to believe, but within the article here:

http://www.automotive.com/2005/43/toyota/avalon/reviews/other-thoughts/index.html

"Note that you can only get items like DVD navigation ($1,900) and stability control/traction control/brake assist (a $650 package) on the XLS and Touring."

Well..I just configured a Limited through http://www.setbuyatoyota.com and one can get the options.

In general, that review wasn't so great...reviewer was a bit bias agianst Toyota for some reason IMO.

ronn

alphawolf....I would like to give that reviewer a piece of my mind!!!!!!!! That wasn't a great article, and I agree with you, he must not like Toyota because alot of what he said about the Avalon is just not true. When he said "he could feel the bumps", I coudn't beleive that. What a jerk!!! Wish we could send him some feedback!!
Hey , you know there are so many great reviews about the Avalon, he can just stick his!!!

RONN

mackabee

gs, seems like your car didn't have the DK option and you received the generic dealer envelope. The DK is the owner's portofolio and it's a nice "leatherette" pouch to hold your manuals, registration, etc..
Mackabee

mackabee

alpha, it is a 300c and m killer. We are getting a lot of customers driving the Chrysler stopping in to see the Avalon. Toyota does make a V8 RWD and it is very special, it's called a Lexus GS
Mackabee

dcallies

Boatsman www.mynewavalon.com is great find. Thanks, it answered my many questions!
:shades:

tuffy

Why did you buy an extended warranty on a Toyota Avalon? Toyota quality makes this just another way for the dealer to load up on "dealer packs" and raise the cost of car. Extended warranties are usually a big bust.

Good luck with your new Avalon as it is a great car!

Rick

johni

I chose AW-20E0 in silver from Awell Logistics Marketing. I installed the two center sensors at 22.5 inches above ground and the two side ones at 24 inches. This sensor is installed horizontally. They have sensors that can accomodate a 5 degree angle. I simply used a level to determine where the bumper was vertical. The bumpers have a slight curve near the ends so I needed to mount them slightly higher to get them horizontal. I'm not sure where I'll move the speaker to. The sheet metal doesn't appear to have any openings to rear shelf area (where I'd like to put it) other than the pass-through ski opening. In the next couple of days I'll take another look.

Hope this helps.

loudspeaker76

RONN
I'm 28 and married, so I'm not sure if the married puts me in the "marketing" category or not.

As my wife will tell you I definitely don't act my age, so 60 isn't going to work for me.

-LoUdSpEaKeR

rodc2

Thanks for steering me to the web site "mynewavalon.com". The site answers and explains a lot of questions I had about the 2005 Avalon: Not only with audio and visual help, but with the complete owners manual for the vehicle as well. Posts such as yours are what makes this forum great. Thanks again to all.

chipmunk47

I agree. I had Toyotas since l985. Never had problems with any of them.

ronharv

" My dealer told me today that my order is preferenced #1 and they are waiting to hear from Toyota. What does that mean."

That's exactly what my dealer told me yesterday. (I made my deposit the last day of Feb.) So if Toyota decides to produce a white XL and allocate it to my dealer, I'll presumably get the car some weeks from that unknown date. Then I'll have to wonder if they'll stick to the $1,200 below sticker I was orally promised. I'm supposing that the event is months away, whatever it turns out to be. Luckily I'm thoroughly enjoying my '03 Avalon, which is a delight to drive, especially now that I've replaced the pitted windshield with a new one, a bargain, I think, for $244 and installed at my house in 30 minutes.

gschultz3

Thanks! I'll ask the dealer about the DK option. Never had to pay for an owners porfolio before?

pmcb48

Extended warranties are a matter of personal preference and comfort level. I had extended warranties on two of my recent vehicles (Grand Caravan and my current Nissan Maxima). In both cars, the A/C condensor/evaporator unit developed a leak in year 6 and needed to be replaced, which was covered by the extended warranty. So net result was I effectively paid for the replacement of those components and got coverage of all the other components in those cars for 4 additional years (post standard 3 year warranty) for free. If I'd just put the money in the bank, I would have gained a little interest until I needed to withdraw it for the repair. It all depends on how you look at it and which you'd prefer, a little interest, or extra coverage and comfort level.

dan41

Mackabee, yes, the Lexus GS is a special car. I know because I traded my 03 GS300 for my Limited and..... I'm still smiling! Oh, to respond to the topic question, I'm a very young 48. Regards, dan

dan41

Extended warranties are nothing but an insurance policy. At a cost of $985, it made sense for me to purchase an extended warranty on my $38K Limited. Again a personal decision, but I now have peace of mind in knowing that I won't have any unexpected and costly repairs for the next 7 years. Regards: dan

mackabee

They should take one out of another car and give it to you for free. It costs the dealer $6 bucks and when ordered from the factory shows up as a no cost option on the window sticker. There is a shortage of them right now though.

Mackabee

mackabee

:shades: That's correct. I got a 2 year bumper to bumper for a 97 Camry I just bought. The car has been maintained at the dealership since it was sold and I have all the maintenance records. Having owned two Camrys before this one (one still in service) I know the starter will go soon, the down exhaust pipe will go right after, and the radiator will follow at around 90-95k miles. I paid $100.00 over cost on it plus it comes with rental car coverage, lodging for 1 night if I'm away from home which I will be soon to visit my grandson in Fl. I did it more for peace of mind and also to protect the wife in case something happens to me due to my current health situation. If it was a new car I probably would have thought twice about it as nothing breaks during the warranty period and in the rare ocassion it's covered.


Mack

motownusa

Weren't you interested in the 06 GS ? The Avalon is a great car but the GS is a bit sportier and it has RWD. It seems the Avalon and the Lexus IS forum are two of the busiest forums in Edmunds. Who would have thought two products from Toyota would garner so much attention. The next IS will have the same 3.5L engine as the Avalon. I can't wait to see how it does in a rear wheel drive car. Have a nice day everybody.

gbinplano

Boatsman, thanks for the link to "MyNewAvalon". It answered my questions about NAV system speech commands. Strange "Ask Toyota" did not offer this site to me...

Greg

just__me

Boat, thanks for the Avalon Link, very tutorial in 3D and sound. Mac, I think like you. First of all I have never had a warranty outside of the manufacturers for all the cars I have owned over the years, and fortunately never had a transmission or anything major go, even with 160,000 miles on My Mazda 929 before I got rid of it for my First Avalon, the first year they came out. The 36 months of Toyota Warranty seems good enough for me. The 3 years of paying additional even at around $1,000 a year is $3,000 additional dollars, (while still being under warranty including the power train) and in the 4th year around $4 grand. I just can't see justifying this expense. Anyway I understand the peace of mind it does give some people, but the company's must make a lot of money selling this kind of insurance on their end. If someone puts on 20 thousand miles a year, than I can understand it a lot better. I have always babied my cars, oil change every 3,000 miles, transmission change every 30 thousand miles etc., maintenance perhaps has kept my cars ahead of the curve.

impartial

I have read many of the enthusiastic posts about this car, but it seems overly bland, if not outright boring, to me. Maybe that is too harsh. It looks OK, but hardly anything to get excited about. It certainly is not likely to win any style or beauty contests. I just don't understand the exuberance that some have about this car. It is bigger than I need, too. But that may appeal to the folks who like Buicks and Avalons. Maybe I will wait for the all new Camry, which I understand will be out in less than a year. Toyota needs to put some flair and soul in their products. Just my 2 cents worth. Impartial

barclay3

Today my dealer finally told me my car will be built the last week of April and delivered the 2nd or 3rd week of May !!! I placed my order on Feb 25th. It took this long because I ordered a Limited without NAV.

alphawolf

The new GS looks nice, but a bit small and $$$ over the Avalon.

But- I feel more and more like I'll end up with an Avalong and be very happy with the purchase.