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Comments
Upon checking into this with the dealer (the 2003 offered them), I was informed of how much it was going to cost, and what it would require.
Xenon headlights or (HID), require a special power source (basically its own box of electronics). This is true for all vehicles. You cannot replace a halogen lightbulb with a Xenon lightbulb. However, there are some shady characters out there, selling 'xenon' lightbulbs, that are actually just blue tinted halogens.
Xenon headlights are very different from halogen, and are indeed much brighter, and cast a whiter light.
I believe the technology has also advanced to the point that the Xenon headlights now instanly turn on. Previously, vehicles that had Xenon headlights had to wait a minute or two for the lights to reach full brightness. Again, they are very different from halogen.
With all these things to consider, it might start to explain why Xenon headlights cost so much more compared to halogen.
Granted, both Xenon and halogen allow you to drive at night, which is the point of headlights. But Xenons are nicer, and safer.
As a 2005, remember that in Sept. or Oct. of this year, the 2006 models will appear, at which time Toyota will correct all the omissions and the "mistakes" from 2005. At the Detroit show, I thought a Toyota guy said that this car will be brought to market after only 18 months, very fast and maybe a rush job. Maybe that's why TRAC and stability control aren't available on the Touring model, aside from Toyota's desire to drive everyone upmarket to higher priced vehicles.
18 months is now the normal cycle for Toyota from design to actual production. Is nothing new. This is why most manufacturers envy Toyota and rank it as the most admired automobile manufacturing company (according to Forbes magazine).
Doc, have you actually spoken to a sales manager and gotten firm figures on this car? Or just the floor personnel?
The interest is there and this vehicle will appeal to a wider audience as opposed to the last generation that was mainly aiming at the domestic buyers such as Buick, Oldsmobile, etc.
: )
Mackabee
~alpha
: )
Mackabee
You are putting out a little misinformation, so let me brief you a little more without getting too technical.
Xenon, or HID, usually require a ballast, which is what you describe as the box you talk about. The light bulbs themselves, are rated at 35 watts, but the ballast changes things a bit. Most, not all, are brighter, but there are disadvantages. The cut off of light, is very distinct, and since there is not as much fade, it is distracting to other drivers. CR talks alot about this. BMW's lights are superior, but for instance Audi's lights were rated poor, both HID.
Now, sometimes they advertise Halogen's as bright or blue as HID. Some are vast improvements, such as the PIAA brand, which I have in my own vehicle. They are still Halogen, still rated at 55/60 watts, but put out light output, measured either in lumens, or candlepower, around the 100/110 watt mark. The HID bulbs would not work in a halogen reflector.
I hope that makes more of this clear.
In addition, many people use FOG lights for auxillary lighting. This is probably counterproductive since the FOG are very low beam lighting, closer to the road and only illuminate in directly in front and on the sides. They do nothing for high speed, down the road illumination. They also cause more glare to oncoming drivers.
Drivers would do more of a service to themselves, and on coming traffic, but being better, or stronger replacement bulbs for the low or high beams, or supplementing the lighting with DRIVING lights, not FOG lights, relayed to the high beams with extra down the road vision.
abfisch
----the Hyundai XG350L
Cheaper, yes. "nicer"? Not according to any review I've seen.
Not jumping down your throat, just pointing out that I think we're talking two different classes of vehicles. At least at this point in time.
absfich, thank you for the information on the HID lamps.
: )
Mackabee
~alpha
YOU ARE NOT SERIOUS ARE YOU ?
The Toyota regional persons said that all PNW dealers will have at least one Avalon by February 7 or 14. They said dealers would trade back-and-forth using the Toyota "preference system".
The Avalon looked fine and was comfortable seating. But, so was the Acura RL, the Mercury Montigo...and a host of other cars..there's some real competition for the "4-door comfortable touring sedan". So, guess I'll wait to drive one. It was a good trip, but a bit dissapointed that the Toyota folks did not have any knowledge of the product.I'm sure they'll catch up one of these days....Wes
: )
Regional and local auto shows. If they are anything like my local auto show, all dealers provide a couple of sales persons to stand around and provide unsolicited information to the attendees. Actual selling is prohibited. wesq, you probably spoke with a salesperson or someone that works with the regional distributor. Yes, in some cases even the distributors employees only get a limited number of vehicles before the actual launch begins. The current Avalon's XLS auto climate control can be operated manually. I don't know what the fuss is about. Read the owner's manual.
; )
Mackabee
I'm working a few dealers in the DC area for an XLS with option F. Nav system, VSC & heated seats. MSRP of about 34K.
Thanks,
MikeS.
MIKE, I didn't purchase any options, I took the XLS as is, although it came with mats for the trunk and inside the car. For your area with snow et cetera, I could see why you want the VSC and heated seats. The base MSRP for my car with mats is $31629. MIKE, I also guaranty you, if you call a couple of other dealers and tell them here is what I will pay, being at a minimum $1,000 under the MSRP, you will get it, the $500 isn't enough, you just have to be determined and compare apples to apples, so always work off the same MSRP with each dealer. The more knowledgeable you are the less BS you will get. Hope I helped.
Toyota has lost a lot of sales because of this late introduction of the 05 Avalon. There are a lot of natural Avalon customers who are driving around in new G35's, TL's, ES330's, and what have you. Those customers are gone. They have a lot of ground to make up. This business of sticking to the MSRP won't last three days.
Im not sure how Toyota really 'lost' any of the customers you state they have. The Avalon doesnt truly compete agains the G35 and TL which are midsize luxury sports models. The Avalon is much roomier than those, and lacks the prestige and service reputation of those makes. Personally, I'd rather have seen a fully 'baked' design come out in February than a rushed design with a crashed Qualtiy Assurance testing/program come out in Fall 2004.
All prelimiary indications are that this model was worth the wait.
In conclusion, since this vehicle was never slated for anything other than a late February launch, I do not see how this is a drawn out affair. The bottom line is that you wait for it to be introduced (on time) in February, or dont. With sales up double digits last year (as well as Net Income), I dont think Toyota is going to be lamenting they didnt get the Avalon on sale in the Fall.
-my .02
~alpha
http://www.iihs.org/news_releases/2004/pr102804.htm
Congrats on your new Avalon, please keep us posted when it arrives!
~alpha
: )
Mackabee
I got my dealer to get my vehicle report with VIN, option codes etc.
It appears according to this report that base on a Limited is $33540.
Vehicle Stability Control and Brake assist is $650.
Remote Engine Starter intalled at factory $499.
AND a Preferred Accessory Package for $463.
Destination Charge $540.
Can anyone tell me what the Preferred Accessory Package is???? $463 is a lot for mats. I can not seem to find out what is in the package.
Total is $35692. Plus, they are allowing to trade in use them to privately sell my Denali. Thus, I get the private party sale price, but get to trade it in for the price the private party and I agreed upon. That way saving me a lot in Taxes, but also helping me avoid recapturing tax consequences from depreciating my Denali. Great dealer. They will deal a little.
Probably a waste of money for you and lots of profit for the dealer.
MikeS.
MikeS.