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Comments
Sure, with the Av you have to adjust the steering column position by hand rather than by push button, the tranny is 5 speed vs. 6, and the Lexus nav includes a backup camera. Oh, you also get a smaller car with much less leg room with Lexus. That decision took me about 2 minutes and like they say at McDonalds - I'm lovin' it!
Thanks!
I looked at and ruled out both the 2006 ES 330 and the 2007 ES 350 for different reasons. The 06 330 has a much smaller, less fuel efficient 6 cyl. engine than the Av, while the 07 350 has pretty much the same engine as the Av. Both Lexus models (330 & 350) are smaller than the Av, inside and out. The Av compares in size to the LS 430, the Lexus flagship. And in fact, more than a few car magazine reviews have described the Av Ltd. as a "poor man's LS 430", and a car that offers 85% of what the LS 430 offers. (If you can overlook the absence, on the Av, of the Lexus badge and the V8 engine of the LS 430, you can seriously argue that the Av rivals the $60,000 LS 430 for a whopping 45% less, approximately, in MSRP). As for the comparison of the Av Ltd. to the ES 350, you'd have to order the ES 350 with a $2500 "Premium Plus" package (boosting its total MSRP over $36,300) to get that car with heated/ventilated leather seats, driver's seat cushion extender, and rain-sensing wipers, all of which are standard on the Av. Ltd. Even then, your ES 350 still wouldn't have the power rear sunshade, wood-trim steering wheel, HID headlights, and a 12 speaker premium sound system that are all standard equip. on the Av Ltd. At Lexus, those items are either add'l cost options or only available as part of a much more expensive option package on the ES 350. In fairness to the ES 350, it does come standard with electronic stability control (optional on the Av); a power tilt/telescope steering column (these are manually adjustable on the Av); and knee airbags for driver and front seat passenger (only a driver knee airbag on the Av.) You will likely find that Toyota dealers will be willing to offer you a MUCH MORE SUBSTANTIAL discount on the Av Ltd. than you will get on the ES 350. In May 2006, I was offered 11% off list on a 2006 Av Ltd. and 19% off list on a brand new 2005 Av Ltd. Try asking for discounts like that at your Lexus dealer! (My local Lexus dealer offered me only 4% off a 2006 ES 330, which they had to unload to make room for the new ES 350 models arriving - that discount was almost insulting!) With discounts over 10% at Toyota, you could buy yourself the stability control and laser cruise control options (together they add about $1250), and you'd still come out thousands below a comparably equipped ES 350. That's my take on the value proposition represented by the Avalon Limited - and, more importantly, I'm really enjoying the car, too!
Word to the wise. I decided to go with the whitest and purchased the 9006ST bulbs. During installation, I realized I was having tremedious problems. They would not fit! I was led to believe Sylvania had manufactured the wrong bulbs. My Toyota manual clearly stated I needed 9006 bulbs. After total frustration, I returned to the store. The manager kindly pointed out the bulbs in my car (which specifies on the actual bulb)are 9005. He allowed me to exchange my 900ST for the 9005ST. I have yet to install them however they look correct when compared side by side. Can you believe Toyota? The actual bulb type in the car is a 9005 in my 2006 vehicle but the manual doesn't clearly point that out. Once installed, I will write again.
Regards
Beeman
As a side note, anyone have a clue as to when Toyota plans a complete redesign or major revision of the Avalon?
Dandydon
Bob
Steve
Are there any other issues to consider regarding tinting?
Thanks for your opinions.
Bob
I was quoted $265 for all windows but the windshield.
"Does anyone know when the 07 Avalon will be out?"
Yes, They start production in July so figuring two months to the dealer lot and you should start seeing them in September. Maybe late August....
Cj
Your figure of $10,000 is incorrect. A loaded Limited could easily cost more than an ES 350. Check out the numbers.
Anyway, let's continue here if you'd like: Toyota Avalon Limited vs. Lexus ES 350 Comparison.
Took it to the dealer in Joliet IL, they said its normal
Also get some grinding noise when I turn the wheel in the morning, is that normal also ?
Any comments welcome ....
thanks
Sorry to hear you went to all that trouble!! I will have to look in our 05 manual to see what bulbs are specified. I may change ours later on but for now I will stay with the stock bulbs. I know that after getting used to the HID lights on our previous vehicle the lights on the Avalon seem weak compared to HID. Let us know how the lights are when you get them changed?
Take care!!
Thanks for the tip on the CC. I thought I had the owners manual memorized, but I missed that. ha I'm 65 years old and have had many makes and models of cars down thru the years, everything from Volkswagens to Cadillacs. This is the 4th Avalon I've owned (2 of them totaled by wife...neither one her fault) and I must say my 06 Limited is probably the best of the lot. A pleasure to drive and so many nice features that makes it a good value for the money.
Are you perchance a reviewer for Consumer Reports? Your choices are also CR's top choices!
In the Aug. 2006 issue CR gave top marks to the Garmin Nuvi 350, just as you did.
They also tested the 2007 Camry and the Azera. Both scored high, but both came below (your and my) Avalon XLS, which remains CR's top-rated large sedan.
I posted a summary of the CR reviews in the Camry-Avalon comparison forum (#51).
Regards,
havalongavalon
Tom
Was car shopping yesterday and came across some interesting news about 07 Avalon changes at least for Toyota Canada.
*The Touring model will not be offered in Canada anymore
*VSC/Trac will be come standard on XLS
*Rain sensing wipers will be STD on XLS
*Bluetooth to JBL stereio
*One new peril colour will be added.
*nothing mentioned about 6spd or anything drivetrain changes
Lets hope we see this and more changes!
Netwon
http://fleet.toyota.com/html/documents/MY_2007_Color_Chart.xls
I also had a dealer tell me that the 6 speed was "a definite" for 2007 but I don't have confirmation yet.
Toyota should announce pricing for the 07' Avalon either tomorrow or on Monday of next week.
Published in April 2006
http://www.arifleet.com/pnews/2006/pn608.pdf
Good to see that you are still around!! It would be nice if I could get on consumer reports payroll. No I am just an average consumer but I do like to do some research before I purchase a new product.
I have been reading the discussions on the Lexus ES350 vs the Avalon limited and was wondering whether my next vehicle might be a new Lexus. I will have to go to VCR to drive one as we don't have a dealer here. Have you driven the ES yet?
Would be great to hear your opinion on this!!!
Regards!!
I can't be the only person who has experienced this uncomfortable seat. Has anyone either had the dealer fix the problem or gone to any upholstery shop to eliminate or smooth out the seam or somehow add aditional padding? I recently added a seat pad to endure the discomfort... which is ridiculous to have for a brand new car.
I'm willing to go to an upholstery shop to have the seat modified. Has anyone come up with a fix?