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Comments
The reason I want it deleted is because it is not legal to use it in the county where I live.
Do you know if it can be deleted prior to installation?
Thanks
Mackabee
The antenna they say to mount outside the vehicle. This I have found is not necessary. On my car I have found it works fine just velcroing neatly in the middle of the dash (hopefully this is far from any airbags which I believe come out of the steering wheel or the front of the dash on the passenger side. I have driven the car under a variety of circumstances and do not believe it effects the ability for it to work. Obviously if you are traveling through narrow canyons and through tunnels it cuts out.
In addition I have a "home adaptor" which has a separate antenna. Here they suggest the antenna, a larger one than the car be placed outside, unobstructed to the south. Once again I have the antenna inside, in a wood frame stucco house with plaster walls. The antenna is approximately three feet from the north wall window. It works fine.
Unless you want to deal with a bunch of dangling wires the installed XM is the way to go. But I am using this more as "a proof of concept" to see if it was something I would like having on the car. If you spend any amount of time driving around give it some serious consideration.
So, you press the pedal from a stop and it takes a bit less than a second until everything is sync (the position of pedal, tranny gear, engine output)
pmcb48,
Iowa does not have any type of annual safety, emissions, or any other type of inspection, so I should be OK with my XM antenna placement. It only sticks up about half way on the CHMSL, and only 2 inches from side to side. The CHMSL is clearly visible, day or night, with the antenna placed where it is.
Does the back of the console still have the 115V outlet? Also did Toyota ever bother to night light all the armrest switches?"
Doesn't look like it, I didn't find one anyways. As to the lighted switches, I don't know that either but I'll look tomorrow and get back to you.
MikeS.
MikeS.
Has anyone directly compared the Synthesis system to the ELS system in the Acura TL and to the Mark Levinson system in the Lexus? Which sounds best?
Thanks.
Thanks for the input!!
Hutch34
Yet another season is before us without any specials on my dream car. My hopes are to get the touring model with a moonroof, stability control, and the upgraded stereo. All for $30k. Any wagers? In a post made a while ago, someone said that they got one for $3,500 under MSRP!!! Way to go!! I'm inspired. Thanks again to all who have posted. This has been a great help.
My opinion only, Liquid Glass Pre-cleaner followed with Maguires NXT Liquid - both applications easy on/off & shine lasts a long time. Plan to try Maguires NXT Paste Wax after I get the inside cleaned up. I also use a buffer & absolutely NO SWIRL MARKS.
Currently have plenty of time vacationing in Florida for 2 months. Have the outside of the Avalon looking better than the day I picked ip up. Paste wax next on the list.
Crap!! I just looked online and you are correct. Do you think that the stability control is needed or not? I'm a real estate agent so the car is naturally perfect for me and I don't intend on driving it like a mad man. Any thoughts?
Noticed that you are from Iowa. Hope I can put a deal together in Mason City. I wish I had my car already like you have. It looks great. Big Hawk fan too. Hawkeye
Personally, I'd go for the XLS in case of bad conditions but turn off TRAC during serene weather. Just for the heck of it. Let the 280 horses run free.
Yes, I am in the Des Moines area. Retired here in 2001. Grew up in Fort Dodge.
I love my Limited, which I purchased on Feb. 10 from Toyota of Des Moines. It was their first Avalon, but was exactly the color and had the options that I wanted: VSC/Traction Control/Brake Assist & Carpeted Floor & Trunk Mats. I had the dealer add XM Radio. It does not have the NAV or Laser Cruise Control. I now have almost 300 miles on the odo. It is much tighter and not as mushy to drive as my 2001 Avalon XLS, which I owned for 4 years. I loved my '01, but the '05 is incrementally better in every way. I am very happy with my purchase
You might want to follow the suggestion made in post 1673 which is based on 1672.
Does brake dust on new Avalons stick to the open wheels? I hate it when it does.
Also I've seen this asked but didn't see an answer: what grade gas is needed?
Thanks.
First: Whoever wrote about the reduction in headroom or rather access for people over six feet tall, I have to agree. Although, it may be bigger, and stronger, and I do like the telescoping wheel now, I gotta tell you that the roof rise is lower, and anyone who is over 6 feet will probably not appreciate banging there head everytime they get out of the car.
In addition, the absence of the bench seat, puts that wasteful console (I know I am getting a rise now), right into the lateral aspect of my knee cap now. Sweeet. And I am not such a large specimen, 74 inches and 220 lbs.
So...those that are that size or larger, and are expecting to get alota more room, don't let the numbers fool you, it just ain't so.
Now, while I have your attention, whatever automotive genius thought of putting the XM antenna on the side of the truck, must really be at the top of the class. What a just poorly thought of thing to do. And all they had to do, was to copy other companies for instance, such as the Honda Accord. Midline antenna, right at the top of the roof at the back window, color color coordinated. I have an aftermarket XM on my 02 Avalon, and the instructions clearly state that on the roof is preferred, but you can put it on the trunk, albeit wait until you are stuck between two large vehicles. You are going to get poorer reception for sure.
I hope you people are enjoying the new Avalon. Buyer beware.
abfisch
just me, snow/ice are the main culprits which as you say, 9yrs. no problems but as you know rain slick driving conditions anywhere could be improved by VSC.
Along with the poor option decision list is the the power tilt along with the moonroof. Gee, let's see somewhere in the design/sales/marketing/product development departments at Toyota "Maybe tall folks do not want to lose the headroom and do not want a moonroof, but need the power tilt to help dodge the little bit of room left by the console? NAH!"
I like the idea of driving an ultra low emission vehicle, but at this rate to match performance and be able to fit I have to consider the Chrysler 300 hemi? And with the chopped look, not real great on seeing the world around you from the inside.
Also, what is up with the $449 charge for XM radio? Does this include a one year subscription? Is this factory installed?
I'm a 29 yr old male
I live on the border of VA and NC so I'll have easy access to whatever incentives (tax, dealer, etc..) are in the two regions.
I'm a real estate Agent so I plan to put a LOT of miles on this car pretty quickly.(25k/yr)
Most of my miles are highway.
I've lost track of my previous planned format for this post so I think I'm just going to start rambling. The touring model I test drove was reading 16 average mpg. What's up with that? As I stated earlier, I will be doing a lot of highway miles but if this thing won't average at least 25 mpg then I need to look elsewhere. Anyone??
I do have a Delphi XM Radio and being the frugal something that I am, I would rather just install that in one of the up front consoles so I can take into my office and home whenever I want. Can that be done?
If I were to order one, how successful is Toyota at delivering the car on time?
Here's something that you all can do if you're looking for the best deal and a little excitement. I test drove the avalon from one dealership and pulled right up to another dealership. The look on their faces was absolutely priceless. The two dealers that I was working with were very reluctant to discuss discounts in front of each other but damn was it funny to watch. Needless to say, I think I'm going to get my $3,500 off the MSRP after all. Now I just need to pick out what I want and place the order.
What to do, what to do.....
"I gotta tell you that the roof rise is lower, and anyone who is over 6 feet will probably not appreciate banging there head everytime they get out of the car."
I feel its worth pointing out, though, that there are several 6 ft+ new owners posting here, and I dont recall any voicing that they cant enter the vehicle without hitting their heads every time. In fact, overall vehicle height has gone UP by 1.4 inches- from 57.1 for 2004 to 58.5 for 2005.
The lack of a bench seat seems to be an issue of significance. While it is unfortunate that Toyota no longer caters to the very small market that requires one, I dont feel that everyone is going to find the center console intrusive. I didnt, but Im far more slight than perhaps the target demographic of this vehicle. The point is well taken, and this is a customer driven industry, and consumer issues should be made known to Toyota. Hopefully they are reading this thread, among others.
My personal feeling is that your 'Buyer Beware' comment is based on fairly minor issues more specific to your preferences than would be wider sweeping criticisms of the car. Other than the 3 issues you spoke of- your ingress, the lack of bench seat, and a possibly non-ideal XM antenna placement... of what should the buyer beware?
~alpha
I have a feeling that should work fine. My XM with a house kit works fine three feet from a closed north facing wall.
tallguy,
The $449 charge for XM includes a free three month trial subscription. After that, it is $9.99 per month. If you sign up for 2 or more years, it lowers the monthly charge somewhat.
XM can be installed at the factory or by your local dealer.
About 3 years ago it cost $380, for the rear bumper. Keep in mind they kept the bumper, but replaced some molding. So if it is just refinish and paint it could be substantially less.
Good luck and try to be kind to your wife, I am sure she feels worse about it than you do!
My proposed title to the article is "The 2005 Toyota Avalon vs. The Expectation of what the 2006 Buick Lucerne May or May Not be in V8 Form Only".
~alpha
Has anyone purchased an Avalon in the Tampa or Orlando area?