2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

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Comments

  • ronnronn Member Posts: 398
    Hey...I'm interested in the tips with the tuner. While the dealer will probably do mine, they seemed to have little information on this. They didn't know when I called them, that the Limited was already equiped to add!!!I can let them know any information you can give me.
    Thanks! RONN
  • ronnronn Member Posts: 398
    Toyota is joining the European style without moldings. While I have seen lots of discussion about the Avalon not having it, I have to say that I wouldn't want it on my Avalon. The 2005 has the BMW 5 series design, that's one reason I bought it instead.I found the ride to be way more superb and quiet with the Avalon, and for thousands less.
    I do not think the new Avalon would look nearly as good with side molding. True...we will all have to watch those dings, but be proud of its new design. I think it is awesome.
  • clipper1clipper1 Member Posts: 70
    Good buy!

    However, i still think you paid tooooo much. (As did I) -- That car should be selling no more than $1,000 over invoice this month -- And +$500 the following months.

    We early birds paid tooooo much.

    I saw one "happy" camper in the Gainsville dealership pay for the 'demo' $2,000 over MSRP.

    Amazin'
  • perico1perico1 Member Posts: 32
    I bought the car at Germain Toyota in Sarasota. We did the deal over the phone, no problem and yes they were very easy to negotiate prices as long as you are willing to wait for the car.
  • macemanmaceman Member Posts: 11
    Where did you buy your car. That is indeed a good price. I have been getting quotes over the last week, and that one is very good.
  • barclay3barclay3 Member Posts: 90
    Pricecutter...I bought my Avalon at Thompson Toyota. Can you be more specific with your dealings with them so I can compare. Thanks.
  • barclay3barclay3 Member Posts: 90
    Where did you get it - Thompson?
  • bobt2bobt2 Member Posts: 11
    I'm shopping an '05 Avalon and like the idea of the built-in XM. I don't like the idea of the antenna installations I've seen here.

    I self-installed XM in my current car, and mounted the antenna on the back shelf. I have had no problems whatsoever with that location, and would intend to put the Avalon antenna there as well.

    Anyone aware of whether there's a way to pass the antenna wire from the shelf back to the trunk?
  • bobt2bobt2 Member Posts: 11
    I'd be interested in your tricks but your email is private. Why not post them here?

    Is there enough length on the antenna wire to mount the antenna on the back shelf? Is there a convenient place through which to route the antenna cable to the receiver?
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Hi - as bobt2 asks, why not post your tips here? That way all of our members can benefit - now and in the future. :)
  • ronharvronharv Member Posts: 51
    I have a tough time believing that an acoustic windshield (which, I'd guess, means a lamination between two sheets of glass) will make any difference to the human ear. Road noise, tire noise, engine noise, and wind noise aren't likely to be attenuated by a windshield. Anyway, my '03 XL is the quietest car I've ever driven. The two '05's I drove seemed to have had more noticeable tire thump and engine noise. My wife says there was no difference, but she likes some engine sound because it suggest power while I'd prefer quiet. Of course, she could probably hit a moose and not necessarily notice.
  • barclay3barclay3 Member Posts: 90
    Thank you everyone for explaining what the NAV system does. I had no idea it did all that! Very impressive. To tell the truth I don't even have a cell phone yet.
  • hutch34hutch34 Member Posts: 34
    I just received my paperwork from Greenfield Toyota for my Toyota Platinum Extra Care Warranty for 7/yr, 100K mis. "0" deductible only $985. The lowest my dealer would go is $1,350. He said that the policy cost him more than $985.

    I strongly recommend Greenfield Toyota for your extended warranties.

    I received my paperwork after only four days!!
  • dan41dan41 Member Posts: 182
    Engine noise (pinging) seems to be more noticeable than I would expect on my Limited. I could hardly tell my engine was running on either the Solara or Lexus that I owned. I'm not sure if it might be the 87 octane the dealership used. I just filled my first tank with 91 octane and hoping this helps. Unfortunately, we are being hammered with yet another snow storm, so the earliest I'll be able to get out will be tomorrow.

    Have any others noticed the engine noise when idling? I've also read similar queries on the new 2006 GS300 forum. Might they be the same engine or from the same engine manufacturer? I believe that the Avalon engine is made in Japan for the 05 model.

    Regards: Dan
  • dan41dan41 Member Posts: 182
    My dealer wanted $1125 for the same warranty. During closing, I told the finance guy that the only way I would purchase the warranty from him was if he matched the price that Greenfield would charge. Well, he did and once again, this forum provided me the information I needed to be an educated buyer and, in doing so, saved me some serious money.
  • johnijohni Member Posts: 43
    I used NAV today while moving in my Avalon Limited. As far as I can tell, all functions are available while moving. I would recommend only using voice commands while moving. If you need to use the keys, pulling over is safer.
  • pmcb48pmcb48 Member Posts: 192
    Any new members can see my Post #2116 for more info. Hutch34 and Dan41, you are welcome. :-)
  • pmcb48pmcb48 Member Posts: 192
    I think noise levels are both objective (dB levels) and subjective (compared to other cars you have driven). The XLS I test-drove was much quieter than my 95 Maxima SE. The article in the April 2005 Motor Trend referred to the Limited sound level as a "hushed auditorium." I hope this comment isn't too "frenzied" for some people's sensibilities. :-)
  • pmcb48pmcb48 Member Posts: 192
    The Avalon's engine is a new design, currently used only in the Avalon, based on an earlier truck engine. The 2005 Avalon dealer introductory booklet states (as confirmed by Mackabee) that Avalon engines are made at the Georgetown, KY plant. Depending on your mileage, the difference between 87 and 91 octane is only $6-10 per month (at least at current prices). Even though using 87 octane won't void your warranty, 91 is recommended. My Avalon will see only 91 octane, and I will so advise my dealer re the first tankful as well.
  • perico1perico1 Member Posts: 32
    Hi AGAIN...my replies to you keep getting pulled because I have tried to give you a phone number or email address for the company. So to avoid any further problems, just call Germain Toyota in Sarasota and ask them for the name and phone number of the person that does the gold packaging for them, I am sure they will give it to you because that person does several dealership add-ons around Tampa Bay.
  • just__mejust__me Member Posts: 508
    Dan I have the XLS and the engine is the most quiet I have ever had, more quiet than my 04 Avalon. Also the wood trim on the dash in my car lines up perfectly with the wood trim on the door. My car was manufactured in Jan 05, I don't know whether that makes a difference or not. My tires are also very quiet. No wind or road noise that I can discern. Trust me I have looked for noise but this car is a dream. My radio is the six changer CD but no JBL. I sat in my friends car with the 12 speakers and JBL and my ear can't hear the difference, so am glad I saved the money. I guess unless someone is really into music and has a great ear for same he might notice the difference, but save your money folks if your ear isn't that great. I also opened up my car today and test drove it again for Tranny hesitation etc., and had none. I couldn't be happier with this car. I love the design and everything about it. I can't wait till Consumers gives it the road test, I just can't find anything bad about this car. It is definitely the best I have ever had. I sit in amazement at the windshield the way it slopes back, it is amazing. The doors on the radio I hardly touch since I use the the stuff on the steerring wheel. I turn it off and on that way. For me this is a great automobile and I will keep this one for a few years since it's perfect in every sense for me. I'm not trying to sell the car, I'm just emoting how happy I am with it.
  • pmcb48pmcb48 Member Posts: 192
    I'm just curious: what have they told you about the durability of the gold treatment, compared to the chrome? will it eventually need to be redone as it weathers? I have seem some gold lettering on Camrys, for example, that looked faded.
  • just__mejust__me Member Posts: 508
    I had the Gold on an earlier Avalon, I forget which year. I noticed it did lose it's sparkle over time unlike the chrome and decided no more Gold for me even though on certain colors it does look great, but than loses something. Hope this helps. Of course maybe they improved the Gold process so it doesn't lose its luster anymore, but I really doubt that????
  • pricecutterpricecutter Member Posts: 49
    Glad to respond. Thompson Toyota in Doylestown, Pa. I used AAA as a resource; if you're a AAA member, go to their website and select Automotive New Car Purchase. Contact at Toyota was /David Bjorrngard.
  • jll1jll1 Member Posts: 12
    Anyone tried an aftermarket Bluetooth, such as Motorola, in your Avalon yet?
  • pricecutterpricecutter Member Posts: 49
    Barclay,

    See my response to Maceman re details of purchase. If you need more info, let me know,.
  • pricecutterpricecutter Member Posts: 49
    dshimkat,

    Using the remote engine starter: The engine starts fine, but when I open the door, the engine stops. Is that what is supposed to happen? I thought the idea was to have your car running when you enter.

    Thanks,
  • agentagent Member Posts: 56
    It is suppose to shut of as a safety precaution. The remote start is there to warm up the engine and bring the cabin to the proper climate before you are ready to drive. It shuts off so a kid can't get in and drive away; or a thief for that matter.
  • gschultz3gschultz3 Member Posts: 134
    The density and the thickness of the winshield impact sound transmission . All windshields are glass laminations to stop glass breakage. I was surprized to find out that not all regular windshields are the same thickness.
  • pmcb48pmcb48 Member Posts: 192
    "I thought the idea was to have your car running when you enter."

    The idea is not to have your car running when you enter, but to have it pre-warmed (or pre-cooled). The engine is supposed to shut off when you enter the car. That's a safety measure, and also a security measure, so someone else can't jump in your car and drive away with it. Once you're seated, you push the brake, re-start the car (since only you have the key fob for that car), and away you go.
    Per the 2005 Avalon Introductory brochure, the remote start:
    1) Works from 80-120 feet from the car.
    2) Is intended to pre-heat or pre-cool the car for driver comfort.
    3) HVAC resumes at prior settings when car is started.
    4) To prevent unauthorized or unintended driving away, the engine will shut off when:
    a) Any door or engine hood is unlocked or opened.
    b) Key is inserted into the ignition lock cylinder.
    c) UNLOCK command received from remote, or LOCK button held for 3 seconds.
    d) Brake pedal is depressed.
    e) Shift lever is moved out of PARK.
    f) Alarm system is triggered.
    g) 10 minutes have elapsed since starting.
    h) Engine temperature exceeds a preset value.
    "When ready to enter vehicle and drive, engine must be restarted."
    As you can see, Toyota has engineered in quite a few overlapping backups to the remote start.
  • perico1perico1 Member Posts: 32
    The company told me to just wax it with carnuba? wax once or twice a year and the shine would always look great...in fact, they said the gold would outlast the car as long as I took care of it. They even gave me a bottle of the wax and guaranteed the work. The person that applied the gold said they had done this process for six years with no problem. I am sure that warranty does not cover the pinstripe, though.
  • ronnronn Member Posts: 398
    Dan... When I first got my Limited a month ago, I noticed a slight engine noise until the car got warmed up a few minutes. They put regular gas in it, which I had a fit over!!! Since I have put premium, I don't hear anything. My car is so quiet, it's hard to tell if it's running or not. I hope the premium gas will help you get rid of the noise on yours. It really should be quiet.
  • ronnronn Member Posts: 398
    Just me...I hope you will write a letter to get this car promoted more as well. I feel like you, this is one great car. I get very upset that I keep seeing top ten luxury cars listed, and the Avalon isn't there yet. I drove many cars before this one, and this one is tops to the others. We need to get the word out. Others, if you read this, I hope you as well will get the word out.WE ARE NOT SEEING ENOUGH WONDERFUL INFORMATION PUBLISHED ON THIS GREAT CAR!!!!!!!
  • rwb2rwb2 Member Posts: 85
    What if anything did they charge you for the re-mount of the XM receiver? By the way, paid $500 over invoice on Feb. 15th, for the Limited in central Ohio
  • boatsmanboatsman Member Posts: 37
    Thanks for the imfo. I also got a bid from your dealer in Sarasota.....same internet salesperson but he got kind of grumpy when I emailed him back as to how long he thought I would have to wait to get a better deal when he offered me 1,000 under window sticker. Now mind you that was a better price than most the dealers around here which were mostly sticker with no discount all the way to 2500. over window sticker. I ended up with the internet dept of Precission Toyota in Tampa which gave me $2400 under sticker. They were great and didn't act like they were doing me a favor to sell me the car like some of the dealers are. Their dealership is beautiful and only about 2 weeks old in this location. RE: engine noise...I can't even tell mine is running when parked and absolutely no vibration. When starting cold it does seem to rev rather fast for several minutes to the point where I don't want to put it in gear to back out of the garage. Some peaople have complained about the stereo with one poster even saying he was going to change out the JBL speakers. I can't imagine that as I think this is the best sounding stereo I've ever heard in a car. Anyway Perico I'll be watching for you and your black avalon. IMHO the classiest yet sporty color for the Avalon Limited!
  • hawk1eyehawk1eye Member Posts: 61
    Boatsman, thanks for the post. I feel great about the order I am going to place next week. Have a great time with your new Avalon. Hawkeye.
  • dan41dan41 Member Posts: 182
    Thanks for the input. My guess, and hope, is that once I get some 91 octane running through the engine, it will sound as I expect. As said a couple of times, this is one phenomenal car.

    Regards: Dan
  • barclay3barclay3 Member Posts: 90
    Pricecutter... I feel like I was robbed. Let's see if I got this straight. You used the AAA website to get a price quote from Thompson Toyota. Thompson got back to you by email with a quote of $34,224 on a car with an MSRP of $37,328. I used the Toyota website to get a price quote from Thompson Toyota and they emailed me back (2/10/05) a quote of $33,206 on a car with an MSRP of $34,929. They wouldn't come down any more. Did you do anything additional? Should I confront them with this? :-(
  • bmwdougbmwdoug Member Posts: 248
    I have asked the same question a few times, and have received no response. So, my guess is that nobody has tried it. Bluetooth is a big thing to me, as it may be to you as well. I wish Toyota would have put it in the Avalon, but they did not. If you have ever experienced bluetooth, it is a GREAT and NEEDED feature if you use a cell phone in a car.
  • just__mejust__me Member Posts: 508
    I always waxed mine, but it still faded somewhat. If you want it, go for it and enjoy it.
  • pricecutterpricecutter Member Posts: 49
    thanks agent. that clarifies everything.

    pricecutter
  • just__mejust__me Member Posts: 508
    Ronn, I'm beginning to think the following. You know how the movie industry sometimes keeps advertising a film on TV over and over again and then you go to see it, and it was a bad movie. Well maybe Toyota realizes they have a great car and they don't have to advertise it like some others that have cars that don't stack up. There isn't anything any better then people like us who rave about it, word of mouth, that's the real test. Anyone testing other cars like agent will be sold on this one, the Avalon sells itself when comparing to others. Toyota will definitely hit the sales figures this year for this Avalon. Like others here, I don't hear my engine running when standing still at a light or whatever, and absolutely no hesitation that future felt. We have a luxury car without the nameplate, but thousands of dollars still in our pockets, we got a steal. If you read the news GM and Ford are losing sales and Toyota keeps moving ahead, so that should tell us something when it comes to quality.
  • pricecutterpricecutter Member Posts: 49
    I agree that the car is overpriced at this time, but as long as people keep paying MSRP, the rest of us will have to pay a higher price.
  • pricecutterpricecutter Member Posts: 49
    Barclay,

    The difference may be that I used AAA (I'm a member) which has a special arrangment with certain dealers. However, as I said before, some of these dealers, not Thompson, wouldn't honor their commitment, e.g. one told AAA that they were charging members $500 over invoice. When I called this dealer, the contact said MSRP only for 2005 Toyotas. Also,AAA advises that dealers can still charge for advertising. Personally, I don't think confrontation at this point would be useful. Note also that my purchase occurred a full month after your quote. Each month and other factors make a difference.
  • ronnronn Member Posts: 398
    Thanks for the reply...There is so much hoop-la over the Acura RL. I drove that car..it is nice, but it wasn't nearly as smooth or quiet, and I really think ours is better looking. I just hope we get in the top 10 when someone realizes this Avalon is all about looks and luxury, with top performance. By the way, I'm getting around 23mpg in town. I'm proud of that too!!!
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Overpriced? Based on what?
    : )
    Mackabee
  • myvalonmyvalon Member Posts: 3
    Hello all! I have been the proud new owner for 10 days now. I must saw this car is proving to be much more than I first realized. I am trying to break it in gently. Any one out there really tried the acceleration out for size yet?
  • ronnronn Member Posts: 398
    Congrats to you!!! I have had mine for a month now, haven't gone over 65 yet...but it's smooth and quiet there!!I'm anxious to take it on a long trip. It looks like July 4th week will be the first big trip!
  • just__mejust__me Member Posts: 508
    It will be in the top ten in it's class, I can't see it not being in the top five. Honestly Ronn, when I researched this car, all the spec's, power, comfort, price etc., if I were reporting the story I believe it would be number one. I love the style of the car, but it seems that is the only thing they seem to be faulting it for. The Chrysler 300 they give great reviews to because of it's macho look. No one says the front grill is similar to the older Mercedes, 1950's vintage. It's a macho look, but the Avalon is a much better and more refined car that doesn't look like a big cat ready to pounce on you. I agree with you, the Acura RL styling is just ho hum. Anyway, we know what we have, and well worth the price when comparing to the others. Hang it there we will be at the top if an honest reporter does his homework, and stops copying from others but actually comparison shops and test drives them all. Don't you just love the little doors (radio etc.), don't they grow on you, WOW!! I am getting around 22 in the City, but have little mileage on my car, am approaching around 400, and taking my time breaking it in and so far using the 91 (actual I think 93 octane), and will change my oil at the first 1,000 miles. I do that with every car, superstitious from way back although they say no longer necessary. I change the oil every 3,000 miles after that.
  • ronnronn Member Posts: 398
    Yes I do love the "secret doors" to the radio. It is something different. Do you have the xm radio? I am still thinking about it, as the Limited is ready for it...I can't decide? I would appreciate anyone giving me some great advice on it. I'm getting prices from the dealer on it.
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