2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

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Comments

  • bmwdougbmwdoug Member Posts: 248
    I am curious. Those of you who have purchased the 05 Avalon, if you don't mind, could you please give your age and occupation? No big deal if you decline. I am just trying to get an a picture of the demographics of the Avalon.
  • dshimkatdshimkat Member Posts: 54
    rwb2,

    Congrats on the great deal on your new Limited.

    My dealer did not charge me anything for the XM antenna re-mount. Since I was not pleased with the initial placement, they wanted to keep me a happy customer.
  • mikes.mikes. Member Posts: 337
    I've had my LTD a full month now and have just over 2,000 miles on it. This car has been great! No need to take it back to the dealer for any adjustments.

    I'm averageing 24.7 mpg in mixed hiway/city driving. When taking it on mostly freeway travel I've gotten as high as 29.4 mpg doing 70+.

    I misunderstood the way that the auto wipers worked and was a bit frustrated. So I sat down and read the manual. They work fine now...

    My dealer, Younger in Hagerstown, Md. tells me that Toyota no longer offers the gold package for this car. She (saleslady) recommended that I stay away from aftermarket. I haven't decided what to do yet, I think that gold on the indigo ink would look great.

    The indigo ink shows dirt pretty easily so I know that I'll be washing this car a lot more often then usual. I've even scheduled my plumber to come out and install a hose faucet to the front of the house near the drive-way. The only faucet I have now is in the far corner of my half acre.

    Has anyone here used the Mr. Clean car wash system? Attach it to your hose, rinse car, turn knob to soap the car and then wash with a mitt or clean cotton, turn knob again for spot free rinse.

    I'm still deciding / debating about XM, wife seems opposed.

    Probably gonna look for someone to do the gold package. Any1 here know of an installer in the greater DC area?

    MikeS.
  • mikes.mikes. Member Posts: 337
    I sent an e-mail to the finance manager @ Greenfield Toyota Saturday morning inquiring about purchasing the 7yr/100k mile 0 deductible warranty from them. If I can get it for 985 that would save me 465 for what I already paid. If he e-mails me back saying yes, I'll give Younger a chance to meet it. Otherwise I'll cancel theirs and rebuy from Greenfield.

    MikeS.
  • pmcb48pmcb48 Member Posts: 192
    See post 2657 for more detail.
  • jll1jll1 Member Posts: 12
    Does anyone have knowledge how the parking assist option (available in some regions) works? Is it rear only, or front and rear like the Sienna?

    Also, it would seem a back-up camera system ala the Sienna should be easy to add.
  • jmarlinjmarlin Member Posts: 7
    Hi-
    I'm 32 my occupation is Human Resources Generalist.
  • mikes.mikes. Member Posts: 337
    I was 39 for my 1st Avalon in '96, I'm 47 for my 2nd in 05. I'm a senior database administrator for the Feds.
  • ronnronn Member Posts: 398
    Hey bmwdoug...don't mind a bit with the age and occupation.
    I am Ronn, age 46. This is my first Avalon. I have owned 3 other Toyotas before this one.
    I work for a music company selling music, I am a Church and Concert Organist. I give concerts through several states each year.
  • ski1003ski1003 Member Posts: 41
    I a retired business consultant, 68 years old. I traded in a 2000 Chrysler 300M for my new XL Avalon. Totally different car. Not sporty but very classy in MHP.
  • agentagent Member Posts: 56
    I'm 29 and a real estate agent in VA and NC and I have an Avalon addiction. Please help me. :-)

    I went out yesterday with the intentions of ordering a Touring model and I find myself torn between the XLS and the Touring yet again. Can someone tell me if the Touring suspension is that much different? I'm also a little concerned that the dark charcoal leather with the phantom gray pearl is going to be too dark and not welcoming. I saw for the first time, the ivory leather interior yesterday and fell in love. That is not offered in the Touring. Decisions - Decisions. I've selected a dealer and I think it's great: Toyota of Elizabeth City. Right off the bat I am being offered $2000 under MSRP and am confident I will settle for even better.

    Any and all thoughts on the interior and the suspension would be greatly appreciated. Also, keep in mind that I am stepping up from an '01 Jetta! What a change that will be. I am alone in the car 80% of the time so yes, the "sporty" suspension is for me and me only. (Remember, I'm 29) I just want the ride to still be comfortable for my clients when they are with me.

    One more cool thing to add. I have found financing through my financial advisor for 4.175%. (purchasing, not leasing) At $32,500, my payments will be $432/month. Not bad at all. I checked with the dealer and I will be bringing a quote from a local car audio dealer with me. I am replacing the entire stereo unit, adding an amp and sub-woofer, installing an after market security system and getting a Garmin 2610 GPS system. The best part is that I will be wrapping all of that into my loan! How cool is that. Thanks in advance for your comments and feedback.
  • funguyfunguy Member Posts: 11
    I have talked to people that had older cars with perforated leather seats tne most of them indicted that the seats tend to look dirty after a while. This is because the dirt that gets pushed into the holes, even duing the cleaning process tends to stay there and makes the holes look darker than the rest of the seat. Not much of an issue on the darker leather, but moreso on the light colors. Anyone out there have any experience?
  • doninildoninil Member Posts: 8
    I'm 45 and currently own a 2001 Avalon which is a company car. I'm a Customer Service Manager servicing Financial Institutions. My 05 Avalon is on order and I'm anxiously awaiting its arrival!!
  • pricecutterpricecutter Member Posts: 49
    Based on the fact that most dealers are charging MSRP. Dealers can make plenty of profit and still discount these cars at a reasonable figure below MSRP or above invoice.
  • pricecutterpricecutter Member Posts: 49
    I owned a 99 Toyota with perforated light grey seats. Did not have any problems; it looked brand new when I traded it in.
  • barclay3barclay3 Member Posts: 90
    Pricecutter...did you try Conniceli. I live in Southampton, where are you? What really bothers me now about Thompson is that I have been a good customer for 20 years. I have been taking my cars there for service every 6 months for the past 20 years.

    Demographics...52, programmer, Southampton,PA.
  • tassotasso Member Posts: 33
    36 yo wm, soon to be 37. MD, sson to go back to academics I hope. Love this car. Best bang for the buck I could find.
  • larryt22larryt22 Member Posts: 125
    FYI, my son bought me the Mr Clean system last summer for my birthday. I immediately went out and washed my Phantom Gray Camry with it and was impressed by how clean it looked and that fact that you did not have to dry it and there were no water spots or streaking. Unfortunately, as usually happens when you wash your car, it rained the very next day. The car looked like it was covered with soap that was streaked all over the car. It looked absolutely terrible and I had to wash the car again (didn't use the Mr. Clean system this time) and have never used it again since. I figure the Mr Clean system must leave some type of residue on the car that does not get wiped off, thus the next time it gets wet, you have a mess. I would stay away from this if I was you.
  • phil6phil6 Member Posts: 1
    WE ARE READY TO PURCHASE THE CAR. DOWNSIDE,WE HAVE A SON WHO IS 6'4" AND WITH THE SUNROOF DOES NOT HAVE ENOUGH ROOM AS HIS HEAD TOUCHES THE ROOF OF THE CAR. IN ADDITION, WHY WOULD THEY NOT ALLOW THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT NOT GO UP AND DOWN? THEY ARE LIMITING THIS CAR TO SHORT PEOPLE. DOES ANYBODY KNOW IF THE CAR CAN BE BUILT WITHOUT THE SUNROOF? THAT WOULD ADD ANOTHER 31/2" TO THE HEIGHT OF THE CAR.
  • ronnronn Member Posts: 398
    Agent..a freind of mine tried all the models, and found the XLS and the touring to be about the same. With the great deal you are getting at the dealership, why not get the Limited with the better stereo? I have the Limited, and the stereo is awesome!! I'm a young 46, and I find the limited to be plenty sporty, with a great ride.My CD's sound great with the sound system, and the surround sound is really cool!! Fun car to drive!!! Best of luck with whatever you choose. It's a great car no matter which model you get.I love the Limited the best!
  • ronnronn Member Posts: 398
    Moonroof is standard on the XLS and Limited model. You can get the Touring or XL without the moonroof. I bought the Limited, and I'm 6'2. I have plenty of room, however I have not tried the passenger side in the front. I had plenty of room when I tried out the backseat room. I am actually amazed at the leg room I have in the car. The drivers seat has an extender too!! for long legs.
  • boatsmanboatsman Member Posts: 37
    I can't imagine why you would want to change out the stereo. I have a limited and it already has a 365 watt amp, subwoofer etc. standard from the factory and sounds fantastic. By the time you pay for all your after market stuff you could buy a limited ready from day one. You will really be hurting the resale value if you go with your plan. Even the limited has a great handleing suspension and would also be a comfortable ride for your clients. They will be much more impressed and remember you more with the limited
  • ronharvronharv Member Posts: 51
    Mike S. asked about the Mr. Clean system. As a guy who always endured the inconvenience and cost of car-wash outlets because of cranky knees and a bum back that exacted retribution whenever I washed a car myself, I thought I'd give Mr. C. a shot because of the minimal amount of bending and squatting that'd be involved. Wow! Now I wash my cars and get about 95% of the results on the exterior that I used to pay for. And it's fast. (A suggestion: Use a good long-handled car-wash brush instead of a cumbersome mitt or sponge. Saves time, muscle, and cartilege.) And except for squeegeeing the side windows, the car just air-drys and is virtually spotless, even in a really hard-water environment where I live. The second time I washed a car, I actually asked my wife to take a gander at the way the car dried and she thought I was nuts.
  • finfin Member Posts: 594
    Mine '03 XL interior is light tan and looks fine. Your suggestion about dirt may be possible but mine does not seem to show it. We do not have kids in the car and do not do anything out of the ordinary to generate dirt. But you are probably right that as the seat color gets lighter, say snow white, the perfs will show up more as the seat ages.

    Candidly..even if they were less than perfect..I would get them again. Three hours at 97 degrees and 100% humidity on GA/FLA interstates....your tush sticks to the seat. Big Time. Once you have done 3 hours on the perfs, solid leather is a pain. And after a lunch stop in Lake City you can't TOUCH and solid seat, much less sit on it. No problem with the perfs. Jump in and go.

    Buy a Limited and, Fear not, the perfs.... :-)
  • dan41dan41 Member Posts: 182
    48, IT International sales. This is my fourth Toyota. I traded my 2003, Lexus GS300 for this car and, so far, I can't believe the bang for the buck I got with my new Avalon Limited. I also looked at the new 2006 Lexus GS (and many others), but I just could not justify the difference in cost. As soon as I saw the new Limited, I wanted to buy it. After two test drives, I bought it! Toyota, you have hit a grand slam with this baby!

    Regards: Dan
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Your answer has no logic, SO if customers are paying MSRP isn't the car worth MSRP to that customer? Value is in the eye of the beholder, you may not see the value while others do. Have you seen the Scion tC? is this vehicle overpriced because it's selling at MSRP and customers are lining up to buy it? See my point?\
    ; )
    Mackabee
  • dshimkatdshimkat Member Posts: 54
    I'm 55 and retired from working as a Controller at a large corporation. This is my 2nd Avalon. I previously owned a 2001 XLS. I took delivery of my '05 Limited on Feb. 10. I loved my '01, but IMHO the '05 is incrementally better in almost every way, compared to my '01.
  • dajabdajab Member Posts: 35
    I'm 55 and employed as a theoretical astrophysicist at a major research facility in the U.S. This will be our 1st Avalon & 3rd Toyota; previous ones have been Corollas. (With roots deep in the midwest, our large family car generally has been a U.S. make [Buick, Chrysler-Plymouth], like those of our parents. But, with excellent experience with previous Toyotas, and with the kids gone, we can afford an Avalon LTD or Lexus and pamper ourselves.) This is the 1st Avalon model that has really appealed to us. We have special-ordered ours and are awaiting its arrival.
  • agentagent Member Posts: 56
    I guess everyone has their own pet peeves and sound quality is mine. No biggie. I just refuse to pay an extra $900 for a paper cone sub that isn't enclosed and vented. I listen to music that demands special attention to bass and nothing that the Avalon offers suits my desires.
    I know I'm getting a great deal but I'm a little uncomfortable paying Limited prices. (not that it isn't worth every penny and more) The Touring has nearly everything I need.
    Can anyone reply to my question on the Charcoal interior? Is it too dark? The Ivory just looked so much classier to me. I know it's personal opinion but I value all of yours. :-) Thanks again.
  • just__mejust__me Member Posts: 508
    Personally, I think your customers will feel the sunshine with Ivory, the darker color might depress them when you need them up, so if you use this for business I think I answered it. I also like the Ivory better myself, on a rainy day it brings some light into the interior. Hope i helped you.
  • 1violinist1violinist Member Posts: 338
    The Charcoal is pretty dark, and in Summer it will get hotter than any other interior color. With light colors the car feels more airy and you can see the small details of the interior, compared to a mass of blackness. Yet again, color is a personal preference and taste has no reason! Go for what you like and what makes you happy!
  • dshimkatdshimkat Member Posts: 54
    "Can anyone reply to my question on the Charcoal interior? Is it too dark? The Ivory just looked so much classier to me."

    agent,

    I have seen the Graphite interior at my local dealer and also thought it was too dark. I would agree with just me's previous post. I think your customers will feel better in the ivory interior. I had the ivory interior in my 2001 Avalon and it looked like new when I sold it to a local friend. All I did was clean and maintain it with a good leather cleaner and conditioner every couple of months.
  • techymantechyman Member Posts: 5
    Hello,

    I just picked up my Phantom Gray touning on Sat, it's incredible ! Everyone loves the color ! I'm 37 and just ended my lease on a Mercedes c320, I can't believe how much better this car is in everyway. I drove the limited and the tourning, the touring is just a little tighter. I went with the touring because I was tired of the "wood" look, my last 2 cars had it and I wanted something more "high=tech". I am having my XM and homelink mirror installed on Monday, my car came with sunroof, remote start, alarm and the upgraded 12speaker JBL system which sounds amazing !

    Good luck on your choice...
  • barclay3barclay3 Member Posts: 90
    Secret Agent Man...Is it just the cheap sub woofer you don't like? How is the rest of the sound system. How is the bass from the woofer. Personally, I would probably turn the sub woofer off because the thumping hurts my ears. I hear these kids driving around with the loud thump, thump, thump and it drives me nuts.

    Ivory is brighter and makes the interior look bigger.

    Mackabee... I was happy with the deal I got from my dealer until I found out someone else got a much better deal from the same dealer. Something is wrong with that. I am an honest person and I was up front with the dealer but they were not with me. I buy a car every 10 years because I feel that I am being taken and this last episode proves it to me. The dealer told me I got the best deal possible and someone else got a deal for $1000 less. I would much rather get a root canal than shop for a car.
  • analyticangelanalyticangel Member Posts: 83
    Boatsman you have bought what sounds like a great car I have a few questions maybe you can answer
    1) Did the dealer you bought from have his dealership name listed on the car (I dont like it when they ruin a new car that way!) or just on the license plate and
    2) Did they go belwo the first initial internet price they quoted you?
    3) YOu bough a car already there and configured in the way you wanted Correct?
    Thanks for all your info I have learned so much from reading your posts
  • boatsmanboatsman Member Posts: 37
    I asked them before the car came in not to put a decal on the back of the car. I said I didn't mind advertising for them with a plate frame but not with a decal on the paint. I didn't want to be too greedy so I didn't even try to go lower than the initial internet price as it was already so much lower than my next lowest bid. I probably should have tried but I'm in business too and when they've got a car this hot they're entitled to a decent profit. A lot of people are saying wait awhile and the price will come down but I'm not so sure. I think this car is an excellent value and it wouldn't surprise me to see Toyota raise the price. They didn't have the car there yet when I made the deal. I looked at their allocation coming in down the line and chose the one I wanted. I could see all this on their website and got the VIN # and the date available then emailed them. It was all very painless. This is my first Toyota and my first car negotiated on the internet. As I've said in another post this car is superior to Lincolns, Cadillacs, and Mercedes I've had.
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Well that's what happens in the adversarial (sp) environment of car buying. Some people are better negotiators than others. That's why some people like Saturn and Scion as there is no dickering on the price. Everyone pays the same. This is going to happen unless Toyota goes to the pure pricing philosophy they have with the Scion brand.
    : )
    Mackabee
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    Toyota raises prices across the line once or twice a year and not by much. Maybe $300 at the most as they did on the Sienna. I don't foresee this vehicle cooling down at all now that spring is almost upon us.
    : )
    Mackabee
  • pricecutterpricecutter Member Posts: 49
    Following your logic, a car is worth as much as any customer is willing to pay for it. So, if some poor fool who knows nothing about cars chooses to pay $400,000 for a Scion--because the car salesman told him that's what its worth--then that's just fine with you. After all, if the unsuspecting buyer thinks it's worth that much, then it must be worth that much.

    Basically our difference is philosophical. To you there are no absolute values--no rights, no wrongs--only what is in the "eye of the beholder."
  • mikerochmikeroch Member Posts: 69
    I forgot to mention when we test drove an XLS, I tried to open the louver over the radio controls and it took a few presses before it opened.

    I noticed someone else mentioned this as well and then realized that I had had the same "problem" on my test drive.

    This doesn't seem a huge quality issue to me, but has anyone else had this same bugaboo happen to them?

    Thanks.
  • ronnronn Member Posts: 398
    Hey Agent...I have the lighter gray, and its not that dark inside...However, I have Black, and it looks the best in my opioion with the black. In fact, I have gotten many comments about the gray inside being a great color. I personally don't like to see too much contrast between outside and in. Get what you like and go for it. The important thing is the great car you are getting, and how lucky to have clients in it!!! Wow, maybe you will sell the car to others once they see how great it is!!!!!
  • dan41dan41 Member Posts: 182
    barclay3: I have been in sales all of my adult life and if you left the dealership believing you got a fair deal, then you did. As you may have noticed from this forum, there are a lot of members who bought the Avalons at MSRP. Of course, there are also some that paid varying amounts less than MSRP. My point is that you can quickly talk yourself into buyers remorse or decide that you got a fair deal and enjoy your new and very smart purchase. One last thought, if you are like many others who do not like to negotiate ( and there are many ), next time you purchase, find someone, perhaps a broker, who will negotiate a fair deal for you. Again, your great car!

    Regards: Dan
  • ronnronn Member Posts: 398
    I find it not to be a big deal either, but once in awhile, I have trouble shutting it back. It has to catch just right. I've learned to be a little more firm...I don't open it much as I use the stering wheel for most all the changes, and keep 6 CD'S ready for the awesome sound!
  • ronnronn Member Posts: 398
    Agent...sorry for the second reply...I drove the Phantom gray with light gray interior for the test drive..That is what sold me on the light gray inside for my Black Avalon. The Phantom Gray and light gray really comliment each other without being too much contrast.It was a sharp car. A friend was with me, and loved the color combo as well. Just my opinion..hope I didn't confuse the issue. Great luck with whatever you choose!
    Respectfully, RONN
  • gschultz3gschultz3 Member Posts: 134
    I will get a black Avalon LTD with Nav, parking sensors, VSC next week. I'm retired, at least for now, and am 64. I've never owned a Toyota before. The Avalon will replace an Infiniti FX45.

    It is interesting to see what other people are paying but it is not possible to compare selling prices without all of the details. If it doesn't matter when, where or what, then you can negotiate the lowest price. If a trade-in is involved then the selling price is not really the selling price. One dealer may increase the trade-in by $3,000 and sell you at MSRP. Dealers with few cars and many customers would be crazy to give any discounts. Depending on the time of the month, year or even sometimes the day one more sale may be worth more to a dealer. If you want a specific model, option or color you loose some negotiating power.

    I needed an LTD/Nav/VSC in 7 days with 3 color options and one interior option. I paid less than MSRP but had much lower offers for Avalons that did not meet all of my requirements. My car was already in the system and my dealer got it from another dealer's allocation. I am happy because I would have been willing to pay more if thats what it would have taken to get what I wanted. I know I could have done better or worse if I was in a different geographical area.
  • mackabeemackabee Member Posts: 4,709
    pricecutter, don't misunderstand what I said please. You still haven't answered my question. How is the new Avalon overpriced? Based on what?
    : )
    Mackabee
  • jackevejackeve Member Posts: 5
    I am 79 and my wife is 81 and we have ordered the LTD with nearly everything on it. It is our belief that this car is a luxury car, with features that exceed many that are named in that class. Simply, more for the money. It,s our first Toyota and we hope that we will like it as much as we think we will. We are going from an SUV back to a Sedan and we hope we won't miss the easy entry and exit of the SUV. We have been retired for nearly 20 years.
  • pricecutterpricecutter Member Posts: 49
    Yes. The AirBagOn remains on in my car--2005 Limited.
  • gschultz3gschultz3 Member Posts: 134
    Not sure what you mean by values. Prices are based on what the customer is willing to pay not the cost to build a car. Auto companies historically have made more money on SUV's, luxury Cars, popular new cars than the average car. MSRP is what the auto companies think you are willing to pay. They underestimated what they thought people would pay for a prius and overestimated what they thought people would pay for a Lincoln Town Car. I feel the Avalon is worth the MSRP! There is nothing about a $500,000 luxury car other than it's rarity that makes it worth $500,000.
  • analyticangelanalyticangel Member Posts: 83
    Hi All
    This question is for you and anyone else kind enough to answer I am thinking about the Avalon Limited vs XLS and the seats in light gray vs graphite
    Would be interested in all of your opinions re color combo on Titanium silver of light gray vs Graphite
    Thanks to sll of you for all your knowledge
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