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Comments
How are you dealing with the reflection from inside looking out?
Greg
johni
Mackabee
Mackabee
Thanks.
Thanks for the great comments :-) This is the comparison feedback I've been expecting - why mothers/fathers of little ones choose Avalon over SUV if cost is within $5K... and why SUV if ride quality much better on Avalon...
At first glance (originally), the highlander just doesn't have as many options available. Memory seat is an absolute MUST (hate not having this in my loaded Sienna). Also, to me, something about the Highlander's rear seats that feels "smaller" & more cramped than RX330. Perhaps the seat wasn't in the rear-most position when I sat in it - not sure. I'm certain this year's Highlander won't be an option for us.
Great points on overall 3yr vehicle cost/value comparisons (insurance, gas, safety, etc.) - even more reason to save $$$ up front (all out of pocket this time - no loans & no leasing).
I'm afraid I entered a typo on the Performance Plus Pkg. I meant Premium Plus Pkg (contains a standard set of extra goodies that are must-haves for me - and according to several dealers, tend to be standard orders out here in CA). Therefore, Performance (i.e., air suspension I imagine) will not be added on my RX order (if I decided to go that route). For reference, no - my parent's RX does not have this suspension. My comparison point was merely that their ride quality would most likely be better for the mere fact that they have 17" rims - vs. the 18" that I'd "have" to have (less than a $200 option).
Unless I hear that Limited's invoice price is significantly increased for 2006, I'll likely wait till this model is available for order.
Thanks to all who responded. Your feedback has been helpful and will certainly be points to consider when final decision is made.
Regards,
CmptrGuy74
What's a good invoice price for Avalon Limited to offer, of course will add about $400-500 with the invoice...
Thanks...
sea level standard air density
aero drag coefficient = 0.291
aero drag area = 72.8*58.5 / 144 = 29.58 sq-ft
tire rolling friction coefficient = 0.014
vehicle weight = 3800 pounds (Limited curb wt = 3600 + 200 lb driver)
max torque = 260 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
max HP = 280 @ 6200 rpm
overall gearing giving 3100 rpm in 4th gear @ 75 mph , 2230 rpm in 5th gear,
as observed on my Avalon LImited.
Some unknown factor relates HP at the rear wheels to engine dyno brake HP.
The resulting top speeds, as a function of this HP factor, are
HP factor -------Top speed (mph)-------- Engine rpm
0.7 -------------------- 143 ------------------- 5981
0.8 -------------------- 150.5 ----------------- 6300
0.9 -------------------- 156 ------------------- 6525
All top speeds are in 4th gear, 5th gear gives lower values. Torque & power curves below 4700 rpm and above 6200 rpm are educated guesses.
With a 6500 rpm redline, I suspect real top speed is pretty close to 150. But, I just don't know what the correct HP factor is.
Any of you have chassis dyno experience, to compare engine BHP vs HP at rear wheels?
Max
You can try this link, although I'm not sure if they are connected to them, you can try and call them also and see, they seem to be in the tint business as well as other things. But where I had it done, that's all they do, tint car windows and a couple of really nice guys, I'm sure they would help you on the phone, they don't have a web page. Good Luck. Here is the other Pro Tint company I found on-line for you. http://www.protint.com/index2.ivnu
MikeS.
also, are the 2006's coming out in May 2005?
thanks.
3putt: Good rule of thumb for RWD vehicles is RWHP = 85% x BHP at flywheel. That's what I would use for FWD as a starting point.
Good hardcore post. Thanks.
Groza
Limited MSRP = $34,929
XLS MSRP = $32,629
Difference = $2300
Now here is what you get for your $2300 on the Limited that is not on the XLS
HID Headlights
Auto Dimming on the passenger rear view mirror. (Driver side dims on both)
Puddle Lamps
Turn Signal Indicators on rear view mirrors
Noise Reduction Windshield
Rain-sensing wipers
Wood grain Steering Wheel and Shift knob.
Perforated Leather Seats (XLS are not perforated because there is not ventilation)
Ventilated Seats
Adjustable Heat Settings for Front Seats (XLS are just High or Low)
Seat Cushion Extension for Drivers seat
JBL Stereo System
Memory Positioning of Driver Seat and Outside Mirrors
Smart Key System (Keyless entry and start of vehicle)
Power Rear Sunshade
For me it is worth the extra money to get several of these features. That of course is an individual and personal decision. I hope this helps.
so what would be a good intro over invoice offer for the limited and
the XLS???
Ed
Actually, the heated seats on the XLS are continuously adjustable. It has the same knobs as the limited but the full range of the knob is used to adjust the heat whereas (I believe) on the Limited the first half of the range adjusts the fans and the second half adjusts the heat.
Bob
Anyone else experiencing this?
Bob
is the end of the month actually still the best time to get a better deal?
thanks for reply.
good or not???
thanks in advance.
Groza - thanks for the info. Using the 85% figure, estimated top speed is 153.2 mph at 6408 rpm in 4th gear. Sounds fairly reasonable to me. I'm not about to test it - doubt if I'll ever get over 100. High speed tickets just too costly.
Max
Your list:
HID Headlights
Auto Dimming on the passenger rear view mirror. (Driver side dims on both)
Puddle Lamps
Turn Signal Indicators on rear view mirrors
Noise Reduction Windshield
Rain-sensing wipers
Wood grain Steering Wheel and Shift knob.
Perforated Leather Seats (XLS are not perforated because there is not ventilation)
Ventilated Seats
Adjustable Heat Settings for Front Seats (XLS are just High or Low)
Seat Cushion Extension for Drivers seat
JBL Stereo System
Memory Positioning of Driver Seat and Outside Mirrors
Smart Key System (Keyless entry and start of vehicle)
Power Rear Sunshade
With both the 02 Avalon and now with the 05 my dealer put all the manuals in a nice leather (or maybe Naugahyde) case that has pockets for registration form and insurance papers, as well as business cards, zips shut, and fits nicely in the glove compartment. This may be a Mid-Atlantic feature (I am in Northern Virginia), but there is no way another customer could get it because the salesman brought all the manuals in from the car and assembled the whole thing on his desk after the initial briefing. Then we took the package out to the car and sat there for a good half hour or so going over all the features. When the survey comes I will give him an extra "attaboy." (It wasn't because it was a slow day--it was Saturday, and mine was the fourth car he had sold or delivered that day).
The owner's manual discusses that gap. It's for the reclining seats, of course, but they warn you to avoid putting stuff on the shelf (which is good advice anyway), because besides creating a hazard, things may fall down in that gap. They want you to "see your Toyota dealer" if something gets in there and prevents the seat back from reclining.
Here's another funny thing that happened to me. I went in for my first oil change and because the car is so new, they didn't have any oil filters in for it yet. lol Just my luck. It's good that I find humor in nearly every aspect of life. :P
There are a couple of important points to help you/us understand if this is a good price. What is the configuration and the corresponding invoice cost?
$34,978 plus applicable tax, tag and dealer fees ($499.50). this quote also includes the addition of carpet mats and toyoguard plus protection package ...
(which I probably dont need the toyoguard)
2nd estimate:
$34,130.00, plus tag $249.95, plus doc fee $35.00, plus $3.00 lemon law fee =
$34,417.95, plus and not included yet, sales and county taxes..
No one has ever mentioned invoice cost...
2005 avalon limited for OUT THE DOOR price of $34,714
For Canadians, these are the differences between Canadian and US models:
US XLS MSRP = $32,629 including freight
Can XLS package B MRSP = Can $43,475 + $1,100 freight (West Coast) = Can $44,575 = US $35,883 (@ 80.5 exchange rate).
Difference = US $3,254
What we get in Canada for our extra US $3,254 on the Canadian XLS (package that is not on the US XLS, is:
Wood grain Steering Wheel and Shift knob
JBL Stereo System
Adjustable Heat Settings for Front Seats (apprently also in US XLS)
We cannot get any the following US Limited-only features:
HID Headlights
Auto Dimming on the passenger rear view mirror. (Driver side dims on both)
Puddle Lamps
Turn Signal Indicators on rear view mirrors
Noise Reduction Windshield
Rain-sensing wipers
Perforated Leather Seats (XLS are not perforated because there is not ventilation)
Ventilated Seats
Seat Cushion Extension for Drivers seat
Memory Positioning of Driver Seat and Outside Mirrors
Smart Key System (Keyless entry and start of vehicle)
Power Rear Sunshade
For Toyota Canada, if you are listening: of all of the Limited-only features, there is one that I really wanted to have in my XLS. It is:
Memory Positioning of Driver Seat and Outside Mirrors.
I also would like to know why the Canadian MRSP price is so much higher than the US price, but I guess I know what the answer is...
Regards,
Havalongavalon
Mack... any suggestions?
Also look on the Edmunds site and/or www.kbb.com
at the 200 avalon pricing and you will get invoice numbers
Also figure out what features/options are most important than seek quotes based on that .
I am in Florida and feel I got a fair deal
Am picking my car up Saturday an XLS with VSC, mats and Toyoguard Plus (FINALLY!!!) have been waiting since 3/14
Following Ronn and just me ..........am working hard to name the new baby
Maybe " the Silver Bullet " but am open to any ideas