2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

havalongavalon · May 2005

Pat,

Thank you for this clarification. Yes, it makes sense now that the image has to be stored somewhere on the web. The method I had posted applies to copying a pasting an image already available on the web; not an image that is only in your computer. Sorry about this.

havalongavalon

mexcar · May 2005

Thanks; you're probably right about the XL not coming any time soon with the JBL. Do you have any particular take on the base stereo system? Vs the JBL? I'm actually here in Mexico for the next few weeks, been here since Jan 1, so haven't actually seen (or heard) the new Avalon. The discussion is great though.

njny · May 2005

05 Avalon Review from the Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/04/29/AR2005042901155.html/?nav=- - lb

pat · May 2005

You still have to supply the address, not the picture.

If pasting the picture itself without typing in the address ever worked for you, would you give me the post number? In my mind that can't possibly work, but I certainly could be wrong.

3puttmax · May 2005

Attached photo shows underside of upper trunk area, right side. What is the L-shaped black thing? There is a matching one on the left side. Also, what is the big black box? My 2000 Avalon has the same big black box, but not the 2 L-shaped things.

I have a Limited. Does this thing exist on the other models?

Max

twobrowns · May 2005

I recall reading a post that apparently there is a way to hide the "I Agree" screen. Any one know how?

just__me · May 2005

My Savannah Toyota Dealership prior to getting the color keyed mud flaps had the black ones painted at the dealership and warranted them under the general Toyota Warranty. So check with your own dealership.

havalongavalon · May 2005

Hi Max,

I'm afraid that the photo you mention in post #5197 is still not visible to anyone (except for yourself, because the original file resides in your computer). As per Pat (HOST)'s clarification in post #5196, the original photo has to reside in a website, and what you insert in your message between the "Img" icons, is a link to that existing photo/file in another website. In an earlier message Pat indicated how you can upload your own files to a website.

Sorry again, and best wishes,

havalongavalon

By the way, although I could not see the photo I think I know what "L-shaped black thing" you are asking about, and I also don't know what they are (possibly related to the reclining seats?).

pat · May 2005

He posted it right - I saw it earlier, but I agree, it's not displaying now. He has it hosted on a yahoo page which may be having a problem. Or it may just be timing out, sometimes those pages are terribly slow.

ryandse · May 2005

Do you have any particular take on the base stereo system? Vs the JBL? I'm actually here in Mexico for the next few weeks, been here since Jan 1, so haven't actually seen (or heard) the new Avalon.

I am afraid that I haven't actually heard either of the systems, and I don't know anything about the base audio system. But, I imagine that the JBL Synthesis system is probably very impressive. I can say this because this audio system uses a digital signal processing algorithm known as Logic 7 to essentially "fake" surround sound. It also turns out that the parent company of JBL is Harmon (also the parent company of: Harmon/Kardon). And, I actually happen to have a Harmon/Kardon receiver that supports Logic 7. For all my regular CDs I have Logic 7 enabled, because I find it to be very compelling. In fact, it's the best sorround DSP that I know of.

Now, If you happen to have a lot of DVD-Audio (DVD-A) discs laying around, you might want to consider looking at the ESS audio system in the Acuras (I remember seeing a link somewhere that ranked their system as the best of all audio systems in all cars -- including the Mark Levinson system you can get in the new Lexus ES, GS and LS models. Frankily, though, I imagine that most people will probably just appreciate a system that will play their CDs in pseudo-sorround sound (which Logic 7 does so well). And for folks who have invested in the Multi-channel Super Audio CD (SACD) format, like me, the last thing we'd want is support for a competing sorround CD format in the car.

jms132 · May 2005

Thank you rewop. I must have missed that page.

just__me · May 2005

RONN WHERE ARE YOUToyota Avalon is the hot sedan this year, and is one fantastic car. The Avalon is taking sales away from nearly every domestic maker. Chrysler's 300c is losing a few sales, Buick is dropping even further and Ford's 500 barely got out of the gate. Even the folks who might have looked at Lexus, Cadillac or Lincoln are jumping on the Avalon. It's got space, looks, power and Toyota reliability. This is the conclusion you come away with when you review all the articles including the most recent ones. So we have one great car and at a great price, whether at MSRP or below, JMHO . Enjoy your Avalon folks.

mexcar · May 2005

Thanks for the great advice. Once I find out for sure that Toyota isn't letting a few XL orders slip through with the JBL, I'll have to look at the Touring.

mikes. · May 2005

The Toyota Platinum 7yr/100K miles/0 deductible warranty varies from a low of 985 USD to 1,650 USD. Depending on where you buy from. Dealers set the price for whatever they want, it is a great money maker.

I originally paid 1,450 for mine, a $200 "discount" from my dealership. Within 2 weeks I found the $985 from Greenfield Toyota in Mass. I went back to my dealer and they said, "Oh Well" I cancelled through TFS and rebought from Greenfield.

Teach them "Oh Well"

MikeS.

mikes. · May 2005

"Anyone have the insight on where you can get original Toyota parts (accessories) for less than what your local dealership charges? I have purchased parts for my Infiniti from a dealer via the web at prices well below what my local dealer was charging. Looking at getting the rear spoiler and mud guards for a 2005 Avalon. Thanks."

Try a search on Toyota Parts World, they are a dealership out of Havermill, Mass. I have bought several items, mostly filters, for my other Toyotas from them. I'd post the actual link but das ist Verboten! They have been reliable and well priced.

MikeS.

mikes. · May 2005

"I recall reading a post that apparently there is a way to hide the "I Agree" screen. Any one know how?"

The best thing to do would be to use the forum search function found at the top of each page.

MikeS.

gbinplano · May 2005

The Avalon and Prius NAV systems seem to be very similar except for their user interface (Prius is touch screen). They both have integrated the premium JBL system. I do not yet know if the wiring harnesses are identical. I would expect they would be at the NAV controller and LCD head. They are both Denso units, as is the one on the Sienna and the Lexus cars. Any mods you do perform are at the risk of destroying your warranty coverage on the NAV unit.

The following link takes you to Coastal Electronics. They specialize in aftermarket accessories for Prius and other Toyota cars. One especially nice accessory allows the attachment of a video camera for the rear that displays on the existing LCD when the car is put into reverse. It has two sets of video and audio inputs to permit an external DVD, mp3, iPod or other device to integrate fully with the JBL sound system. Coastal also sells a wiring harness that will bypass the NAV nag screen for the Prius. Again, it may or may not work with the Avalon.

Coastal Electronics NAV kit

Coastal Electronics Video kit

I have both units on order from Coastal. Now all I need is an Avalon to verify their operation. For that I need to wait until May 27th!

Greg

paul_p · May 2005

I'll be sure to update this forum later this week (or next) when we find out whether or not our soon to be delivered 2005 Avalon XL has the JBL stereo option.

- Paul

barclay3 · May 2005

Mr Bakeroid... I order a Cassis Pearl Limited back in February and mine is also to be delivered in 2 weeks. I guess that is the week for Cassis Pearl. I hope we aren't fighting over the only one they are making! I've never seen it either. What options did you get?

cafpaf · May 2005

Gentlemen, I picked up my Mirage Blue Limited last Thursday evening and my dealer had five of the Cassis Pearl Avalons in stock. None was a Limited, but I can tell you that the car looks great with either the Ivory or the dark gray interior. They also had a gold stripe on two and a two tone silver and gold stripe on the others. I am sure that you will be please when you see it. I am sorry that I can't get back there to send you a picture.

tcapr01 · May 2005

Great response, I had mine around 130mph on the highway with plenty of room left-bravo for driving this car as it should be driven.. Let me know the top end if you would.

bakeroid · May 2005

barclay3

At least there will be two in the US (Hope they're not the same one. Mine was ordered in early Mar.) . Am getting the Ivory interior with the Nav system, laser cruise, stability control, and floor/trunk mats. Hopefully also color keyed mud flaps but my dealer is handling that.

Hopefully someone will post a picture. The color swatch on the Toyota website is useless.

Jim Baker

bakeroid · May 2005

cafpaf.
Thank you for the encouragement. Am interested in the striping. Were they OEM or after-market? Which color looked best?

dcallies · May 2005

I think the black little box is the re-coil for the rear seat belts. If you look closer, there are three of them that match the location of the seat belts.

I don't know what the L-shaped thing is but I'm hanging my jumper cables on it. Keeps things off the trunk floor.

You may be right about them being part of the reclining seats but it still makes a great hanger...

mackabee · May 2005

mexcar, I just pulled an invoice on an XL to see if the JBL system is listed, It is not, the standard system is the am/fm/cd cassette combo with 9 speakers. The optional system adds the in dash 6 cd changer. I would venture to say it's probably made by JBL since the stereo systems in all trim levels of the Avalon share the same faceplate. Usually the stereo that Toyota uses in their vehicles are made by Fujitsu Ten unless they are equipped with JBL or Pioneer systems.
:shades:
Mackabee

3puttmax · May 2005

Bear with me as I try again to post this photo, hosted on my personal account with SBC/Yahoo.

Attached photo shows underside of upper trunk area, right side. What is the L-shaped black thing? There is a matching one on the left side. Also, what is the big black box? My 2000 Avalon has the same big black box, but not the 2 L-shaped things.

I have a Limited. Does this thing exist on the other models?

Max

lnt · May 2005

I have the Cassis Pearl. It's gorgeous. Sparkles brilliantly in the sunlight. If I knew how to post a picture I would, but I don't know how. I love it - until I put it up next to a black car then I kind of wish I had bought black. But I had a 2000 black Avalon and my husband and son thought I should get another color. It is very pretty, though, and I am about to get the gold package put on it. I had a 98 that color with gold pkg and it looked very nice. Gold package is aftermarket - Toyota doesn't have it yet. You'll love the color, though, unless you are hung up on black like I am.

lnt · May 2005

The shifting of gears and revving of engine annoy me after having such a quiet engine and smooth shifting in my old Avalon. I guess it is the drive by wire throttle and we'll just have to live with it. My son said it made it sound more sporty - but I don't like that kind of sportiness. I don't like feeling and hearing every time it shifts gears - makes me think I'm driving a manuel transmission vehicle!

deanie · May 2005

Hi:
I have the same tiny faint (very faint) squeak coming from the area where the base of the windshield and the dashboard meet. I live in Rockville, Maryland, and bought the car in early April, and the temps have been fluctuating 20-30 degrees recently (30's-40's in the AM and 60's-70's in teh PM).

Though it may be temperature related, it'll get worse over time as time and temp fluctuations and vehicle flex do their work, unless the source of the squeak is found and fixed - unlikely. I'd never let mechanics open up the dash to merely fix a tiny squeak and open up a new can of worms (more possible squeaks) should the dash not be screwed together as well as when done by the factory.

Regards,
Deanie

barclay3 · May 2005

Hi Int...Now I remember that you got the Cassis Pearl too! That makes 3 of us. Is gold pin striping included in the gold package you are getting?

Cafpaf...Which pin striping looked best to you?

pricecutter · May 2005

Thanks, fin, very much. Being a non-mechanical type, I appreciate your lucid explanation. Makes good sense that that more gears result in more shifiting.
Looks like havalongavalon can scratch this "problem" from his list.

Best wishes,

pricecutter

just__me · May 2005

I don't know about this wire throttle stuff, but I can absolutely tell you I don't hear any shifting of gears on my XLS, I don't even know the car is shifting, it's so quiet. So maybe you ought to bring it in and have it checked. The only time I hear my engine is when I stomp down on the accelerator for the fun of it and hear that Beautiful soft controlled whine that sounds like quality pushing all the rods and firing all the cylinders like a putty cat.

jcu1963 · May 2005

I have received a quote from a dealer via the internet on an '05 Limited that includes XM Satellite radio. The price quoted by him for the vehicle is more than fair, but he has indicated that the satellite radio price "includes the satellite ready receiver, but not the special antenna or the the monthly service fee."

I am wondering if others who have purchased the satellite radio have encountered anything like this.

Thanks.

Pete

pricecutter · May 2005

Hi Havalongavalon,

As you can see, some of us experience hesitation; others do not (see recent responses by Fin et.al.). Several explanations have been given--throttle wire and more speeds/shifting than in previous Avalons.

Probably a good topic to include since, like other problems, some experience them, others don't.

I appreciate your good work and timely responses.

Pricecutter.

pricecutter · May 2005

I am interested in how people handle parking the 2005 Ltd in Parking Facilities and Valet Parking. I have seen only one explanation: tell the guy who parks your car how to use the Start Button. Is this the only solution?

Pricecutter

havalongavalon · May 2005

Hi Pricecutter,

I agree that opinions have differed on whether or not the transmission shifts smoothly. There may be various reasons for this:

1. some drivers are less aware or less sensitive to the sound of shifting gears;
2. some drivers may be aware of shifting gears, but don't mind it or even prefer it;
3. some cars shift smoothly, but other cars don't.

I think we should add this item to the list to cover some reported incidents of the 3rd type.

There appear to be some vehicles that at least sometimes, for some conditions, may shift less smoothly than we think they should (shift when not needed, or skip a speed) or shift at inappropriate times (too early or too late).

I believe we had two reports of the following type: after having just driven down a hill and reducing speed to nearly stop at the bottom, an inappropriate gear is sometimes engaged for starting uphill with the intended acceleration; and in making a correction the engine may surge at higher than expected RPM.

Questions:

What is normal shifting behavior and what is not?

In case of an abnormal shifting behavior, is it dangerous? Fixable?

Answers welcome!

havalongavalon

barclay3 · May 2005

Pricecutter...Forget about valet parking in Atlantic City casinos. They lost my key once. I saw a blizzard white Avalon about 3 weeks ago (1st and only new Avalon I have seen on the road). Was that you on a residential street in Southampton (near LA Fitness)?

lnt · May 2005

Mine already had a gold pin stripe when I bought it. The gold pkg includes front Toyota Emblem, back emblem and the words Limited and Toyota plus the wheel emblems. I still have the gold license plate frames from my 2000 Avalon. I am kind of scared to get it. I am waiting until May 18 hoping I will see it on another one.

yurik · May 2005

Thanks havalongavalon for this useful website on parking sensors. They sell grey sensor for my Phantom Grey. I wonder what made you select AW-20E0 opposed to other models. Does it have LED indicator? Number 0 in the end means there is no spacer.What did they mean by spacer ? They also have stick on sensors. Did anyone hear if they are reliable?

jayareyouing · May 2005

Do a search for the word "blasphemy" (without the quotes). I believe this will take you to the posts to which you are referring. Unfortunately, no way to hide the "I Agree" screen was stated. I certainly would like to know also.

3puttmax · May 2005

Pete-

You should be very careful about this quote. A receiver without the antenna makes absolutely no sense. The Toyota XM radio kit includes the receiver, the antenna and a substantial wiring harness. Obviously it will not function without the antenna.

Some people have gotten as much as 1-year free XM service, but at what price for the XM hardware I'm not sure. I bought the Toyota XM kit, and had it installed by a stereo shop with considerable experience in that stuff, at a total cost of around $500 for kit plus installation. I got no free XM service. I did have the stereo shop install a smaller XM antenna (not the Toyota one), mounted inside the car under the windshield near the front defroster vents. The standard Toyota installation includes a large black antenna mounted externally on the trunk lid, which many feel is rather ugly.

If you search for XM on this forum, you can review what others have done. The owner of the stereo shop told me that by this time next year, the electronics manufacturers will come out with generic XM tuners that can be used in virtually all cars, and interface with their head units, for around $100. He thought that XM radio would subsidize the installation, and provide incentives to sign up. That's just his opinion, I have no inside knowledge.

Max

mackabee · May 2005

I think you guys are talking about the hooks that are used for the cargo net. I looked in the trunk of one XLS in the showroom and that's the only "L" shaped things I saw.
:shades:
Mackabee

gschultz3 · May 2005

Great Info! Looking forward to your results.

avalonbob · May 2005

after having just driven down a hill and reducing speed to nearly stop at the bottom, an inappropriate gear is sometimes engaged for starting uphill with the intended acceleration; and in making a correction the engine may surge at higher than expected RPM.

I have an XLS with around 2200 miles on it. I had noticed this in the past and I almost asked about it on this forum at one time. The bottom of my street has a slight downhill grade and then ends at a "T" with another street that is flat (no stop sign at this intersection). I end up braking to a very slow speed and, if no cars are coming, I take my foot off the brake and press the gas pedal as I make a right turn at this intersection. Bear in mind that I barely press the pedal since there is a stop sign about 200 feet from this intersection and I have to stop there anyway. When I press the pedal making this turn, I notice that the transmission sometimes drops to too low of a gear for a second and there is a slight surge and then it shifts to the proper gear. I used to notice this every time I made that turn but now I really don't notice it anymore so I guess one of the following is true:

a) The car has adjusted to me
b) I have adjusted to the car
c) I have the stereo too loud to really notice anymore

I haven't really noticed any other shifting "issues" and, like I said, I really don't notice this anymore. Overall the shifts are extremely smooth.

Overall, I couldn't be happier with the car!

Bob

havalongavalon · May 2005

yurik, you are welcome. I actually learned about this source from a post by johni; johni selected the same sensors for a titanium Avalon, I followed his lead. Neither of us got the LED indicator, just the buzzer. The LED is just $10 more I believe, but it is more of a problem to mount with concealed wiring, and gives redundant information.

We chose "no spacer" sensors that are mounted on a region of the bumper that is vertical (about 20" above the ground). Spacers come with different angles and would be needed for mounting sensors on bumpers with different slopes from vertical, because the sensor surface has to be vertical.

The sensors we have are embedded, flush with the bumper, and the wiring is not visible. This requires drilling a hole through the bumper with a drill that is provided in a kit.

Stick-on sensors are just what the name implies, may be easier to mount (no drilling) but the wiring will show, and frankly I think that they would look tacky on the Avalon. It is easy to drill holes and mount sensors in the Avalon bumper. You just have to be careful to accurately mark the spots where to drill, so the four sensors are symmetric and at the same level.

Best wishes,

havalongavalon

fin · May 2005

This subject was covered extensively in several prior posts by myself and *3puttmax*. It is not necessary to actually drive the car to determine a real world top speed.

Working with two different approachs, we reached essentially the same answer. Top speed is about 140 mph. There is not enough engine to achieve anything much past that. Maybe 142 on a good day. And you will find whatever the top speed is in gear IV, not gear V.

Because of the liability factor, you must assume Toyota would never market a car that could exceed the speed rating of the tires that come on it when new. The V rated tires should not exceed 149 mph. That is the limit, with a safety margin, just in case somebody tries the max going down a Colorado ski slope. There appears to be no rev/speed limiter either, so the max is really possible.

Drive safely, enjoy the 2005 Avalon...........

havalongavalon · May 2005

avalonbob, I'm glad to hear you confirm the finding that "the transmission sometimes drops to too low of a gear for a second and there is a slight surge and then it shifts to the proper gear." A great way to describe what I have noticed, as well.

Of the 3 choices you mentioned, both a) and b) are likely to be true. Avalon is supposed to "read" your driving patterns and adjust accordingly, and so will you. About c), the volume of your stereo, I suggest that if the digital readout on the screen shows a volume setting of 50 or higher, your can be sure to be right about that one, too!

I share your general pleasure with this car, of course.

havalongavalon

ryandse · May 2005

It is easy to drill holes and mount sensors in the Avalon bumper.

Would this void any warranty on the car?

Frankily, the idea of drilling holes into a $40k investment (yeah, I'm looking at a fully loaded Limited) just gives me stomach pains. Granted, it might be silly for me to feel this way, given I wouldn't have the same problem if we were talking about a house. :confuse:

Well, since I also don't like the idea of having wires hanging out the back, I guess my only recourse would be to just be careful when backing up

havalongavalon · May 2005

So we now have several reports of (faint?) squeaks coming from the front of the dash. Some were localized to the right side, some to the left, I believe.

A couple of weeks ago, I heard for a few days a noise that seemed to come from the rear-left of the cabin and sounded like a bird chirp -- 3 or 4 chirps in a row, lasting 1 or 2 seconds, every once in a while. I think these noises happened after going over speed bumps, sometimes. Haven't heard this again for some days now. (No bird droppings found anywhere inside the car, fortunately!

).

Does anybody know -- with all the air bags that are packed up and tucked inside cavities around the cabin, could this be a potential source of rattles or squeaks or other noises?

havalongavalon

havalongavalon · May 2005

ryandse, both the sensor system and the method of installation are essentially identical to what the Toyota dealer routinely installs in Siennas and their business manager offered to install in my Avalon when I picked it up. The only difference was the price -- 3.5x higher if they had done it. And, I trust my eyes at placing the holes accurately, more than I might trust theirs!

There are no visible wires anywhere on the outside of the car, they run inside the bumper and into the trunk, and inside the trunk the wires are concealed behind the liners, where they meet the rest of the car wiring. Actually the external look is very classy. Have a good look at the rear bumpers of expensive late-model cars as you drive around tomorrow and you will start to notice these dime-sized little sensors. At least they seem to be quite popular in my area.

Anyway, I'm starting to sound like a infommercial...

Best wishes,

havalong

2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

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