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Comments
So you cant order one with the 05 Avalon? "
In my system the player is located in the drivers side unit, the screen pops forward and you insert the disk in the top, right behind the screen.
I could have ordered a system from the stealer but they wanted another 500 bucks then I paid.
MikeS
The test method for reporting horsepower & torque were just rewritten by the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) and ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers). I've read that the new method will eliminate some fudging that the manufacturers can do. This might explain what happened to the Avalon's apparent loss of rated HP from 280 to 268. My guess is the motor is the same. Too bad. 280 HP had a nice ring to it.
Just for info, Chevrolet's motor for their supercar Corvette LS06 was the first engine re-rated. Chevy actually picked up 5 HP using the new testing method, from 500 HP to 505 HP.
ROBERTU
It did take 30 minutes to pick up the car, though. The cashier had it that I was to be charged for the oil & filter change (had to correct to complimentary.) Then his printer ran out of paper. Then, they had the wrong parking space ticket on the key (or the right space and the wrong key ... not sure which) and it took 10-15 minutes to sort that out.
Anyone else here get really annoyed with the sensitivity of the little joystick on the Nav? I hope Toyota comes out with a TSB and a fix for it. Our dealer representative couldn't even get it to work properly. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
> while she was driving. Is this something that needs to be set up in the nav menu
> or is it supposed to be triggered by the headlights coming on?
I had this problem also. Normally, the nav screen SHOULD go dark at night. However, this can be overridden by rotating the dash dimmer knob (on the upper lefthand side of the dash) fully clockwise until it clicks. Your dimmer knob probably is now in the override position. To fix this, turn it slightly counter-clockwise until it clicks. This will keep the dash bright, but still allow the nav screen to change to the dark night view, which is much easier on dark-adjusted eyes. Mine now even goes dark in tunnels and parking garages, and the headlights come on automatically as well.
> Anyone else here get really annoyed with the sensitivity of the little joystick on
> the Nav?
Yes, me too. I'd really prefer a touch screen, but I figure that it is items like this (and the less luxurious leather) that keep the car's price around $30K instead of the $50K Lexus. I don't really use the joy stick to accurately position the cursor on the map --- only to move to specific buttons on the menu pages.
The 2006 data shows the lower hp and torque ratings without any asterisk or comment on fuel grade. My guess is that the lower ratings are based on using regular grade gas instead of premium. Probably a marketing move by Toyota considering that many people won't consider a car that requires premium, and it also distances the Avalon hp specification down from the 2006 Lexus ES350 which will likely output 280hp on premium, and be promoted as such.
My experience is that running an engine on a lower grade fuel is false economy. The engine develops less power although the same amount of energy is required to move the vehicle, irrespective of fuel. The difference is that a lower grade fuel has a lower calorific value than a higher grade fuel, so more fuel is used to deliver the same amount of energy required to move the same load. This boils down to more power and better economy on premium and less power and less economy using a low grade gas, so the net gas expenditure difference becomes negligible.
I agree on the touch screen and the $15k savings over the Lexus. We were looking at GS300 and Infiniti M35 before finding the Avalon.
We do have to take our Toyota back in to the dealer to fix a squeaky passenger front door. I'll post an update on what they find.
I had a close call with laser speed control.I was doing 70 mph on Pa. Turnpike up a long hill and the car ahead had slowed to about 60 mph before Icould go around him. As I turned into the passing lane the transmission suddenly dropped 2-3 gears, rpms jumped to 5000 rpms and the car took off, headed toward guardrails. This caught me by surprise as the manual states the car will gradually return to the set speed.
I reread the laser manual later and going up a hill was not included in do not use list.Maybe listing the areas where it is safe would be a smaller list.
The left fog light was loose. Service person admitted it was definitely loose and he couldn't tighten it like it was but put a couple of washers on the post and snugged it up. I then went into the lot where a new 2006 LTD was setting. The left light was even looser than mine. Repairman had no answer.
I asked about the transmission feeling like engine was surging when brakes applied. He admitted that nearly everyone is complaining about the transmission and hopes that enough complaints will spur Toyota to do something. Of course, Toyota's answer is that it is getting used to your driving habits.
Checked on XM radio kit for JBL six-disc radio. Price $299 plus $120 (2 hrs) to install. They had a new number for the kit, PT546-07050.
It also lists one of the HIGHS as the optional backup camera.
According to Edmunds, the backup camera is included in the navigation system option ($2250 MSRP/$1895 Invoice).
Is the GS300 navigation system a virtual clone of the Avalon's? If so, it shouldn't be too difficult to add a rear view camera for those of us with the Avalon nav.
Anyone know?
The Avalon is an absolutely great car with great features. No car is perfect. There are tens of thousands of new Avalon owners like myself who are excited and satisfied with their purchase and I am happy not to have encountered any of the problems mentioned in this forum. This forum has provided me with so much helpful information and I would recommend anyone getting an Avalon to read every page in the manual available at ToyotaIGuide before driving off the lot. I get tired of a few people here who hang around and gripe the most, nit-pick and curse Toyota, but that is their prerogative. Many people tend to post to a forum only when they have a question or a problem, but I am pleased to post about a very positive experience with the Avalon. I would recommend it to anyone who can still drive a car safely.
Some engines from different manufactures pick up a few horses, some lose a few.
Now, if only Toyota would make the firmer Touring suspension and steering bits an option for ALL models (instead of a separate model).... well, one can't have everything I guess.
This was the best post I've read in a long time. Enjoy your new LTD. My 06 is due in on 8/11 and so now I'm getting ready for all the disappointment you've encountered.
The place to ask is in the Forums Software discussion - which would also be the place to try to drum up support for the idea since it isn't on topic here.
My question is should I allow him to keep my $1000 for another month or so, even though it is not a prescribed factory order and he will still try a "dealer swap", only this time for a 2006 model ? We haven't really signed a "deal sheet", all I have is an email of an agreed upon price after trade, taxes & title (out the door) and he has my check (already cashed).
I'm thinking I would be better off demanding my $1k back and "shopping around" for the best 2006 "order" price (I'm picky about what I want) and selling my 97 pristine Q45 outright instead of trading.
Your thoughts please --- all assistance is very much appreciated.
Thanks,
dcboater :confuse:
ali
If it were me, I would be heading in another direction with my $1K to find another dealer who would shoot straight with me.
I was lucky - I wanted a Blizzard Pearl LTD and my dealer simply turned his "swap guy" on and he found me one - right off the assembly line and I had it 2 weeks later...this was in early June. After seeing the agony everyone is going through to get that color, I consider myself fortunate.
Personally, I would bail & get my $$ back - and be VERY candid with them why you are going elsewhere.
zekeman1
But just now, because of this forum, I went out with my flashlight to check the fog lights. Sure enough, they are loose! But I don't consider that to be a big deal - when I take it for service, I'll have them fix it up. I once owned a Chrysler - after that, it's hard to be upset about loose fog lights.
In all I spent 10.5 hours in the car, when I got home my rear was still feeling great. This is the best riding car I've ever had. Oh, and fuel economy? I averaged 29.7 for the r/t.
MikeS.
MikeS.
Arizona used to be that way, but I think they changed it. In MN, we get screwed if we sell ourselves. We then have to pay sales tax on the full price of the new one. There may be a way around it by running the sale through the dealer and buying the new car outright though.
BTW, does anyone know if 'used to' or 'use to' is proper?
So, any news on the 2006 Avalon??
I don't think I can go wrong getting a 2006 for the same price as a 2005 ? btw, my negotiated deal is $1800 off MSRP and a good trade for my 97 Q45 (6,000).
Also, if you get a chance to view this week's PBS "MOTORWEEK", there is a splendid review/test of the 2005 Avalon.
Thanks for all the feedback - great board !
dcboater
link title
Mike
According to Merriam - Webster :
Main Entry: first·ly
Pronunciation: -lE
Function: adverb
: in the first place : FIRST
Thanks,
dcboater
I get many comments about what a beautiful car it is(black on black with dark anodized wheels) and,so far,I love it.
Will be installing Alpine component speakers front and rear with Alpine digital amp next week. I will post results at that time.
Thanks,
Paulex
05 should be at or under invoice by now.
"under invoice by now"?
Not here in Las Vegas. Especially the Blizzard Pearl with Ivory. That car is scarce in this region for some reason. I have called dealers in UT, AZ, and COL - all to no avail.
Paulex