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NAV should be optional across the board since it's the buzz word in the industry, whether it's worth it or not is another issue.......
Like Bluesguy3, I will be curious to see what you can add to the Touring model. There are some things on the Limited I can do without, but others that would be nice. Is there a list of things that can/ cannot be added to a certain trim level?
I don't have a list of available options by trim level, just new changes. I suspect we'll have to wait until at least after Jan. 10th, although I was told pricing may not be available till cars hit the dealer sometime in Feb.
Blues
There's nothing worse than a sporty touring model that hesitates when you step on the gas.......
I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
To the contrary, in my dad's Camaro, if I blip or stomp on the throttle, there is an INSTANT response, proportionate to the force applied. Not sure that's the type of reaction Toyota/ Lexus wants in their car.
Might just be a matter of personal preference. I think I'd like a big touring car to accelerate like a train vs. a go-kart, smooth and powerful vs. quick and jumpy.
Now, I drive a Sienna XLE Limited with the 3.3L V6 and the 5AT and the hesitation occurs occasionally but it's not as problematic as others have mentioned.
All 2002 Highlanders are equipped with a four-speed electronically controlled automatic
All 2005 Avalons are equipped with a five-speed Super Electronically controlled automatic
http://pressroom.toyota.com/photo_library/display_release.html?id- =2005Avalon_r
That always happens to me, in fact one time the sales manager asked me if I wanted to work there since I knew so much about the cars.
Salespeople aren't there to know about cars they can't sell yet because they aren't in stock. Knowing about cars is not the same as being able to SELL cars. In an average dealership, the ONLY thing management cares about when it comes to salespeople is that they SELL cars. They couldn't care less if they know very little, a ton or an average amount. Especially as to a car that isn't even for sale yet.
Thanks
http://www.naias.com/
http://autoshow.msn.com/as/default.aspx?shw=autoshow2005
New car introductions are called a "launch" and they try to build as much excitment as they can. The manufacturers know they must capitalize on the new design status in the first 6 months, cause' sure enough there'll soon be a new competitor along to steal the thunder. It's about momentum and it has to start out right, a home run in the initial months can make the difference between a hit or walked base.
I even had one sales man slightly insult me by saying that I didn't have the right photos of the car! I know what I've got pal!
Either that or they're all playing dumb.
Were I a car sales person, I'd be working this new info. like mad with my customer base, but of course they must be careful with what they say about it until it's "official" release.
That post is really not much of a stretch from complaining that an Avalon can't pull out tree stumps or carry two tons of gravel. Nor can it outrun a souped up Mustang. Again, it's not supposed to....
The Touring model will just offer a package for those who want a slightly stiffer Avalon, with a little more roll control, more aggressive rubber, and stand-out (among Avalon models) styling cues. It needn't be a sports sedan, and I'm going to bet that Toyota is not going to try and play it off as in the leagues with the G35, for example.
~alpha
This probably means, like Alpha said, minor suspension and tire tweaks, as well as fog lights and a body kit (on an Avalon?! lol).
Even with that said, I'm still looking forward to seeing it in person.
My options are this:
Toyota Avalon Touring
Lexus ES 330
Buick Lacrosse CXS
If I wanted a real sport sedan I'd buy a "Beamer", but then I couldn't afford food and I couldn't drive it on a daily basis or for work. So what's the point?
cove148, I think the webcam will be up when the show begins on Jan.09 (on the official MSN site)
~alpha
Anyway, last summer I bought a Pilot because it's a better value (more useful, less cost, less luxury) than its close sibling, the MDX. Simiarly, I hope the new Avalon can be the better value sibling to the ES330.
I will also look at the Maxima, but think it might be a little smaller than what I'd like.
As an aside, I'm still surprised Honda doesn't have a full sized sedan to "big brother" the Accord, like Avalon and Camry. Anyone know why?
On a whim I stopped at the Lexus dealer a drove the ES 330, I left surprised at how nice the ride and feel was. Granted a few things about it I didn't like, but overall I was impressed.
I really like the Lexus but the improved power and new gadgets have me interested in the Avalon. Who knows, I may just hold out till the 06' ES 330 if my current car makes it that long.
The reason that some salespeople don't know much about the Avalon is that there hasn't been any salesperson info distributed by Toyota. There is info on the dealers computer system, but this isn't available to salespeople at all dealerships, and some dealers/managers don't bother to share this stuff with their salespeople.
http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/naias_2005/0501_toyota_av- alon/
http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/naias_2005/
and noticed that the 05 Avalon link to the preview is not listed. How did you know about that URL extension ?
BTW, Happy New Year to everyone
The interior pictures answer a few questions for me re the Nav system; the unsightly "remote" previously piggybacked by the shifter has been modified and moved behind a hidden panel. Thought the stereo and Nav screen might have been behind the larger console panel (with "soft" buttons ala the Nav on the Sienna screen, but apparently instead there is a "traditional" hard button stereo hidden, with the Nav screen up on the dash as per current Avalon. Works for me. First real shot of the back seat.
I tried registering as a "reporter" on the Toyota pressroom site to get a peak at other advanced photos, but their screening system is apparently pretty efficient! Oh well.
Thanks for these new links/pictures. And Happy New Year as well.
My Passat does, the new Ford Five Hundred does. Once you have this feature, you will find it hard to give up.
I've never had a "reclining rear seat" so I don't know how useful it would really be. (I expect rear headroom when not reclining will be at least as much as the current Avalon, which is fine for me at 6'1")
I thought I saw that the Avalon would have split folding seats somewhere, but until the complete feature list is released, I won't be certain.
While not a deal breaker for me, the lack of this feature would be a big disappointment.
The rear seat head rests interfere with the front seat backs, thus you must have the seats forward a good deal for the backs to come all the way down. Seems silly to me.......they could have made the rear head rests removable.