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About this time of year, Sears has some really good prices on wheels. They rotate brands on sale every few weeks or month. I have purchased my last 2 sets from them. I drive up to the auto center show room door, go in and grab a couple of jugs of anti-freeze or windshield fluid from the shelf, then lay them on their sides by my wheels. Then I grab wheel candidates from the wheel display and set them on the jugs. This gets them to the position they would be when mounted on the car. I can then stand back to see which wheel works best on my car. I get lots of help too. When customers pass by, I usually get comments about which one they like. Makes it fun. And, I have yet to find prices as competitive.
1) put 10% up front
2) agree to a 12% interest rate on your payments.
3) guarantee a value for my house 4 years from now - at a value I determine
4) tell me that you are not actually going to live in my house very much because I am going to charge you outrageously for anything that I determine is abnormal wear and tear.
That way, when I take possession of my house 4 years from now I've made quite a profit and I still own the house, or maybe, you can really buy it at that point for some value that again I determine. I can make sure that I actually receive a whole lot more than the $300k it was worth in the first place.
Such are the conditions of leasing a car - dealers and 3rd party leasing companies push it because they do make a lot more money and the consumers like it because the payment sizes are lower. The point is that leases can show almost anything at the top of the page (purchase price) - and it means nothing. The only way anybody knows what a car really costs is to pay cash for it.
Mackabee
Mackabee
So keep your house... and I'll keep my Avalon!!
Mackabee
NWBLIZZARD
You know. I do the same thing.
But then I realize that most of us have our home address in the car registration slip in our glove box. :surprise: :P
JR
I'm going to either move it or change to a Terk and put it either above the rear window or mid trunk at the rear window.
I'm told the XM reciever is in the trunk---anyone know for sure where it is?
Thanks all for the great group and in advance for the help
Oh, heres another question. Do you notice (if you were a previous Buick owner) that the ride is harsher on the Avalon? Guess I'm used to the softer suspension.
I almost belive they mislabeled my car and its a touring model :-)
One bonus of having chromed rims is that they never get dirty. The brake dust doesn't adhere to the wheel. I have them on my 2000 Avalon XLS also.
Max
I obtained a Viewtech video controller here - http://audioandvideointerfaces.com
I obtained a reverse image camera here - http://autotoys.com
To install, I used 22-18ga vampire splices to connect the controller and camera to the Avalon's wiring. I used grommets and silicone to seal the hole in the trunk needed to pass the camera wires.
Remove the rear license plate to provide access to the rear of the bumper housing. Remove the plastic covering in the back of the trunk by pulling the bottom toward the front of the car to undo the push retainers that attach it. Then, pull upward on it to remove the remaining push retainers. Remove the driver's side trunk panel by removing the two round retainers and then the panel. The navigation controller is anchored with three 10mm bolts. The wiring cover on the back of the controller unhooks to provide access to the connectors.
I used a 1" forstner bit to drill the hole for the camera. I put the camera about 1" below the overhang for the license plate area and centered between the license plate and the bumper. I drilled a 3/8" hole in the sloping area on the back of the trunk to pass the camera's power and video cables. Use a 3/8" grommet in the hole to protect the camera cables. After passing the camera cables through the grommet, fill the space between the cables and the grommet with silicone sealant (I used black, but clear or any color will work).
I connected the Viewtech controller and reverse image camera to existing wires terminating at the 18 pin connector to the navigation ECU (rear-most connector). I used splices (vampires) to connect the camera +12V to the Viewtech +12V red wire; and the camera ground wire to the Viewtech gnd black wire. I spliced the Viewtech +12V red wire to the red wire in in position 9 of the 18 pin connector; the Viewtech gnd black wire to the gray wire in position 1; and the Viewtech backup gray wire to the black wire in position 14. I set the Viewtech controller on top of box-like floor mat covering the navigation controller.
The camera works well. It can be positioned to view downward to include the road directly behind the car.
Greg Brown
The red wire in position 9 of the 18 pin connector is always hot. I have moved the Viewtech 12V connection from pin 9 to the blue wire at pin 18. Pin 18 is hot only when accessory or ignition is on
GB
Mac you sound like your much better. Stay well my friend.
If it uses the belt, when does Toyota reccommend changing it.
Tips for removing the factory XM antenna and hooking up the Terk micro unit would be appreciated. It appears double sided tape was used to secure the current antenna. Was there any problem removing the existing trunk mounted antenna? Did the paint stand up to the relocation? How is the XM radio reception?
At this point, I'm curious to compare 05 vs 06..
According to Edmunds, the 06 is $300 more, The 06 has less rated Horsepower (not important to me) and offers optional traction and stability control.
From a features standpoint, is that it?
Are 06 XLs without moonroof more common than 05?
The reason that I go aftermarket is for greater selection, allowing me to get exactly what I want, I probably won't see another like it, and it gives me a second set of wheels/tires for winter, so I can keep my first choice in mint condition. Swapping also gives me variety, and I can install a less expensive, more aggressive tire for winter. Yes, I have to buy another set of tires, but I also have a second set of pristine wheels/tires to sell, or put on my next car, when I trade or sell. It's also a bit more of a pain in the butt to change and store, but to me, it's worth it.
Mackabee
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
rosebud3 -
I mounted a Terk antenna under the front windshield, never had the original antenna mounted on the trunk. So - I never had to remove the original. However, others have successfully removed, relocated the trunk mounted antenna, and have done so without damaging the paint. Don't know if there is any special process required - I don't think so.
I believe the XM radio reception is slightly degraded by moving the antenna to an internal location. In everyday use in LA, reception is fine, but cuts out when blocked by trees. On the open road, reception is perfect. Difficult to compare what I have (internal) with what I never had (external). Someone else made some signal strength measurements and concluded there was some loss moving the antenna from outside to inside. Again, as a practical matter, reception is just fine with inside antenna. To me, it was more important to get the lump off my car.
Max
I purchased an Avalon Limited Phantom Grey about 2 weeks ago and have put 500 miles on it. It included the NAV system, VSC, Laser Cruise as well as XM radio
I traded in a 2002 Avalon XLS
Prior to owning the 2002 I owned a 1998 Buick Lesabre limited and many Buicks prior to that.
Let me say that prior to buying I read this forum for weeks and months ahead of time. I took a list of items with me to check prior to the purchase. The items included those that people have listed on this forum. They included:
1. door rattles,
2a. window rattles
2b Passenger seat rattles
3. distortion in rear window
4. steering pull to the right
5. brake fade
6. seat comfort
7. engine hesitation
8. XM Radio installation and operation
9. Fog light looseness
10 Door locks
11.Tire pressure
12.Road noise
13 Wind noise
14.Overall ride
15. Rear window shade operation
16. Rain sensor operation
17. Fit and finish
18. Nav system
19. Laser Cruise
The 2002 Avalon compared very favorably to the Buicks and had very comfortable seats, with road noise about the same. No trouble with the 2002 Avalon in about 4 years. The Buicks had more problems. Now with that said, lets talk about the new 2006 Avalon.
The car was road tested for about 1 1/2 hours on highway and side road conditions and included a bumpy road and a to the floor test at a highway entrance, before I accepted it. All of the items listed above as well as others of less importance were checked. I was the only passenger
The car has plenty of room everywhere for my 5'10 size. The back seats are great. The trunk is a little smaller but not by much and is quite adequate.
The new start/stop system worked flawlessly and I like it
Item
1, 2a and 2b. None of the doors,or windows or seats had any rattles when the windows were fully or partially opened. These were tested on each type of road.
The passenger seat never had any rattles at any speed or road type .
-------------------------------------------------- In fact nothing rattled anywhere in the car.
3. There does appear to be a very small amount of distortion near the top of the window but I would probably would have not noticed it if I had not read about it on the forum.----------------------------------- Not considered a deal breaker fault
4. There was no steering pull noticed at any time and I would have noticed it as the 2002 had it and it took several months for the tires to wear on it to stop it. A dealer alignment did not help on the 2002.
5. I did not notice any brake fade when stopping hard several times. The brake pedal is located closer to the floor than that on the 2002 or the Buicks but does not appear to give any problem. The brakes seems to stop well.
6.Seat comfort-- This was where I saw the biggest problem. The front seats are no where near as comfortable as the 2002 Avalon leather seats.
Actually 1 1/2 hours testing was not enough to find out that the driver seat does not support your seat and back any where near as well as the 2002. I even called Toyota about that.
I am about 220 pounds it feels like I am sitting on a board after a while. Now, yes, I'm a little heavy, but I bet there are a lot more people in this range. There is not enough cushion-period. I never had any problem with the 2002 even for long trips. This car will not be as nice to drive for long trips without additional cushioning. There is nothing wrong with the seat and I tried a multitude of positions and lumbar support positions. ------------------------Must have been a cost-cutter item.
7. Engine hesitation- I did not notice any real hesitation. It is a little different than the 2002 or the Buicks but seems to be in the way you hit the gas pedal. When I accelerate slowly there is a difference but I can't say it is a real hesitation, it more like I have to push with less force on the pedal than I'm used to. Its really not a problem. When I used a hard accelerate, it responded quickly and sure does have more pull than the 2002. ------------------------------Again, no problem
8. XM radio-- The car came with XM radio install by the "factory" or Southeast distributors". The antenna is about 1 1/2 sq, in., black and mounted on the passenger side of the trunk 1/2 way toward the bumper. The radio plays well and displays the station, artist, and song name on the information screen.
I found the radio to be located in the trunk on the right side wall and there is enough excess wire to relocated the antenna to the center of the trunk near the rear window, which looks a lot better. I have not noticed any reduction in signal quality to date. I had Best Buy radio installers do the moving. Took about half hour and cost me $16. The info display will allow you to see up to 18 preset stations as bunles of 6 at each push of the mode button on the steering wheel.
The antenna is magnetic with tape used in addition. did not use tape in the new location and have been threw the car wash with no trouble. Used the mag. mount for around 4 years on previous cars with no trouble. They are very strong magnets
-- Excellent
9. Fog Lights --- I found them to very slightly loose but not enough to tighten them anymore as it may cause stress and may break the lights. I believe they were meant to be that way.
10. Door locks-------- I found no problems with either the doors opening/closing or any of the locks operation that was mentioned in this forum. I have experienced the horn honks when opening or locking the doors that some have reported. The car only beeps
11. Tire Pressure--- The tires did come with 40 lbs pressure in them for some inexplicable reason. I reduced it to 32lbs when cold.
12. Road noise-- This is another area that I'm not as pleased with. The road noise/tire noise from the Michelin tires is too much. Although it is about the same or a little more than the 2002 with the Michelin tires. There is no additional undercoating (Toyoguard) on this car.
I would think they could do better. These tires are harder (higher tread wear than the 2002) and will probably last a little longer but that makes them noisier and they don't take the bumps as well. Bring back the Buick for this one. :-)
13. Wind noise--- The wind noise is not objectionable and is similar to the 2002 but quieter than the Buicks at speeds up to 85.
14. Overall ride --- The overall ride is somewhat harsher than the 2002 Avalon or the Buicks. It feels more like a mild sports car ride than the softer ride I'm used to.
However, its not bad and I will get used to it. It seems more sure footed when going around corners (handling) than the 2002 but only somewhat.
15.Rear window shade--- Works well and automatically goes down when you put the car into reverse (nice touch). I have not had any of the problems people listed on this site.
17. NAV system -- I used a dash mounted Garmin unit before that had the entire U.S. in it. That was nice. Go from one coast to the other by address without having to change regions that you have to do in the Toyota unit.
The joy stick is easy to get used to but the startup screen requirement every time you start the car is a pain. Also, not being able to change the map without stopping is also a pain. The voice system appears to work most of the time but the number of commands to learn and are not available on-screen is also almost insurmountable.
The unit is not as sensitive to streets that are close together and sometimes thinks you are on a different street.
However, it may have a steep leaning curve but if you like this sort of thing , crack open the book and practice with it.
Other items-- The little doors over the radio and NAV system controls are perfectly aligned and I have had no trouble with them.
The cars fit and finish is excellent inside and out. Seams do line up at the dash and door as well as elsewhere. Tail pipes are aligned.
In conclusion, I like the car overall and would probably buy it again but the seats would be the biggest reason not to
The car is the result of a great improvement in design and I have received several compliments.
Al
I'm choosing between an Acura MDX and the Avalon, but the Avalon does not come with Bluetooth and the MDX does.
Thanks in advance, for those who are able to answer. Thanks.
Tee
Now for the good news...tonight I will ride in my '06 Avalon Ltd. for the first time. With my foot in a cast until 9/6/05 my wife has been breaking in the car for me. Working from home recently I have walked outside each morning on crutches and waved good-bye to the car...I mean, 'wife' as she leaves for work. It's difficult not to pout.
So far, my impression of the car remains favorable. Fit and finish is very good and there are no obvious problems. I have actually read the owners manual. It is interesting what is said about keeping the 'smart key' away from electronic devices such as cell phone. The suggestion was to maintain some distance between the 'smart key' and a cell phone for example. Lucky me, I won't toss my 'smart key' and cell phone into a purse. I may consider placing the 'smart key' in one pants pocket and my cell phone on my 'far' hip.
I can't find any and even the Toyota web site has none.
Just bought my new limited. Checked the spare tire pressure, it's 60 PSI !
I thought dealer was wrong so I adjusted the spare tire pressure from 60 to 42. Then I read the manual again saw it requires 60 PSI for spare tire!
Anyone know why the manual requires spare tire pressure to be at 60 PSI???
How many times does the driver of this vehicle need to agree to drive safely?? Geez!
So far, this is the only thing I have problems with after having my limited one week...except for the sloppy toyota dealership here in my town!
zekeman1
Having someone test this specifically with the new Jetta would be a good idea. (I personally don't know anyone who has one, however.) The laser cruise control works by firing a laser ahead of your car and receiving a return from the reflectors on any vehicle in front of you. I've had mine even detect a truck ahead of me with very dirty reflectors, so it has been quite a good and reliable system so far.
I looked up the new Jetta on the net and found that, in addition to tail lights and reflectors, these also are surrounded by a fair amount of brushed chrome plating. Also each reflector has a light or a chrome disk in its center. This seems to me to be a fairly unusual tail light/reflector scheme. I wonder if it is confusing the LCC system. Otherwise, the Jetta's reflectors seem normal (not too highly placed, seem to adequately reflect headlinghts, etc. to cars behind). A test involving a couple of Avalons and Jettas would be useful before contacting Toyota and the NTSB.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,