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2005-2007 Toyota Avalon

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Comments

  • limited2limited2 Member Posts: 1
    Does anyone know of any major differences between the JM&A extended warranty and the Toyota Extended Care (both offered by dealers in my area) - Other than differences in trip disruption and rental car don't see any major differences but would like any input you may have. Just purchased a 2006 Limited and with all the electronics thought it might be a good idea to purchase an extended warranty as we tend to keep our cars 5-7 years
  • jayvisjayvis Member Posts: 76
    I have a new '06 XL with 350 miles. I'm satisfied with the car except for a rattle that seems to be coming from the rear dash panel. The car is otherwise so damn quiet that this rattle seems to be getting louder. I'm afraid to bring the car in because of fear they'll screw something else up searching for the rattle. Has anyone else experienced this and have any ideas of the source and fix?
  • fragmirefragmire Member Posts: 97
    What I've heard about the Toyota-branded windshields from the dealer (so take it with a grain of salt) is that they are designed to break in specific, reproduceable patterns when impacted, which is not the case with most aftermarket windshields. The benefit is supposed to be enhanced safety.
  • carnackcarnack Member Posts: 8
    Does anyone think it a little Strange, the 2005 Avalon Engine had 280HP and the New an improved 2006 has 268HP Where did the HP GO!
    I thought it was a miss print on Edmunds.com site, then I went to the Toyota.com
    they has 268hp listed :confuse:
  • blaquebyrdblaquebyrd Member Posts: 11
    Interesting, I've been planning on installing it on my Avy but the only place to get it installed here in northwest Florida is at the Toyota delearship and they're charging over $1000 for the front, and back of the mirrors. No one else in town installs it. Talked to one technician who was 3M qualified and he said it took too long and was too difficult to install so he stop offering it. I'd be interested to hear from anyone who has had installed.
  • bahraini_zuprabahraini_zupra Member Posts: 98
    u guys dosent read the forums from the beginning the rattle issue is caused from the rear struts tower !
    and about the horsepower its the same ! but its the new SAE rules ! so when u use better fuel 93 u get 280 and 89- the 268hp !
  • motownusamotownusa Member Posts: 836
    I think twelve of the ponies just wanted a break. But they will come back if you feed them the good stuff. I work better too after a nice juicy steak compare to cold deli sandwich. :P
  • chodiechodie Member Posts: 13
    The Avalon and the Lexus GS 300 model year 2006 have very similar body styling. Excep the Lexus looks better from the side as they have added a small running board along the bottom of the car unde the doors. Does anyone know if these will fit a 2006 Avalon and where to purchase them ?
  • bogeygolferbogeygolfer Member Posts: 17
    I have the "clear bra" installed on my Phantom Grey.

    I had mine installed for $600 (I live about 30 minutes within the Boston, MA area) . This is for full coverage including the side mirrors, headlights, and fog lamps (My installer also put some on DLC lens).

    As for yellowing...

    According to my installer, this tendency is symptomatic of films from Avery-Dennison. I heard that 3M film does not this problem. (Of course, he was a 3M installer, but I'm banking on the warranty to cover me in case this happens).


    I found my installer from the 3M website:
    http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/!ut/p/kcxml/04_Sj9SPykssy0xPLMnMz0vM0Q9KzYsPDdaP0I8yize- - INzL20y_IcFQEAN50etQ!

    Hope this helps.
  • msavalonmsavalon Member Posts: 49
    I agree with you on the color, but we go our separate ways on other issues :P. I have a black base LTD. Just like the heat feels good on the butt, so does the air. Don't knock it if you haven't tried it. I personally think the fog lights look very good :shades:. All the premium stuff, I left at the dealership. This car has so much stuff on it, I forget I have them all. I would much prefer an aftermarket NAV that I could use in both our vehichles for less than Toyota is charging for it, but to each his own. Looks like we all have one thing in common - We have good taste in the Avy ;) Happy Driving...
  • nimiminimimi Member Posts: 249
    Can anyone offer an opinion as to whether or not the wind noise from an open sunroof/moonroof is sufficient to warrant purchasing a wind deflector?
  • tomh2tomh2 Member Posts: 8
    I researched protectant films before making a decision. I've had lots of bras, (and have taken a few off too), on different vehicles. Most of the time is was a p.i.t.a. to put on and take off. In fact, I got a scratch one time just because I didn't know there was some sand and dirt underneath. I've also had to live with chipped front ends, bug carcasses, staining, etc. on the front end. It is true that some brands of protectant film do yellow. I've also heard that many dealers discourage people from buying this because of its install difficulty. My dealer will be installing the 3M Scotchguard for $789. That's for full front end, bumper, grille, etc. Mirrors, leading door edges, door handle recess, lamps and I forget where else. It also includes lifetime detail package where once a year I can take it in and they will clean, polymer coat the exterior and full shampoo and leather clean on the inside for $30 a visit. I'm not too worried about sun damage anyway. It will be garaged and there's hardly ever any sun here in NE OH!

    You can check out this link for some F.A.Q.s about this film

    Tom H.
  • captain2captain2 Member Posts: 3,971
    around here, high grade is generally 93 octane, 89 for mid and 87 for regular. Stations actually only have the high and low grades, the 89 coming thru mixing at the pump itself. Therefore, it is possible to come up with whatever octane fuel you want with a little bit of simple math - 16 gallons of 89 octane is actually about 3/4 (12 gals.) of regular, 4 gals of 93. (acutally 88.5). 'Branded' gas is one of the greatest marketing ploys ever - the fact is that all gas comes form the same pipelines, tanks, refineries etc. regardless of brand so there really is no such thing as 'cheap' gas at any given octane. While it is true that some of the branded and well advertised varieties may put some detergent type additives in their gas, the effect is minimal at best unless, of course, you believe the ads!
    After about 12000 miles my observations are that the octane does have some effect on the horsepower - if you really need the 6+ second 0-60 etc. then stick with premium - if are willing to sacrifice a second or so 87+ does fine. Unlike the old days I think the engine computer systems sense available octane in the fuel and adjust what needs to be adjusted to prevent detonation (pinging). Have not noted any significant differences in fuel economy, however.
    Although I understand that that there is a new engine rating standard I don't think there is any difference in the 2005 engines vs. the 2006. And, if Toyota simply rerated the horsepower to reflect running regular gas they have an easier sell in these times of high gas prices. That said, seems likes there's more than 12 hp difference in my 2005 with the lesser grades - maybe more like 20 or 25!
  • baltomanbaltoman Member Posts: 43
    "I think twelve of the ponies just wanted a break. But they will come back if you feed them the good stuff"

    Some of you are in self-denial about the horsepower rating change. It has nothing to do with regular or premium. Toyota overstated the HP rating. Period.

    Your car runs its best with higher octane, but that is giving you the full monty.
    Lower octanes only degrades the HP rating.

    You can be sure that every manufacturer gives the highest possible horsepower rating because it SELLS CARS. They use the best fuel in a factory-babied car to calculate both HP and mileage.

    SAE changed the methodology of calculating horsepower. The calculation is the same, but the "latitude" permitted car manufacturers was restricted. This was due to mainly Japanese manufactures overstating actual horsepower. Toyota took the biggest fall (Camry models including Avalons). Honda Acura also took a big hit.

    You can goggle this subject to your heart's content.

    And try this link a well
    http://www.detnews.com/2005/autosinsider/0508/17/A01-283759.htm

    Note the comments from the Kelly Blue Book guy.

    Does that lessen the perceived value of any car? That answer only lies with the owner.
  • hambonerhamboner Member Posts: 12
    go to menue and scroll down you'll see a choice for day and night colors. You have to pick a number 1-5 not sure which color goes with which # but will change color of screen
  • zekeman1zekeman1 Member Posts: 422
    Baloney! I had mine installed on the front + back of mirrors for $275 by 3M qual'd installers at my dealership. They're blowing smoke at you - look elsewhere.
    zekeman1
  • gwsgws Member Posts: 67
    "This was due to mainly Japanese manufactures overstating actual horsepower."

    Stop the presses! Detroit News finds fault with Japanese vehicle manufacturers...

    It appears that we are yet to learn about changes affecting most Detroit models...

    "While Toyota and Honda are retesting their entire vehicle lineups, other automakers generally are retesting only cars and trucks with updated powertrains."
  • tomh2tomh2 Member Posts: 8
    Zekeman, did you have both the upper and lower half of the front done for that dough? That's about what it was without doing the lower half with grille, lights, etc.
  • lntlnt Member Posts: 192
    It should. They are identical. I looked at and sat in the 06's while I was in the dealership and I didn't see any difference at all. I was hoping they had improved the seats, but no such luck. We are taking it on an 8 hour trip to Louisiana this weekend. I may be ready to trade it for an XLS by the time I get back.
  • easyrider300measyrider300m Member Posts: 1,116
    Are the XLS seats really that much better than the Limited seats. Maybe on long trips, adding a seat pad might be a good idea. But it would limit the heater/ventillation affect.

    Not to give you guys a dig, but the car seats in my 300M are the best I have ever sat in
  • jackerusseljackerussel Member Posts: 12
    On a 2006 Avalon with remote start, can you program the smart remote to alow the car to continue running? The car turns off when you attempt to open the door. I understand the security of this feature but there must be a way to program the smart key to allow the car to stay running when you open the door. By the way my 2006 limited Blizzard with dark interior and pin stripes and mud flaps is a awesome looking vehicle. This color changes in different lighting, I had the luxury of comparing all the color options and I must say all colors are great but there is a reason that Toyota charges Xtra for the Blizzard OPAL Pearl.

    Regards

    Jack

    Regards

    Jack
  • easyrider300measyrider300m Member Posts: 1,116
    I don't believe you can turn off the auto-shutdown on door open feature. I know I wouldn't want to worry about someone getting the door open and driving off with my car. But I guess they could break a window and jump in the car and take off unless it has a defeat feature where if you hit the brakes and the remote key is not nearby, it would kill the engine. Does the Av remote start have that feature?
  • zekeman1zekeman1 Member Posts: 422
    Had half of the hood + the grill and front bumper down to and around the fog lights.Also wrapped a bit around the front quarter panel.
    zekeman1
  • gypsy13gypsy13 Member Posts: 28
    Concerning the discussion concerning horsepower differences with regular vs premium fuel, you assert that people are in "self denial.......it has nothing to do with regular or premium".

    Then you say, "Your car runs best with higher octane....lower octanes only degrades the HP rating."

    Setting aside what "self denial" has to do with it, I'm pretty sure that actual evidence backing your contention that "Toyota overstated the HP rating...period," would be more convincing than assertions nestled up against each other in the same post that are clearly at odds with each other.
  • mikegillermikegiller Member Posts: 602
    Agreed. As well, does anybody else or is just me that also KNOWS that every manufacturer in the world bumps up their HP ratings because there was not a set standard. Even the americans, yes even them... it's not just Toyota which one poster made it seem like. Until SAE came along there was no set standard. period. What makes some think that it was just "the Japanese"?
  • lvbearlvbear Member Posts: 3
    I have purchased my new Avalon 2006 LTD. I would like to install 20x8 rims with 235/35r20. The Avalon comes with 215/55r17. According to my calculations, this would slightly affect the vehicle's speed. I'm not sure if the tires will rub the wheel wells. I'm getting both answers. I need to know from someone with this setup. Try this web site to calculate tire specs http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTireMath.dos
    Thanks for all input.
  • deaniedeanie Member Posts: 172
    Hi:
    You should re-read the article found at the link you provided. It specifically mentioned that under the new hp rating requirements, "whether or not premium fuel was used" was one of the parameters addressed. So, 280hp still stands for Premium and 268 for 87 as far as Avalon is concerned - unless you have another link you wish to provide indicating otherwise.

    Regards,
    Deanie
    P.S. By your name I take it that you live in Baltimore or have some association with that city. Please use you turn signals when driving - most people in that area seem to drive with doing such - regardless of what hp their engines produce.
  • deaniedeanie Member Posts: 172
    Hi:
    I called the Tire Rack asking about putting 225's on the existing 17" rims, which theoretically could accept that width of tire. Don't do it. They told me "Don't do it", adding wider rims/tires causes a risk for the wider wheel/tire to contact the struts in certain turning situations under certain loads. If you want to improve the car's handling, there are several tires in the factory 215/55 R17 size, a few of which have "W" rated rubber (Avon makes one). Also, you could just go lower profile - plenty of 215/45 r or z 17" tires for better handling. But if you want big wheels because that's what's popular or..... To each his own.
    Regards,
    Deanie
  • mstemmstem Member Posts: 113
    Straight from the Owners Manual of my '06 Avalon with Remore Start:

    The Remote Engine Starter will shut down automatically under the following conditions:

    If any door is manually unlocked via Smartkey
    If any door is opened
    If the shift lever is moved from "Park"
    If the hood is opened
    If the key is inserted in the key cylinder
    If the SmartKey button is pressed
    If the brake pedal is applied

    I have only used mine once or twice so far, and it is kind of a (little) pain to have to restart the engine upon entering the vehicle, but I think I can understand the safety and security concerns of this. I can live with it for the convenience of cold-winter morning startups when it has sat outside all night!

    Mike
  • carnackcarnack Member Posts: 8
    I talked to Toyota yesterday about the reduction in H.P. they told me it has to do with the way they tested it, with the 280hp they tested it with the power steering pump OFF the Engine
    On the 268hp they tested it with the Power Steering pump ON the Engine.
  • gbinplanogbinplano Member Posts: 65
    Tom, I used this camera, although any reverse image camera should do -

    http://www.autotoys.com/x/cust/product.php?productid=5017&cat=0&page=1

    A picture of its installation is here -

    http://photobucket.com/albums/y294/gbinplano/

    Hope this helps,

    Greg
  • tomh2tomh2 Member Posts: 8
    Thank you Greg. That answers 2 of my questions. 1. Where the camera was located and 2. If anyone else besides me would install both a b/u camera AND rear b/u sensors as well. This is probably what I will do too. What sensor package did you use? Audio alert only?

    p.s.-Great looking ride. I'm drooling for mine now.

    Tom H.
  • gbinplanogbinplano Member Posts: 65
    Tom, the sensor package was port installed by Gulf States Toyota. Since you are having your dealer do your installs, check with them to see if they have the sensors as aftermarket. The audio alert works well and can be silenced when necessary. It senses things toward the rear sides that the camera has yet to see - specially useful when pulling out of a parking place at Wallyland or the supermarket.

    Greg
  • captain2captain2 Member Posts: 3,971
    well, maybe not every mfgr. but close! Been going on in the auto industry ever since its inception. Remember the 427/425 hp Chevy engine, the 426/425 Chrysler, the 289/271 hp Ford? All these engine were bench tested with no loads (water pumps/fans/ps pumps/driveline losses etc. etc) and then fed 100 octane leaded gas only available at racetracks. By today's standards overrating these engines by at least a third.
    Contentions that octane has nothing to do with HP is ludricrous - showing a basic misunderstanding of what octane rating is (a value for energy available per unit volume) and the way that many current engines are designed to make some use of this energy as revs increase and valve timings change. The Japanese (Honda) actually pioneered some of this this technology back in the late 70's with it's 'CVCC' engines and were followed closely by the Germans who took it steps further with variable valve timing, the American mfgrs. are now just starting to get with the program.
    The Av is a pretty darn quick car at 3600 lbs. - if it will run 0-60 in something less than 7s and do a quarter in something over 90 - why does it matter whether the window sticker says 280 or 268?
  • poorjuddpoorjudd Member Posts: 32
    Asians oversell horsepower

    The reason Toyota's HP numbers went down is because the SAE changed the way ALL HP numbers are figured. There will prolly be changes to every vehicle sold in the US.
  • alan_salan_s Member Posts: 362
    Don't do it, but if you decide to anyway, I'll buy the Michelin tires and LTD rims from you.
  • williamtwilliamt Member Posts: 39
    I searched back (since I have not been reading these lately), but did not see any mention of the GPS version. I am delighted with the Limited I bought in April--in 6000 miles it has been terrific in most respects (though it certainly has the notorious hesitation thing--once I hit 4000 rpm at about 15 mph and was not accelerating at all. But I have done the learning; not the tranny.)

    The guidance map lacks many roads--even major roads like a chunk of 288 near Richmond, VA--if they are less than five years old, so I asked my dealership parts department. They told me the 2006 update will be out in October.....of 2006! For $250 a pop it seems as though they could do just a little better than that, but that's what he says. Does anybody have some better news about this? Mackabee----HELP! Is Toyota our only source?
  • mstemmstem Member Posts: 113
    WilliamT and all,

    My new Limited has the DVD-based navigation system. Have to admit to being kind of preoccupied with trying to learn the vehicle's many other features, so I put off really delving in to the Nav thing. But your post has got me to thinking: am assuming that the map database is on the DVD and your dealer has quoted you a price of $250.00 for the new disc?? After paying $1900.00 (retail) they want $250.00 for the map update each year? PLEASE tell me this ain't so?!...

    And if it is so, then tell me that we are talking about a standard DVD-type media that can be duplicated... somebody pays the $250.00 up front, dupes the discs and then everybody kicks in ten bucks a piece for a disc, thereby getting the cost down to where it should be... :>)
  • finfin Member Posts: 594
    There is insignificant difference in the actual vehicle speed and the indicated speed with these two size tire/rim combinations. Will they fit? No ideas...good luck. :)
  • williamtwilliamt Member Posts: 39
    [...After paying $1900.00 (retail) they want $250.00 for the map update each year? PLEASE tell me this ain't so?!... ]

    Sorry, mstem, but it IS so. (Try not to think about what you paid for the nifty map system; it is sunk cost at this point). What surprises me is that it isn't even annual. I got my system in April, loaded with version 4.1, and they tell me the next update won't be available for a year and a half--October of 2006. The $250 I will gladly pay if I can get more complete maps. It already amazes me that it can tell if I'm on an exit ramp and knows which way I should turn at complex intersections. And then I suddenly plunge out into the GPS map version of "open fields" where the system is totally ignorant about four lanes of concrete. The FAA updates aviation databases every 28 days, and the annual subscription isn't much more than this rarely-updated road system diskette. And I'll be the user base is nearly as many installations--maybe even more.

    BillT
  • larrymitlarrymit Member Posts: 80
    I wasn't too taken with the silver pine mica color in the brochures but saw one "in the flesh" in a parking lot the other day and it is really attractive. I may opt for the "green" when I get my Avalon.
  • wynwyn Member Posts: 32
    To give you a comparison, I purchased a Garmin Streetpilot 320 in mid-June for the Avalon XLS. The maps seem to be about 3 years old but an update is being shipped free after October 15, 2005 for anyone who purchased the units after June 1. Otherwise, the update is $75. Downside is the windshield type mount inviting theft and some visibility problems in bright sunlight. Upside is the ability to move it from vehicle to vehicle, fast response from flash memory (or harddrive in other models), up to date technology, ability to snap it out of the mount to plan the next day's trip in the motel room at night, and much lower price. There are even smaller units now coming on the market with audible prompts as well.
  • lenplenp Member Posts: 9
    What is the best way to buy OEM parts for the new avalons? I have a 06 XL and spent $10 each for oil filters at my local dealer!!

    Also where can I find the device to use to take off the oil filter housing besides going to the dealer?

    I've been noticing slight pinging when my car is in idle? I have about 1,600 miles on my XL. Any ideas ??

    Thanks
  • lenplenp Member Posts: 9
    Does anyone know where I can purchase one for the 05/06 Avalon? I really enjoy doing my own repairs and can't locate one. I've already looked at Chilton and Haynes, but they do NOT yet make one for the new avalons. Thanks!
  • jayvisjayvis Member Posts: 76
    I'm not sure if they sell oil filters but two good sources for Toyota Avalon accessories are www.metrotpn.com and www.anythingtoyota.com. I have an '06 Blizzard Pearl XL with 500 miles and the only time it pings is at start-up. Mine revs at about 1600 rpm for 30-40 seconds at start-up and is quite noisy. Almost sounds like a diesel when driving the first mile. Then it gets very quiet. Do you have any rattles in the back seat/panel area? I do and it's about the only thing I've found that I can't live with.
  • lenplenp Member Posts: 9
    Mine sounds the same at start up. I'm guessing it is warming up the engine and getting the oil pump to really circulating the oil throughout the engine. Then the engine is silky smooth and quiet. I don't have any rattles yet (knock on wood).

    I think I may try to fill up my car with premium gas and see if that gets rid of the pinging noise at idle.
  • finfin Member Posts: 594
    Buy mid-grade gas, it should not "ping". If it still makes noise for more than 3 seconds, this may be an indication of a problem. Interesting situation. Keep the forum informed as to what happens. Will be looking after January 1st at the '06 Avalons, probably the XLS or Limited. Thanks.
  • hambonerhamboner Member Posts: 12
    I tool my car in today for the 5000 mile oil change and should have listened to the post on here about the amount of oil put into the car. It finally clicked later on this afternoon and I checked the oil and guess what it's a quart low. It's absurd that the people who sell the car don't even know how much oil to put in the car when they change the oil. :confuse:
  • navguy1navguy1 Member Posts: 181
    For the newest DVD map disc Toyota is your only source. The system utilizes a proprietery software so the dealerships are your only option for new map disc. This is the same for most companies regardless of whether its a home computer (MAC or Windows) or your car computer.

    For your reference, aftermarket companies such as Alpine and Pioneer charge $300 for their DVD updates. The reason for the high cost is the licensing fees charged by NAVTEQ and TeleAtlas. It cost serious dollars to collect, compile and verify the map information. Undertaking the creation of a software that will safely route you to a destination is no trivial matter.
  • n0v8orn0v8or Member Posts: 169
    www.anythingtoyota.com, mentioned by jayvis, and www.toyoyapartsworld.com, are parts departments at Toyota dealers that sell by mail order at a substantial discount. You can buy oil filters at either. Just leave a message on the web sites describing what you want, and you will receive a return email with price & how to order.

    Toyota sells printed repair manuals, but they are very expensive. You can order from dealers. A much better value, in my opinion, is their http://techinfo.toyota.com/ serviice information web site. For $10 per day, or $50 per month, you can download the entire contents of every repair manual, TSB, tech training manual, wiring diagrams, etc., in PDF form, for all/any late model Toyota and Lexus vehicle. including the '06 Avalon. If you have a broadband connection, and are willing to forego a night of sleep, you could download every bit of data relative to just your Avalon easily in one long (4-6 hour) session, for $10 charged to your credit card online. See details on the home page. The identical information in printed form would cost more than $200.
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