Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
It was manatoc5 who sat in the new Avalon, not I. However, I am going to go to a car show this weekend and, if they have a new Avalon, I will post a report.
from the seat to the ceiling front and back. I claim there is a difference between the 2010 and the 2011. They reduced the ceiling height, hence less metal in the car, less weight, that is why the city mpg improved with the same engine and transmission.
they have new vehicles coming, click that tab and you will get some interior pictures of the 2011 to compare to the 2010. The whole design of the dash and front area has changed significantly, in my opinion. The wood grain is still there but the layout is different , a bit more boxy.
2. leather seat quality is the same although I did not pay a lot of attention to it.
3. Dashboard height seems to be the same
4. I am 6'3 1/2" tall, so I notice seating height changes immediately.
This all started with the new camry design, lowering the headroom in it,
not it is lowered in the corolla and in the Avalon.
5. If you think about it, ask yourself how did they improve city mpq? They lowered the headroom which meant less metal in the car, less weight and hence higher mpg.
I went to the Cleveland auto show and asked to be let in the car. I sat in the front and back seats.
Dennis
Well, if that were true why is the 2011 (Limited) actually 6 pounds heavier than the 2010?
2010 = 3610 lbs
2011 = 3616 lbs
Even if it were six pounds lighter that wouldn't translate to better MPG. The better mpg was most likely due to different transmission tuning (shift logic) and/or engine tweaks.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
Yes, I have seen all the new photos online. It still isn't the same as seeing the car in person.
The reason I asked about the woodgrain is because the photos make it look like the more satin finish (like in the new 2011 Toyotas like the Sienna). The woodgrain finish in the 2010 is decidedly glossy and different looking than these other 2011s'.
Is the woodgrain finish exactly the same in 2011 as it was in 2010...........or is it different?
Thanks!
I'm getting ready to go in and order an '11 Avalon. I'll post on the Prices Paid forum as well, but anybody have a good idea where I should start? Right now the dealership is offering me $34,600 on a base with Nav, Memory/Mirrors Package, Trunk Mat and Rear Bumper Applique. The MSRP is $36,633 so this seems not too bad. I'll post the specs at the end.
I currently have an '04 XLS and the one thing I'm going to miss on the new one is the automatic/sensing wipers. So the Limited is kind of in the equation right now but I can't justify paying thousands more for that one feature. Plus, I'm not a fan of the push-button ignition or the perforated leather. I guess the deal breaker on that for me is if the Limited had the Laser Cruise still, I'd go for it. But, I don't see it in any of the literature. I've asked my dealership and they are investigating.
I sat in the '11 Avalon at the Chicago Auto Show. It seemed to have just as much headroom. As you can tell from the photos and literature, some of the sheet metal is actually the same. I sat in a base Avalon so maybe the seats are taller in the Limited which could impact headroom, I'm not sure.
This is the one they are offering to me for $34,600:
Retail Total
Vehicle Base Model ..........................:$ 32245.00 $ 32245.00
50 State Emissions .........................
Memory Seat and Mirrors Package: ........... 1020.00
Driver''s Seat and Outside Mirrors Memory ...
Systems and 8-Way Power Passenger Seat .....
with Power Lumbar Support (Footnote: .......
Includes Heated Seats with Variable Heat ...
Setting) ...................................
Navigation & Premium Audio: ................ 2350.00
Voice-Activated Touch-Screen DVD ...........
Navigation System with Integrated Back-Up ..
Camera, JBL Synthesis AM/FM 4-Disc CD ......
Changer with MP3/WMA Playback Capability, ..
660W (Maximum Output) with 12 Speakers .....
Including Subwoofer, XM Radio With .........
NavTraffic (Includes 90-Day Trial ..........
Subscription), Auxiliary Audio Jack, USB ...
Port With iPod Connectivity, Hands-Free ....
Phone Capability, and Music Streaming Via ..
Bluetooth Wireless Technology ..............
Carpet Floor Mats/Trunk Mat ................ 199.00
Rear Bumper Applique ....................... 69.00
--------- ---------
Total Accessories ...........................: $ 3638.00 $ 3638.00
Destination Charge ..........................: $ 750.00
---------
Total .......................................: $ 36633.00
As for the headroom issue, I have to believe the previous poster sat in a car where the power seats were raised all the way up. Almost all dimensions are the same between the 2010/2011 and the body is not changed except for the front grill/headlights and the rear decklid.
I am sure the car will be a winner. I loved my 06 (and my 03) and now I am regretting not getting another one. I like my Genesis, but miss the ride of the Avalon.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
Glad to help.... They have dropped the optional Laser Cruise for the 2011 Avalon. Not sure why. It may just be a marketing thing...few ordered?......keeping the loaded Avalon at a lower price point? Who knows. The only other feature I see they might have dropped is the "acoustic noise- reducing front windshield" that was featured in the 2010 Avalon Ltd. I have no idea how much difference the windshield makes... Anybody?
I would be interested to know what price they are quoting you for a 2011 LTD since it has the mirrors option as STD...and their add on Nav is only 1450.00 MSRP . I'd check that out...then you'd gain the rain sensing wipers etc. as well.
It may come out about even.
As for price..I'm sure you've done the Edmunds.com price quote. Since no feedback yet on what others are paying..they don't have a TMV price yet. I'd say wait until they do if you're not in a big hurry. They will probably have promotions in later months. Right now they will focus on promotions for the 2010 models.
With regard to pricing on the 2010 LTD loaded models (NAV, LASER CRUISE, 8-WAY PASSENGER/LUMBAR, MATS--MSRP 39, 354.00) I am getting quotes at 34,600 BEFORE the 3,000.00 rebate PLUS you get the 2 Year Maint. plan if you are a previous Toyota Owner. Is the 2010 model not an option? I'd be curious to know what the deciding factor is for you.
And BTW...since you saw the interior of the 2011..can you answer my question as to whether the finish of the woodgrain interior has changed.. glossy vs. more of a satin finish?
As for the Satin vs. Gloss question, I will say that it definitely appears to be more Satin than my '04 which is pure gloss (XLS). However, my co-worker has an '09 Limited and I think the '11 about the same. It is definitely richer than the '09 woodgrain so you notice it more but it is fairly satin.
The '10 isn't really an option for me. I want the Nav option really badly and the '10 Nav is nowhere near as nice as the '11 Nav. I also want to be able to control my iPod. I have an '04 -- which is a beautiful and loyal vehicle -- but I vowed never again to buy the last year of a body style.
To answer the Satin vs. Gloss more, there is much more woodgrain on the '11 interior (a huge plus for me even though I'm 37) and it is richer so it is more noticeable. I believe it to be very Satin, however, as far as woodgrains go. Much better than in the '06-'11. I want my car to be like my grandfathers...lots of wood...but with all the techno stuff I want
I thought I'd share this research for those of you still on the fence too...
My quote for loaded 2010 LTD same price as your quote for base 2011 Avalon with mirrors/heat package,Nav, mats as options.
What you get if buy 2010 LTD.. additional features: wood grain steering wheel and shift knob, perforated leather w/ cooling feature, power driver seat cushion extension,chrome outside door handles, acoustic noise-reducing windshield, rain-sensing windshield wipers, dynamic laser cruise control PLUS another 3,000.00 discount on the price.
What you DON' T get in loaded 2010 LTD...upgraded nav/JBL system in dashboard, receiver for the SAT radio, USB port, Ipod interface /integration, folding side mirrors, sliding armrest, woodgrain finish on the flip door that is above the shift knob, and new exterior styling.
I guess it comes down to which features are the most important to you.
I got my first Avalon at 40 probably for the same reason you are....and I am just now thinking of getting a new one. I LOVE my '99 Avalon XLS. It was the LTD model in its heyday.
Given your desire for Techno stuff, I can see the benefit of the 2011 for you.
In the 2010, you'd have to buy an Ipod interface..but I don't know if the song choices would show up on the screen? Additionally, you'd have to get an adapter for your USB plug ins. The biggest upgrade is the touch screen it would seem.. so if you use the NAV a lot that would be very appealing. (If not, you could save a lot buying a 2010) In the 2011, you still can't program the NAV while driving (you really shouldn't be able to anyway *safety*) but it obviously looks much more user friendly.
Again...it really comes down to individual preferences. No right or wrong choice as I see it. I just like to read what others think....and pass along what my impressions are too. Just my .02 :-)
1. 3000.00 discount applies only to 2010 models...and you must sign all documentation for purchase by April 5.
2. The 2-year Maint. Plan promo includes all 2010 Avalon models (you show proof of registration of your current Toyota vehicle...picky about the fact that address must match drivers license. Something to consider or ask about if your addresses don't match.
The plan includes routine maint. at each 5000 mile interval (includes oil change, tire rotation, tech analysis) up to 25,000/2 years (whichever comes first) It also includes the required 15,000 mile Maint. Service.
3. Since it looks like the 2011 isn't going to hit the dealerships until after the
April 5 promotion...those hoping to buy a 2011 MAY miss out on this promotion. I do think though that there is a good chance they'll keep it..just to get the 2011 sales off to a good start. Doubtful they will provide a cash rebate, but you never know...... All that will be hush hush until April 6. They even keep the sales people in the dark about the next promos.
Nice "chatting" this morning.....
I'm going to push for the '11 LTD for $34,600...I'll see where that goes. That would put it at $3K more than the '10 (the rebate) but it wouldn't have the laser cruise which I think costs $600 or so. The upside is that I do get the new body and new features. The ones that are most appealing to me include the sliding armrest and rain sensing wipers. Once you've had those, it is hard to go back. I'm completely lost in rental cars! The dealer with whom I'm working has a Blue Zephyr with Light Gray in LTD due to arrive at the end of March so if we can agree on price, then I might get it in time for the maintenance special.
I play in a lot of tennis tournaments and the Avalon is the only car that can get 4 6'+ guys and all their tennis gear in comfortably enough to go 300-500 miles non-stop. I'm thinking of getting a spoiler on this one to make it look a bit younger!
Thanks again for the info.
You can still do SOME voice commands with the NAV in 2011 while driving...may possibly have a few more voice commands than 2010..you'd have to check that. It may just be that you can't reprogram a new route while driving. Others have found overrides on this in other models...someone will probably find one for the new GEN too....if that is important to you. However, I have had a few nightmare rides with friends who are driving and programming their NAV systems and/or searching for restaurants at the same time....and I couldn't wait for the trip to be over!!!! And I thought cell phone use while driving was bad!! Messing with NAV while driving is worse.....especially because the "ease" of the touchscreen models make drivers think they aren't really being distracted "that much". LOL
What I find with the dealers in CA...that the "arrival" date of the 2011s keeps getting pushed farther into April..so don't be surprised if there is a delay in your area too. Hopefully the 2 yr. Maint. promo will continue on for a while.
Bummer that you are having to use a rental in the meantime. That makes for more pressure to make a decision. As for the Avalon's back seat legroom....you are right...it just can't be beat. I can't see ever settling for any LESS legroom in the back, regardless of any bells and whistles that can be thrown in on other models.
That IS the deciding factor for me. The Lexus 350 doesn't have it......you'd have to upgrade to the 460 for that (and I don't like that price tag). Avalon isn't perfect, but it is pretty darned good.
Let us all know how things go! :-)
I see the '11 Ltd comes with 17" wheels standard rather than 18", 5 spoke diamond finish rather than 6 on the base model. Details details details. Personally I don't want a nav system, and I don't especially like the wood steering wheel, cooled seats & push button start but the rear sun shade is a big plus. These are the nitty gritty things that drive my wife nuts; "go into a showroom, see which color combos you like, take a test drive, and get one that has the basic stuff you need" she says. She's probably right. Hell I remember when the only decision to make was whether or not you wanted air, power steering, and automatic trans, even the color wasn't that crucial. Wonder if we've become spoiled in our old age?
For those who haven't seen it, here's a link describing the new car features:
http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/document/2011_Avalon_Product_Info.pdf?- ncid=12025
The Ltd. also has auto dimming side view mirrors on both sides, don't know if both were available before or just the driver's side; that really helps these old eyes at night. And I see the HID headlamps have the auto level control but it doesn't say whether they still turn 15 degrees when you're going around a curve. Anyone know about that feature?
On my '06 it was only the driver's side.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
'11 LTD with Nav: MSRP $37,884 / Sale $35,199
'11 Avalon with Nav & Heated: MSRP $35,984 / Sale $33,443
'10 XLS with Nav: MSRP $36,934 / Sale $29,333
'10 LTD with Nav: MSRP $39,134 / Sale $31,325
The Sale prices are their bottom line w/delivery but w/o taxes. Toyota isn't apparently making the '11 "Avalon class" with the Nav but WITHOUT the heated seats package. You have to get the heated seats package if you want the Nav.
I told them if they could get either of the '11's within $3300 of the comparable '10, I would buy the '11 now, otherwise I will wait. I figure that $2K more for the newer body style and $1.3K more for the updated features is worth it to me. We shall see.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
Glad you got the price you are happy with! I haven't asked for any quotes for 2011s, but your 2010 LTD (loaded...NAV, DYNAMIC CRUISE, 8 WAY PASSENGER LUMBAR, FLOOR MATS...) quote is consistent here in California.
Am planning on going down to pick up my 2010 LTD today.
I definitely decided I am willing to give up the upgraded NAV for the reduced price. I'm not the techie you are :-) My spouse doesn't even want NAV...so this works out to be a good compromise.
Let us all know how you like the 2011!
I got a 2010 Avalon XLS loaner while my Camry was getting the warranty work done. Really liked the ride of the car. It was just pure comfort. Someone asked about seat comfort. After a hour behind the wheel I did notice some discomfort in the middle of my back. I chalked it up to not having enough time to mess around with the seat adjustments. I'm not sure if it was a bar or not but I wish I had read this topic before giving the car back. Anyway, the wife and I liked everything else about the car.
Has anyone compared the ride of the Avalon to the Chevy Impala or Chrysler 300? I've never driven the 300 but the Impala rides pretty good.
For 2011 it looks like the base model has the better looking rims of the 2 models IMO. I would spring for the Limited but would like the base rims. Maybe I will be able to swap them if I decide to get the Avalon.
I'm looking forward to the 2011. It looks like the upgrades will be great. I look forward to driving one and will give the seats a good examination.
Nevertheless, here are some random observations:
Toyota had one of the largest exhibit spaces and certainly the largest staff, some or all of whom were from out of town. There were singers, survey takers, and giveaways. Image rebuilding in progress?
I sat in the front and back seats of several competing brands. I am convinced that the Avalon offers more room and comfort than anything else costing less than $60,000. The Acura RL had the best leather and a very comfortable driver's seat, but it doesn't have the Avalon's backseat room.
Tall people should never get into the backseat of C- or E-series M-Bs because they may not be able to get out.
The Lexus folks had the sound systems enabled, but locked into XM's rap music channel. "Hello, Tech Support? We have a marketing emergency down here at the car show."
The shiny plastic woodgrain that so many of you are critical of appears to be commonplace in all cars regardless of price range, although the Rolls and Bentley were roped off to keep the commoners at bay.
How much does Ugly cost? In the case of the Lincoln MKX, it starts at $38,845.
Now for a person like me that is 6'3 1/2" tall and I have a brother 6'5", that is important and significant. If you are 6' or less it may mean nothing. It is my opinion that the specs are wrong. I owned a 2005 Avalon and I know what the headroom should be. Toyota decreased the headroom in the Camry when they redesigned it,
and now in the Corolla and again I believe in the 2011 Avalon. That is the reason they are getting 1 mpg better in city driving, because the engine and every thing else is the same except less headroom, which means less weight, more mpg. But people are snatching up the last 2010 Avalons and I bought the last limited on my dealers lot that was fully loaded and I pick it up Wednesday.
Manat, can I ask the MSRP and your final purchase price? On the 'net I see lots of models still in dealers' inventory, except in Colorado. Where did you buy your '10? The headroom issue is troubling to me because my grandkids are above 6' going up to 6'4"; I'm tall and don't like the idea of the roof being only an inch away.
Thanks for your updates everyone.
You will note that I said the '11 Avalon was not at the car show. When I said that the Avalon provided more room than anything under $60,000., I meant room for all your body parts, not specifically headroom, and my comment was based on the 2007-2010 Avalons with which I am familiar.
You may be right about the '11's headroom, but we would be grateful if you would answer the question we asked you previously: When you sat in the '11 Avalon, were you able to adjust the driver's seat? If so, did you move it all the way back and down?
Thanks and I'm sure you will enjoy your new '10.
Mine has the light gray interior too. You will like the light gray in your 2011, I'm sure.
So far so good.......the smart key seems pretty easy to get accustomed to.
My husband is 6'3" and thinks the headroom is quite good.
Love the upgrades since our last Avalon (1999!)...so missing out on some of the features in the 2011 is pretty easy to handle :-) Great quiet, smooth ride. No regrets.
Didn't think I'd be too impressed with the cooled seats, but given that I live in a hot climate, I think I underestimated how nice they really are. It was near 80 degrees in So CA this weekend so we tried that feature out.
Will continue to check back to get your review of the 2011!
One more thing.....I was looking at the Toyota Canada website and saw that this month they are giving 5000.00 factory rebate incentives on the Avalon! What do you think of that!
The only way this mpg increase can occur is to adjust the electronics or the gear ratios or both, again, as someone posted before. And it cannot be aerodynamics such as a lower roofline, if one exists, as the average city cycle speeds are too slow for aero related changes to really help mileage very much. The Avalon, great car as it is, cannot repeal the laws of automotive physics.
I am on my third Avy... best cars I have ever owned..
I miss my 06 so much. I don't know why I talked myself out of leasing an 09 last year. I thought I wanted something different.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
I'd say Toyota should know, but if they do, maybe they are hiding it:)
Skip
I'm sure you sat in the car
I'm also sure it was shorter
I'm not sure why, or why Toyota say's it's the same, if it's not?
It doesn't matter to me, as I'm only 5' 7" tall:)
And after Uncle Sam got done with me yesterday, I don't know if I'll be getting a new car now:(
Skip
60 mile run, speed: 59 mph, results: 33.7 mpg, cruise control on,
will try again with nitrogen in my tires and a K & N filter installed.
The FE gain, if any, will be about the same or better even. You will then know the full range of FE that could be gained, but with no downside such as the MAF/IAT sensors getting contaminated with the oil wicked off of the K&N.
Oh, the only advantage to the K&N is at WOT, otherwise the throttle plate is the MAJOR restriction to intake airflow.
Do you REALLY want to extend FE..??
Mechanically block the throttle plate from opening beyond 3/4's.
an accident, such as a trucker swerving into your lane that did not see you, there is a vast difference between an OEM filter and K&N.
Where can I go to verify your issue with the MAF/IAT sensors getting contaminated with oil? I would like to see some verification because my mechanic uses it in his vehicles.
sincerely
Dennis W
For a 300HP engine that makes a difference of ~5%, 270HP at WOT for the OEM filter vs 285HP for the K&N
If I really felt I needed that 10% of extra "GO" I would design an intake airflow bypass system that bypassed ALL intake flow restrictions but only at WOT.
Verification = Google.
All tires filled with Nitrogen at Terry's Tire Town North Canton, Ohio.
60 mile road test on March 31, 2010 From Tallmadge, Ohio to Lake Milton, Ohio and back on the expressway.Temperature 60, pavement dry,
sunny day, speed 59 mph, mpg= 37.7 miles per gallon on that trip.
mpg without nitrogen in tires on same trip loop=33.7mpg
What was the tire pressure BEFORE inflating with nitrogen....??
60 miles --- GPS or actual map...or OBC..??
If OBC what was the tire pressure before re-inflating vs after...??
MPG via OBC, or calculation based on refilling, topping off, before and after.
~1.5 gallon refill leaves a LOT of room for fully topping off, or not.
In this same thought pattern... Delta and other major airlines have recently begun filling all aircraft tires with Helium. The added lift saves on jet fuel..... this is true because.......