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2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
So yesterday I called Toyota and asked about the TSB and they told me they knew nothing about a TSB and that one had not been issued. I sent an email to Toyota and they responded to me and basically said this was not an important issue that they would get around to issuing a TSB at some point but they did not know when and could give me a date repairs would be ok'ed. She sold me it could be 3 months or 6 months but they would get around to it sometime.
The woman was less than concerned and when her this was my 3rd Avalon and I had bought my first Toyota in 1970 her response was 'so'.
I had a couple family members looking at Toyota's and I just phoned and told them to look elsewhere.
I am disappointed in the extreme with the Toyota attitude.
I'm of the mind to say, one bad experience doesn't hold true for the whole company, but in Toyota's case, all of the recalls do:(
I still would buy another Toyota, and I wouldn't hesitate to tell someone to buy one.
I'm on my 6th one, and I'm reasonably sure I'l purchase many more (or a Lexus:))
Of the many issue, the compass is sure to be the least of their worries, and shouldn't be to high on yours either - a concern, but just not to high on the list.
Make good notes, and document everything, so when the time comes, you are covered.
Also, put yourself in her shoes, and imagine what her day is like answering calls, some important, some not, and everyone being a bit testy.
Skip
Her attitude was very poor and yes the compass is not a huge issue, but I am somewhat directionally challenged and use it frequently, but when I spend this much money on a car I expect them to fix it not tell me essentially 'we will look at the issue when we feel like it' with no time frame.
Finally, a compass is not rocket science. I had one in my 2001 Avalon so it should not be that hard to figure out the problem. This is not some new untested technology or software. It should be relatively simple to go back to your supplier, inform them that there is a problem and get it fixed.
http://www.weathertech.com/store/mvproduct.aspx?ItemGroupId=52&VehId=638&Year=20- 11
Your thoughts?
Joe
Skip
2. Remote starter is an option
3. Door Edge Trim...$94.00....Toyato part number PT936-03110-10......This is a new item that Toyota part person found while looking for a "side molding" for my 2011 Avalon.
4. compasses...no recall on this issue, at this time. Mine works so no complaint here.
5. 6 speed automatic is awesome
6. 268 HP...on regular gas, delivers some "eye opening performance". I thought my 2003 XLS, 210 HP was good.....2011 would run circles around it and 2011 gets better gas mileage. Keep detailed information on "gas mileage", will post another time.
7. Have driven almost 8,000 miles......happy with car. Only gripe is that all 2011 Avalons came with Black mats......ugh White color, Ivory interior.....black doesn't work!!!
Thanks
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
You can bet your bottom dollar on that one, and it may have less to do with safety than the bottom line profits. If the previous mats were 1/2" thick & the current ones are only 1/4", VOILA, an instant 50% profit for the guys with the smiling faces and the $100 silk ties. But that's progress. Toyoda-san would be pleased.
I made my trip without my compass which doesn't make me a real happy owner. Today I again went to my dealer and now the story is they don't have an ideal when it will be fixed. So here I am having spent $36,000 and waited 6 months and still they don't have a clue?????????
Now for the good part.
I had my last schedule service done in August at 5,000 miles. On the way to the dealer I looked up at the sticker on the windshield and notice it said my next service was due 11/18/10, or three months from my last. Since this date was real close to 6 months from my purchase date I wasn't sure what was going on.
I asked the service manager what the story with 3 months was and he informed that they recommend having your vehicle service every 3 months or 3,000 miles. I mentioned to him that the manual says every 6 months or 5,000 miles. He informed me he knew that but they recommend the 3mos/3,000miles.
I then told him that I had the 2 year free mainntenance plan and he asked if they were going to service my car for free every three months or 3,000 miles. HERE'S HIS ANSWER
If you have the free service plan it only covers services every 5,000 miles.
Just amazing how your car can need less service when they have to pay for it.
I started looking at the Avalons in 2002 and took me 8 years to finally go with one. Now I'm beginning to question my decision.
When I went to the dealer for the new owner orientation for questions, etc., the service managers ran the program & spent most of the time urging us to only have work done at the dealership, supposedly because if we spent money at Toyota then Toy would treat us better than those who didn't use them. After an hour of that crap I left. Personally I don't plan to spend twice or three times the money for oil changes at the dealer than the place down the street charges. Mobil 1 is Mobil 1 everywhere.
"Personally I don't plan to spend twice or three times the money for oil changes at the dealer than the place down the street charges."
I don't understand why the dealer would be charging you anything for service on your '11. Didn't you get the free maintenance coupons?
As far as the statements made at your orientation meeting, I'm not surprised. Given the amount of information available on the internet regarding invoice costs, factory incentives, etc., it is harder for the sales departments to make as much money for the dealership as in the past. I think this forces the service departments to charge more and they try to come up with gimmicks like free car washes and courtesy cars or excuses like Toyota will treat you better (which is pure BS). Toyota will treat the dealers better if their numbers are good and they receive good feedback from their customers. [I'm real tired of being told to give the dealer excellent ratings so that they can continue to give me benefits, but that's a topic for another rant.] The only plus I can see to using the dealer for all recommended maintenance is that a future prospective buyer of your car may be impressed by all the "Authorized Dealer" stamps in your maintenance log book.
Think if you check your Avalon manual.....then "synthetic" is not the recommend product to use.
My Toyato service manager thought synthetic was the correct product but the "lube guy" heard the conversation and told him to check the filler cap........ the "filler cap" clearly states SAE 5W-30.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
There is a topic created for synthetic oil here on Edmunds. I am sure that its all been talked about there before: Edmund's Synthetic Oil Discussion
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
My 2003 Avalon had 110,000 miles on it.......never used a drop...used oil from day 1.
So far I really like my Avalon. I have 1700 miles on it or less. Love the pep. Love the MPG, for such a big car. PLUS it's a looker. How many people tinted their windows? I did and I really like that. Not very dark, just a lite tint.
Oh, I also have the same sound system and have no problem with the sun light hitting my eyes. I suspect it's the way you adjusted your seat, or maybe your height. I'm 5'10" and sit straight up. Not much leaning back when I drive. If I have an accident I'll probably swallow the air bag. lol
Two questions:
1. There is an outline of the defroster on the outside mirrors. Does this light when the mirrors are being heated?
2. Is there a light on the main lighting control stalk? I've had moments where I'd like to change from "auto" to "on". I remember reading on this board - I think - that their was a light. If so, I can't find it.
Love the auto wipers - a feature that I thought I was going to hate.
Thanks
Bob
Note that even if you turn it off the A/C will still operate AUTOMATICALLY, with no indication to you of same, in defrost/defog/demist mode and that can lead to a very HAZARDOUS driving situation shortly thereafter.
On top of all that if the cabin internal air temperature sensor indicates that the cabin is within a few degrees of the temperature setpoint, AVERAGE temperature setpoint for driver/passenger, L/R capability, then the system will switch to COOLING mode AUTOMATICALLY. When the FRONT system switches into COOLING mode, primarily DASH air outflow, the rear system will (MUST..!!) FOLLOW.
So, yes, the rear passengers will be COOLED, not heated.
There are several C-best options available to the dealer that can be set to help.
My '01 F/awd RX300 has these options set such that when I turn off the A/C manually it DAMN WELL remains OFF until I wish it otherwise. The A/C is even DISABLED, "unlinked", so it doesn't even operate in conjunction with the defrost//defog/demist mode.
Later C-best options include the ability to PREVENT the automatic switch to COOLING mode as the cabin temperature reaches the setpoint "band".
During the winter months it is, can be, potentially HAZARDOUS to have the A/C operational and/or have the system in anything other than heating or combined heating and defog/demist mode.
In cooling mode there is NO airflow to the interior surface of the windshield to keep it (hopefully) warmed above dewpoint, the point at which condensation begins to form.
Purely IDIOTIC NipponDenso, Denso US, HVAC design.
As for the logic on the system, yes its a bit bizarre sometimes but most Auto-temp cars systems are a bit flaky. The auto on my 09 Genesis does most of what my 06 Avalon's system did. Heck even the (ancient) system in my Grandfather's 04 Grand Marquis works mostly the same.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
The only reliable, TRULY reliable, method for clearing, QUICKLY clearing, interior windshield condensation is via HEATING, lots of HOT airflow to the windshield. And to keep it from forming, reforming, keep the interior windshield surface HEATED up above the dewpoint of the cabin atmosphere.
"...my 79 continental did.."
The A/C evaporator in your 79 was not as dense, complex, and efficient as those of today. These days the evaporator will act as a sponge, "soaking up" much of the condensate, only to later release it to evaporate into the cabin atmosphere once the defrost/defog/demist function is turned off.
And guess what happens if the A/C turns off spontaneously, without any indication to you, as/when you drive into an area of declining, declined, OAT...?
Thanks,
HTH
We drove almost every auto in the last year from Ford to Mercedes Benz, none felt any better than the Avalon. This purchase reminded me when I was a young person and purchased my first brand new car which was a 69 Dodge Charger, I never felt this way until now and I owned many new vehicles since then.
We purchased our Avalon base model on October 27th and since we have 3500 miles on it. All I can say what a awesome automobile. Only options we added was the power heated lumbar seat, blizzard white paint and floor mats.
My wife took it to Nebraska from Wisconsin and was driving most of the way at highway speed of 80mph and still averaged 28.7mpg combined average, unbelievable for this size car.
When she returned she covered 866 miles in one day and said she wasn't tired, this isn't like her to drive that far in one day.
Also would like to thank everyone for the imput on this forum prior to and since I purchased our new Avalon. Received many great opinions on your purchases.
Just a thought.
HTH.
Toyota says can be installed but went to dealer's sub contractor on my own and he was unable. thanks
I park the car, up the street 1,000 yards or so, or in the parking garage across the street from my office, and start it before getting there in the winter, warm and glass defrosted - again a wonderful thing.
Good luck.
Skip