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Comments
Thanks,
George
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
No argument that the Avy has more style, better finish, etc., than a 2013 Honda Accord sedan... but if you are buying basic quality transportation, the Honda is 5k less loaded with V6, nav, etc., and is just as dependable. Add in the V6 Camry and... what are they thinking with Avalon?
But I did park next to a '13 recently, the grille is not as bad I had expected from close up and the body style and interior materials are impressive. Now all I need is a test drive!
While the Honda is a very well built car, it is not even in the same class as the Avalon.
Skip
Jake
Were it not for the front end, I'd be driving the new Avalon right now. Instead, I got a new ES350 for a few more $ per month. I judge its ride to be just slightly firmer than the new Avalon and perhaps a little more agile in cornering. It does feel smaller inside, due to the width of the center console. On the other hand, the Avalon's radio sounded better and was certainly easier to operate than the one in the Lexus (you have to go to a seriously high trim level in order to get the premium radio).
Another reason that I went with the ES is that I believe that the Toyota Mothership knows what it wants that model to be -- entry-level luxury, whereas they are searching for an identity for the Avalon. My concern was that, because the Lexus division already exists as their luxury brand, the only other direction they can go with the Avalon is to make it more sporty. I've already been through that when Nissan took away my Infiniti I30 /I35 in order to concentrate on making the G series into street racers and the M series into God knows what.
At my age, I enjoy comfort more than sporty.
I had the exact same experience with the Infiniti M's rough ride, plus I noticed that the gearing was all for acceleration. Even in the top gear, it was turning about 800 rpm higher at 65 mph than similar cars. I can't recall whether it was FWD, RWD, or AWD, but the width of the transmission hump and console made the front seat claustrophobic. That was six years ago (when I switched to Avalons), so I have no idea what the current M is like. I don't see many Ms on the road, but the G series sells very well. Net-net, in terms of total cars sold, it was probably a good move on Nissan's part to ditch the I series, but I felt like they abandoned me.
The Maxima moved upmarket and pretty much negated the need for a FWD (Maxima based) Infiniti model. I looked at the I when I got my 03 Avalon. It was a nice car, but the Avalon rode better.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
Man, you got THAT right!
Coming from a 2012 Camry Hybrid, the Avalon Hybrid seems a true step up in luxury. The ride is so hushed at highway speeds, and under all electric operation, it is almost silent. By the way, just like the Camry, you can drive the Avalon at up to 50 MPH in all electric mode, albeit you have to really be easy on the accelerator. You can monitor your power by the tach like gauge, at which there is a point noted that the engine engages. I think there was something in a publication stating all electric up to 20 MPH, but it is 50.
Overall, I am very impressed with the ride quality, fit, finish, and quality of materials in the Avalons. We have had a 1996 and a 2006 Avalon, and they were fine cars as well, but they were a bit too cushy for our taste. This new design is a hit, and will draw in a younger buyer, sorry for those that want the softer ride, but most vehicles seem to be tightening up the ride and handling charictaristics. Todays Cadillac is nothing like the ones from our past, and the Avalon has taken a more sporty, yet classy and compliant direction.
I've now purchased 4 Toyota Hybrids for business and personal use, and these vehicles have been flawless. One of the Prius' has over 200K on it, and other than the 10K oil changes and tires, it has never needed a nickel in service. Even has the original brakes. Even though I don't keep a car more than a couple years, I like the confidence that what I am driving is fresh, dependable, and very easy to resale. The Avalon should fit our needs well.
Skip
PS Beware, IF the car is sitting any length of time, and it gets REAL hot - the rear shade should go up automatically, which is a blessing for when you do get in the car.
I appreciate your input and others to the forum. Makes for great info.
How does the Limited Audio system compare to 2011 or 2012 Audio systems? My 2011 Limited has 12 speakers and 660 W while the 2013 has 11 speakers and 495 W
Thanks,
There is a button (up arrow...same as most cars) to the right of the Nav screen. When you press it, the NAV screen opens up and tilts down allowing access to the discs. The notice on the player says to only insert one disc at a time, so I assume you can put more than one in there, but have not tried it yet. Press the button again, and the NAV screen repositions itself.
You know, with the AM/FM, XM Radio, Bluetooth streaming from your phone, I don't think I will every need any CD's. There are 36 pre-set buttons and you can mix am, fm, and xm all right next to each other.
Seriously considering the Limited now instead of the Touring.
I wouldn't recommend this car to anyone. It has the worst ride of any vehicle on the road...test drive it and you will see. I've driven trucks with better rides. I will be getting another car in a year (or sooner)....maybe the new model Acura RLX (that's what I'm thinking of at this point).
Everything else about it is 10 stars, just not the ride.
I actually notice the distortion through the rear back glass (through rearview mirror) when the sun shade is not in use). Check it out!
A few weeks ago after eating lunch I got in my Avalon and noticed the sun shade was up (which I did not do) and I thought I had a problem. After reading your post of the shade activating automatically, I check the manual and it makes no mention of that. But I will assume you are correct, as mine did exactly that.
And I can't see myself driving with the shade partially up anyway. Doesn't that defeat the purpose?
>> The notice on the player says to only insert one disc at a time, so I assume you can put more than one in there, but have not tried it yet.<<
But, I just checked and it will only hold one CD.
Many of the folks who visit this forum, said they have had enough with the FEW folks who think it rides hard, choppy, More Sporty É the few?
- http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/311-4th-generation-2013/464089-thing-rides-wor- se-than-horse-carriage.html
- http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/311-4th-generation-2013/450889-unhappy-buyers-- starting-show-up.html
Skip
I hear people on here say how "floaty" such and such a car is, or how "it's all over the road" and I've driven the same cars and think completely different.
I am surprised at the direction Toyota went with the Avalon. All previous generations rode beautifully and isolated from the outside. I guess that type of ride isn't appealing to the masses any longer.
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
It's going to be a tough decision on which to buy but may just keep my 2011 Avalon Limited with only 13900 miles.
Skip
I purchased a 2013, and after only 2300 miles on it, I traded it in on a 2012 Avalon, and have never (well not much) looked back.
YES the Tech package on the 2013 was awesome
YES the wipers were a lot quieter (I drive 35,000 miles a year, and when it rains, I do not like the squeaky wipers of earlier Avalons)
But I did not like:
- the road noise
- the ride
- the seats
- the smaller trunk opening
- the spare tire
- the smaller back seat
- the lack of the reclining back seats (yes I have a lot of passengers on long trips)
- the smaller front door pockets
You get the picture.
Skip
Damn, I'm going to be ready for a road trip to FL REAL soon at this rate.
Skip
Heck, some others say the Toyota Sound Systems suck compared to other makes of car, so I guess it too, is somewhat subjected.
Skip
2008 - Touring Avalon, Black on Black
2011 - LTD Avalon - Crimson Mica Red on Almond
2013 - LTD Avalon - Cypress Green on Almond
2012 - LTD Avalon Cypress Green on Almond
2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Ram 1500 Bighorn, Built to Serve
As a prior owner of a 1996 and a 2005 Avalon Ltd., the reason we got rid of those 2 cars was due to the "old folks" ride being so floaty and mushy handling. (not to mention we sell our cars every 2 +/- years). Don't get me wrong, the Avalon's were great cars, but as we aged a bit, got the kids out, we grew to prefer a car that was a bit more connected to the road, and the driver. The previous Avalon's were not. After a Infinity G35x, Corvette Convertible, Miata, 3- BMW's, and a '12 Camry, the new Avalon was a fresh approach. A large car, plenty of room and comfort, and better ride and handling (For our tastes, that is).
The Ltd. with 18" wheels does ride a bit firmer than my Hybrid with 17" wheels. We found tire pressures at 40 PSI after delivery, and after adjusting to 35, the ride softened some. You do feel more of the road imperfections with this new suspension, but they both still have what we consider a compliant and comfortable ride. A HUGE improvement over prior models. I do prefer my Hybrid with 17" wheels over the better half's Ltd. with 18" wheels. The Hybrid is so quiet, composed, and gets 39 MPG real world fuel economy, if you drive it a bit conservative.
I feel for a couple people who say they purchased a '13, and did not like the ride as much. But cars of today are going to be tighter, less floaty, and handle better. That is what the vast majority of new car buyers are looking for. A few will not like this. Can't please everyone with one model. Maybe that is why there are so many car makers, and models? The new Avalon is not for them. Did you see where the sales of 2012 Avalon's were going? Toyota made the right decision on this new 2013 model, and the sales will double or triple this year.