I'm considering an Alavon for my next car purchase. Could anyone tell me how you like your Avalon. What features do you think should be added and what would you change. A number of posts talk about rattles so I'm somewhat concerned about the quality of the new Avalon. Do any of you feel Toyota did some be-contenting like they did with the 97-01 Carry. I realize no car is perfect but when you spend hard earned money for a car you'd like to know that you at least have something that will hold up.
Ideally, they car would do well in both tests. If you crash head on into a flat object, the NHTSA test will apply to you. If you hit an object at an angle at a higher speed, the other test result will more apply to you. The Avalon is large enough that the sheer weight can compensate for a multitude of design sins unless you hit an even larger and heavier vehicle.
Is it REALLY true that the Avalon is built upon the frame of the Camry and has the Lexus ES 300 engine? I have also heard the Lexus GS 300 engine is in the Avalon. Help!
The Camry platform is used in the ES 300, RX 300, Sienna, highlander, Avalon and Solara. The 3.0 liter engine is used in all of those as well although all but the Camry has variable valve timing with intelligence and the RX and Highlander have tuned induction and better exhaust.
The engine in the GS300 is completely different. It is an inline 6 while the Camry is a V6. The GS is also a rear wheel drive.
I bought a 2001 Avalon one month ago. Everytime when I started the car and shifted the stick from 'P' to 'D', I heard (and also felt from the pedal) a clunk from the front. Has Anybody here found the same phenomenon? Please let me know whether this is normal. Thanks!
I have posted several messages with regard to the automatic locking of doors while parked in my basement garage and also disableing the automatic locking of doors with forward movement. I finally restored the doors locking with movement and since then, I have not experienced the doors locking while parked in basement garage. Hooray!!
I received a recall notice on the child restraint assembly a few days ago. Does anyone know exactly what will be done? Does the upgrade, as Toyota calls it, involve drilling holes or any other major bodywork? I'm concerned that the job will not be done properly and exhaust fumes will seep into the passenger cabin as the car ages? Am I off-based in my concern? I also don't want to come back with other body damage. Thanks for anyone's input.
I have a 2000 XL. Out of curiosity, does the recall include the 2001 model year also?
I've read a few posts from people who feel the avalon is really a lexus in disguise. How do owners of the avalon feel about the fit/finish? I like the room in the rear seat of the avalon along with the other features it offers. However, after seeing some of the posts on this board about noise/other quality issues I am wondering if I should just go with a late model 96-98 LS400 instead since the LS400 is really well built car.
Cliffy was right in his post #1011 "The Camry platform is used in the ES 300, RX 300, Sienna, highlander, Avalon and Solara".
However, the word platform used by companies like Toyota and Honda typically denotes a common engine, drive train and many basic subsystems in a vehicle but not a frame. It gives them a broad range of performance and form factor choices to serve their global market places. They share development costs and production learning improvements over virtually all of the vehicles produced from these common designs and components.
For example, the Camry has "Unitized body with front and rear vibration-dampening sub-frames" and "MacPherson strut front suspension with gas-filled shock absorbers and stabilizer bar; dual-link independent MacPherson strut rear suspension with gas-filled shock absorbers and stabilizer bar".
The Sienna has a very similar engine, but the suspension system is substantially different in the rear: " MacPherson strut front suspension with gas-filled shock absorbers and stabilizer bar; torsion beam rear suspension with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers".
Comparable vehicles from Mercedes, BMW, and Audi or other competing vendors like Nissan and Mazda, typically have completely different designs for each car line. In the case of specialty luxury vehicles with fairly low volumes, the consumer pays much more for essentially identical performance but suffers much higher average defect rates. In the case of cars priced competitively like Nissan and Mazda, these companies don't benefit from the same platform economies and have to scrimp on assembly and material costs to remain financially in the same ballpark.
My steering wheel used to make a low "hooo-hooo" sound when turning on the spot or steering while driving slowly (on parking lots etc.). The dealer replaced a part in the steering column, and the problem was fixed. Steering also became a bit easier after that. If that description fits your problem, you may have to have the same part replaced. If you're interested, I can try to look up which part was replaced. I think there were also posts about it on this forum before.
The fit and finish in my 2001 Avalon is outstanding. I have yet to find anything wrong with the car. I looked at and priced a new Lexus ES300 before deciding on the Avalon. The Lexus salesman told me that he considered both cars to be excellent choices and that he would not hesitate to recommend the Avalon, even though he only sold Lexus and had no incentive to have me buy an Avalon from another dealer. Needless to say, I bought the Avalon because it cost less, had more interior room and the same engine as the Lexus. I have not regretted my decision. Sky33, you say you are contemplating buying a used LS400 instead of an Avalon because the Lexus is well built. The Avalon is also well built and you would be getting a new car over a used one for the same price. Finally, you can't really compare the LS400 to an Avalon. The LS400 is a much more expensive car when new and has a V-8 engine vs. the Avalon's V-6. I believe, the LS400 also has rear wheel drive vs. front wheel drive in the Avalon. The only similarity between the two cars is that they both have almost equivalent interior space.
Cliffy1, Thanks for your comments. I did find to my suprise 2002 Avalon pricing at kbb.com. I looked a few days ago and it was not there so it is quite recent. Base $ stay the same as 2001 but the options packages have been reduced substantially.
Maybe I will wait for the 2002 to start showing up in volume then buy one.
Thanks for the feedback. I realize the Lexus LS 400 is much more expensive car however, the question I am facing is if I should buy a used Lexus vs a new Avalon. I am strongly considering the avalon based on the same reasons you purchased your avalon. (Costs less and good interior room). I never considered the ES 300 because it just doesn't have the interior room. At this point the avalon is on the top of my list.
Now that the 2002 Maxima has the HID lights, more hp and navigation system (optional) which are all expected to be available in the 2003 model when the next generation Maxima is released, I think the only way the Avalon can compete is by including similar options in its 2003 model (I've read this is when it will have some minor updates while the next generation Avalon is expected in 2005). I certainly hope so. What do others think about this?
There are two Avalons in my family. One is a 2001. I personally have owned a LS 400. Not to knock the Avalon, but it is an unfair comparison. The LS 400 is a luxury sedan in every meaning of the word. A 1997 or 1998 LS 400 is more car than a Avalon could ever be. Assuming the Lexus would be in very good condition, and the price for it would be in the ball park of a new Avalon, The decision to me is a no brainer. The LS400 is my decision if I am the buyer. I put 140,000 miles on mine and when I sold it, it was running as well as the day I picked it up. Just my opinion.
Cliffy1, I have read that the 2002 Avalon will have a special edition available in the 1Q of 2002. Any knowledge of what will be different or special about this SE Avalon. Did you visit the kbb.com site? Am I misreading this or will Toyota be dropping the 2002 accessory prices as shown there.
I agree that the Lexus LS 400 is a superior vehicle to the Avalon and that to compare the two vehicles is unfair. That's why the LS 400 costs almost twice as much as the Avalon. However, I do not agree that someone would be better of buying a used 97 or 98 LS 400 over a new 2001 Avalon for the same price. If this were the case, why didn't you buy a used LS 400 over the 2001 Avalon that is currently in your family? It seems you didn't follow your own advice.
I have no information about a special edition package. I do know that the prices have dropped. I haven't looked them up yet, but was told to expect a $1200 price drop on fully equipped XLS models. Again, I haven't looked at it yet, but from what you describe, it seems they made this possible by reducing the option costs.
Cliffy1 From the price sheet I have the base and destination prices remain the same. Option #5 is gone and its functions rolled into Option #6. Option #6 invoice is now $424 vs old $1,288, Option #7 invoice is now $707 vs old $1540, Moon Roof is now $720 vs old $728 and Stability Control is now $520 vs old $680. These are at http:\\www.kbb.com
None of the PIO pricing is on the list nor are 2002 interior or exterior colors.
PIO normally means port installed option. In the case of the Avalon is this really a dealer installed option? If not where is it done?
The "in my family" refers to my sons father in-law. He loves his car. The question of getting a LS400 in great shape for about the same price even though it would not be new, never came up. Actually we never spoke about cars. My point was that I am familiar with the Avalon, and able to compare the two. OK enough of that... enjoy.
I have had my 2000 Avalon XLS for almost a year now. Aug 10 will be the anniversary date. Presently I have 28,000 miles on the car and I bought it new. I have the following problems and would like to know if anyone else has them: 1. Loose fake wood grain trim on the dash ashtray. 2. Weak seat belt detractors in the front seats. 3. In the let 4 weeks the (formerly) excellent radio has developed a problem that sounds like a failing RI amplifier(or maybe a loose antenna connector?). 4. Recent difficulty in removing and inserting the ignition key into the ignition switch on the dash.
If anyone knows anything about these problems, please let me know. Otherwise the car has been perfect.
I need to replace my 2000 Avalon windshield due to a 6" crack from a rock. Should I insist on a Toyota windshield or are the aftermarket ones from Safelite Glass Corp., for example, good enough? Thanks.
No need to go with a Toyota window. I too had a 6 inch crack in the top right section of my 200 XLS's windshield. One call to a local windshield company in town and the new windshield has been good as new as far as I'm concerned (knock on wood).
NHTSA Campaign ID number:01V072000, Sub frame has not been welded correctly. Well looking into buying my wife an Avolan and found this info. on www.nhtsa.dot.gov what is going on? See my post #37 Town Hall - SUB - Expeditions problems -- can anyone make a good vehicle? Does Ford own part of Toyota?
You will note that this is old news and only affected 545 units built in January. Owners of these units have been notified and the problem resolved. You will also note that there is only one recall listed at the NTHSA which only affected 545 cars. That hardly places Toyota in the same category at Ford.
Yesterday I had my 15,000 maintenance and whild there, they performed the recall for child seats. It only took about 10 minutes and you cn't tell what they did from appearance of the back shelf. I also had them calibrate the outside temperature sensor. They also said they will soon be able to install window tinting on all side windows and back window. This is to lower temperature while parked in sun and to help air-conditioning by keeping out some of the sun's rays.
Does anyone know the BTU rating of the Avalon's A/C? Or, how many horsepower it uses? I looked in the 2000 source book, but it doesn't seem to be there. (Mine is a 2000 XLS.) Thanks.
I don't know how many Watts it draws but when is on, I feel my break pedal "softing up" a little bit. I think it "travels" about 1/4 inch. Strange feeling when you are sitting at the red light and your break pedals moves. It does not happen when AC is turned on but sometime later.
I have driven several different cars where the brake pedal will occassionaly sink another inch while sitting at a stop light. It is nothing unique to an Avalon.
that is not a unique characteristic to the Avalon-my mother and I have both noticed it on our 2000 Camry, although I have never noticed it on my father's 1999 (just returned end of lease) or 2002 Corollas. Its not troublesome or dangerous in my opinion, just a bit weird to have the pedal sink at a red light. I dont think that brakes are related to a vehicles platform, but perhaps there's a correlation. ~alpha
To ltd2: My Toyota receipt for the steering noise fix says: "Defective steering u-joint and bushing. Replaced steering column u-joint and bushing." Since the repair, my steering has been fine. The Toyota Service Representative told me they did the same to another Avalon the week before I brought mine in. Hope this helps.
My 2001 Avalons brake pedal also sinks when the car is stopped and my foot is on the pedal. I'm glad to hear that no one thinks it's problematic. However, does anyone know for sure that this is in fact normal and not an issue to be concerned about? I plan on asking my dealership when I take the car in for its next scheduled maintenance.
Regarding post 1025, Avalon vs. Maxima. Once and for all, the Avalon is not trying to compete with the Maxima. I have owned both cars. They are both excellent vehicles in their own right. However, the Maxima is a sports sedan whereas the Avalon is a luxury sedan. If you want a car with more horsepower and better handling buy the Maxima. If you're looking for a refined, spacious, luxurious cruising sedan for a bargain price, the Avalon's your car. I walked buy a brand new Lexus LS 430 yesterday with my family and they mistakenly thought it was a new Avalon. It does look very similar to the Avalon. Similar backlights and front grill. It also has similar dimensions. Granted, the Lexus has a V-8 in it and costs almost twice the price. I'll take my Avalon and keep the extra $25,000.
We purchased our Avalon XLS in February and have just taken it in for some problems we have been tolerating for months.
1. The steering column makes squeaking noises (styrofoam rubbing together) when turned.
2. There are paint chips in the front that look like the paint around them is ready to FLAKE. Other than touching this up - shouldn't something more be done while it is under warranty?
3. Biggest problem - the bottoming out of the rear and the scrapping.
This was absolutely embarrasing when four adults are in the vehicle - forget going over speed bumps and up normal driveways.
Either the front scraps the ground, the middle scraps the bump, and/or the rear scraps the ground.
Obviously we had to continue the trip to return home and the scrapping was endless.
Which brings me to my ultimate concern. Yes they can check and replace the struts, but what about the scrapped up underside of the front and rear bumper and under the vehicle itself.
Won't this lead to rusting on the underside and peeling paint on the bumpers?
Any suggestions on what to do before the warranty ends?
Also, do other Avalon owners have their fuel tank openings in the center of the fuel tank door or wedged to the extreme left. I scrape my hand everytime when I try and open the fuel tank because it is angled far left.
Lastly, from the front seats the JBL system sounds great, but when seated in the rear (as I was on the last excursion) I continuously asked for the sound to be turned up in the rear and/or the sound to just be put in the rear (fade rear) - but that is not possible.
There is sound from the front and some from the rear side doors by the legs which is hard to hear, but the only sound from the rear is the bass speaker which does not help when listening to talk radio.
What are others experience with the new 2001 Avalons? We love it, but are beginning to fear that this is just the beginning of something that will become worse once we hit 50K.
hi: our family is struck with two problems, I own a 1999 E.B. Explorer, fully loaded, and my husband owns the infamous F150 trk. I am wanting to turn in my car (safety issues), and I want to buy a toyota. I am 5'2" and husband is 6'4". we have definate issues with the type of vehicle I purchase, that will also suit his height, when in car. i will be the driver 90% of the time. but, when we are together, obviously we want a car that will suit him as well. i was 1st thinking of the Sequoia, but too big for me. then the highlander, but really didnt like the look so much. (even though nice, dont get me wrong). now, i am thinkng possibly of staying away from SUV and getting a car. Avalon XLS is very very nice, but some of your posts have me worried. I would like to know your advice between the Camry Solaro, (sorry not sure of that spelling), and the Avalon? are they near the same. i realize one is more sporty, and a two door, but other things, are they near the same quality.???? miki
I wouldn't worry too much about the negative posts here about the Avalon. You'll notice most of the posts are regarding minor problems. Overall, the Avalon is a very reliable, high quality vehicle. I love my 2001 XL and live in a neighborhood where 4 other families own Avalons. They all love the car and highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a luxurious, roomy and economical vehicle. You'll notice that any Edmunds board you go to will have some negative posts regardless of the manufacturer. If you haven't already done so, I would suggest researching Consumer Reports and J.D. Power & Associates regarding the value and quality which is inherent to the Avalon.
Don't get me wrong - we absolutely love our Avalon.
We are just using this forum to take care of the middle of the road issues that still need to be addressed regardless of how much we love the Avalon.
Toyota may want to save money and not take care of some of these things because others than may want it.
For example, the scrapping of the front, middle and rear when driving 4 adults up/down driveways, and over speed bumps very slowly - Toyota's response is that it is a luxury car and that it has a soft ride and that is what is suppose to happen.
They say they can't replace anything because the same thing will just happen - that is the way it is designed.
This absolutely sounds incredulous and not a warranted response by Toyota.
So by posting - we are hoping maybe others had a similar problem and to see how they got the situation rectified.
We still love the Avalon and we would never trade it in for another sedan - BMW, Mercedes, or a SUV.
BMW and Mercedes are smaller cars, unless of course you spend tons of money.
SUV's are too clunky. The Avalon gives you plenty of room, especially for teenagers with long legs and for carseats. We can comfortably fit 2 full size adults and a car seat in the back. Most sedans you cannot do that - people's rears get squished.
The gas mileage is great for the car of its size.
Don't even ask about American cars on this - they just don't compare - I don't know why anybody would even say there is a comparison. That is like saying Buick compares well to BMW and Mercedes.
I have all my BMW and Mercedes friends eyeing the Avalon - it is unique and glitzy for the size and the money - plus comfortable.
I'm on vacation this week and have been driving my Avalon loaded with 4 adults and a child in a car seat. I have yet to hear or feel any scraping sounds or bottoming out as you described. I find it hard to believe that Toyota told you that this is a normal occurrence in a luxury car due to the soft suspension. I would suggest you allow the dealership to test drive the car with four adults in it and see if they can replicate your problem. It sounds like a serious defect to me. If the dealer refuses to take action, contact Toyotas corporate offices.
I do have one question. How much weight are we talking about with all four adults in the car?
Wow. Was that the dealer's response, or Toyota's response. Usually, you'll find a difference. Dealers seem to be very reluctant to provide any sort of help, and accordingly, they continually rank low in satisfaction for service. What do you mean it is not possible to fade to the rear with your JBL system? I have no experience with this system, but even the basic Toyota stereos have this function? Perhaps its just not obvious. I'm glad you like your Avalon nonetheless.
I purchased the Avalon XLS about a week ago. To date, I remain very happy with the purchase....I agree that Toyota service ranks very low, in contrast to Acura or Honda....Buying a car is never an easy decision...and all of the information that is currently available (while good ...gives you more to think about)...I also agree with earlier comments about this site...It is excellent. My suggestion is that you read and tally as many reports as possible - you will find that MOST comments about AVALON are very favorable..You will also find a lot of variation between how dealers explain issues to customers - which is troubling....Hey, get the Avalon!
1. The fade to rear - this is something of course all cars do, but as the owner and driver of the car - sit in the back and listen to your favorite talk show - you will see what I mean - you do not hear it as well and will think it needs to be turned up or brought more to the rear - The stereo sounds best in the front - those in the back absolutely get a different experience.
2. The dealer after several complaints throughout the day - looking at the underside scrapping in the middle on the frame part of it, the scraps on the front bumper (from going up driveways - however slowly) - said "it is a luxury car with soft suspension to give it a good ride - they could put after market shocks on, but that would not give it as good of a ride - this is the way Toyota designed it and the way it is suppose to be - it is a luxury car".
When questioned about the scrapping and how it will only get worse because they refused to do anything about it - would not replace anything - and the sprayed on foam on the underside of the frame of the car was scrapping off to the metal - "the spray cannot be re applied because we don't do that work at the dealer - he said Northern dealers might do it". When asked what the spray foam coating was for - he said he didn't know and it might be for sound insulation or water protection.
The dealer then suggested that "some Northern and cold area dealers weatherproof the entire bottom of the vehicle and we could have that done if we wanted to since it is only spottedly done here and some had scrapped off".
Problem here - is of course the dealer is not eliminating the problem to stop the scrapping, but suggesting to us how we can spend OUR money to fix the scraps on the bottom to prevent busting. Which of course if the scrapping continues, would only scrap off in areas.
However, regardless of the scraps - they would not do anything to stop the car from scrapping more.
The total weight of the four adults and one 6 yr old was ~ 750, with some items in the trunk.
The confusing part is that the car is clearly scrapping on the front bottom bumper - it has gone through the paint to the black, it is scrapping on the middle somewhere on the frame to the metal, and the rear was hardly noticeable, but we had felt it.
So the major scrapping and bottoming out is the Front end and the Middle.
I have read all 1,051+ posts (not memorized, but notes jotted down) and did note some defects and recalls, but that was for those built in Jan 2001 and some in 2000.
We bought ours in Feb 2001, but upon inspection of the built date - it was 9/00.
It there that great lapse of time with others between the actual made date and the purchase date. I could of sworn they had just gotten it on the lot.
We are also having serious paint chip problems on the front. I counted 10 and they look like they are going to start flaking around the edges.
I have looked at other cars that have more miles on them - Nissan, BOW, Mercedes, nexus - etc and might see one or two, but not like ours.
I seriously think there is a paint problem on the front.
We will take it to another dealer this Weds to see what they say.
If they are unable to give us a logical response and talk in circles and not remedy the situation - we will then go to Toyota corporate.
This really looks like a minor issue to take care since they are the professionals - if they would just take care of it.
Not all cars are the same - different factories, different unions working on them, different months made, different conditions. I'm sure building a car in the Spring is more enjoyable then building one in Sept in the South when it is extremely hot and muggy. There are many variables and it is a good thing that not everyone has this problem, but that does not mean others are not having it and it should not be fixed and/or taken care of.
The first thing the guy did was look to see if there was a wide spread problem with our areas of concern and since there was not - came back and told us there was not, therefore there was NO problem.
Both my husband and I had to tell them several times to put the car up on the hoist and explain the damage.
Comments
The Insurance Institute gives the Avalon very high marks; NHTSA says it's just so-so.
Does anyone know why these two organizations would be so far apart on their ratings?
That's the only one I know of to date.
If you crash head on into a flat object, the NHTSA test will apply to you. If you hit an object at an angle at a higher speed, the other test result will more apply to you.
The Avalon is large enough that the sheer weight can compensate for a multitude of design sins unless you hit an even larger and heavier vehicle.
The engine in the GS300 is completely different. It is an inline 6 while the Camry is a V6. The GS is also a rear wheel drive.
What will be new for 2002? What will be deleted?
Is pricing available? If not when?
Tankfrank
I have a 2000 XL. Out of curiosity, does the recall include the 2001 model year also?
However, the word platform used by companies like Toyota and Honda typically denotes a common engine, drive train and many basic subsystems in a vehicle but not a frame. It gives them a broad range of performance and form factor choices to serve their global market places. They share development costs and production learning improvements over virtually all of the vehicles produced from these common designs and components.
For example, the Camry has "Unitized body with front and rear vibration-dampening sub-frames" and "MacPherson strut front suspension with gas-filled shock absorbers and stabilizer bar; dual-link independent MacPherson strut rear suspension with gas-filled shock absorbers and stabilizer bar".
The Sienna has a very similar engine, but the suspension system is substantially different in the rear: " MacPherson strut front suspension with gas-filled shock absorbers and stabilizer bar; torsion beam rear suspension with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers".
Comparable vehicles from Mercedes, BMW, and Audi or other competing vendors like Nissan and Mazda, typically have completely different designs for each car line. In the case of specialty luxury vehicles with fairly low volumes, the consumer pays much more for essentially identical performance but suffers much higher average defect rates. In the case of cars priced competitively like Nissan and Mazda, these companies don't benefit from the same platform economies and have to scrimp on assembly and material costs to remain financially in the same ballpark.
Just my two cents worth...
Maybe I will wait for the 2002 to start showing up in volume then buy one.
tankfrank
LS 400 is much more expensive car however, the question I am facing is if I should buy a used Lexus vs a new Avalon. I am strongly considering the avalon based on the same reasons you purchased your avalon. (Costs less and good interior room). I never considered the ES 300 because it just doesn't have the interior room. At this point the avalon is on the top of my list.
please check which part is replaced and post a
message here.
Tankfrank
From the price sheet I have the base and destination prices remain the same. Option #5 is gone and its functions rolled into Option #6.
Option #6 invoice is now $424 vs old $1,288, Option #7 invoice is now $707 vs old $1540, Moon Roof is now $720 vs old $728 and Stability Control is now $520 vs old $680. These are at http:\\www.kbb.com
None of the PIO pricing is on the list nor are 2002 interior or exterior colors.
PIO normally means port installed option. In the case of the Avalon is this really a dealer installed option? If not where is it done?
Tankfrank
1. Loose fake wood grain trim on the dash ashtray.
2. Weak seat belt detractors in the front seats.
3. In the let 4 weeks the (formerly) excellent radio has developed a problem that sounds like a failing RI amplifier(or maybe a loose antenna connector?).
4. Recent difficulty in removing and inserting the ignition key into the ignition switch on the dash.
If anyone knows anything about these problems, please let me know. Otherwise the car has been perfect.
Anyone else seen that ?
Its not troublesome or dangerous in my opinion, just a bit weird to have the pedal sink at a red light.
I dont think that brakes are related to a vehicles platform, but perhaps there's a correlation.
~alpha
My Toyota receipt for the steering noise fix says:
"Defective steering u-joint and bushing. Replaced steering column u-joint and bushing."
Since the repair, my steering has been fine. The Toyota Service Representative told me they did the same to another Avalon the week before I brought mine in. Hope this helps.
Regarding post 1025, Avalon vs. Maxima. Once and for all, the Avalon is not trying to compete with the Maxima. I have owned both cars. They are both excellent vehicles in their own right. However, the Maxima is a sports sedan whereas the Avalon is a luxury sedan. If you want a car with more horsepower and better handling buy the Maxima. If you're looking for a refined, spacious, luxurious cruising sedan for a bargain price, the Avalon's your car. I walked buy a brand new Lexus LS 430 yesterday with my family and they mistakenly thought it was a new Avalon. It does look very similar to the Avalon. Similar backlights and front grill. It also has similar dimensions. Granted, the Lexus has a V-8 in it and costs almost twice the price. I'll take my Avalon and keep the extra $25,000.
1. The steering column makes squeaking noises (styrofoam rubbing together) when turned.
2. There are paint chips in the front that look like the paint around them is ready to FLAKE. Other than touching this up - shouldn't something more be done while it is under warranty?
3. Biggest problem - the bottoming out of the rear and the scrapping.
This was absolutely embarrasing when four adults are in the vehicle - forget going over speed bumps and up normal driveways.
Either the front scraps the ground, the middle scraps the bump, and/or the rear scraps the ground.
Obviously we had to continue the trip to return home and the scrapping was endless.
Which brings me to my ultimate concern. Yes they can check and replace the struts, but what about the scrapped up underside of the front and rear bumper and under the vehicle itself.
Won't this lead to rusting on the underside and peeling paint on the bumpers?
Any suggestions on what to do before the warranty ends?
Also, do other Avalon owners have their fuel tank openings in the center of the fuel tank door or wedged to the extreme left. I scrape my hand everytime when I try and open the fuel tank because it is angled far left.
Lastly, from the front seats the JBL system sounds great, but when seated in the rear (as I was on the last excursion) I continuously asked for the sound to be turned up in the rear and/or the sound to just be put in the rear (fade rear) - but that is not possible.
There is sound from the front and some from the rear side doors by the legs which is hard to hear, but the only sound from the rear is the bass speaker which does not help when listening to talk radio.
What are others experience with the new 2001 Avalons? We love it, but are beginning to fear that this is just the beginning of something that will become worse once we hit 50K.
our family is struck with two problems, I own a 1999 E.B. Explorer, fully loaded, and my husband owns the infamous F150 trk. I am wanting to turn in my car (safety issues), and I want to buy a toyota. I am 5'2" and husband is 6'4". we have definate issues with the type of vehicle I purchase, that will also suit his height, when in car. i will be the driver 90% of the time. but, when we are together, obviously we want a car that will suit him as well. i was 1st thinking of the Sequoia, but too big for me. then the highlander, but really didnt like the look so much. (even though nice, dont get me wrong). now, i am thinkng possibly of staying away from SUV and getting a car. Avalon XLS is very very nice, but some of your posts have me worried. I would like to know your advice between the Camry Solaro, (sorry not sure of that spelling), and the Avalon? are they near the same. i realize one is more sporty, and a two door, but other things, are they near the same quality.????
miki
We are just using this forum to take care of the middle of the road issues that still need to be addressed regardless of how much we love the Avalon.
Toyota may want to save money and not take care of some of these things because others than may want it.
For example, the scrapping of the front, middle and rear when driving 4 adults up/down driveways, and over speed bumps very slowly - Toyota's response is that it is a luxury car and that it has a soft ride and that is what is suppose to happen.
They say they can't replace anything because the same thing will just happen - that is the way it is designed.
This absolutely sounds incredulous and not a warranted response by Toyota.
So by posting - we are hoping maybe others had a similar problem and to see how they got the situation rectified.
We still love the Avalon and we would never trade it in for another sedan - BMW, Mercedes, or a SUV.
BMW and Mercedes are smaller cars, unless of course you spend tons of money.
SUV's are too clunky. The Avalon gives you plenty of room, especially for teenagers with long legs and for carseats. We can comfortably fit 2 full size adults and a car seat in the back. Most sedans you cannot do that - people's rears get squished.
The gas mileage is great for the car of its size.
Don't even ask about American cars on this - they just don't compare - I don't know why anybody would even say there is a comparison. That is like saying Buick compares well to BMW and Mercedes.
I have all my BMW and Mercedes friends eyeing the Avalon - it is unique and glitzy for the size and the money - plus comfortable.
I do have one question. How much weight are we talking about with all four adults in the car?
What do you mean it is not possible to fade to the rear with your JBL system? I have no experience with this system, but even the basic Toyota stereos have this function? Perhaps its just not obvious.
I'm glad you like your Avalon nonetheless.
2. The dealer after several complaints throughout the day - looking at the underside scrapping in the middle on the frame part of it, the scraps on the front bumper (from going up driveways - however slowly) - said "it is a luxury car with soft suspension to give it a good ride - they could put after market shocks on, but that would not give it as good of a ride - this is the way Toyota designed it and the way it is suppose to be - it is a luxury car".
When questioned about the scrapping and how it will only get worse because they refused to do anything about it - would not replace anything - and the sprayed on foam on the underside of the frame of the car was scrapping off to the metal - "the spray cannot be re applied because we don't do that work at the dealer - he said Northern dealers might do it". When asked what the spray foam coating was for - he said he didn't know and it might be for sound insulation or water protection.
The dealer then suggested that "some Northern and cold area dealers weatherproof the entire bottom of the vehicle and we could have that done if we wanted to since it is only spottedly done here and some had scrapped off".
Problem here - is of course the dealer is not eliminating the problem to stop the scrapping, but suggesting to us how we can spend OUR money to fix the scraps on the bottom to prevent busting. Which of course if the scrapping continues, would only scrap off in areas.
However, regardless of the scraps - they would not do anything to stop the car from scrapping more.
The total weight of the four adults and one 6 yr old was ~ 750, with some items in the trunk.
The confusing part is that the car is clearly scrapping on the front bottom bumper - it has gone through the paint to the black, it is scrapping on the middle somewhere on the frame to the metal, and the rear was hardly noticeable, but we had felt it.
So the major scrapping and bottoming out is the Front end and the Middle.
I have read all 1,051+ posts (not memorized, but notes jotted down) and did note some defects and recalls, but that was for those built in Jan 2001 and some in 2000.
We bought ours in Feb 2001, but upon inspection of the built date - it was 9/00.
It there that great lapse of time with others between the actual made date and the purchase date. I could of sworn they had just gotten it on the lot.
We are also having serious paint chip problems on the front. I counted 10 and they look like they are going to start flaking around the edges.
I have looked at other cars that have more miles on them - Nissan, BOW, Mercedes, nexus - etc and might see one or two, but not like ours.
I seriously think there is a paint problem on the front.
We will take it to another dealer this Weds to see what they say.
If they are unable to give us a logical response and talk in circles and not remedy the situation - we will then go to Toyota corporate.
This really looks like a minor issue to take care since they are the professionals - if they would just take care of it.
Not all cars are the same - different factories, different unions working on them, different months made, different conditions. I'm sure building a car in the Spring is more enjoyable then building one in Sept in the South when it is extremely hot and muggy. There are many variables and it is a good thing that not everyone has this problem, but that does not mean others are not having it and it should not be fixed and/or taken care of.
The first thing the guy did was look to see if there was a wide spread problem with our areas of concern and since there was not - came back and told us there was not, therefore there was NO problem.
Both my husband and I had to tell them several times to put the car up on the hoist and explain the damage.