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Good to know that the "re-design" was minor indeed. Front grill, tail lights and navigation. Did I miss anything...
: )
Mackabee
Additionally, the Georgetown factory didn't receive a manufacturing award for the 1st time since 1995. TMMK went from gold (2000) to silver (2001) to no award for 2002.
~alpha
Options are Vehicle Stability Control, Moonroof, Premium Luxury Package #7(GV), Carper/Cargo Mats, Wheel Locks with Diamond White Pearl. MSRP is $33779.00, $100.00 over the 2002 model. With the Ivory Leather, the wood grain steering wheel will look great. It is basically the same as the previous models with a few minor upgrades with no price increase.
This will be my 2nd Toyota, I purchased a 4Runner Sport Edition in Thundercloud this past November - what a machine, best truck I have ever owned. 14,000 miles later and never been back to the dealer. Hope my wife has the same luck with her new Avalon. Every person I have talked to since December about Avalons (at least 25 people) has raved about the quality and reliability. I advise anyone to just ask people about their cars, most folks are very honest. If the car is junk, they will say so. With Toyota's, you never hear people complain. What you read on these threads I believe is sometimes suspect. Yes, people that do not like foreign cars like to bash them. Just look at the used car prices - 10 year old Hondas and Toyotas selling for twice what most brands sell for. I have no doubts this Avalon will be one of the best cars my wife will ever own. Coming from an Acura Legend with 65K that never broke, I hope I am right.
The person asking about Mud Guards. Go to toyotaguys.com , a friend of mine just purchased a set for his 3 week old 02 Avalon last week. These are Toyota parts that fit the Avalon. good luck.
I will be paying $30301.00. Avalon to be delivered between 6/19 (tomorrow) and 6/24, next Monday.
I have quotes on 2002's, same package between $29801.00 and 30.618.00. Only got the $29,801.00 price after I made the deposit on the 03. This dealer was beating the 03 price by $500.00, an excellent deal that I decided to pass on. That wood grained steering wheel looks good, I'm sure the 03 will be worth the $500. If something goes wrong on this 03 deal (do not expect any problems) and the Pearl White 02 is still available, I may opt for it. Let you know when I (wife) gets her new Avalon. My advise..go to Kelly Blue book (kbb.com), get your price and shop by phone. Internet sales may work?, did better on my 4Runner by making phone calls. I really believe that buying a car at the best price is timing (time of the month?) and most important as my friend Tom advised.... When you are made the offer and it is what you are willing to pay, be ready to place a deposit buy at that time. good luck.
===============================================
otis123
No trade involved. Dealers offer below wholesale on trades. If you have a good car and do not mind selling outright you can keep the difference, usually a few thousand $$$. Price I will be paying: $30,301.00. Then add 6% New Jersey sales tax plus $189.00 doc fee and $91.50 for tags and that my final price will be: $32399.56.
Have the option on the 7 year / 75,000 mile warranty for $775.00. Wife drives 7K a year so why waste extra on the 100K warranty. I was surprised at this deal on the 03 but Avalon are not in short supply so maybe this price is about right. The dealer that offered me a 2002 for $29801.00 quoted me on a 2003 $32,118.00 and for one with the nav. $33,519.00. They really want to sell the 02! Maybe a Toyota incentive?
noticeable increase in temperature and air flow, b) require the A/C to be ON in order to cool the interior of the car although the outside temperature was in the upper 50’s, and c)
when the A/C worked properly we would increase the temperature setting to 75-76 to be
comfortable. The speed control would: a) not respond to reset after stopping, increasing
speed to pass, hitting the brake or cancel when slowing down. This occurred about 80% of the time for several days and then “self corrected”. A visit to the dealer was fruitless,because both worked almost perfect while in the shop. After two test drives the only failure they experienced was the speed control would not “resume” after coming to a complete stop. We had experienced “glitches” with the seat control not remembering settings and the message panel not illuminating in the past but it was infrequent and
normally self correcting after turning the ignition on/off.
Also had the dealer perform the 15K service because of the “requirement” to have
the A/C filter changed. The service rep lined through that requirement, without checking
the filter. When I questioned this action she replied “the filter didn’t need to be replaced,
and they had only replaced one and that was at the insistence of the owner”.
board where it can be read easily while driving. Especially helpful when trying to follow AAA
directions with mileage readings between checkpoints.
Will advise at a later date my impressions.
It's crazy, but if you go below 25 with the cruise control on, it resets itself. I don't know why it does this, but I think it says something about it in the owner's manual.
Mom's got 47,000 miles on her 2000 Avalon XLS, and my parents are loving it. We've become a Toyota family, as my dad just got a new Corolla. I doubt that they'll ever drive anything other than a Toyota. We had MANY problems with some previous vehicles that we've owned (recent Chrysler minivans), and they've been so happy with our trouble-free service from the Avalon that they'll probably become a repeat Toyota buyer, as they already have with the new Corolla.
You guys have a nice day.
"The A/C would:
a) randomly switch from outside to recirculate air, with a noticeable increase in temperature and air flow."
THE XLS HAS AN AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED SYSTEM SO FROM TIME TO TIME IT AUTOMATICALLY SWITCHES FROM RECIRCULATE TO OUTSIDE AIR. DURING THE CHANGE THE FAN SOUNDS LOUDER SO YOU MAY BE ASSOCIATING THE LOUDER FAN WITH A CHANGE IN TEMPERATURE.
b) "require the A/C to be ON in order to cool the interior of the car although the outside temperature was in the upper 50's,"
YOU DID NOT MENTION THE INTERIOR SET TEMPERATURE. I USUALLY SET MINE AT 73 ALL YEAR LONG. HOWEVER, IF YOU CLICK ON THE GREEN-LIGHTED AC CONTROL BUTTON IT WILL TURN-OFF THE AC BUT THE CAR WILL STILL MAINTAIN THE INTERIOR SET TEMPERATURE WITH A MIX OF HOT AND OUTSIDE AIR.
c)"and when the A/C worked properly we would increase the temperature setting to 75-76 to be comfortable."
AT 75-76, DOES THAT INCREASE OR DECREASE THE INTERIOR TEMPERATURE? IN MY XLS WITH OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE OF 75+ IT TAKES ABOUT 10 MINUTES TO COOL THE CAR TO THE DESIRED INTERIOR SET TEMPERATURE. AND EVEN WHEN COOL THE FAN STILL CONTINUE TO RUN AT A HIGH SPEED.
I RECOMMEND CHANGING THE AC FILTER.
First impressions are that this is an outstanding car. It is no different than the previous 02 but has a few neat upgrades. Everything works, no flaws, typical Toyota quality.
I ordered mudguards from Romania Toyota (toyotaguys.com), probably the only accessory I will buy (only accessory wife will accept for HER car. Don't know why Toyota does not offer this as standard on the Avalon??, it really needs them.
The wood/leather steering wheel is nice. You have a better grip on this plastic than the very smooth leather, the combination works well. When you try it, you will understand what I mean.
We now have the the best of both, luxury in the Avalon and Utility in MY 4Runner.
Also, can you tell whether the dash in the '03 has been updated to correct the problem where the lights reflect on the windwhield?
Thanks.
Does your 03 XLS have the perforated leather? And to Cliffy1, McKabee and others on this board, is the perforated leather superior to the plain leather in the 00-02 models? Most all high end cars offer it as standard equipment so I can assume it is the gold standard.
Highlander7, welcome to the club of satisfied Avalon owners. Although some may have dubbed the Avalon "the poor man's Lexus", I think it is the smart man's Lexus.
Enjoy the ride!
The dash glare?? I drove it last night and did not notice anything. Now that you ask I will check tonight. My friend bought an 02 last month and has not had a complaint so maybe this was corrected last year?
And Thank You Deluxcar for the welcome. I almost became a Highlander owner last fall but could not walk away from the 4Runner. Highlander is great but for me the Runner is
The seats in the XLS are the same leather as in the 02. Guess the perforated is only available in the XL.
Thank you for the welcome deluxcar. I was in the market for a Highlander last fall - thats why my ID. Highlander7. Just could not pass up the Sport Rdition Thunder Cloud. 14K later and not one complaint...what a truck!!
We have not had rain since the purchase so I will spray some water on the windshield to test the rain sensentive wipers, interested to see how well they work.
I do not know if I got a good price on the 2003, $30,301., or if this is what some dealers are willing to sell for? Again 3 local dealers, South Jersey, Wilmington, DE, and NewCastle, DE. were not intereded in any deal on a 03. Fact the Delaware dealer will not receive on until 2nd week of July. Again car buying is not easy unless you are willing to accept 1 price and then pay for it. I recommend shopping by phone and be ready to buy! I agree this Avalon is close to Lexus standards. Lexus in not a bad division to get hand me downs from.
Can anyone advise how soon I can wax this car?
My guess is at least one month.
What does the brochure say about the navigation system? I'm considering it.
As part of slimming down for the economic environment, my CEO had the lease company provide a total cost study on a range of vehicles. result is that I now pick from a short list of AvalonXL,
4runnerSR5,BonnevilleSE, and ExplorerXL.
My choice will be between the Bonneville and the Avalon, with the Avalon having a lot of positives.
I was disappointed that Toyota has set up the option packages ( I have to pay for upgrades) similiarly to Detroit. i.e. thousands of dollars in of baubles and geegaws with one item you really want included).
In my case, its the automatic temperature controll, which I find very useful and convenient when travelling).
Does anybody know if this is included in the XL for '03. I think it is included with the Bonneville SE and could tip the scales . (of course, I've got some test driving to do in the next few months before I decide)
As always, inputs appreciated.
Other than a picture and listed under options as a Remote Control Navigation System, the brochure has no explanation of this item other than the standard disclaimer about what it does and that discrepancies may occur. Toyota should come out with a supplement for this feature. Being operated with a remote is different, may even be a good idea.
: )
Mackabee
One thing my wife noticed while reading about the CD player was how poorly this is written. Probably translated from Japanese to English and not proofed. Thats not really important, it is how well the car runs. This afternoon in South Jersey the temp. hit 95 degrees, the A/C was flawless, the auto climate control is excellent.
Only four days of use and she is very pleased with the Avalon, I do not think she is going to miss her 93 Acura Legend.
Anyway, my Avalon been back to the dealer several times for various rattles, clicks, etc. The passenger seat rattled over less than perfect roads, and after 3 visits, one involving removal of the seat and a trip to an upholstery shop(!), it persists. The rear window antenna assembly box needed insulating...now, there's yet another nuisance noise emanating from the rear passenger area. Going in again tomorrow. I'm losing my patience...any similar stories, or tips that any of you might share??
Many thanks!
: )
Mackabee
Rattles and other odd sounds were located in the drivers door, dash board near the key, and under the rear seat.
There was a squeak in the front end that occured going in and out of driveways. They replaced the front struts at about 700 miles and it was fixed.
There is still a demonstratable squeak that occurs in one of the hinges in the trunk when the trunk is opened and closed.
Bottom line, some Avalons rattle.
Maybe this one of the reasons that Avalon's and Camry's JDPower Initial Quality ratings have fallen so much since 2000 that they didn't make the top three in their category this year -- beaten by Buick!
The only persistant problem that comes to mind is the doors do not fully close unless you give it a good push/pull. This seems to be true on all my doors, so I assume it is the "air tight" seal/sound proofing and not a mis-alignment of the doors. Is this consistant with other Avalon owners?
: )
Mackabee
We took it on a good, long ride before signing the deal and it was fine.
We had riden in another Avalon at a different dealership. It had two rattles which keyed us to look hard.
We still got a rattler. It's better now, but disappointing.
03 XLS Features....Reasons to consider 2003 Model:
++Better looking alloy wheels
++Electrochromatic driver side view mirror
++Mufti-stage Front Air Bags
++Rain Sensitive Windshield Wipers
++Wood Grain Trim Steering Wheels (Looks Great!)
++New front grill
++Re designed rear tail lights
++Higher value on depreciation, (02 is year old)
However, to answer some of the questions....it started around 4K miles....now has 7k. They did the "clips" around the rear windshield....that didn't solve the problem. They said, and I only quote, that they "insulated the rear window antenna assembly box"....I never questioned whether or not I had one! Nothing in trunk. I think that overall, I'm just disappointed. This was a stretch for us to purchase, and I did my research. I thought I was getting a "lexus" like vehicle, and, as such, one that lived up to that Lexus legacy of whisper quiet. Other than this annoyance, I still love the car, and don't miss my minivan at ALL! (my husband is now growing attached to that...it holds those 4x8 plywood sheets w/ ease!) We actually bought two Avalons, a couple months apart, one for my mom. Hers only has 1.5k miles so far, so we're keeping an ear out for anything similar.
Trevose, PA.
215 244 9300
ask for Diane Zaccairo
If she asks, tell her Bob who bought the 03 from another dealer recommended her.
Let me know what you find out.
Cliffy1, I appreciate comment that cruise control problem is universal. Disappointing when you consider that was one of the few things Dodge got right 10 years ago.
Carguy & Deluxcar, we operate the A/C in manual because of the erratic performance of the Automatic setting. When trying to get outside air w/o A/C no cool air was being delivered with inside setting as low as 65, so we turned A/C on and cranked the inside temperature up. Having to run A/C when outside temperature is below 50 isn't "cool". We normally keep inside settings in 73-75 range. When the A/C is working properly, inside settings must be raised to 76 or higher to prevent hypothermia. Quirky, but we can live with it because of all other good features.
A friend of my wifes mother for whatever reason? told her mom that we paid $46,000.00 for this car. To some folks that do not know it is a Toyota, it does appear to look expensive. I have driven the GS 300 and if the extra 15K was no object, no question which I would choose. But for the money, this is a great car. Hope we do not get the rattle problems like some folks have reported.
highlander7: I too am looking to purchase a white XLS but am split on whether to get the ivory or taupe leather. The ivory looks good but I think it'll be hard to keep clean. What say you?
I like Ivory because it will not absorb as much radiant heat from the sun as the darker colors and it looks great. Ivory will require more attention to cleaning, the darker colors just like a gray exterior can go a little longer before requiring cleaning because they mask the dirt. Question is, how are you going to use this vehicle, who will use it, what will you carry on the seats? If young children are eating Happy Meals or people that are doing construction work will be in and out of this car, you should consider a darker color leather. My wife is a teacher and her leather carry bag is all that will ride on the back seat. She has had two other cars with tan / ivory interiors and never had a problem so this was never a concern to us. Leather is easy to keep clean, recommend treatment every two months.
Good luck on you choice of colors and with your new 2003 Avalon. Every exterior/interior combination looks great.
Mackabee
Being from the earth tone end of the spectrum I also thought the dark copper colored Lexus RX300 from 1999 was very attractive.
Regards