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anybody know any tricks for finding a six-passenger avalon, 2001-2004 (XLS, preferably with stability control)?
there are a sea of ads out there -- i.e., carmax -- but as i sift through i either find no six-passenger models or no way of telling if there are any being offered.
It's almost impossible to tell from an exterior photo, and the VIN numbers do not distinguish between the two...does anybody know any other method?
it seems that the "sixers" are about one in fifty...if anybody's selling one or might know how better to chase one down, please let me know...
paul
I have an 02 Avalon XL with 6 seating. What I would do, IMO, is call as many dealerships yourself, or looking it up on the internet, in areas of RETIREMENT communities. Older drivers, or people that put a higher price on comfort would have ordered these more than sporty types. Not always, but I did. I am sure you would find one in Florida. I found the XLS not to be worth the money, although heated leather seats and the stability control would have been nice. There were other things on the XLS that I found to pricey for what they were charging. You might consider an XL with premium shocks to be a suitable replacement as well although you would be without the heated seats, nice in snow county, although for the price of the heated seats, I put in an automatic car starter, and for the price of stability control, I put in TokicoHP shocks. Nevertheless, try Toyota dealerships in retirement communities.
abfisch
But I do hope we'll be able to steer you in the right direction - abfisch has given you some great thoughts already. Let us know how it goes.
Thanks
perhaps in canada the 6ers were only offered as XLs...just last week, i was reading a review of a 2003 model i picked up on google...the reviewer described the car as an XLS with leather seats and stability control....
of course, he may have been mistaken, but i doubt it...still, i can't really be sure since i can't seem to get any straight info on the "sixer" from anyone, including toyota...
over the past six months, i have looked at every parked avalon i've seen and tried to view all i pass on the road...to this point, i have seen NO "sixers" at all -- of any trim level...
the only reason i know that the car isn't mythical is the fact that about two years ago, my toyota dealer had one on his lot...
alas, though, my search continues...fortunately, i'm in no rush...perhaps one will find me in the days ahead...
http://www.edmunds.com/used/toyota/index.html
Other issue is front rotors. Recently have felt a slight vibration on light braking. Dealer tells me that the front rotors and pads need to be replaced, but they will do it on warranty. Anyone else with experience with rotors going so soon?
Thanks
Ken
That is a false statement in the USA. 00-04 Avalon came in 5 or 6 passengar configurations in both model types, XL and XLS. I just saw one in Vermont over the winter, a grey XLS with a bench seat. Maybe it was not available in Canada, but it was here.
abfisch
Have an 02. Although, I change to snow tires on separate rims for the winter months, the OEM were average at best. They worse and started to squeel around minor turns. Best OEM's for the price!!!, is Falken Ziex 510's??. Made in Japan. Some road noise at high speeds but the price and sturdiness of the tire is big bang for the buck.
Front brake rotors are a cheap part on our cars. IMO, recommend replacing them with aftermarket rotors of higher quality. Don't be fooled by "Toyota Quality". They don't make the part. I put on cross drilled and slotted discs in front and back with a change in pads. Remarkable difference.
You should also know that the dampers or shocks in the Avalon are quite weak. Now, it is a very good car, but certain parts they cheap out on. The front brakes overheat overtime, as the quality of the OEM discs and the excessive dive of the front end contribute to front end load. I changed the shocks (OEM), to premium aftermarket shocks, with a result of much more limiting nose dive at all speeds. This will balance the car better and you will achieve more balanced braking lasting quite a bitter longer in the fronts.
Hope that helps.
abfisch
John, I have both a 96 XL and an 05 Limited. My 96 has 160K miles on it and still has the original front brakes. I have done oil changes every 3 - 5K miles, have replaced the blower fan motor, the timing belt 2x and have done the rear brakes once. The driver seat motor had to be replaced once. I've changed the tranny filter and fluid about every 40K miles.
At about 150K I had to add power steering fluid to the resevoir. I hadn't seen any leaks and when I took it in for the next oil change my mechanic couldn't find any leaks.
When my oldest daughter rides in the back of the 96 she complains of a rough ride. No one else does and the mechanic says the struts are still fine.
My 05 is 4 months old today and has 6.5k miles. So far I've had a TSB on the steering column, NTF, and have had a problem with the driver door not unlocking all the time. A minor annoyance.
These cars have been really dependable for the vast majority. Pretty much take care of it and it'll take care of you.
MikeS.
Yes it is normal. I too have a 96 XL and it has always done this. It lets the engine come up to operating temp. faster which means better emissions.
As to finding an owners manual, sorry no help there.
MikeS.
Please can you comment more on the tranny fluid changes you do yourself. I change my fluid on the first 50K, and then thereafter every 25K. It is easy for me to keep those numbers in my mind. I do the PS fluid at the same time for the Avalon as you know the fluid is exactly the same.
I have not yet, taken down the pan, cleaned the magnets/filter for the tranny. Hope much of a mess and pain is this to do??? Do you have any techniques you have to share with us who perform the maintenance ourselves to do this??
Thanks.
abfisch
The tranny filter is very easy to do, especially if you can elevate the car with a rack or if you have a pit to work from. Drain the tranny fluid then unbolt the pan, it has, I believe, 12 metric sized bolts that holds it on.
Once you have the filter pan you can throw away the old filter, it is encassed in metal with openings for the oil to flow. Clean out the pan and the magnets and replace a new filter. Reattach the pan to the tranny and fill with fluid.
Much easier then my 97 Tacoma V-6 xtra cab 4x4. That truck takes one of 2 filters and until you remember what you did with the info from 3 years ago you have to order both to make sure you get the right one
I do all my vehicles at 36K mile intervals.
MikeS.
I had to buy two new front tires for my 2003 Avalon after only 17,000 miles. I actually had the lifetime tire option but voided that when I did not have my tires rotated every 5,000 miles. Hopefully, the new tires will last longer than 17,000 miles.
Some web sites recommend going to higher PSIs for highway economy. Any thoughts on a good PSI for sustained 70-80mph driving?
Thanks very much. Couple of questions. Do you have to replace the gasket once you remove the pan??? Do you use some kind of high temp. seal to seal it??? How much does the Toyota filter cost???? How long did it take you to do??? Do they make a generic filter??? Aren't the magnets suppose to go in the same place they came from??? Have you gotten more than 200K on your AT????
I have an Auto Crafts Shop with multiple bay lifts courtesy of the US Army. I am active duty.
Thanks for the info.
We can Jit R done.
Feed the forum.
abfisch
Agree with fin totally. Do not elevate that tire to 44PSI or you will be asking for trouble and compromise safety. 44PSI is the limit for the tire, but the manufacturer of the vehicle, in this case Toyota, takes into account load considerations, power, size when making recommendations. Additionally, the PSI with elevate depending on the temp. and the amount of driving.
Going to even up to 36PSI, which some uninformed mechanic did, made my 02 Avalon ride harsh, transmitting vibration into the cabin. That is a poor way to get increased mileage, effeciency, or handling. Many better ways at doing both.
Have fun on your trip.
abfisch
Does anyone out there know what might be causing the air to quit? The first occasion I was driving, blowing very cold, then stopped while running er runs. Got back in car about 5 minutes later and air was not working. Second was on a trip for about 30 minutes, blew cold for about 15-20 minutes, then just stopped and started blowing warm air. I turned everything off and when I arrived home it started working again.
Could this have anything to do with High humidity?
Any suggestions?
Jack
Thanks very much. Couple of questions. Do you have to replace the gasket once you remove the pan??? Do you use some kind of high temp. seal to seal it??? How much does the Toyota filter cost???? How long did it take you to do??? Do they make a generic filter??? Aren't the magnets suppose to go in the same place they came from??? Have you gotten more than 200K on your AT"
I don't remember having to replace the gasket. The filter for my 96 Avalon runs about 30 bucks from WWW.TOYOTAPARTSWORLD.COM It takes me about 30 minutes just for the filter, not including drain time and refill time. The magnets do go back where they come from. My highest mileage is the 96 XL and it has 160K on it. It still has the original front brakes! The rears have been replaced once. The timing belt 2x.
MikeS.
Could this have anything to do with High humidity? "
Bingo! Very cold air and high humidty can make the system freeze up. Once it has set for awhile the icing thaws out and you have cold air again. Try turning the temp setting warmer, slightly even, and then see if it freezes up.
MikeS.
Take down the underside plastic fascia and the glove box. The filters are behind the glove box. A little time consuming but simple to do.
abfisch
2006 Mercedes S350
2005 Mercedes E500
2006 BMW 325i, 530i, 530xi
2005 Acura TL
2004 Lexus GS300
2005 Toyota Avalon XLS, Limited
I know there are other cars but the above were top of my list. I like to take my family when I test drive these cars so I can get their viewpoint on the cars. So far, collectively we can only agree on the 2005 Toyota Avalon with a few exceptions. Top things considered were price, quietness, room, ride.
2006 S350 was nice but expensive and too heavy for the engine.
2005 E500 was powerful but wind and road noise was louder than I cared for. Kids liked the temperature controls and roller blinds.
2006 325i impressed me very much. Ride was excellent. Just too small for family.
2006 530i,xi new engine does not seem much more powerful than the old, nice but too noisy. Kids liked rear seat and air conditioning controls.
2005 Acura TL none of my family liked it, too noisy and bumpy and not enough rear seat room
2004 Lexus GS300 Nice and quiet but just didn't do it for me
2005 Avalon XLS, Limited Family liked it very well, kids loved the rear seat. Lots of luxury type options. Safer. I liked the ride and it was quiet except for some minor wind noise around mirrors and some minor road roar. Not sure if it is noisier than my 2000 Avalon because the noises are different, probably due to design changes. However, the ride was slightly more firm than my 2000 Avalon, I am not sure if I like the firmer ride. The interior looked both lush yet cheap. A nice combination of leather and wood but the steering wheel controls and dash pieces were slightly misaligned - unlike my Avalon. Steering wheel control pieces SHOULD HAVE a more quality look because it jumped right out at me quickly and may have tainted my overall impression.
I was surprised when my family said they liked our 2000 Avalon better than most of the cars we drove. I now have more appreciation for my 2000 Avalon.
Your experience is similar to mine. I too own a 2000 XLS in mint condition with 43K miles. It is smooth, quiet and refined. I looked at the new 2005 Avalon XLS and Limited but there was no emotional connection.
Since I am in no rush to buy right now, I am waiting to see what the Hyundai Azera looks like. By all accounts it appears to meet my needs better. It is reported to be more quiet than the Avalon, has a more plush (look and feel) interior and the exterior styling is more pleasing to the eye. Also, it is a full size mid-luxury sedan that competes favorably with the Audi A6 and th Infiniti M35/45 two cars I am also interested in.
1) Can't de-program the auto door lock feature no matter how many different ways I try (see previous posts).
2) Hazards don't work, and I haven't had time to troubleshoot
3) Have some tires that when I drive on grooved pavement like the interstate cause the car to shake around a lot. Anyone else had this happen? and is there anything short of new tires that would help it? They still have 80% tread, so I hate to trash them early.
Rob in AZ
55,000 Miles and the car is getting flakey and even worse, the bozos at the dealership can't fix it right the first time.
Some kind of quality. :P
I am completely dissatisfied with the result. The ride is bouncy on bumps and dips, as is the shocks were not working properly. The chief mechanic of my Toyota dealer says the shocks are working as expected. Compared to my other 96 Avalon, the ride of the 2000 Avalon is not as smooth, thought it is quieter.
Many members of this forum seems to have experienced better ride with KYB (I though this was OEM) or Tokico shocks. I am afraid they may firm the ride too much. I am 60, and I prefer a soft ride.
Nobody mentioned that Toyota made a change in april 2000, switching from 374,5 mm front coil springs to 378,5 mm. Will installing these longer springs improve the ride? Does anybody know why Toyota made that change?
Do I have to change the newly installed factory struts to really improve the ride? Is there a way to convince my dealer to take back those struts if so?
Any help will be appreciated!
You can improve the ride some, but not as much as with the struts. Change the tires to a sportier tire without changes in the diamter (Falken Ziex) and you can change the sway bar bushings to PU type (Energy Suspension). That is about all you can do.
Good luck.
abfisch
What do you mean by stiffen some? The new struts of my XLS 2000 seem to kick up the front end at large dips, instead of absorbing the shock. So the body has too large a motion, that independent suspension mechanics also found strange and disturbing. Have the Tokicos you installed suppressed that wallowing and excessive body motion?
I think you also have a 2000. Was it made after april 2000, with the longer front coil springs, that I suspect are softer than the shorter ones?
I am considering replacing at least the front struts with KYB or Tokico (not well know in Canada), and also replacing the front coil springs. I live in Quebec, where the roads are kind of bumpier than the ones in US. If successful in suppressing the kicking, I will then replace the rear struts.
On the other hand, the Avy is my Wife's driver. I drive a Tahoe Z-71 with off road suspension. It is very stiff, but makes the handling much more controllable, so I appreciate the Tokicos a little more possibly.
Other than the tremendous increase in power I did not find the 05 Lmited to be impressive. No body side moldings for protection in parking lots. Door lock controls still not luminated, minor but bothers me. Brand new vehicle also had a minor vibration which I could feel in the seat - probably tire balance problem.
Sticker price was $35,751. Dealer wanted my car and $15,751. in "real" dollars I figure they were offering me, at the most, about $17,000 for my 03 Avalon.
I'll spend the bucks & change the struts. I live in the Boston No Shore area and can not locate Tokico Struts - can find the KYB's with no problem. Does anyone know if there is much difference with the Tockci & KYB Struts? Thanks
There is not alot of difference in ride quality or handling. I bought my Tokico's on the net, but I cannot recall from where. You can go onto there website or do a search and put your car info in. First, find a good shop that deals with axle, suspension, alignment, etc. Do not take it to a muffler shop. Unless you have the heavy equip to do yourself, you will probably not be happy.
I too feel the same about the new Avalon. I would rather buy a Honda Accord with folding mirrors and be done with it. When changing the struts, also change the strut rubber mounts, gotten at a local Toyota dealership. You might as well since tthey are going in there.
You will notice quite a difference. To bump it up another notch, some have changed the rubber sway bar bushings to PU(poly urethane) with remarkable handling results.
Good luck.
abfisch
Does the garage door opener have a battery? Is it replaceaable?
Thanks In Advance
1. Replaced plugs with same type as originals
2. Replaced fuel filter
3. Replaced PCV valve
4. Replaced Trans. fluid
5. Replaced Anti-Freeze
6. Replaced engine air filter
7. Added 2 tanks of fuel with bottle of Chevron Fuel Injector Cleaner
I think that is about all I did. The steady burning check engine light, VSC, and VSC OFF lights no longer come on. I have driven it over 250 mi and no problem YET. One of the trouble codes showed lean burn on the frond bank of cylinders. This led me to believe that either it was a Fuel Injector problem or spark problem. I also had an engine stumbling problem when hitting passing gear at high speeds. I believe that the gas I get now days is of poor quality and deposits are a problem. Don't know if this helps you but it is my 2 cents worth.. I sure wish they still made the RWD Cressida. It was far superior to the FWD Avalon. I will not pay the inflated prices for a RWD GS Lexus.
abfisch
I think it was the "loose" gas cap induced problem because my neighborhood mechanic read the OBD II codes as 'evap container problem' which has to do with the fuel recovery system.
Things have been normal all week (knock on wood).
Thanks for your suggestions, though.
Well when I came home this afternoon, my wife was in the garage beside her Avalon, tinkering with the passenger side mirror. She was trying to get the white paint from the garage entry off of the mirror. She had brushed the garage as she was parking it after work.
Since our 2000 XLS doesn't have fold back mirrors, it flexed a bit then evidently popped loose, with a small hole now visible in the 'crotch' of the mirror where an interior screw formerly held it tight to the body from the inside.
I cleaned off most of the white paint from the garage with rubbing compound but I think the whole assembly needs replacing since its loose and no longer water tight.
Question:
* How easy is it to take off the mirror - so interior panel must need to be removed?
* Where is a good place to get a replacement
Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
G
I was starting to have electrical problems with the car. No electrical parts failed, but apparently corrosion was forming inside connectors. Just unplugging and reconnecting takes care of the problems, but following the procedures in the service manual can be expensive if not DIY.
Decided not to fix the transmission. I was looking at a lot of preventive maintenance due and the thought of putting more into the car than the car was worth (if sold) didn't seem like a good idea, especially in a ten year old car. The new car is not as roomy, doesn't handle as well, does not accelerate nearly as well, but is at least as quiet (quieter I think), rides nearly as well, and gets, over all so far, 48 mpg vs.18 or so for the Avalon.
The car should be at normal operating temperature, on level ground, engine running, shift lever in Park. Remove dipstick, wipe clean with lint free rag. Insert stick, remove slowly. Hold rag under dipstick to avoid fluid drops on hot engine. Read level on the stick. Anything between the marks will work, but if near the LOW end you may want to add a little. Never overfill.
Hope this helps. Remember that you have only replaced a small part of the fluid capacity. Most of the old fluid remains. At some point in the future you will need to drain it all for maximum transmission life.
Your thoughts?
My idea, and some who post here say this is excessive, is to flush and fill at 30k mile intervals. You get it ALL. This will give you max life service from the transmission. I do not use synthetic but those who do seem to like it. The interval may be different as to changes.
The Avalon transmission operates at high temp and pressure. Fluid wears out as does motor oil. It loses the ability to do the job. All my work is done by Toyota but that is a personal choice and not necessary (no DIY here). Anything beyond 30k, in my opinion, will tend to shorten the life of the transmission. By how much is an arguable point. They usually last for years anyway.
Make your own decision, enjoy your Avy..great cars.
My local mechanic contacted the regional KYB representative. He mentioned that KYB was supplying Toyota with replacement struts. Those replacements are about 15% stiffer than the ones installed at factory. So, the replacements installed last month on my Avy are actually KYB, thought maybe not GR2.
Last Friday, I switched the 15-inch wheels from my Avalon XL 1996 with Michelin tires to my 2000 XLS. That alone made a big difference in ride comfort, calming the front end jiggling of the 2000. However, the front-end kicking over large dips remained. By the way, the 16-inch wheels with Goodyear Comfort Tread tires also had a positive effect on the 1996 Avy, making it more stable and quiet, without affecting the comfortable ride and without any jiggling.
I ordered and had installed yesterday the longer 378.4 mm front coil springs for the XLS 2000, retaining the struts installed by my Toyota dealer last month. Those coil springs are actually softer, raised the front end a bit, and virtually stopped the kicking effect. So now, I am quite happy with the result. The Toyota replacement struts made by KYB firmed the ride while retaining all the comfort with the longer coil springs that Toyota should have installed in the first place from day 1 for the 2000 models. The car no longer bottoms over dips or wallows over big bumps. Now it rides more comfortably than my 1996.
By the way, just to compare, I road tested a Avalon Premium 2005. Beside a huge improvement in acceleration, a nicer silhouette and a sportier dashboard, I found it harder riding that I expected over ruts and bumps, thought it feels quite tight and quiet on the road. Therefore, I won't buy it because the ride is too firm for my taste.