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Toyota Avalon 2004 and earlier

3628 messages,  Last post on Apr 21, 2013 at 6:02 AM

You are in the Toyota Avalon Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Avalon, Interior, Sedan

Messages Page 292 of 363

#2910 of 3628 fin and rattlecage by fndlyfmrflyr

Sep 01, 2004 (4:20 pm)

Fin:
 
Honda's transmission problems are huge, usually involving cars with V6 engines from the 1999 model year through the first half of the 2004 model year. My Acura is one of the 600,000 recalled for transmission inspection and modification, or if needed, replacement. There are twice as many others that have now received greatly extended transmission warranties. My next door neighbor is on transmission number four for his Honda, all covered by the extended warranty.
 
Rattlecage:
 
Why did you use synthetic blend instead of fully synthetic oil or regular oil? What advantages does a blend have over regular oil? Full synthetic can take a much higher temperature before breaking down compared to blend or regular oil.
 
I felt like we were buying a foreign Buick when we
bought our Avalon years ago. I still feel the same way. The Buick cost about the same and was much bigger on the outside (like the Taurus) but no bigger on the inside. At the time, resale was much better for the Toyota. When new it was about as exciting to drive as a yawn and still is. It is a relaxed cruiser. It is reasonably reliable, though no better than the rear drive Impalas I used to drive.

#2911 of 3628 by rattlecage

Sep 01, 2004 (8:47 pm)

Well I wanted to use synthetic, but I wasnt going to wait 10k miles between changes. So I compromised and got the blend. Purely an economic choice really...

#2912 of 3628 More Comments on Above/2005 Avalon by abfisch

Sep 02, 2004 (6:13 am)

Rattelcage/Forum:
 
Thanks for elaborating more. From your history, it sounds like the combination, like others above have stated, of being used, being a 2000 model, and perhaps overfiling the oil, all can contribute to this in an engine design that is prone to gelling. The synthetic oil should not make a difference. I use a variety of regualr, blend, or full synthetic (0W-30, yes that's right) during the winter months up here near the Canadian border. Again I have had no problems with an 02 model, 53K miles to date.
 
Really sorry you have had this type of issue. I am not one for buying used cars, for this reason, nor big on trade in values as I pay cash and keep mine a minimum of 10 years or 200K, whichever comes last. Last Honda Civic had for 11.5 years, 236K, sold to another soldier and everything in the car, every button worked. What a great build quality that car was, back in the day, but I got old and arthritic and it hurt my back on long trips.
 
On the Autoweek site, there is a picture of the NEW 05 Avalon. Not sure how they got it, or if it is more of an artists redenition but you can take a look. To my (IMO) it is very nice looking, perpaps described as a cross between a Nissan Maxima (NEW) and a MAYBACH. Pretty interesting. NOW, I have NO IDEA, what type of suspension, componetry, or what the back of the car looks like, so I am certanly not jumping to conclusions on the lastest and the greatest. Will see if Toyota showcases a new 3.5L engine in this model or if in fact, when push comes to push, it is the 3.3L they are already using. People love to talk about this cause they know. In any event, DON't buy it until 2007 or as above, a NEW 2004 on deep discount would be a great bet. You change the oil, exact amount, quantity, etc as the service manual says. Don't you would hav ethe same problem. If you want something with more performance, than the new Subaru Legacy GT comes to mind although I have not sat in one yet. Suspension have been revised with antisquat and dive type geometry, all independent.
 
Good luck in getting squared away.
 
abfisch

#2913 of 3628 Re: More Comments on Above/2005 Avalon [abfisch] by pmcb48

Sep 03, 2004 (7:47 am)

Replying to: abfisch (Sep 02, 2004 6:13 am)
Tried to locate that picture on the Autoweek site, but couldn't. Whereabouts is it?

#2914 of 3628 Satellite Nav system by retired

Sep 03, 2004 (4:40 pm)

Absolutely the most useful accessory in any car I've owned and driven these last 50 years- no more humiliation having to ask others for directions!
 
I'm curious about its operation, the hardware, software.What is the operating system- a propriety system unique to Toyota?
 
Now I know that Toyota offers an annual data upgrade. What's its cost?
 
As is the case with many computer users, I'm wondering whether anyone has written a better program/operating system- or even a replacement system using the same in dash video screen?

#2915 of 3628 nav by fndlyfmrflyr

Sep 04, 2004 (1:36 am)

Have a navi Acura and agree on how useful nav is. I find that the database used for the nav systems are about a year or so out of date when they first come out. Acura (uses an Alpine system) has not been updating every year. It took about three years to get a comprehensive update for the system used on the MDX and even then the database of roads and points of interest was about a year old when I received the upgrade DVD. I don't know how much Toyota will charge, but it was about $200 for my Acura.
 
I prefer the Acura/Alpine nav system over the Toyota system I tried in a Prius, but both work.

#2916 of 3628 Re: More Comments on Above/2005 Avalon [abfisch] by rattlecage

Sep 05, 2004 (12:29 pm)

Replying to: abfisch (Sep 02, 2004 6:13 am)
Im all squared away. I went with what the Japanese seem to do so good, appliance autos. In my case, I got the refrigerator lol, the Honda Element.
 
I drove the 4 cylinder Nissan Altima, and while it was fast, its dashboard seemed to stress style over function. Performance was nice though, very sweet sounding motor. Yes I know the 3.5 in that car is quite exhilirating.
 
I would still consider one, but it was also a bit expensive, and didnt feel like begging down te price.
 
I also looked at the Accord,but its performance wasnt good enough to outweigh the sheer utilitarian beauty of the Honda Element. After all, I have 2 kids, two dirt bikes, and a large dog.
 
If I get another luxo-cruiser, it will be 4-5 years from now.
 
I owned a BMW 7 series for years, and it was reliable almost like a Toyota, yet had exhilirating performance...
 
I owned the big Mercedes sedan ( 1995-S320) prior to the Avalon, and it was a maintenance nightmare, average 300-400 a month in repairs! Too bad too, because it drove like a wet dream when it was running. The Avalon was a huge step down, but I was hoping for reliability return.
 
Oh well, point well taken about used cars, I have had some good luck with them, but recently have been bitten a couple times, so this time I went new.

#2917 of 3628 Good choice-Honda Element by abfisch

Sep 07, 2004 (10:06 am)

Rattlecage/Forum:
 
For what it is worth, I think your new Element is a fine machine. Although, albeit a little too boxy for some, I found the controls excellent with huge knobs while wearing gloves on cold mornings, and extrmely useful interior. I did not take it for a test drive, as there was NOT enough seat travel for my frame, and I felt a little jammed up against the dash. Otherwise, it has been out awhile, and has the typical independent suspension that Honda is know for.
 
Good luck with the new purchase. I hope this one is better than the Avalon.
 
abfisch

#2918 of 3628 2005 Avalon by gerhard

Sep 16, 2004 (5:22 pm)

Does anyone have an idea when the new model will come out.Also I noticed that there has been no new messages since Sept. 7th.Has the procedure of getting on the townhall changed in any way.By the way I have had my Avalon XLS loaded for 18 months now with 26 000 miles on it. never had a serious problem.I am using Mobile 1 syn. oil and change it every 5ooo miles.Any info on the above is appreciated. Gerhard Wachsmuth

#2919 of 3628 PIE-TOY aux connector by deepan

Sep 17, 2004 (6:03 am)

I have this on a 00 sienna (and works as mentione d above by nomad56) but was told in another forum that PIE hasnt made one yet for the 04. this was about 6 months ago. This may apply to the avalon as well.

Messages Page 292 of 363

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