- #13440 of 14761
-
Re: Toyota discontinuing Avalon [tex44]
by alan_s
-
Feb 12, 2007 (4:42 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: tex44 (Feb 12, 2007 3:14 am)
I hope Toyota don't discontinue the Avalon because I may consider the next gen Avalon after 2010, providing that Toyota have demonstrated a track record of solving the very real transmission and build quality issues, and have a track record of a return to their former quality standards.
Until then, I won't buy any Toyota or Lexus based on the current Avalon/Camry platform or derivatives thereof, which in my opinion have been severely compromised in comparison with their predecessors.
Once bitten, 10 times shy.
|
- #13441 of 14761
-
Re: Toyota discontinuing Avalon [limiteddriver]
by bobwiley
-
Feb 12, 2007 (5:23 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: limiteddriver (Feb 12, 2007 1:59 pm)
limiteddriver: Glad you don't have the problem and I hope it never materializes. I won't take a chance and that's why I use the manual mode. I also refuse to contort my foot on the gas pedal and employ a procedure contrary to normal driving habits. There IS a problem with the Avy transmission--too many smoking guns and i'm very happy for those without the problem. Tried it again today----rolling to a Yield sign, foot off gas, braking ever so slightly as i could see no on-coming traffic--stepped on the gas and 3,000 RPM and then the lurch. Tried it my way---manual shift to 1st---slightly brake, foot on gas and off i went--shifted back in to auto mode--no quirky tranny. Somebody asked if there was a lawyer reading these Forums---any lawyers out there? Too many of us are having tranny problems--same with 07 Camry's with the 6 speed's. Toyota has a problem--senior executives know about it and if something isn't done--I'm afraid of reading about a fatal accident due to the quirky transmission. Remember all the 4 cylinder Toyota owners who complained about "sludging" in their 1997 and forward engines--well, now Toyota has a Class Action Suit that probably will cost many millions of dollars. Guess they figure with all the American dollars they've made they can just pay the bill. It will be interesting to see what happens. Good luck with your Avalon!
Bob
|
- #13442 of 14761
-
Re: Toyota discontinuing Avalon [bobwiley]
by alan_s
-
Feb 12, 2007 (5:48 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: bobwiley (Feb 12, 2007 5:23 pm)
Interesting comment on the sludge problem. Recently we received an extended warranty notice as beneficiaries of the class action lawsuit. Vehicles covered were our 98 Camry V6, 99 Sienna, 01 Highlander, 02 Sienna and 02 Avalon, none of which we have any more. We never had any sludge problems, but I always did oil changes at 3,000 miles and used Mobil 1 synthetic after hearing about someone who had a sludge problem at very low miles, something like 5,000, and suffered a burned out engine.
Apparently Toyota said it was owner neglect and wanted $7,000 to install a new or recon engine, I'm not sure. They were still paying their car off for years but it was undriveable.
I always had my oil changed at a Toyota dealer, so I couldn't be held "liable for not maintaining the vehicle" if I did get the sludge problem.
This transmission thing does seem to be following a similar track. If some cars have problems and some don't, you would think Toyota would want to get a bad one, take it apart and figure out what is wrong, and fix the problem once and for all.
Then again, I don't understand these greater minds.
|
- #13443 of 14761
-
Re: Toyota discontinuing Avalon [bobwiley]
by fin
-
Feb 12, 2007 (5:50 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: bobwiley (Feb 12, 2007 5:23 pm)
Obvious what you are saying...but.. when you say "step on the gas" then how hard, that is, how much gas are we talking about? Half throttle? One third? A little? Max? And to what speed do you slow? Maybe 10 mph?
The '07 Limited I bought 2 weeks ago has yet to do the hesitation rev-up thing but I want to be ready. Still only 500 miles on the car. So far, so good. Thanks.
|
- #13444 of 14761
-
Re: Toyota discontinuing Avalon [fin]
by bobwiley
-
Feb 12, 2007 (6:14 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: fin (Feb 12, 2007 5:50 pm)
fin: I only press hard enough to get going at a decent speed--no hot rod start. I slow to about 10 mph or there abouts and then as stated above--just take off by moderately stepping on the gas.
Bob
|
- #13445 of 14761
-
Re: Toyota discontinuing Avalon [alan_s]
by bobwiley
-
Feb 12, 2007 (6:22 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: alan_s (Feb 12, 2007 5:48 pm)
alan_s: My understanding is the oil ports in the engine were too small to allow "free" flow of the oil and Toyota was aware of the problem. Much like Ford and the infamous Pinto gas tank issue. Go to www.google.com Type in Maint Schedule for 1997 Toyota 4 Cylinder Engines. Scroll down and you'll find an article regarding "oil gelling" in Toyota engines!! Good reading.
Bob
|
- #13446 of 14761
-
Re: Toyota discontinuing Avalon [bobwiley]
by alan_s
-
Feb 12, 2007 (7:24 pm)
-
|
|
Replying to: bobwiley (Feb 12, 2007 6:22 pm)
Yes, apparently the diameter of the oil ducts machined in the block and head were intentionally reduced in size so the engines would run hotter in order to meet emission requirements.
As the oil viscosity increased as it deteriorated there was reduced lubrication and hence the problem. I switched to synthetics based on the theory that if a synthetic takes longer to break down and is more durable in high temperatures, my engines would be less likely to develop the problem, however later a Toyota mechanic told me that they had seen problems emerge even when synthetics were used.
Luck of the draw I guess.
We are getting off-topic, so Pat's venerable hammer may shortly descend upon us... 
|
- #13447 of 14761
-
Re: Toyota discontinuing Avalon [captain2]
by wwest
-
Feb 13, 2007 (12:12 am)
-
|
|
Replying to: captain2 (Feb 12, 2007 12:40 pm)
"..the GS is, of course, much too small..."
Are you thinking of the IS by any chance? My 2000 GS300 had a cabin size very close to my 92 LS400.
Speaking of the IS...
I figure the IS300 body, chasis, and drivetrain are good candidates for replacing the Camry and ES when the time comes, hopefully sooner than later.
|
- #13448 of 14761
-
Re: Toyota discontinuing Avalon [bobwiley]
by rpfingsten
-
Feb 13, 2007 (4:28 am)
-
|
|
Replying to: bobwiley (Feb 12, 2007 6:14 pm)
bob, are you saying that you go from "d" / Drive to "s" sequential shift while the car is moving? I didn't know you could do that without hurting the tranny... I've used the sequential shift a few times just playing around, but have always put it in "s" while the car was at a dead stop.
Roland
|
- #13449 of 14761
-
Re: Toyota discontinuing Avalon [rpfingsten]
by tjc78
-
Feb 13, 2007 (4:41 am)
-
|
|
Replying to: rpfingsten (Feb 13, 2007 4:28 am)
You can put the car into "S" whenever you want. It defaults to 4th gear.
|
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Sedans 
