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Sedans Toyota Avalon Toyota Avalon 2005-
14780 messages, Last post on Dec 02, 2009 at 2:06 PM
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We have a 2003 Avalon and have upgraded the suspension with Energy sway bar bushings and KYB GR2 struts which transformed the car. (see posts in previous 04 and earlier and Suspension forums) I really like the car now with it's BMW like handling, but it now has 80k on it and I can probably still get a decent price for it. The other choice is to just keep it. We have been put off by the size of the 05+ Avalons and weren't impressed with the lack of 'fun factor' in ones that we drove. But I have a size question for those of you that traded up from the previous generation. What were your early impressions of the new design? Did it feel a lot larger? How did the driving experience compare. I expect that the suspension was more taut, but was it as enjoyable to drive or just feel like a nice riding big car? With ES 350's coming off lease, I'm considering one as we really don't need the extra size of the Avalon. I would probably upgrade the suspension on that for a sportier feel too. |
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Replying to: 55396 (Aug 30, 2009 6:17 pm) Regarding the ES, if you don't need the extra room the Avalon offers the ES may be for you. Take note though, that it rides very soft and isolated from the road. This doesn't sound like your cup of tea. In the end they are both great cars. My '06 Avalon only had an O2 sensor problem in the time I owned it (3 yrs 35K). I have a Hyundai Genesis now and while its a great car I miss my Avalon.
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Replying to: tjc78 (Aug 31, 2009 4:10 am)
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Replying to: jlsexton (Aug 31, 2009 8:18 am) Anyway, its a good car, handles much better than the Avalon at the expense of ride quality, but is quieter than the Avalon. Very similar interior dimensions to the Avalon too, although the Av is a little bigger in the back seat. All in all I do like the car, but I have to say everytime I drive it I miss my Avalon. IMO the Avalon is still the best large car on the road for those looking for a roomy highway cruiser. |
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Replying to: 55396 (Aug 30, 2009 6:17 pm) The post from *tjc78* is very accurate. The '03 seats were a lot more comfortable on long trips than my '07 Limited seats are. But the power train, gas mileage and suspension are far superior in the '05 up models. My only real complaint is that the trunk has gotten slightly smaller with each generation even though the overall car is slightly longer. There is also a little less outward visibility in the latest model and that might make the car seem larger than it is. As for Lexus, the ride is pure luxury, very soft in the corners. No sport or driving feel at all, small rear seat and outward visibility limitations. Great car, just not for me, I like a little feedback from the road but nothing really stiff and the '07 Limited has that. It's fun to drive, along with being functional, as we travel to FL a lot. As a group, these three Avalons are among the best cars I have ever owned and that spans 50 years of legal licensed driving.. and the 3 years before that we won't discuss here..  Hope this answers your questions..
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I'm shopping for avalons and most dealers don't list if the car has VSC or not. On the 2000-2004 it was easy to tell if the car had vsc because of the vsc off button below and to the right of the steering wheel. On the 2005-2008 (vsc was standard in 2009) is it true that you can tell if the car has vsc by the VSC light illuminating when you first turn on the car? Or do all avalons do this regardless of VSC? Is there another way to tell? Thanks! |
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Replying to: jlsexton (Aug 31, 2009 8:18 am) |
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The wipers are horribly loud on my '09 Limited -- very bad thing in a car that is otherwise so smooth and quiet. Any recommendations on blade replacements that are quiet and effective??? Thanks.
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Replying to: 1lotlizard (Sep 13, 2009 12:58 pm)
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Replying to: jlsexton (Sep 13, 2009 3:08 pm)
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