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2011 Toyota Avalon

1645 messages,  Last post on Apr 28, 2013 at 10:49 AM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Avalon

Messages Page 152 of 166

#1503 of 1645 2013 Avalon by ncee

Aug 08, 2012 (12:18 pm)

Well after spending the last 45 minutes at my local Toyota Dealer, and surfing the "Dealer Access" web site, we found NOTHING on RWD or AWD:(
 
He did say, that the model shown in NY was FWD, and they were told that nothing else would be available. He said his rep was in a few weeks ago, and that the hype is going MUCH better then they hoped and that they expect to sell a ton of new Avalons, and that he could expect to start seeing up-dates and more information the first part of September.
 
Oh, Nan48, they have already announced a Hybrid Avalon?
 
Skip

#1504 of 1645 Re: 2013 Avalon [ncee] by nan48

Aug 08, 2012 (2:53 pm)

Replying to: ncee (Aug 08, 2012 12:18 pm)
Skip says: Oh, Nan48, they have already announced a Hybrid Avalon?
 
Skip, if this is a question then my answer is, I don't know. I only SUSPECT they will come out with a hybrid. I say this because Lincoln came out with one and I THINK other high end cars are coming out with them.
 

#1505 of 1645 Re: 2013 Avalon [nan48] by gramz

Aug 09, 2012 (6:49 am)

Replying to: nan48 (Aug 07, 2012 9:31 pm)
Thanks for you reply. I just wanted to see if your reason was close to mine and I see they are.
 
I know what you mean with the better handling of cars with FWD. I grew up in the hills and curves of AR and have slid around a number of curves and even used the RWD to pull our of some slides.
 
After leaving AR but going back for visits I would always find myself playing with someone who would see my out of state plates and start riding my bumper. I've had a number of them would try and keep up for a while but then decide that I might just be as good on the corners as they were. (I know some people never grow up)
 
Now with my Avalon I drive the corners like a little old lady. You have no feel at all when cornering to the point that I can't even tell where a slide would come from. I'm not sure the car wouldn't just overtun before it slid.
 
I also know when driving on straight highways at road speed I worry that I will need to make a quick evasive turn and if the car would hand it.
 
I also believe that RWD even rides better.

#1506 of 1645 Re: 2013 Avalon [gramz] by nan48

Aug 09, 2012 (8:29 am)

Replying to: gramz (Aug 09, 2012 6:49 am)
Yes, gramz, we agree totally. I love the 60's & Early 70's cars, rear wheel drive cars. Positive transaction and extra things like this was nice.
 
Handling is so important. Today handling takes second place to MPG. With gas going for 3.65 a gallon and rising it's no wonder.
 
My Dad died in 2006 at 86. He was a mechanic all his life and always hated FWD cars. He was my step Dad and we wasn't close, so he really never explained why. It was more than handling. Working on them is hard, (I THINK).
 
I owned my 2011 Avalon for about six months before I realize how it handled. I was running late taking my wife to Biringham for treatments. So one trip, I really put the pedal to the medal and came on the ramp really fast. I was surprised to find the Avalon handled so bad coming on to the freeway. I said then to myself. This car definally needs RWD. I still love the car though. I just believe it would handle better.
 
I also agree with someone who said it would not be good for snow. No, FWD is better for snow.
 
Take care, Bill 19,500 miles on my 2011 Avalon, Over two years old, July 16,

#1507 of 1645 AWD by marv15

Aug 09, 2012 (2:22 pm)

I called corporate in CA to see if they would confirm what the owner I spoke with about the RWD and AWD. After investigating, he said right now there isn't anything in the literature about it. So either the dealer owner doesn't know what he's talking about, knows something from some where or is misguided. So until published, its a wait and see. As far as, is RWD better then FWD, all I can say back in the old days with my RWD cars, I was able to handle the stopping a car better in the snow, and I always felt more secure with RWD in case of a front tire blowing up traveling at 70. It's my feeling I would have better control if the front tire blew with RWD.
JMHO.

#1508 of 1645 Weight on 2011 Avalon by nan48

Aug 17, 2012 (8:32 pm)

Replying to: marv15 (Aug 09, 2012 2:22 pm)
My wife asked me today how much the engine weights on the 2011 Avalon. I told her the car weight is 36 hundred pounds. I have no idea what the engine alone weights.
 
 I looked it up on the internet only to find the curb weight is 36 hundred pounds. BUT THE GROSS weight is 4565 pounds. WOW! Does that mean the car weights that with a full tank of gas or what? Please explain!
 
My information came from this site:
 http://autos.aol.com/cars-Toyota-Avalon-2011/specs/
 
Just got back from Biringham AL. Car preformed flawless, getting 29 MPG average, driving with two people, and not much in the truck. Now that's hard to beat. With my calcuations I got 28 MPG.

#1509 of 1645 Re: Weight on 2011 Avalon [nan48] by bdyment

Aug 18, 2012 (5:15 am)

Replying to: nan48 (Aug 17, 2012 8:32 pm)
Gross weight minus curb weight equals maximum allowable passenger weight plus any cargo that you are carrying. In your case approx. 965lbs.

#1510 of 1645 Hybrid Avalon by nan48

Aug 28, 2012 (5:52 pm)

I got this from the internet, so I'm only 70% sure it's true. With that said, it looks like Avalon is coming out with a Hybrid, so here's the site to check out. I'm kind of confused with the specs. Perhaps someone can explain it to me like I'm a six year old.
 
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/jun/28/2013-toyota-avalon-features-both- -gasoline-and-hybr/?page=all
 
Thanks for the input about the gross/curb weight. So I guess my car, loaded weights 45 hundred pounds. Amazing!
 
On RV's, campers they give dry weight. This basically means with out anything such as AC, Fridg, etc. So when buying a camper always go by gross weight, just my thoughts.
 
I had no ideal the Avalon was so heavy. Took another trip to Biringham AL, got 30.5 MPG and that's my figures. The computer said I got 31.7. I have to admit this might seem hard to be true but it's true. We LOG every fill up. Now I was driving the car like the old man I am. LOL!
 
20987 on my 2011 Avalon, Really a good car. Two thumbs up!

#1511 of 1645 Time for new tires by gramz

Sep 06, 2012 (9:03 am)

I just turned 40,000 and I'm in need of new tires and have a couple of questions.
 
This is the lowest mileage I've ever had to replace Michelin tires, but this is my first Toyota. Does this mileage sound low to anyone else?
 
I've always used Michelin and have always been happy with the ride and road noise issues. Does anyone know of a tire that they think is as good or better and costs a little less?
 
Thanks

#1512 of 1645 Re: Time for new tires [gramz] by lakebreeze1

Sep 06, 2012 (9:24 am)

Replying to: gramz (Sep 06, 2012 9:03 am)
That sounds about right. I changed my Mich's at 35,000. Were horrible in winter weather after the first season. Went to Goodyear Comfort Tread Touring. Quiet, better traction and tread life. Kept a very comfortable ride too. Am at 44,000 with this set and expect to get 1 more winter season out of them.
 
My brother put Nokian WGR2 on his Avy and is very happy as well.

Messages Page 152 of 166

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