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2012 - 2013 Toyota Avalon

487 messages,  Last post on May 17, 2013 at 9:57 AM

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Messages Page 21 of 49

#197 of 487 2012 CAMRY XLE HYBRID vs 2013 AVALON HYBRID? by mls4deals2

Dec 01, 2012 (12:19 pm)

I bought a new Avalon limited in 05 (06 model) which i traded for a 2011 Avalon Limited when they told me it was just redesigned and wouldnt change for 5 years typically I soon found out it would change for late 2012 and did some research to discover i would lose about 10k in value if i kept it thru the change.
After 2 Avalon limiteds I drove the new redesigned 2012 Camry Hybrid XLE and decided to downsize for the mileage and savings in insurance (saved 50% premium), fuel saved 50%! etc. The 2012 Camry Hybrid limited is loaded and has exceeded my expectations. It is nimble, handles fantastic and IS way more quiet than my 2011 Avalon Limited was. I love the new 7" GPS sound system (equal to the Avalon) and I am averaging about 39 MPG even after leaving bmws at the light with my 200 HP power and my childish foot taking over once in a while. It is fully redesigned and Comfortable (Im 6'2") where the 2011 Camry WAS uncomfortable for me. I love the BLIND SPOT MONITOR (which all cars should have to prevent accidents) and the power lumbar heated seats and its appearance and fun to drive feel while getting about twice the mileage of the 2011 Avalon!
I would only complain about the fact you cant get the dark grey or black leather interior (they only offer a light grey suede leather (which i dont like). I also think any vehicle in this price range should offer standard the turn signal on the outside of the mirrors like the avalon and even the new Prius C??
 
I would recommend you try out the Camry Hybrid before you spend the extra money for the 2013 Avalon hybrid as they are the exact same drive train and approximate weight. Its great fun to drive and the features of the XLE Camry are excellent if loaded. The Avalon will offer you more features and cost more....then it is subjective which you like better. Just a tip for any Toyota Hybrid driver ...you can maximize your mileage by making sure you average 40 ponds of air in your tires!
Good luck

#198 of 487 Edmunds/Inside Line is mighty impressed with the all-new Avalon! by empoweredbc

Dec 05, 2012 (11:09 pm)

http://www.insideline.com/toyota/avalon-hybrid/2013/2013-toyota-avalon-hybrid-fu- ll-test.html
 
A new hybrid that actually gets the mileage promised too. Fancy that.
 
Good looking, elegant, quiet, dignified, admirable, athletic enough, and won't be a constant drain on the wallet. A true flagship has arrived.

#199 of 487 Re: Edmunds/Inside Line is mighty impressed with the all-new Avalon! [empoweredbc] by ncee

Dec 06, 2012 (6:13 am)

Replying to: empoweredbc (Dec 05, 2012 11:09 pm)
Boy, not sure I want to drive a Hybrid. I might kick myself in the ass for getting a gas model:)
 
Skip

#200 of 487 Re: Edmunds/Inside Line is mighty impressed with the all-new Avalon! [ncee] by luckyme1

Dec 06, 2012 (6:36 am)

Replying to: ncee (Dec 06, 2012 6:13 am)
I have owned my 2012 Camry Hybrid for almost a year now. My wife has been waiting for the 2013 Avalon, and we drove them yesterday. The dealer is trying to locate the Avalon LTD. V6 in the color she wants for us now. The Avalon Hybrid is a fine car indeed, and fuel economy/performance will equal the Camry's outstanding results, but she likes the extra smoothness and power of the V6, over the Hybrid, as she is accustomed to that from an Infinity G35, and a previous 2006 Avalon. I don't believe you can go wrong with either power train, as the new Avalon in general is exceptional, and the Toyota Hybrid system being used in the Camry, Avalon, and Lexus' is one of the best there is. Smooth for a hybrid, reliable, and at real world 40 MPG, with really good performance is truly a winner.
The 2013 Avalon is certainly a stunning Toyota design, albeit that grill will need to grow on us. The build quality, design style, interior fit, finish and materials are really stunning, and rival the Lexus. The roominess, quiet ride, and a more spirited performance is going to make this flagship of Toyota a winner.

#201 of 487 Re: Edmunds/Inside Line is mighty impressed with the all-new Avalon! [luckyme1] by ncee

Dec 06, 2012 (6:42 am)

Replying to: luckyme1 (Dec 06, 2012 6:36 am)
As the proud owner of the 2013 Gas model, I can say first off
 
As for the grill, it turns out to be a non-issue! Not ONE person has said anything about the grill?
 
A few (not so good pictures here)
 
- http://www.flickr.com/photos/vonstringcaldinkal
 
I'll be working on getting some better pictures soon, but once you get the front plate on, the grill just isn't that "Big" a deal (sorry, had to do it:).
 
Skip

#202 of 487 Re: Edmunds/Inside Line is mighty impressed with the all-new Avalon! [luckyme1] by bwia

Dec 06, 2012 (7:06 am)

Replying to: luckyme1 (Dec 06, 2012 6:36 am)
The Avalon Hybrid is a fine car indeed, and fuel economy/performance will equal the Camry's outstanding results, but she likes the extra smoothness and power of the V6, over the Hybrid,
 
What I find amazing is how Toyota was able to keep the non-hybrid Avalon under 3,500 pounds curb weight. Yet, the car is quiet at speed with the lowest decibel level of modern sedans (according to Inside Line) on the road today.
 
By comparison, my 2011 Buick LaCrosse CXS is over 4,000 pounds. GM claimed that the extra insulation and quiet glass added to the weight quotient. But, Toyota was able to silence the Avalon by using the same quiet glass technology with amazing results in mileage and hushed interior.
 
It took Toyota eight years between model changes but it appears the long wait has leapfrogged the Avalon over rivals, especially the LaCrosse. I am not yet in the market for a new car but when I do I will be looking closely at the new Avalon.

#203 of 487 Re: Edmunds/Inside Line is mighty impressed with the all-new Avalon! [ncee] by bwia

Dec 06, 2012 (7:16 am)

Replying to: ncee (Dec 06, 2012 6:42 am)
As the proud owner of the 2013 Gas model
 
Congratulations Skip on the purchase of your new Avalon. And unlike most, Christmas came early for you this year. Enjoy the ride.
 
Not to be too nosy (yes I do), how much did you pay? On CarsDirect they are asking full MSRP but, there is a significant spread between list price and invoice.
 
After you have had a little time to read the technology owners manual please give us a report on handling, road noise, music system, and day versus night driving.

#204 of 487 Re: Edmunds/Inside Line is mighty impressed with the all-new Avalon! [bwia] by ncee

Dec 06, 2012 (7:17 am)

Replying to: bwia (Dec 06, 2012 7:06 am)
Well you (and many others) should and will look at the new Avalon. My first guess is many won't purchase it because it is noticeably smaller then earlier models and likely smaller then LaCrosse and others in the price range.
 
Now if they drive it, they won't likely consider anything else!
 
For me the only issues at this time are:
 
- Cell phone doesn't work well
- Satellite Radio fades a lot more then other cars with Satellite radio
- Sports ride vs Luxury (cushy) ride? This one may take some time to decide.
- Remote Starter is NO WHERE near long enough range:(
 
Skip

#205 of 487 Re: Edmunds/Inside Line is mighty impressed with the all-new Avalon! [ncee] by jeffm5

Dec 06, 2012 (7:24 am)

Replying to: ncee (Dec 06, 2012 6:42 am)
Congrats on your new ride Skip. Don't know if you remember me, but I'm the guy who deserted the Avalon family for a 2013 Volvo S60 mainly because of the front grill. I had a chance to see and sit in one last week and it is a sweet car, except for the front, IMO. The bottom line is you're happy with it and how can you go wrong with an Avalon given our shared positive experience with it. Enjoy!!

#206 of 487 Re: Edmunds/Inside Line is mighty impressed with the all-new Avalon! [bwia] by ncee

Dec 06, 2012 (7:28 am)

Replying to: bwia (Dec 06, 2012 7:16 am)
I sure will. Here is a bit of what I've noted so far.
 
First impressions on my 2013avalon:)
 
Ok, we'll I just got back from my first short trip with my new toy. Here are my thoughts.
 
First off let me me start with a BIG
 
Quiet, smooth, comfortable pleasant to drive.
 
Seats are much more comfortable then I expected on a longer drive.
 
The trip was about 200 miles round trip. Mostly back roads 45 - 55 mph, and light snow all day.
 
I didn't think about it until I tried to load CD's, as it appears it only holds 1. I'm sure this is because of entunes and the fact it can play a iPod.
 
I still find the switches / controls on the top right a bit to far, but not a big deal. The lights are very nice, both headlights for lighting the road as well as the interior lights.
 
Something odd, is that my cell phones turns on and off all by itself, which never happened with my old Avalon, and it is the car, because when the cell phone is on my desk at workor counter at home, it doesn't do it.
 
The front seat heater is very good and seems more powerful than my old Avalon.
 
The collision avoidance is real nice.
 
Right Now I don't like the new radio station presets, a bit more work then the old system, but I can see where it will be easier once I get use to it.
 
The 3 driving modes are interesting, but I didn't pay attention much attention to them yet, so I can't comment much. I can say you can see and feel the difference when you select each mode.
 
The electric steering is REAL nice.
 
I liked the 3 trays / pockets on the old Avalon better. Things seemed to fit better and easier to access.
 
I love the coin tray up front.
 
I like the digital speedometer which is handy when setting the cruise control at 9mph over the speed limit:)
 
I REALLY like the solid feel when opening and closing the doors
 
This car was Loaded up by the dealer - Tech Package, remote Starter, Floor Mats, Rear Bumper AppliquŽ, Trunk Net and more.
 
I paid just a Tad under sticker, but got Over Book for my trade-in:)
 
***DON'T get the remote. While it works Great, it has a VERY small / short range:( Something I
ll be dealing with somehow, as I can't park within 80' of my office often.
 
I'm sure there will be more as I get more time behind the wheel, but that's for now.
 
Skip

Messages Page 21 of 49

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