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2012 - 2013 Toyota Avalon

491 messages,  Last post on May 18, 2013 at 6:18 PM

You are in the Toyota Avalon Forum.

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

    

Messages Page 22 of 50

#203 of 491 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 491 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 491 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 491 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

#207 of 491 Re: Edmunds/Inside Line is mighty impressed with the all-new Avalon! [ncee] by tjc78

Dec 06, 2012 (7:29 am)

Replying to: ncee (Dec 06, 2012 7:17 am)
Congrats on the purchase! Enjoy it. Are you saying it now has a sport tuned ride? The ride was the best part of the Avalon!

#208 of 491 Re: Edmunds/Inside Line is mighty impressed with the all-new Avalon! [jeffm5] by ncee

Dec 06, 2012 (7:31 am)

Replying to: jeffm5 (Dec 06, 2012 7:24 am)
Hi, I do. So how is the Volvo treating you?
 
Trust me, the grill is a NON issue. I've had no less then 35+ people drive the car, check out the car, give their insight and thoughts, and NOT one person said anything about the front grill?
 
These pictures aren't great, but I think it gives a better pictures as to what the grill looks like with the front plate on it.
 
- http://www.flickr.com/photos/vonstringcaldinkal
 
Skip

#209 of 491 Re: Edmunds/Inside Line is mighty impressed with the all-new Avalon! [tjc78] by ncee

Dec 06, 2012 (7:37 am)

Replying to: tjc78 (Dec 06, 2012 7:29 am)
I think the answer is yes. I mean, it's a bit firmer (no where near as cushy / floaty) as before, but the seats and system deal with it very well.
 
My guess is, with the car being a bit smaller, it's hard to get a REAL cushy ride, and at the same time, any kind of sportiness to it. I for one would like to have seen settings to in fact get a cushy ride.
 
So far, on the highway this is a non-issue, as the ride on the highway, or roads that aren't nothing but potholes is very nice, just different.
 
Skip

#210 of 491 Re: Edmunds/Inside Line is mighty impressed with the all-new Avalon! [ncee] by tjc78

Dec 06, 2012 (8:23 am)

Replying to: ncee (Dec 06, 2012 7:37 am)
I guess this is just the trend. I don't know why cars can't have a cushy ride anymore. I traded out of my 09 Genesis because it rode like a truck. I now have a 2012 LaCrosse and it rides a little firmer than the previous Avalon but still very comfortable.
 
The interior in the new Avalon certainly looks nice, but with the "grille", smaller size and firm ride Toyota is obviously heading a different direction with the Avalon than I care for.
 
The one thing I miss from my 06 is that sweet 2GR V6. What a smooth revving, refined engine.

#211 of 491 Re: Edmunds/Inside Line is mighty impressed with the all-new Avalon! [tjc78] by ncee

Dec 06, 2012 (8:33 am)

Replying to: tjc78 (Dec 06, 2012 8:23 am)
Give it a ride before you decide. It might be perfect for you. I for one, having had several Park Avenues and other large cars (When large meant - large), got use to a cushy ride.
 
Again, with 35,000+ miles a year (and 25 - 30,000 of them highway) the ride should be just fine for me. It was on the first trip I took (about 200 miles round trip)
 
I will say, my 2011 Avalon was MUCH more comfortable then the LaCrosse I test drove.
 
Skip

#212 of 491 Re: Edmunds/Inside Line is mighty impressed with the all-new Avalon! [ncee] by tjc78

Dec 06, 2012 (8:39 am)

Replying to: ncee (Dec 06, 2012 8:33 am)
We've done some shifting around in the fleet and I no longer drive the LaCrosse that often and unfortunately it will be giving way to an SUV of sorts since that is what my wife wants.
 
I'm driving a 2004 Grand Marquis at the moment, and honestly I'm in heaven. Roomy and comfortable as it gets. I've had one before along with two Town Cars.
 
Once we get the SUV, I may sell my 99 S10 and pick up a 2011-2012 used Avalon and keep the Mercury (was my late Grandfathers) as a spare car. My 2006 Avalon XLS remains one of my favorite cars I've owned.

Messages Page 22 of 50

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