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2012 - 2013 Toyota Avalon

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

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

    

Messages Page 38 of 50

#368 of 491 Avalon --> Lexus by iamknott

Feb 12, 2013 (7:11 pm)

I have owned two Avalons, most recently a 2011. Both great cars. I was excited about the 2013 until I saw the front grill(s). Every other side of the car is very nice. I test drove the '13 LTD and I liked the ride, which I found to be just slightly firmer than my '11. I liked the interior too, although the angles of the dash might take a little getting used to. I noticed that the interior seemed a little less spacious than the '11, but I believe that this is mostly an illusion created by the roof line and the aforementioned dash. As I recall, the vital dimensions (leg and head room) are not significantly different from the old model.
 
Were it not for the front end, I'd be driving the new Avalon right now. Instead, I got a new ES350 for a few more $ per month. I judge its ride to be just slightly firmer than the new Avalon and perhaps a little more agile in cornering. It does feel smaller inside, due to the width of the center console. On the other hand, the Avalon's radio sounded better and was certainly easier to operate than the one in the Lexus (you have to go to a seriously high trim level in order to get the premium radio).
 
Another reason that I went with the ES is that I believe that the Toyota Mothership knows what it wants that model to be -- entry-level luxury, whereas they are searching for an identity for the Avalon. My concern was that, because the Lexus division already exists as their luxury brand, the only other direction they can go with the Avalon is to make it more sporty. I've already been through that when Nissan took away my Infiniti I30 /I35 in order to concentrate on making the G series into street racers and the M series into God knows what.
At my age, I enjoy comfort more than sporty.

#369 of 491 Re: Avalon --> Lexus [iamknott] by fin

Feb 12, 2013 (7:55 pm)

Replying to: iamknott (Feb 12, 2013 7:11 pm)
Interesting you mention the M series Infinity and your impression... We test drove one some time ago, pure luxury. But I have never driven a luxury car that rode as absolutely stiff as the M. We gave up after 5 minutes on a major street, the rough ride was not what we expected. Our Honda at the time was more comfortable over bumps. Premium car, terrible ride.... maybe the latest model is better?

#370 of 491 Re: Avalon --> Lexus [fin] by iamknott

Feb 12, 2013 (8:39 pm)

Replying to: fin (Feb 12, 2013 7:55 pm)
fin,
 
I had the exact same experience with the Infiniti M's rough ride, plus I noticed that the gearing was all for acceleration. Even in the top gear, it was turning about 800 rpm higher at 65 mph than similar cars. I can't recall whether it was FWD, RWD, or AWD, but the width of the transmission hump and console made the front seat claustrophobic. That was six years ago (when I switched to Avalons), so I have no idea what the current M is like. I don't see many Ms on the road, but the G series sells very well. Net-net, in terms of total cars sold, it was probably a good move on Nissan's part to ditch the I series, but I felt like they abandoned me.

#371 of 491 Re: Avalon --> Lexus [iamknott] by tjc78

Feb 13, 2013 (6:58 am)

Replying to: iamknott (Feb 12, 2013 8:39 pm)
ditch the I series
 
The Maxima moved upmarket and pretty much negated the need for a FWD (Maxima based) Infiniti model. I looked at the I when I got my 03 Avalon. It was a nice car, but the Avalon rode better.

#372 of 491 Re: Avalon --> Lexus [iamknott] by nvbanker

Feb 13, 2013 (9:38 am)

Replying to: iamknott (Feb 12, 2013 7:11 pm)
Nissan took away my Infiniti I30 /I35 in order to concentrate on making the G series into street racers and the M series into God knows what.
 
Man, you got THAT right!

#373 of 491 Re: Ordered a second Avalon for me. [trespinosranch] by luckyme1

Feb 13, 2013 (10:30 am)

Replying to: trespinosranch (Feb 03, 2013 10:29 pm)
I've not used the sun shade, other than to see it work. I'll have to look through it while driving. Since we don't carry children (ours are grown, but we are just 50) I don't expect to use it much.

#374 of 491 V6 vs. Hybrid by luckyme1

Feb 13, 2013 (10:55 am)

My wife now has the 2013 Avalon Ltd. V-6 , and I am driving a 2013 Ltd. Hybrid. The cars ride exactly the same, look the same, except color and badges, just my car will use 35% less fuel, and is not quite as spirited in acceleration. Although the Toyota hybrid powerplant in these cars is quite spirited, indeed.
 
Coming from a 2012 Camry Hybrid, the Avalon Hybrid seems a true step up in luxury. The ride is so hushed at highway speeds, and under all electric operation, it is almost silent. By the way, just like the Camry, you can drive the Avalon at up to 50 MPH in all electric mode, albeit you have to really be easy on the accelerator. You can monitor your power by the tach like gauge, at which there is a point noted that the engine engages. I think there was something in a publication stating all electric up to 20 MPH, but it is 50.
 
Overall, I am very impressed with the ride quality, fit, finish, and quality of materials in the Avalons. We have had a 1996 and a 2006 Avalon, and they were fine cars as well, but they were a bit too cushy for our taste. This new design is a hit, and will draw in a younger buyer, sorry for those that want the softer ride, but most vehicles seem to be tightening up the ride and handling charictaristics. Todays Cadillac is nothing like the ones from our past, and the Avalon has taken a more sporty, yet classy and compliant direction.
 
I've now purchased 4 Toyota Hybrids for business and personal use, and these vehicles have been flawless. One of the Prius' has over 200K on it, and other than the 10K oil changes and tires, it has never needed a nickel in service. Even has the original brakes. Even though I don't keep a car more than a couple years, I like the confidence that what I am driving is fresh, dependable, and very easy to resale. The Avalon should fit our needs well.

#375 of 491 Re: Avalon --> Lexus [iamknott] by djrc08861

Feb 13, 2013 (11:55 am)

Replying to: iamknott (Feb 12, 2013 7:11 pm)
i am getting that seriously high trim level in march.you get the nuluxe seat or cooled leather seat package?

#376 of 491 Re: Ordered a second Avalon for me. [luckyme1] by geo123

Feb 13, 2013 (1:15 pm)

Replying to: luckyme1 (Feb 13, 2013 10:30 am)
Is there an on/off switch for the sun shade? Or does it go up and down every time you use the car? I believe I would only want to use it on special occasions. I think of the sun shade as just something else to break. Would appreciate your input.

#377 of 491 Re: Ordered a second Avalon for me. [geo123] by djrc08861

Feb 13, 2013 (1:20 pm)

Replying to: geo123 (Feb 13, 2013 1:15 pm)
there is a on and off button

Messages Page 38 of 50

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