New member

[mdlife]

Hi All

I am interested in buying a late model Avalon, limited.

Of the years 2005-2009, which is the best year?

Are the directional signal mirrors standard on the limited?

Does the laser cruise control really work as advertised?

Much thanks,

Dean

[boosted-fc3s]

The 05 and 06 are prone to the VVTI oil leak, I'm unsure if the 07 is affeceted. It has a rubber hose like the 05-06 but isnt included in the service campaign.

My limited came with the mirrors, '07.

Yes, it works, but it can be a little obnoxious at times. It will slow the car down abruptly sometimes, and without lighting up the brake lights, so if it slows you down and someone is tail gating you, they might rear end you. I prefer to use it in light traffic on open highways only. You can use it in a little heavier traffic, but you have to pay attention if the system is actually "seeing" cars in front. In winter with dirty cars ahead, and a dirty sensor, the range is limited, sometimes it wont even see the car in front.

Im very happy with mine so far. Got it early november. Been getting 28-29mpg on long trips, and about 23-24 combined on my commutes to work. In cold weather with winter gas I might add. Should improve a little in summer with better gas and nicer weather I'm hoping.

OEM Remote start range sucks, but it usually works from my parking spot at the office, and its garaged at night. A** warmers are a life saver.

[MrSmooth]

I have a 2006 Avalon Limited and the thing that disappoints me the most is the wiper blades. I have not been able to find an after-market seller of the blades and the Toyota dealer ships that I have visited tend to sell them from $45 to $60 a set. Don't know if ther are any other parts on the vehicle like this. Other than this, I'm pretty satisfied with the car.

[boosted-fc3s]

^^^ Tire rack sells oem style replacements for less than toyota with the proper clip.

[Tom in Tacoma]

Originally Posted by MrSmooth

I have a 2006 Avalon Limited and the thing that disappoints me the most is the wiper blades. I have not been able to find an after-market seller of the blades and the Toyota dealer ships that I have visited tend to sell them from $45 to $60 a set. Don't know if ther are any other parts on the vehicle like this. Other than this, I'm pretty satisfied with the car.

Silblade makes a set of wiper blades for our cars. They are made of silicone (not rubber) that builds up a film of silicone on the windshield that give a 'Rain-X' type of effect where the water just runs up the windshield while the car's in motion. They are about $60 for the set - but they come with a 5-year guarantee so they are actually cheaper in the long run. I have a set on my 2000 Mustang that have been there since they replaced the factory blades some 10-years ago - they still work better than a new set of rubber blades.

Check 'em out at Silblades.com

EDIT - the warranty is NOT 5-years! It's only for 90-days. I apologize for my mistake! But I still maintain that these are far superior to rubber blades.