New 06 XL Avalon, a few questions

[Master Yoder]

I recently bought a 06 Avalon and really like it so far, much smoother running than my previous Accord that was wrecked. It is silver. I have a few initial questions I was hoping someone could help answer.

1. What is the manual shift for, is that fro going up and down hills? So you can hot dog it? Passing on the highway? It is a fun feature but just wondering what the real purpose is.

2. I would like to use my Iphone as an MP3 player, and while the cassette player was super groovy in the 80's I'm not sure why they put it in a 2006 model, I don't think I even own any cassette. Whats the best option for using a MP3 player? Is it possible to buy a new radio/CD player that has a aux port or should I look at adding a device just for the Iphone? How difficult is it to install something like this?

3. As far as the cassette player goes, is there a way to remove it and add a storage bin? Anyone know where to buy a insert for storage and how to take out the cassette?

4. Are there any specific recalls I should worry about? I bought it from a Nissan dealer that gave it a dealership certification which they supposedly checked out a whole list of items and verified they are working properly. Also has a 1 year warranty.

5. Are there any specific maintenance issues I need to worry about or things I need to do other than oil change, tune up and timing belt replacement?

6. I am planning on tinting the windows and possibly adding the small low line spoiler, something like what you can order when you buy one brand new. Should I go to a dealer or a body shop for this and about what am I looking at as far as cost goes?

Thanks for any help and advice.

[boosted-fc3s]

1) Its kind of pointless, but every car made in like the last 10 years lets you do that. It ignores you half the time anyways, you can't put it in 5th under like 46 miles an hour, at least not in mine. Even if the display says 5, its still in 4th.

2) There is very little aftermarket support for a new radio, you have to keep the oem one for the hvac controls to work hooked up , even if you replace it. I have USA Spec Ipod adapter from crutchfield and it works great. Sound is good, plug and play install.

3) Theres a thread around here somewhere about that, I don't remember the outcome. You'll probably have to search for it.

4) Go here, and check your vin, it will tell you what you need.
http://www.toyotaownersonline.com/ss...call_vinlookup

5) plugs and timing chain are 100k mileage items. So is the trans fluid.

6) Dealer will be expensive, you can get pre-paint ones in factory paint off ebay and install it your self, or have a body shop install the pre-painted one.

[Master Yoder]

Originally Posted by boosted-fc3s

1) Its kind of pointless, but every car made in like the last 10 years lets you do that. It ignores you half the time anyways, you can't put it in 5th under like 46 miles an hour, at least not in mine. Even if the display says 5, its still in 4th.

2) There is very little aftermarket support for a new radio, you have to keep the oem one for the hvac controls to work hooked up , even if you replace it. I have USA Spec Ipod adapter from crutchfield and it works great. Sound is good, plug and play install.

3) Theres a thread around here somewhere about that, I don't remember the outcome. You'll probably have to search for it.

4) Go here, and check your vin, it will tell you what you need.
http://www.toyotaownersonline.com/ss...call_vinlookup

5) plugs and timing chain are 100k mileage items. So is the trans fluid.

6) Dealer will be expensive, you can get pre-paint ones in factory paint off ebay and install it your self, or have a body shop install the pre-painted one.

Thanks for the info. I thought the timing chain didn't need to be replaced like a belt does.

[boosted-fc3s]

Its still a mechanical item that is subject to stress and fatigue. Timing chain can snap just like a belt can. Just as my coworker about his corvette. He bought it used and had it for a week and it left him stranded on the highway with a busted chain.

I can't seem to find it in the service guide, but I know if I was going to keep the car I'd be replacing it at some point. Dunno if I saw that 105k figure on here somewhere, or where it came from. I'm not even at 60k yet so its not something I'm worried about just yet.

[Master Yoder]

I checked the recall site and it looks like there are no open recalls for my car.

I have seen some discussion about the VVTI line being replaced with a all metal tube. Is that pretty easy to locat so I can see if it is metal or has rubber parts?

If it has rubber is that something the dealer will replace or should I just do it myself?

Thanks,

[Tom in Tacoma]

Congrats on the new ride!

Another opinion checking in:

1. I find it helpful going downhill to hold the speed back. Other than that I don't bother since the tranny will downshift quickly when I put my foot into it.

2. I also have an iPod adapter that I bought off eBay. Sounds good, has some idiosyncracies but I can live with it. Easy enough to install into the back of the stereo. I ran the cabling into the glove box and use the steering wheel buttons to control the iPod.

3. Dunno - but there was a discussion around this a short while ago - try the search feature.

4. Already taken care of based on what you've said.

5. Nothing that really stands out other than getting the recall stuff taken care of. Might want to ask your dealer about the limited service campaign to replace the VVT-I hose. They'll replace it with a Kevlar-reinforced hose at no cost (you can ask about the metal line - good luck).

6. As far as window tint - I'd recommend going to someone that specializes in tinting. You'll likely get a warranty on their work and they'll know what they're doing. If you're comfortable installing a factory spoiler (double-sided tape and a couple of holes to drill) order one from eBay through a Toyota dealer - there's quite a few selling parts online. You can order it with factory matching paint. Might want to also consider spash guards as well.

Sounds like you might be building one that looks like mine!

Have fun with it!

[Master Yoder]

Originally Posted by Tom in Tacoma

Congrats on the new ride!

Another opinion checking in:

1. I find it helpful going downhill to hold the speed back. Other than that I don't bother since the tranny will downshift quickly when I put my foot into it.

2. I also have an iPod adapter that I bought off eBay. Sounds good, has some idiosyncracies but I can live with it. Easy enough to install into the back of the stereo. I ran the cabling into the glove box and use the steering wheel buttons to control the iPod.

3. Dunno - but there was a discussion around this a short while ago - try the search feature.

4. Already taken care of based on what you've said.

5. Nothing that really stands out other than getting the recall stuff taken care of. Might want to ask your dealer about the limited service campaign to replace the VVT-I hose. They'll replace it with a Kevlar-reinforced hose at no cost (you can ask about the metal line - good luck).

6. As far as window tint - I'd recommend going to someone that specializes in tinting. You'll likely get a warranty on their work and they'll know what they're doing. If you're comfortable installing a factory spoiler (double-sided tape and a couple of holes to drill) order one from eBay through a Toyota dealer - there's quite a few selling parts online. You can order it with factory matching paint. Might want to also consider spash guards as well.

Sounds like you might be building one that looks like mine!

Have fun with it!

Sweet, that's about what I was planning on doing, nothing too crazy but add a little style.

I'll call the local dealer and see what they say.

When you added the spoiler does it bolt in from the top or are you able to do it in a way that does not look bad from inside the trunk, not that it makes any difference just thinking of resale issues.

[boosted-fc3s]

You can do 3m double sided trim tape, but I believe the spoiler comes with bolts in it as well, you'd have to cut them off if you wanted to risk tape only. There's always a risk the tape will degrade over time and the spoiler will fly off on the highway and damage a car behind you.

[Tom in Tacoma]

There's two holes needed - they are on the far ends of the spoiler and are just under the lip of the trucklid. Not noticeable unless you're looking for them. At least that way I know the spoiler isn't coming off without the trunklid going with it!

[Master Yoder]

I called the local Toyota dealer and gave them my VIN number and they said that all of the recalls related to this VIN have been taken care of and the VVTI didn't need to be replaced. Is it safe to assume that is correct? Is there a easy way to inspect this hose to see if it is a bad line or not? I don't see any oil leaking or anything like that.

[boosted-fc3s]

The VVT line can fail suddenly. Usually at the farthest away point from civilization. Especially on a really hot day or a really cold day, and when your cellphone battery is dead. Haha.

You wont see any visible deterioration. It just fails and pisses out all the oil real quick. They are lying to you if it they say it doesn't need replacement. Unless they mean the LSC has been completed already. I would call them and ask if its been completed. They should be able to look it up.

06 Vin range effect should be: U042154 – U167717 (this is the last 7 digits of your vin)

[NotoriousGT350]

Congrats!

New owner myself as of last week and I'm enjoying it when I get to drive it(wife drives it all the time now and I'm driving her 4Runner to work and back).