Questions about 2007 Toyota Avalon - Thinking about getting one

[hmr1979]

So my wife and I are in the market for a new car...initially
Than I drove over to Carmax and told myself, what the hay, let's test drive used cars as well.
We are still in the shopping mode, however, I did like the 2007 Toyota Avalon I just test drove tonight.

I think opinions about cars largely stem from one's own basis of comparison (i.e. what other car they own). But I'll go ahead and ask you guys a few question. I am sure people on here are the best ones to ask

1. The car I am looking at is used, it has 39K for $20K. It looks like in great condition, minus the brakes seemed a tad too soft (I am guessing original pads and rotors are on the car). At 39K miles, I am assuming I still have 20K miles left on manufacturer's power train? I am guessing Toyota's is 60k, forgive me if I am ignorant lol

2. Has any of you experienced major problems with one around this mileage and around this year. I think 2005 and present is practically the same gen, so I will assume they are relatively alike...if not, could you point out the major differences within the same generation. i.e. 2007 vs. 08, 09, etc...

3. This car does not have navigation - Is there a double din kit that I can buy so I can place a double din el cheapo ebay double din dvd./gps in place of that cd player.

I am assuming that display box at the box is non-removable - I actually think it looks neat so I won't mess with it. But I would like to add a double din. I ebayed double din for 2007 toyota avalon but it seemed non-existent.
Maybe the double din cd player inside the pouch is non removable I don't know.

4. Lastly (and this is kind of stretch) but the suspension seemed really really soft, has any one on the forum switched out the suspension, i.e. KYB shocks and struts or what not. I am not planning on lowering the car, but I am hoping lower profile tires and KYB but stiffen her up a bit. I know it's kind of dumb to try to make this car sporty since it's a luxury vehicle, but I would like to have a little bit of both worlds if it's possible.

I drive a 2006 nissan maxima right, and I love the car, but I am in the market for the new car. Thanks for reading my post. Any info would greatly help me as this will be my first toyota if I buy one.
Thanks guy and happy holidays.

[Tom in Tacoma]

I'd be happy to give you my thoughts and to answer your questions... First off a bit about my car; it's an 07 Limited and I just turned over 100k miles with it. It honestly runs as good today as it did the day I bought it (300 miles on the odometer). I swear I can double the miles on it - no problem.

The only problems I've had was the hose slipping off the bottom of the washer tank (no biggie - covered under warranty) and the driver's seat cushion cooling fan pressing up into my butt (not a warranty item - I pulled it out and do without it now).

To address your questions:
1)The brakes do feel soft but, in my experience (I'm 56-years old) these are among the best brakes I've used! For what it's worth - I only just replaced brake pads and turned the rotors for the first time at 98k miles. (I drive primarily highway). If you're asking about the warranty - 3-years, 36-months (I know, not the best...)

2)As I stated earlier - no problems with the car (and I don't baby it!). The only major differences with the 08+ models is the use of a 6-speed tranny versus the 5-speed in the 07 and earlier.

3)Can't help ya there. I dunno.

4)There are aftermarket struts and springs you can install and some guys have used Camry parts as well. But one of the things I like about the car is the smoothness of the ride. Don't get confused in thinking that smoothness or softness equates to a car that doesn't handle. This thing handles remarkably well for a car its size and for being FWD. Make sure you have decent tires on it and that you know the car's limit and it will do some amazing things! Just for reference - my other car is a modified 2000 Mustang GT. The seat of the pants meter can't tell me for sure which of the two cars is faster in a straight line!

Ditch the Maxima! Get the Avalon. This is my first Toyota and I haven't regretted it once.

[hmr1979]

Originally Posted by Tom in Tacoma

I'd be happy to give you my thoughts and to answer your questions... First off a bit about my car; it's an 07 Limited and I just turned over 100k miles with it. It honestly runs as good today as it did the day I bought it (300 miles on the odometer). I swear I can double the miles on it - no problem.

The only problems I've had was the hose slipping off the bottom of the washer tank (no biggie - covered under warranty) and the driver's seat cushion cooling fan pressing up into my butt (not a warranty item - I pulled it out and do without it now).

To address your questions:
1)The brakes do feel soft but, in my experience (I'm 56-years old) these are among the best brakes I've used! For what it's worth - I only just replaced brake pads and turned the rotors for the first time at 98k miles. (I drive primarily highway). If you're asking about the warranty - 3-years, 36-months (I know, not the best...)

2)As I stated earlier - no problems with the car (and I don't baby it!). The only major differences with the 08+ models is the use of a 6-speed tranny versus the 5-speed in the 07 and earlier.

3)Can't help ya there. I dunno.

4)There are aftermarket struts and springs you can install and some guys have used Camry parts as well. But one of the things I like about the car is the smoothness of the ride. Don't get confused in thinking that smoothness or softness equates to a car that doesn't handle. This thing handles remarkably well for a car its size and for being FWD. Make sure you have decent tires on it and that you know the car's limit and it will do some amazing things! Just for reference - my other car is a modified 2000 Mustang GT. The seat of the pants meter can't tell me for sure which of the two cars is faster in a straight line!

Ditch the Maxima! Get the Avalon. This is my first Toyota and I haven't regretted it once.

thanks for the prompt reply.
So you have had no problems what so ever with your tranny?
seems like that is about the only major problems I seen on plain searches online.
I don't want to base my decisions on some stuff I read online though lol
(and here I am asking someone online how their tranny is holding up lmao)

But with all jokes aside, that seems to be the only major problems that I have read..but seems like they have a reflash that is suppose to remedy the problem apparently, so at least that seems to be good news.

39 K is not alot but its not new either, so I am just looking out

thanks for the reply

[pmesfun]

My dad purchased the '07 with 39k also for 17k out the door, earlier this year. As far as the transmission goes, it has it's problems. My biggest gripe, is how it shifts into 5th at 45mph and at around 2100k rpm. We haven't had time to check if it can have the transmission flashed. I doubt it will be free. Currently it has 52k, and no problems yet. Of course, it is not as well built as earlier Toyota's such as my 99, but it is still a reliable car.

[billberry12]

Try to test drive a Touring trim level. I didn't like the soft ride in the LTD either. Nor the wood trim interior. Drove a 2008 Touring and fell in love. It has a little harder suspension. Not much, but for me, just enough. Bought it on the spot 1 1/2 years ago with 26,000 miles on it for $ 20,500. Had a couple of recalls since that I had done, and had a tire pressure sensor go bad under warranty. Reflashed the computer in a recall when the runaway Toyotos were happening. Smoother. I don't think I would sell it now for what I paid for it if that tells you anything. It is my first Toyota. I will buy another Avalon when this one goes down, hopefully between 200,000 and 300,000 miles. Seriously.

[Tom in Tacoma]

Originally Posted by hmr1979

thanks for the prompt reply.
So you have had no problems what so ever with your tranny?
seems like that is about the only major problems I seen on plain searches online.
I don't want to base my decisions on some stuff I read online though lol
(and here I am asking someone online how their tranny is holding up lmao)

But with all jokes aside, that seems to be the only major problems that I have read..but seems like they have a reflash that is suppose to remedy the problem apparently, so at least that seems to be good news.

39 K is not alot but its not new either, so I am just looking out

thanks for the reply

Problems with the tranny? No. I didn't like how the tranny shifted at low speeds. But when the news hit this forum about an available reflash I had the dealer take care of it (it cost me nothing) and haven't had a hic-cup since. For what it's worth, the first scheduled service of the tranny is at 100k miles - it's a drain and fill of fluid.

[Doobiewah]

As to #3, if your not sure, call Crutchfield. If anyone knows whether or not what you want exists for your vehicle, they would be able to tell you.

Their prices aren't always the cheapest; however, best customer service, period.

[hghflyrjd1]

Originally Posted by Doobiewah

As to #3, if your not sure, call Crutchfield. If anyone knows whether or not what you want exists for your vehicle, they would be able to tell you.

Their prices aren't always the cheapest; however, best customer service, period.

There are no Double DIN radio kits for this car.