Second Toyota

[2011_Avalon]

Hello all,
I just purchased a new 2011 Avalon Limited w/ Nav. My first Toyota was a brand new 2002 Toyota Camry SE. This time I was looking for a smooth ride. After much research, The Avalon seemed like the right choice.
Happy holiday everyone.

[TrailDust]

I'd have to agree with you. At the time, my 2002 was hands down the only choice for a sedan. Enjoy your Avalon, and welcome to Toyota Nation!

[eyeball96]

to TN

[2011_Avalon]

Originally Posted by TrailDust

I'd have to agree with you. At the time, my 2002 was hands down the only choice for a sedan. Enjoy your Avalon, and welcome to Toyota Nation!

Thanks. To be honest, nothing changed from 2002. The TL is tiny inside and the suspension is pretty hard. The Genesis is a Hyundai, nothing against the Koreans but I can't honestly say that Hyundai is anywhere near Japanese standards. Plus the Genesis suspension doesn't feel as smooth and composed as the Avalon. Not to mention that RWD do not like snow. Hyundai is coming with a new Azera, cool looking but still a Hyundai. By the way, I owned Hyundais and Kias before. Infinity G, the same as the TL. Cool looking and fast but nothing else (RWD too > like the Genesis). To me, The Lexus ES350 is an over priced Avalon, consequently Avalon was the one. I really wanted a 2002 Avalon back when I got my 2002 Camry, but the bank acct was pretty poor then. Lucky you. Sorry for the long txt.

[2011_Avalon]

Originally Posted by eyeball96

to TN

Thanks. By the way, Cool Avalon. That was my dream car in 02. I still like the exterior design of your Avalon better than any including mine. It was very European looking IMO.

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by 2011_Avalon

Thanks. To be honest, nothing changed from 2002. The TL is tiny inside and the suspension is pretty hard. The Genesis is a Hyundai, nothing against the Koreans but I can't honestly say that Hyundai is anywhere near Japanese standards. Plus the Genesis suspension doesn't feel as smooth and composed as the Avalon. Not to mention that RWD do not like snow. Hyundai is coming with a new Azera, cool looking but still a Hyundai. By the way, I owned Hyundais and Kias before. Infinity G, the same as the TL. Cool looking and fast but nothing else (RWD too > like the Genesis). To me, The Lexus ES350 is an over priced Avalon, consequently Avalon was the one. I really wanted a 2002 Avalon back when I got my 2002 Camry, but the bank acct was pretty poor then. Lucky you. Sorry for the long txt.

My father-in-law just bought a Genesis and although it was nice in the interior, the suspension is much tighter and sportier than an Avalon and like with any car you pay for that with a louder, stiffer ride. Given a choice between my 2002 Avalon and his 2012 Genesis, I'll take the Avalon.

[2011_Avalon]

Originally Posted by TrailDust

My father-in-law just bought a Genesis and although it was nice in the interior, the suspension is much tighter and sportier than an Avalon and like with any car you pay for that with a louder, stiffer ride. Given a choice between my 2002 Avalon and his 2012 Genesis, I'll take the Avalon.

I'm with you. I test drove the Genesis and . The new comers such as the Genesis look pretty good but the appreciation for the car stops right there. The Avalon doesn't look exceptionally good from any angle. It looks pretty bland but you can't get enough of it when you drive it. The 2002 Avalon is the car to have in my opinion. Too bad I was so poor then. I test drove one when I got my Camry in 2002. Just for fun. After test driving it, I just couldn't understand the point of paying more for a Lexus. There is something magical about the Avalon suspension, is smooth yet firm. Never feels floaty. I just love the Avalon. I'm not the kind of guy that gets caught up on material things but the Avalon is my weakness. What a ride!

[TrailDust]

On top of other features, when I saw the roominess of the back seats and also the massive size of the Avalon's trunk, I was sold. No other sedan at the time could touch it, and I checked them all out. I've been thinking about replacing the Avalon with another, but I'm in that why fix it/change it if it ain't broken situation....

[2011_Avalon]

Originally Posted by TrailDust

On top of other features, when I saw the roominess of the back seats and also the massive size of the Avalon's trunk, I was sold. No other sedan at the time could touch it, and I checked them all out. I've been thinking about replacing the Avalon with another, but I'm in that why fix it/change it if it ain't broken situation....

If is paid off, why change it? Paid off is the top feature of any car. Furthermore, what are you getting by buying a new one? Besides a least reliable car. New cars are new till you take them home. My mother in law has a 2000 V6 Camry with 250k miles and runs like a champ. I just got the Avalon because my car was so messed up that making it anywhere was like rolling a dice; at that point you know you need a new car. The first problem my previous car had was the brand "Fix or repair daily". The first problem I already identify on my new Avalon is that it came with a monthly payment. I really hate that! Don’t believe the hype. New doesn’t mean better. You will only impress people if you are driving a Ferrari that is paid for, otherwise 2011 Avalon and 2002 Avalon will cause the same effect on anybody around.