2005 Avalon Purchase

Negotiating for a new Avy. Probably the XLS. Anyone have any pros or
cons on this vehicle? Any advice is appreciated.

Don't pay sticker. Carmax in Laurel, MD is now discounting them.

--

Learn More About Me at:
[url]http://www.therealpicard.com[/url]

"Ph@ Boy" <nowhere@someplace.tv> wrote in message
news:422F15E7.3040205@someplace.tv...[color=blue]
> Negotiating for a new Avy. Probably the XLS. Anyone have any pros or cons
> on this vehicle? Any advice is appreciated.
>[/color]

Make sure the one you buy is built in Japan. :>)


"Ph@ Boy" <nowhere@someplace.tv> wrote in message
news:422F15E7.3040205@someplace.tv...[color=blue]
> Negotiating for a new Avy. Probably the XLS. Anyone have any pros or cons
> on this vehicle? Any advice is appreciated.
>[/color]

How do you determine that? Will a dealer give you a straight answer, or is
there some way to tell on the vehicle itself. Local dealer here has none in
inventory --- all must be ordered, so how do you control where what you
order is built?

"Art" <begunaNOSPAMPLEASE@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:Q2JXd.6580$CW2.4018@newsread3.news.atl.earthlink.net...[color=blue]
> Make sure the one you buy is built in Japan. :>)
>
>
> "Ph@ Boy" <nowhere@someplace.tv> wrote in message
> news:422F15E7.3040205@someplace.tv...[color=green]
>> Negotiating for a new Avy. Probably the XLS. Anyone have any pros or cons
>> on this vehicle? Any advice is appreciated.
>>[/color]
>
>[/color]

Toyota describes the new Avalon as the most American Toyota vehicle
ever, and I'm quite sure it is built in the USA.

As with any newly redesigned vehicle, discounts will be relatively small
to begin with. I'm considering an Avalon Limited, and I've been quoted
discounts in the $2,000 range ... and I think that's still at least
$2,000 over dealer invoice on a Limited, which can price out at $36,000
or so with couple of options.

I think the new Avalon is far better looking than its predecessors.
More sophisticated. However, there are a lot of other excellent cars in
that 30-35 grand price. You could buy a Lexus ES330 for about the same
price as a loaded Avalon. Consumer Reports likes the Acura TL, calling
it the "best" in the class, and it appears to be in the same price range
(mid 30's) according to the new CR Auto Issue. I'm ging to look at an
Acura TL before I commit to an Avalon.

"mdrawson" <mdrawson@cox.net> wrote in message
news:0oLXd.56297$7z6.44811@lakeread04...[color=blue]
> How do you determine that? Will a dealer give you a straight answer, or
> is there some way to tell on the vehicle itself. Local dealer here has
> none in inventory --- all must be ordered, so how do you control where
> what you order is built?
>
> "Art" <begunaNOSPAMPLEASE@mindspring.com> wrote in message
> news:Q2JXd.6580$CW2.4018@newsread3.news.atl.earthlink.net...[color=green]
>> Make sure the one you buy is built in Japan. :>)
>>[/color][/color]

I believe all Avalons sold in the U.S. are assembled in Georgetown, KY so
Art's advice is difficult to follow.
--
Ray O
correct the return address punctuation to reply

The Avalon has a reputation as Toyota's Buick; a Grampa car. The new
'05 looks like an improvement to me, but the concept has not changed.
With ANY new car, I'm concerned about possible "bugs" or defects that
need correction. I looked at a new Avalon. One piece of trim on the
dash was loose, and the sales rep could not get the remote start to
work, so there might be some things for Toyota to work on. Take some
time to see ho the car works out. Prices will probably come down, too.
What's the rush. Don't get emotional about buying a depreciating asset
like a car. Just me.

"Ray O" <rokigawa@tristarassociatesDOT.com> wrote in message
news:1567a$422f8ca7$44a4a10d$1726@msgid.meganewsservers.com...[color=blue]
>
> "mdrawson" <mdrawson@cox.net> wrote in message
> news:0oLXd.56297$7z6.44811@lakeread04...[color=green]
>> How do you determine that? Will a dealer give you a straight answer, or
>> is there some way to tell on the vehicle itself. Local dealer here has
>> none in inventory --- all must be ordered, so how do you control where
>> what you order is built?
>>
>> "Art" <begunaNOSPAMPLEASE@mindspring.com> wrote in message
>> news:Q2JXd.6580$CW2.4018@newsread3.news.atl.earthlink.net...[color=darkred]
>>> Make sure the one you buy is built in Japan. :>)
>>>[/color][/color]
>
> I believe all Avalons sold in the U.S. are assembled in Georgetown, KY so
> Art's advice is difficult to follow.
> --
> Ray O
> correct the return address punctuation to reply[/color]

Actually it is easy to follow..... don't buy a 2005 Avalon in the US. No
matter what Consumer Reports says, the Avalon has never been up to the
quality of traditional Toyota's. Perhaps the 2005 will be different but I
would want to drive one that has 12k miles on it to see if it too is a
rattle box which has been the experience of others with earlier model
Avalons.

"Just Me" <ImpartialObserver@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:25867-422F8DE8-102@storefull-3317.bay.webtv.net...[color=blue]
> The Avalon has a reputation as Toyota's Buick; a Grampa car. The new
> '05 looks like an improvement to me, but the concept has not changed.
> With ANY new car, I'm concerned about possible "bugs" or defects that
> need correction. I looked at a new Avalon. One piece of trim on the
> dash was loose, and the sales rep could not get the remote start to
> work, so there might be some things for Toyota to work on. Take some
> time to see ho the car works out. Prices will probably come down, too.
> What's the rush. Don't get emotional about buying a depreciating asset
> like a car. Just me.[/color]

Great advice, especially when it comes to the Avalon. Lets face it, if you
really want a nice big Toyota, it better have a Lexus nameplate on it.[color=blue]
>[/color]

On Wed, 09 Mar 2005 17:47:25 -0600, Ray O wrote:
[color=blue]
>
> "mdrawson" <mdrawson@cox.net> wrote in message
> news:0oLXd.56297$7z6.44811@lakeread04...[color=green]
>> How do you determine that? Will a dealer give you a straight answer, or
>> is there some way to tell on the vehicle itself. Local dealer here has
>> none in inventory --- all must be ordered, so how do you control where
>> what you order is built?
>>
>> "Art" <begunaNOSPAMPLEASE@mindspring.com> wrote in message
>> news:Q2JXd.6580$CW2.4018@newsread3.news.atl.earthlink.net...[color=darkred]
>>> Make sure the one you buy is built in Japan. :>)
>>>[/color][/color]
>
> I believe all Avalons sold in the U.S. are assembled in Georgetown, KY so
> Art's advice is difficult to follow.[/color]

YEah, when it first started it was a US only car! I know at one time they
began making them RHD for the fans in Tokyo, and sending them back on the
MARU that brought the MIJ cars here. If production has begun in Japan, I
doubt they're shipping them here...

On Thu, 10 Mar 2005 02:35:27 +0000, Art wrote:
[color=blue]
>
> "Ray O" <rokigawa@tristarassociatesDOT.com> wrote in message
> news:1567a$422f8ca7$44a4a10d$1726@msgid.meganewsservers.com...[color=green]
>>
>> "mdrawson" <mdrawson@cox.net> wrote in message
>> news:0oLXd.56297$7z6.44811@lakeread04...[color=darkred]
>>> How do you determine that? Will a dealer give you a straight answer, or
>>> is there some way to tell on the vehicle itself. Local dealer here has
>>> none in inventory --- all must be ordered, so how do you control where
>>> what you order is built?
>>>
>>> "Art" <begunaNOSPAMPLEASE@mindspring.com> wrote in message
>>> news:Q2JXd.6580$CW2.4018@newsread3.news.atl.earthlink.net...
>>>> Make sure the one you buy is built in Japan. :>)
>>>>[/color]
>>
>> I believe all Avalons sold in the U.S. are assembled in Georgetown, KY so
>> Art's advice is difficult to follow.
>> --
>> Ray O
>> correct the return address punctuation to reply[/color]
>
> Actually it is easy to follow..... don't buy a 2005 Avalon in the US. No
> matter what Consumer Reports says, the Avalon has never been up to the
> quality of traditional Toyota's. Perhaps the 2005 will be different but I
> would want to drive one that has 12k miles on it to see if it too is a
> rattle box which has been the experience of others with earlier model
> Avalons.[/color]

C'Mon, <rattle> Art! You <rattle> LOVE your <rattle> Avalon!

"Just Me" <ImpartialObserver@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:25867-422F8DE8-102@storefull-3317.bay.webtv.net...[color=blue]
> The Avalon has a reputation as Toyota's Buick; a Grampa car. The new
> '05 looks like an improvement to me, but the concept has not changed.
> With ANY new car, I'm concerned about possible "bugs" or defects that
> need correction. I looked at a new Avalon. One piece of trim on the
> dash was loose, and the sales rep could not get the remote start to
> work, so there might be some things for Toyota to work on. Take some
> time to see ho the car works out. Prices will probably come down, too.
> What's the rush. Don't get emotional about buying a depreciating asset
> like a car. Just me.
>[/color]

There are also reports in the auto news media of the transmission hunting
and hanging...

I don't have the link.

Does that mean you don't believe one should buy a Camry, Tacoma
or Tundra which are assembled in the US as well?

I have news for you, build quality of any product is a function
of management not the people assembling the product as any
manufacture knows. The county of assembly does not make any
difference in the final product when management does it job of
assuring the build quality meets their specs.


mike hunt



Art wrote:[color=blue]
>
> "Ray O" <rokigawa@tristarassociatesDOT.com> wrote in message
> news:1567a$422f8ca7$44a4a10d$1726@msgid.meganewsservers.com...[color=green]
> >
> > "mdrawson" <mdrawson@cox.net> wrote in message
> > news:0oLXd.56297$7z6.44811@lakeread04...[color=darkred]
> >> How do you determine that? Will a dealer give you a straight answer, or
> >> is there some way to tell on the vehicle itself. Local dealer here has
> >> none in inventory --- all must be ordered, so how do you control where
> >> what you order is built?
> >>
> >> "Art" <begunaNOSPAMPLEASE@mindspring.com> wrote in message
> >> news:Q2JXd.6580$CW2.4018@newsread3.news.atl.earthlink.net...
> >>> Make sure the one you buy is built in Japan. :>)
> >>>[/color]
> >
> > I believe all Avalons sold in the U.S. are assembled in Georgetown, KY so
> > Art's advice is difficult to follow.
> > --
> > Ray O
> > correct the return address punctuation to reply[/color]
>
> Actually it is easy to follow..... don't buy a 2005 Avalon in the US. No
> matter what Consumer Reports says, the Avalon has never been up to the
> quality of traditional Toyota's. Perhaps the 2005 will be different but I
> would want to drive one that has 12k miles on it to see if it too is a
> rattle box which has been the experience of others with earlier model
> Avalons.[/color]

If the Avalon is indeed 'made in the US' the first number of the
VIN will be a '1,' like the Tacoma built in the GM/Toyota plant
in California. If it is merely assembled in the US, like most
other Toyotas, it will be a '4' or '5'


mike hunt



A A wrote:[color=blue]
>
> Toyota describes the new Avalon as the most American Toyota vehicle
> ever, and I'm quite sure it is built in the USA.
>
> As with any newly redesigned vehicle, discounts will be relatively small
> to begin with. I'm considering an Avalon Limited, and I've been quoted
> discounts in the $2,000 range ... and I think that's still at least
> $2,000 over dealer invoice on a Limited, which can price out at $36,000
> or so with couple of options.
>
> I think the new Avalon is far better looking than its predecessors.
> More sophisticated. However, there are a lot of other excellent cars in
> that 30-35 grand price. You could buy a Lexus ES330 for about the same
> price as a loaded Avalon. Consumer Reports likes the Acura TL, calling
> it the "best" in the class, and it appears to be in the same price range
> (mid 30's) according to the new CR Auto Issue. I'm ging to look at an
> Acura TL before I commit to an Avalon.[/color]

<BigJohnson@mailcity.com> wrote in message
news:42307E8C.FAAF7520@mailcity.com...[color=blue]
> Does that mean you don't believe one should buy a Camry, Tacoma
> or Tundra which are assembled in the US as well?
>
> I have news for you, build quality of any product is a function
> of management not the people assembling the product as any
> manufacture knows. The county of assembly does not make any
> difference in the final product when management does it job of
> assuring the build quality meets their specs.
>
>
> mike hunt
>
>
>
> Art wrote:[color=green]
>>
>> "Ray O" <rokigawa@tristarassociatesDOT.com> wrote in message
>> news:1567a$422f8ca7$44a4a10d$1726@msgid.meganewsservers.com...[color=darkred]
>> >
>> > "mdrawson" <mdrawson@cox.net> wrote in message
>> > news:0oLXd.56297$7z6.44811@lakeread04...
>> >> How do you determine that? Will a dealer give you a straight answer,
>> >> or
>> >> is there some way to tell on the vehicle itself. Local dealer here
>> >> has
>> >> none in inventory --- all must be ordered, so how do you control where
>> >> what you order is built?
>> >>
>> >> "Art" <begunaNOSPAMPLEASE@mindspring.com> wrote in message
>> >> news:Q2JXd.6580$CW2.4018@newsread3.news.atl.earthlink.net...
>> >>> Make sure the one you buy is built in Japan. :>)
>> >>>
>> >
>> > I believe all Avalons sold in the U.S. are assembled in Georgetown, KY
>> > so
>> > Art's advice is difficult to follow.
>> > --
>> > Ray O
>> > correct the return address punctuation to reply[/color]
>>
>> Actually it is easy to follow..... don't buy a 2005 Avalon in the US.
>> No
>> matter what Consumer Reports says, the Avalon has never been up to the
>> quality of traditional Toyota's. Perhaps the 2005 will be different but
>> I
>> would want to drive one that has 12k miles on it to see if it too is a
>> rattle box which has been the experience of others with earlier model
>> Avalons.[/color][/color]

Like Mike Hunt says, the country where a vehicle is assembled does not have
any bearing on the quality. When Toyota opened the Nummi and Georgetown, KY
plant, they were very concerned about quality, but after looking at warranty
claims, it turned out that they had lower warranty expense per vehicle
assembled at Nummi and Georgetown than in cars assembled in Japan.

That said, there can be differences in the quality of supplier parts, so
that can lead to a difference in claims.
--
Ray O
correct the return address punctuation to reply