Hi,
I doubt I would be able to get a new Avalon but may be able to get a used 2012, or.... if I can wait, a used 13.
.... since the 2013 is a complete redesign and am thinking of not only the suspension but the steering being the new kind instead of the hydraulic kind, wondering how people like their 2013 if they've ever had an earlier year........ your opinions are welcome.
I really like everything in the Toyota line, but I think the nicest ride is the Avalon that I've experienced.......!
So, is everyone a big fan of the gen 3 or the new 4? Probably both are very good!

Jeanie,

The wife and I had an '11 Avalon Limited. Took the car in for service in April and our friend, the Fleet Manager, told us to drive one. We were so impressed that we traded in the '11 on the spot for a '13 Hybrid Touring. We loved the '11; however, in our opinion, this '13 was such a step up in everything (style, handling, mileage, quiet, to name a few) that we have no reason to look back. The only complaint I've really heard is there are a small group who so loved the soft ride on the Gen 3 that they don't like the Gen 4. Some have also said they though the '13 was 'much smaller' inside; however, it doesn't seem that much smaller, to us. Personally, we feel safer and more secure driving the '13 (note that we NEVER felt unsafe in the '11, it's just that much better.) Just everything about the car is a huge step up from what we thought was an excellent vehicle (the '11). I don't think you could go wrong waiting for the right '13 to come along....

Good luck in your search.

 

Jeanie,

The wife and I had an '11 Avalon Limited. Took the care in for service in April and our friend, the Fleet Manager, told us to drive one. We were so impressed that we traded in the '11 on the spot for a '13 Hybrid Touring. We loved the '11; however, in our opinion, this '13 was such a step up in everything (style, handling, mileage, quiet, to name a few) that we have no reason to look back. The only complaint I've really heard is there are a small group who so loved the soft ride on the Gen 3 that they don't like the Gen 4. Some have also said they though the '13 was 'much smaller' inside; however, it doesn't seem that much smaller, to us. Personally, we feel safer and more secure driving the '13 (note that we NEVER felt unsafe in the '11, it's just that much better.) Just everything about the car is a huge step up from what we thought was an excellent vehicle (the '11). I don't think you could go wrong waiting for the right '13 to come along....

+1 I agree with all of this.

 

So, is everyone a big fan of the gen 3 or the new 4? Probably both are very good!

Both are very good. I say that based on driving a 2007 Avalon for 125,000 miles before trading it in on our 2013 Avalon hybrid limited.

We always liked the '07. It was good, comfortable, spacious transportation. We only traded it in because we wanted the upgraded electronics and safety features of the new model. Also, I was anxious to try a hybrid. It's been a good move for us.

The new Avalon is a completely different car than the Gen 3 edition. And the best car I have ever owned in 49 years of driving.

 

Both are very good. I say that based on driving a 2007 Avalon for 125,000 miles before trading it in on our 2013 Avalon hybrid limited.

We always liked the '07. It was good, comfortable, spacious transportation. We only traded it in because we wanted the upgraded electronics and safety features of the new model. Also, I was anxious to try a hybrid. It's been a good move for us.

The new Avalon is a completely different car than the Gen 3 edition.

:thumbsup: Same Here...

 

Well, if I can't afford a new one, as I say, there will be rental vehicles that will eventually be for sale .... sounds great, thanks for the feedback.
I don't even know what a touring is vs. a limited or whatever, but that won't take too much to find out!
If anyone has any leasing advice, too, they can post - I have a feeling that a seeminly 'affordable' lease could be pretty costly in the end if one ends up buying.

 

Well, if I can't afford a new one, as I say, there will be rental vehicles that will eventually be for sale .... sounds great, thanks for the feedback.
I don't even know what a touring is vs. a limited or whatever, but that won't take too much to find out!
If anyone has any leasing advice, too, they can post - I have a feeling that a seeminly 'affordable' lease could be pretty costly in the end if one ends up buying.

Not a big fan of leasing. Occasionally, there are killer deals out there (like a few years ago, Toyota ran a $99/month 36 month lease on their Base Tacoma, with nothing down and a 12k per year mileage limit); however, the numbers RARELY work well for the average consumer (and most people don't know how to truly analyze them to understand things like residual value, etc, including, BTW, the salespeople who try to lease it to you). As a Tax Accountant/Enrolled Agent, I see the tax advantages to them for my business clients; and, some of my clients who like to get a new car every two years like the convenience (and don't take as big a depreciation hit when driving it off the lot every two years, depending on the negotiated residual value); however, leasing, then buying at the end of the lease usually costs much more than just waiting and buying outright. The conversation is much greater than I've stated (I could go on for pages:facepalm; however, IMHO, except for the situations outlined, it would be my recommendation that you try to buy, when you can, especially if you plan on keeping your car for a while. There are plenty of articles on the net, like at CR, which also list out the pros and cons of leasing, if you want to research further.

HTH

Robert