Yes I would buy it again. I'd prefer just a little softer ride but reliability trumps that. What other car is there. Caddy and Lincoln have left me walking, My Acura's were very reliable but not all that quiet. The Honda Accords I used to get for my company had their share of problems. The Camry's were near perfect.

I hate SUV's, they make lousy cars and lousy trucks, I will never again own a car with a wiper on the back window. I much prefer a car, when I need a truck I have a RAM diesel.

The ES350 would have been my next choice but it is not all that much better than the Avalon and I really like my Toyota dealer I have been using for a long time. I preferred to give them the business.

I didn't get all the high tech stuff. Seems like more to break. I very seldom drive on interstates. Most of my driving is in the country. When I travel I take the company plane.

So, all things considered, yep I'd do it again.

I can't wait to get to summer so I can try getting rubber in 2nd...

 

The primary reason I bought an Avalon Hybrid Limited was the Hybrid. It and its cousin Lexus E300H are uniquely fuel efficient, powerful and comfortable.

The initial firm ride was the only slight negative that I have experienced; however, the ride is improving and soon should become exactly how I like it as the high quality suspension wears-in, just like it has on prior cars I have owned. If not, simply replacing the 55 series tires with the 60 series tires that came on prior year cars will make the difference. The speedometer currently reads 1 to 2 MPH fast on the OE 55 series tires and will actually be more accurate on 60 series tires.

I experienced none of the other problems listed by the OP. They would be annoying, but are still very minor, fixable and no reason to panic and sell or trade-in a good car for a huge loss.

I would definitely buy the Avalon Hybrid Limited again as there is nothing else comparable to it at this time, except the more expensive Lexus E300H which is essentially the same car.

 

The primary reason I bought an Avalon Hybrid Limited was the Hybrid. It and its cousin Lexus E300H are uniquely fuel efficient, powerful and comfortable.

The initial firm ride was the only slight negative that I have experienced; however, the ride is improving and soon should become exactly how I like it as the high quality suspension wears-in, just like it has on prior cars I have owned. If not, simply replacing the 55 series tires with the 60 series tires that came on prior year cars will make the difference. The speedometer currently reads 1 to 2 MPH fast on the OE 55 series tires and will actually be more accurate on 60 series tires.

I experienced none of the other problems listed by the OP. They would be annoying, but are still very minor, fixable and no reason to panic and sell or trade-in a good car for a huge loss.

I would definitely buy the Avalon Hybrid Limited again as there is nothing else comparable to it at this time, except the more expensive Lexus E300H which is essentially the same car.

THe Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is comparable
I drove one pior to buying my 13 TAH
did not like the microsoft on the console and smaller engine

 

I took delivery of my TAH Lmited w/o tech package on March 1, 2013 and had my one-year service and the HVAC unit safety recall work done today (took only an hour total). Also filled the tank. Total miles in the first year, 5588; total gallons of fuel purchased, 134.938; real mpg 41.41. Not quite up to Nilnoc's standard, but not too shabby for a big car. Total cost of first year ownership ex fuel - $0. Would I buy it again? In a heartbeat. I find the ride taut and firm, and the car drives and tracks like a dream. I ;ove the extrior and the interior design, and I find the fit and finish to be superb. The cabin is wonderfully quiet, and the tech features I have (BSM, rear cross traffic warning) are worth their weight in gold. Don't have adaptive cruise control, which some love. Nav works fine, and phone synchup was dead easy. I have found the seats to be very firm, and it took me some time to find a comfortable setting for the driver's seat (I'm just 170 poinds), but I now find that I'm not at all uncomfortable after long drives. The JBL sound system is, in my view, not up to its advertised snuff - far too much boominess in the base - but at lowish volumes and with both the base and the midrange turned way down, it does provide acceptable sound reproduction for classical music, which is what I mostly listen to. I have not had any problems with the headliner or the seat backs. I did have a rattle problem by the center rear brake light, but I figured out a way to deal with that, so that's gone. No car is perfect, but for me at leaat, this one comes pretty close. I came from a fabulous 1995 Avalon which had no problems over 18 years and 120,000 miles. But it did have very soft seats and ride, and I was particularly attracted by the 4th Gen's taut and firm ride and firm seats. I wangted a taut and firm ride in my replacement. When I was looking to buy, the competition was an Audi A6 FWD, but I found both the seats and the ride less appealing than the Avalon's. I also found the interior design was less to my taste, the trunk was smaller, and, of course, it was not a hybrid. It also cost roughly $8,000 more with the same fearures, and, like Mercedes and BMW, Audis' service costs are very high. I didn't really consider the Lexus 300EH because I was very put off by the design of the dashboard and the controls, especially the "controller" feature vs the touch screen in the Avalon. know I sound a bit like a paid Toyota Avalon promoter, but my views are not "paid for" and they are heartfelt. For this owner, at least, the 4th Gen TAH Limited is a fabulous car.

2013 TAH Limited w/o tech package, sizzling crimson mica w/ gray interior; 2/13 build date

 

To me, there's much more to like than to dislike in my 2013 TAL.

Likes: Handling, tracking, acceleration, quiet ride, tech package (esp. BSM, cross traffic, radar cruise, phone integration, iPod integration, XM traffic, etc.), back up camera, interior layout, controls, back-lit controls, interior comfort (now that dealer "adjusted" & re-padded seat), climate control system, exterior styling, keyless system, and with 20,000 miles of break in, I like the RIDE. I find Entune's Bing & Pandora apps very useful.

Neutral (OK, but could be better): Voice controls, highway MPG (32.6 avg), audio system sound quality.

Dislikes: Black carpet & mats, lack of useful Entune apps.

Defects: Driver's seat back failure, seat bottom comfort, airbag controller AC recall (all corrected).

Wish list: Heated steering wheel, lane departure warning, backup sensors, speed warning system (tells you the speed limit where you're driving and alerts when speeding, etc.)

I'd buy it again. If I won the lottery, I'd get a Lexus LS 460, about $90,000. Until then, I'm very happy with my Avalon.

 

Likely not...
We had a 2010 Camry SE/V6.. not a bad car but had build issues, but better seats than the Avalon, handled well and the V6 is a great engine...Thought we would put it behind us and try an Avalon...10K and already a recall...and a pending recall for the seat heater issue..not happy..
If we had to do it again... we would have looked at the Infinity M/G series.

 

Likely not...
We had a 2010 Camry SE/V6.. not a bad car but had build issues, but better seats than the Avalon, handled well and the V6 is a great engine...Thought we would put it behind us and try an Avalon...10K and already a recall...and a pending recall for the seat heater issue..not happy..
If we had to do it again... we would have looked at the Infinity M/G series.

So Infinity has never had a recall....Do a search.

 

That is a difficult question to answer. I love the looks of my Avalon Limited with tech package. I had a pin stripe added which I think looks great (breaks up the blizzard white). I love the navigation, rear traffic camera, radar cruise, blind spot monitor, etc. I don't like the seat comfort, harsh ride nor the noise. I thought I was buying a luxury car when I actually bought a sport car. (my fault I guess, but seat is ok for a few miles like a test drive. I have had the seat problem, headliner problem and of course, the recall. Would I buy again, I doubt it. The ride and driver seat are a definite problems for me. I am not large as some as suggested-- I am 5'6" and weigh in 145lbs. I have bought a cushion for the seat, but it does cut down on the heat. I love side window visors, and weather tech is not making any for the Avalon. I don't think Toyota is selling very many. I live in a metroplex, and I have seen 2 others on the road.

 

At the risk of repeating myself, allow me to repeat myself:

It's the one year anniversary of the day I drove my new Avalon Hybrid Limited home. Ive been completely happy. I've kept careful cost and trip records using an app on my phone.

Total miles: 16,600

• Road trip miles: 10,400
• Overall mpg: 40.92
• Best tank mpg: 47.8
• Worst tank mpg: 36.7
• Gasoline consumed: 405 gallons
• Running cost per mile: 8.3 cents
• Average gas cost: $3.39
• Miles/$: 12.06
• Maintenance expenditures: $48.13 (oil change at 5,000 miles)
• Assemble integrity: No problems with headliner, seatbacks or anything else

Subjective factors:

• Power: Completely sufficient, not as fast as the V-6, but adequate merging and passing power
• Seat comfort: Comfortable (love the heated and cooled seats; love that door and console armrests are at the same perfect height; love that you sit in, not on the seats)
• Ride comfort: No complaints whatsoever
• Handling: Sport mode improves it, but normally I drive in ECO and like it. Have had to take evasive action twice with good control; easy one finger driving at any speed (not that I do this)
• Tires: Made the dealer switch when new from Bridgestone to Michelin. Good move.
• Interior: Still looks new; adequate storage, but wish the door pockets were larger and flipped out like my 2007
• Trunk space: Very sufficient for two who travel heavy on roadtrips
• Exterior styling: The 'mouth' no longer appears to gape; love the collection of subtle curves
• Navigation: No complaints; not the best in class, but it has always found my destination and reroutes quickly when I decide to take a different road
• Dealer service department experience: Very good

Customization:

• Mud flaps
• Badges removed from rear
• Rear license plate surround in carbon fiber
• Slight rim rash on one wheel (thanks Mrs. N!)

Favorite features:

1. Adaptive cruise control
2. Pre-collision system
3. Backup camera
4. Blind spot monitoring
5. Auto high beams
6. Auto wipers
7. Bluetooth

Things I wish my Avalon had:

• Folding rear seat back
• Full size spare tire
• More interesting local roads to travel on

PS, I just completed a 420 mile ride East yesterday, going through multiple heavy snow bands. Some near white out conditions. Car felt secure. And after 9 hours, I was ready to get out of the car. But not because my butt was hurting.

 

At the risk of repeating myself, allow me to repeat myself:



PS, I just completed a 420 mile ride East yesterday, going through multiple heavy snow bands. Some near white out conditions. Car felt secure. And after 9 hours, I was ready to get out of the car. But not because my butt was hurting.

That PITA would have been evident even in a Bentley :lol:

 

What the heck, I'll repeat myself again as well, it's the thing to do around here, LOL

I enjoy the taunt, stiff, drivers suspension the new Avalon has. That's why I waited a year and a half to get one, didn't want a duplicate of my 2000 XLE which is currently at Penn State with my son, humming along with 240K miles.

I went cheap, just got the XLE and traded in a 2012 Mazda3 which got to be too small and buzzy for me when we drive on I-80 across to Youngstown, OH to visit the kids. My car has an Oct 2013 build date (surprised it wasn't built as a 2014). I have not experienced any of the initial run quality issues, no back seat issue, no headliner issue (it has the fix) no smelly refrigeration, no mirror noise.

As it stands, this car has more tech than any other I have ever purchased and it's only the base model. I didn't care about a sunroof, and all the other high tech stuff. The Bluetooth works great for Pandora etc, but it would be nice to have a back up camera (I find the rear kind of high when backing up and already lightly backed into my recycle bin). I found one that will wire right in for $130 and use the display . I believe this is the same part Toyota uses, as a Toyota dealer is selling the kit.

I happen to think it's a damn good looking car as well. I'll keep this one at least until my 0% payment is all finished.

 

I love my avalon only thing I would do different is maybe get a hybrid limited. I have not had any major issues other than a slight whistling sound from the mirrors. I love the quality of my avalon again I have not had any issues that is why I do. I believe the paint is soft and easily chips.

 

I believe the paint is soft and easily chips.

Seems to be a problem with all makes today. The paint today does not seem to be as good.

 

I also got a $75.00 VISA gift card for test driving a Lexus ES350. It and the Lincoln Maui Jim's offer showed up in the mail about this time last year. I think it probably came as a result of my owning a Lincoln Town car at that time which I traded for the TAH.

 

did not buy.

Test drove one, it was pretty nice smooth ride in city blocks. Xle premium, 2013 Avalon cpo w about 17k miles. Five min. test drive.

Rented an xle 2013 w about 23k miles on it. Seat very uncomfortable and while handling was excellent and felt like a responsive smaller size car, I sometimes felt jarred like up and down in my seat from just very normal type streets. ...not like big potholes or something. It was quite surprising. The rental had bridgestone turanzas and the other one had something else, do not recall what. So I do not know if the different tires had anything to do with it.

I know this was would u buy again but thought I would post this here. Definitely very good quality but too uncomfortable and unpredictable in the feel of the ride for me. The v6 is really nice in this car. Just not the right one for me.

 

Test drove one, it was pretty nice smooth ride in city blocks. Xle premium, 2013 Avalon cpo w about 17k miles. Five min. test drive.

Rented an xle 2013 w about 23k miles on it. Seat very uncomfortable and while handling was excellent and felt like a responsive smaller size car, I sometimes felt jarred like up and down in my seat from just very normal type streets. ...not like big potholes or something. It was quite surprising. The rental had bridgestone turanzas and the other one had something else, do not recall what. So I do not know if the different tires had anything to do with it.

I know this was would u buy again but thought I would post this here. Definitely very good quality but too uncomfortable and unpredictable in the feel of the ride for me. The v6 is really nice in this car. Just not the right one for me.

Let us know what you buy?
I am in the toyota Lexus camp myself and I drove the Lexus
I strongly reccommed the Hybrid to all ,a run michelins

 

xle

Yes, the premium felt OK re seat and ride, had some tire other than bridgestones. I can call and find out what they were. It was at a rental car for sale.(Enterprise). The base xle, from a renting Enterprise place, had a seat that hurt and while the feeling of the v6, cabin quiet, essentially a great experience of driving was basically frustrated by feeling bumpiness of the ride over regular city roads ..... the sense of perfect drive feel at the wheel is made completely a 'no' in the end due to seat and bumpy ride.
I will try gen 3 Avalon and Camry . I will find out about those tires if anyone would be helped by that. Both cars had similar miles, one at 17k miles and the uncomfortable one was at about 23k.
If u can be comfortable, it is truly a wonderful car to drive.
Use of a pillow was a must for my back just to drive maybe two miles back to the rental place.

 

Yes, the premium felt OK re seat and ride, had some tire other than bridgestones. I can call and find out what they were. It was at a rental car for sale.(Enterprise). The base xle, from a renting Enterprise place, had a seat that hurt and while the feeling of the v6, cabin quiet, essentially a great experience of driving was basically frustrated by feeling bumpiness of the ride over regular city roads ..... the sense of perfect drive feel at the wheel is made completely a 'no' in the end due to seat and bumpy ride.
I will try gen 3 Avalon and Camry . I will find out about those tires if anyone would be helped by that. Both cars had similar miles, one at 17k miles and the uncomfortable one was at about 23k.
If u can be comfortable, it is truly a wonderful car to drive.
Use of a pillow was a must for my back just to drive maybe two miles back to the rental place.

Jeanie, It appears from the brochure that the seats should be the same. Is it possible your discomfort came from the seat being adjusted differently?

 

Well,obviously these things are so subjective.
I definitely adjusted them quite a bit to try to deal w the immediate discomfort including adjusting lumbar support on and then off. Then gave it about 12 miles of driving still not right.
Might be just that individual car.
No matter what anyone writes though a person just has to try it......

 

No matter what anyone writes though a person just has to try it......

We all have opinions, but, you're 100% correct.

 

I bought a 2013 Avalon hybrid touring just after Christmas. When I went to the dealer I ws looking for a Camry XLE hybrid, but I made the mistake of driving an Avalon Hybrid first. For me there was no comparison, and I ended up 2 weeks later buying the Avalon, after I figured how to pay for it.
Love the car, it does fit me very well and it is quiet (my last car was an 11 Prius). One little defect I noticed after purchase, took it to the dealer and they replaced the front dome light, now 3,000 miles and 3 months later I'm a happy camper. The car came with Michilins and I'm happy with that so no complaints except that it cost more than my first house.

 

Love my Avalon Limited, changed my wheels and tires to 18×8 rims/245/45 tires and the car handles better
the only way I would purchase another Avalon is if Toyota would increase the hp by 30hp. Suspension could be better as well
other than that love the car.

 

Bought my 2013 TAH Touring cpo in the beginning of March, so a couple of weeks ago. I originally test drove the Fusion Hybrid and Camry Hybrid but at 6' 5" and two growing boys, I needed a larger car. After test driving the Avalon Hybrid, it was a no-brainer for the minimal extra cost. Compared to other full-size hybrids, I don't think you can match the value. I've been enjoying 40+mpg and love the quality of the fit and finish. Yes, this is not a sports sedan and the front seats could be a little better but all-in-all, I'm a very happy TAH owner and would buy again if I had to do it all over again.

 

I got limited Hybrid with tech package and now I traded it. It's nice at first but driving it is so boring now.

 

Please provide useful information. Traded for what? Happy now? What's better about the new ride?

 

I like being bored, I get fewer tickets. When I need excitement I drive my GT.

 

I purchased the first TAH here in SLC, Utah. Attitude Black and got the Tech PKG, LOVE the car! Would buy it again!

No headliner issues,
Seat is fine,
No stinky,
Rear view mirror came loose, but I tightened it,
Did the recall for the airbag (What vehicle doesn't have a recall).


I only wish the trunk were bigger for more golf bags.
Heated steering wheel would be nice.
Toyota Entune and Maps need a upgrade, Bad!
I wish the Nav displayed in satellite imagery.

 

Here's my likes/dislikes about the 2013 Avalon Limited...

Likes:

• All the whistles & bells.
• Pretty comfy seats.
• Fantastic handling and engine performance.
• Great drive train.
• Dashboard design looks great, but see below on visibility in bright sunlight.
• Primary gauges in front of driver look really nice.
• Doors open really wide.
• You can electronically change the settings on just about everything.
• Blind spot monitoring has saved my bacon several times now. Especially like the "beep" when cross traffic is a threat.
• Large backup camera.
• Better, more intuitive switches for opening the moon roof. (Not like prev. Avalons).

Dislikes:

• Lots of loud rock/pebble noise when driving over pea sized pebbles.
• Drivers seat "pops" like it's loose when you turn corners.
• The angle of the instrument panel where the backup camera/gps display is at such an angle that it's difficult to read when the sun hits it. (And it always does in the daytime).
• Too stiff a ride for a luxury car (if I wanted it that stiff I would have bought a Corvette).
• You feel the road, I mean every bump and crack in it.
• Egress in the front is low and you really have to duck your head when entering/exiting.
• Sheet metal is thin and easy to dent. ie. got 2 door dings in the 1st week of ownership. etc.
• A lot of stuff that used to be includes (like remote start) are only available if you get the Hi-Tech Electronics Package:whatthe:
• Voice commands don't work all that well.
• You can't seem to do anything without voice commands while driving. And if you have to look at the display to see what it's telling you so you can respond with a voice command...how is that not a safety issue?:headbang:
• Updates to the GPS are cost prohibitive. They should be free. Hey you just spent $36,000+ on this thing.
  
  Almost forgot... Would I buy it again? Mmmmm...probably not.

:rant:

 

I recently replaced my hail storm totalled '13 XLE with a '14 XLE. I'm liking the standard back up camera, never had one of those before. I don't know if I can trust it, lol. . So, I liked the '13 so much, I bought another 4 months later.

 

I do not like the low profile tires. I use them in summer but go to 17 inch for winter. Drivers seat is too firm for me. Going in tomorrow to soften it up a little. My leg went to sleep on very long drive and just couldn't get comfortable. Love the safety features but would not buy again. I don't know if its sporty or luxury. I will buy more defined luxury next time. Just my 2 cents.

 

I may have already posted this, so my apologies, but I find the NAV to be the biggest waste of money I ever spent in a car. My wife and I got frustrated and I pulled out my iPhone and pushed the siri button and had driving instructions in 30 seconds.

 

I may have already posted this, so my apologies, but I find the NAV to be the biggest waste of money I ever spent in a car. My wife and I got frustrated and I pulled out my iPhone and pushed the siri button and had driving instructions in 30 seconds.

We have 2 Garmins and free navigation apps on our i-phones (with a data plan providing more data available than we'd ever use). I'm glad I kept the $$ in my pocket to put towards a backyard deck I'm building this summer.:thumbsup:

 

Owned a TAL for 16 months now. My general impression is: good tech, great value, cheap materials. Ride quality leaves a bit to be desired. I had 16" winter wheels and the ride quality was a lot better than the standard 18". Would think twice before buying again.

 

I have no issues with mine other that I wish Toyota used the same entune system as my 4runner which is not a xm/sirius based system for traffic, weather etc and therefore free for those services. If I lost my avalon I would buy another if not its twin ES350.