We just picked up a 2006 Toyota Avalon XLS. Got a HECK of a deal, so it was a no brainer between this car, the 2006 ES330, and a 2006 Audi A6. Lexus quoted us at 34k for the ES, Audi was giving no less than 42k on the A6, and both offered only $6800 for our 1999 Volvo S80 T6 as a trade in. Toyota gave us the Avalon XLS (not including Nav/cooled seats) at sticker for 34k, then took off 3k to make it $31,000. Then they offered us $8000 for the trade in. :eek2: Simple decision, plus its a Toyota so the reliability is a huge factor also (on par with the ES, and way ahead of the Audi). Car drives very nicely, and is comfortable and smooth. I will post pics a little later on, after I finish waxing the Lex, because no picture is a picture unless the SC is in it :D
Gojirra99
02-04-06, 10:47 AM
Congratulations :woot: Nice car , I' ve sat in the backseat, it's very comfortable :thumbup: Looking forward to see your pics.
RiverRat
02-04-06, 10:49 AM
The backseat is GIGANTIC, very roomy!!! Plus it reclines :D
The car on the interior is VERY reminiscent to our 1990LS400, in fact, thats the first thing my dad noticed.
I've already started the mods, ordered a factory style lip spoiler + new white headlight and foglight bulbs (matching colors). Small things, but that's how it starts :D
bitkahuna
02-04-06, 11:11 AM
Congrats. Nice car. Why didn't you want nav by the way?
lexusk8
02-04-06, 11:14 AM
Congrats on picking up the latest Avalon. I've sat in it before, and it's a dramatic improvement compared to its earlier models. It's also an eye-catcher on the roads these days :thumbup:
What factory options are included with your purchase?
RiverRat
02-04-06, 11:30 AM
We picked up the basic options that our dealer orders every XLS with.
# JBL Synthesis® AM/FM Cassette/6-disc in-dash CD changer, 360 watts maximum output with 12 speakers including subwoofer, Radio Data System (RDS), in-glass antenna and FM diversity reception [3]
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) [1] and Traction Control with Brake Assist [2] with heated front seats
The Nav package and HIDs were the only options we didn't pick up. We really have no use for the Nav, so why pay extra for something that isn't needed?
I pushed for them to pick up the HID option on the car, but they didn't want to bite. Dealer was willing to give us the HID's for around $300 all said and done. I suppose a HID kit would be cheaper, but certainly wouldn't give the same look as real HID lamps.
GS3Tek
02-04-06, 12:03 PM
Still no pictures of the car??? :D
I was also staring alot at the new Avalons. :eek2:
$300 for the hid is a good price. Good call :thumbup:
And backseat reclining??? Wow.
When you get a chance, pictures of the interiors, front and back please :thumbup:
RiverRat
02-04-06, 12:15 PM
Making a trip downstairs to the garage right now for some pics! I wanted to take them outside, but the rain isnt helping matters.
mmarshall
02-04-06, 12:24 PM
Congragulations....nice car. :thumbup: I did a review of the new Avalon XLS ( posted here on CL ) when it first came out a year ago...had mixed feelings on it. I liked the powertrain but was not wild about the interior....but of course the Toyota reliability factor is always a strong selling point. What color did you get?....I thought the Avalon's best production colors were the light green ( spruce) silver metallic and the ultra-dark-red black cherry. Anyhow, you can do your own review now ( and no doubt have ) ......never mind what we think.
Do you know the standard break-in rules, or did they go over them at the dealership with you when you signed the papers? If not PM me and I'll give them to you.
rominl
02-04-06, 12:26 PM
wow nice car there man :) this is a great car!
RiverRat
02-04-06, 12:42 PM
They went over the break in as not driving any stagnant speed for the first 1000 miles, not racing the engine, i suppose over 3500k rpm, as well as not exceeding 70 mph. Is this accurate mmarshall?
Pics up in a few, uploading as we speak. Color is Titanium.
RiverRat
02-04-06, 01:02 PM
Here's some, I'll take more when the spoiler and upgraded lights are installed, better pics to come then!
First shot, not a lot of room in the garage with 2 cars :p
http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data/500/DSCF00012.JPG
From the front looking back
http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data/500/DSCF00042.JPG
I like the Dual Exhaust!
http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data/500/DSCF00052.JPG
sorry for the blur, but here's the HUD at full brightness and no camera flash:
http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data/500/DSCF00061.JPG
Front console with all the doors open:
http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data/500/DSCF00074.JPG
mmarshall
02-04-06, 01:03 PM
They went over the break in as not driving any stagnant speed for the first 1000 miles, not racing the engine, i suppose over 3500k rpm, as well as not exceeding 70 mph. Is this accurate mmarshall?
Pics up in a few, uploading as we speak. Color is Titanium.
Yes...this is a good idea. Vary the engine speed...meaning don't drive long stretches at EXACTLY the same RPM. Keeping it under 3500, like they said, is fine.......you can usually do 4000 without any harm........but do NOT take it over 4500 at all. No brake-torque or full-throttle jack-rabbit starts. ( The Avalon, of course, is not a dragster and most people don't drive it like one ). Try to avoid towing and high engine loads. Avoid hard braking or panic stops except in an emergency or to avoid an accident. Consider an oil and filter change at 1000 miles to get shavings and impurities out of the oil system....you will not find that in the Owners' Manual or Maintenance schedule but it is a good idea. After that, 3-5 months and 3000-5000 miles depending on driving conditions.
Following these steps will help the engine's moving parts, particularly the piston rings, and the brake pads seat properly, and help keep the engine from becoming a premature oil-burner. After 1000-1200 miles or so, you can drive a little more aggressively........but of course, the Avalon is more of a luxury car than a sports sedan, though the new chassis is a little more sports-oriented than the last one was, especially in the Touring version.
And, as with EVERY new car and new-car owner, my recommendation for SCRATCH-OUT to keep the paint looking like new and get out surface scratches and stains:
http://www.kitwax.com/html/kitProducts.htm
Available on-line, some auto parts shops, and CVS drug stores.
RiverRat
02-04-06, 01:06 PM
A view from the back:
http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data/500/DSCF00083.JPG
Rear legroom, its gigantic, and there is no middle hump, so the middle seat is no longer as much of a pain to sit in! Genious idea :thumbup: Also gotta love those Costco floor mats!
http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data/500/DSCF00093.JPG
Rear seats, the closest seat is reclined, notice the gap with the middle seat as opposed to the far seat which is not reclined.
http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data/500/DSCF00105.JPG
Finally a view to the front from sitting in the rear middle.
http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data/500/DSCF00111.JPG
Of course, no pic set is complete without the SC. Plus, 2 hours of elbow grease warrants an immediate photo op :D
Here's my driver's side rear quarter, just to show the shine :D
http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data/500/DSCF00134.JPG
RiverRat
02-04-06, 01:10 PM
Thanks for the advice mmarshall. I have some Scratch Out sitting here, waiting for a good day to use it on the car after a wash.
mmarshall
02-04-06, 01:18 PM
From the pictures, it looks like you put either rubber or clear-vinyl floor mats in the front of the Avalon. That is a good idea :thumbup: , one I strongly recommend and something I have always done myself. Fabric or carpeted mats may look and feel nice, but believe me, in anything but perfect weather and perfectly clean surfaces, they are a pain in the a * * to keep clean.
RiverRat
02-04-06, 01:45 PM
Yessir! They are rubber all weather floor mats from Costco. I have been using them in the Lex for years, and they have kept my carpet super clean! Plus with all those grooves, they catch the sand and dirt, so all it takes to clean them is pulling them out, hosing them down, and putting them back in!
rominl
02-05-06, 11:12 AM
very nice, i am still surprised how roomy the back of the avalon is. sometimes i think it's even roomier than the back of the ls430, since it has a completely flat floor!
mink92890
02-05-06, 11:27 AM
How do the back seats recline? Manually or automatic... and if you could please post a pic of the lever or what to adjust...
CONGRATULATIONS on the car... its a beautiful car
Mink92890
RiverRat
02-05-06, 12:45 PM
There is a lever to pull on the side of the seat, in the same position that the lever would be on a front seat. I'll get a pic soon, going outside to take better pictures of the car soon. Also, the passenger side rear seat reclines the middle seat as well, they are connected, whereas the driver side rear seat is a separate recline.
RiverRat
02-05-06, 02:43 PM
MORE PICS, SORRY FOR THE BLURR!! my next investment is surely a tripod :thumbup:
We just picked up a 2006 Toyota Avalon XLS. Got a HECK of a deal, so it was a no brainer between this car, the 2006 ES330, and a 2006 Audi A6. Lexus quoted us at 34k for the ES, Audi was giving no less than 42k on the A6, and both offered only $6800 for our 1999 Volvo S80 T6 as a trade in. Toyota gave us the Avalon XLS (not including Nav/cooled seats) at sticker for 34k, then took off 3k to make it $31,000. Then they offered us $8000 for the trade in. :eek2: Simple decision, plus its a Toyota so the reliability is a huge factor also (on par with the ES, and way ahead of the Audi). Car drives very nicely, and is comfortable and smooth. I will post pics a little later on, after I finish waxing the Lex, because no picture is a picture unless the SC is in it :DGood choice Raj. I know there were a lot of sleepness nights trying to decide ;)
tzu911
02-05-06, 04:50 PM
The backseat is GIGANTIC, very roomy!!! Plus it reclines :D
I know, I love the new Avy, plus the exterior looks good.
redzeppelin
02-05-06, 06:16 PM
congrats, she's a beaut.
mink92890
02-05-06, 08:20 PM
That lever looks nice... They should make it automatic but maybe thats too luxurious for an avalon?
Great great color
enjoy