Toyota Avalon Gets New Six-Speed Transmission And Luxury Upgrades For 2008
#32
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Well when you're targeting a particular age group, a screen that's farther away can be beneficial
(i.e. easier to read).
Also, they had alignment issues between the wood panels on the door and the dashboard. I can't upload the hires version cause it's too large for this site (856kb) so here's the lowres. It's somewhat fixed but the right side seems a bit off. It could be perception and because we're looking at it at a slight angle but the wood trim doesn't align well.
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Also, they had alignment issues between the wood panels on the door and the dashboard. I can't upload the hires version cause it's too large for this site (856kb) so here's the lowres. It's somewhat fixed but the right side seems a bit off. It could be perception and because we're looking at it at a slight angle but the wood trim doesn't align well.
#33
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That, of course, does not only apply to the Avalon, but to its primary competitors, too.....the Hyundai Azera (which I think is a better buy than the Avalon), Buick Lucerne, Chevy Impala (the non-SS model), Kia Amanti, and Ford Five Hundred (Taurus)/ Mercury Montego (Sable).
Last edited by mmarshall; 10-17-07 at 02:29 PM.
#34
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It does have a chrome surround. You gotta get the XLS or Limited model.
#35
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I prefer touchscreen but if this Avalon's nav controls (Which I think are kinda cool to be tucked away when not in use) is intuitive enough, then it shouldn't matter.
#36
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The problem with touchscreens and electronic sensor-buttons is that they are tricky to use except on glass-smooth roads. If the car is bouncing a little on road imperfections (and that is more and more a problem nowadays with ever-firmer suspensions and tires), you often end up skipping your finger and touching the wrong sensor, or hitting one at the wrong moment. That is why I like old-fashioned, easy-to-use, round *****.
Fortunately, the Avalon's ride, despite some stiffening lately, is still on the soft side by today's standards.
Fortunately, the Avalon's ride, despite some stiffening lately, is still on the soft side by today's standards.
Last edited by mmarshall; 10-17-07 at 05:37 PM.
#39
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The problem with touchscreens and electronic sensor-buttons is that they are tricky to use except on glass-smooth roads. If the car is bouncing a little on road imperfections (and that is more and more a problem nowadays with ever-firmer suspensions and tires), you often end up skipping your finger and touching the wrong sensor, or hitting one at the wrong moment. That is why I like old-fashioned, easy-to-use, round *****.
Fortunately, the Avalon's ride, despite some stiffening lately, is still on the soft side by today's standards.
Fortunately, the Avalon's ride, despite some stiffening lately, is still on the soft side by today's standards.
No idea how you'd do it on the Lexus models since the screen is almost always flush with the console with little or no "lip" at the base of the screen.
#40
Lexus Test Driver
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I got to check this car out today. Nice car over all. I wouldn't mind buying it myself. Sales guy quoted me $35K and change out the door for the Limited with no Nav (Toyota and Lexus still has no nav for Hawaii). A few problems though. I don't like how Toyoya, and many manufacturers for that matter option out their cars. I personally don't get why they limit interior colors to certain model trims. It is the same car, they should open all the interior trims and colors to all their trim levels. For example. I want a white car with a black leather interior with wood. I want the firmer sportier suspension. I want the HID lights, the rain sensing wipers (For my wife because she likes that) and the push start button. Problem is, the Touring Model has the sports suspension, HIDs, and black leather (Really called Dark Charchol), but no push start button, rain sensing wipers, mirror turn signals and puddle lights. No bid deal right? Just get the Limited Model than. No can do because it doesn't come with the sports suspension, and worst of all it doesn't come with the black (Dark Charchol) interior with the white exterior.
I ran into the same thing for the 08 Infiniti G35. The white color car is no longer available with their black colored interior. There are so many cars that I wouldn't mind buying but decide not to buy simply because I can't get the exterior color with interior color of my choice. I can understand it if that particular color isn't offered at all, but when it is offered with other exterior colors or trim levels that just upsets me. It really does cost them a few sales because I'm one of them. If I can't buy what I really want, no sense in buying it at all. Over all the 08 changes to the Avalon are really nice and I like this car much better than the Lexus ES350. Probably wont get it simply because you can't get the black interior on the Limited model. My wife still likes the Lexus RX, so hopefully the 09 Model can be had exactly how I want it.
I ran into the same thing for the 08 Infiniti G35. The white color car is no longer available with their black colored interior. There are so many cars that I wouldn't mind buying but decide not to buy simply because I can't get the exterior color with interior color of my choice. I can understand it if that particular color isn't offered at all, but when it is offered with other exterior colors or trim levels that just upsets me. It really does cost them a few sales because I'm one of them. If I can't buy what I really want, no sense in buying it at all. Over all the 08 changes to the Avalon are really nice and I like this car much better than the Lexus ES350. Probably wont get it simply because you can't get the black interior on the Limited model. My wife still likes the Lexus RX, so hopefully the 09 Model can be had exactly how I want it.
#41
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I like having a clock in the car. I have not worn a watch for well over 5 years. I use the clock in the car and my cell.
#42
Lexus Test Driver
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Same here with the clock. I don't wear a watch and grabbing the cell phone from my pocket is a PITA sometimes. Especially since it is a PDA phone so it really isn't on. I loved the clock in the dash cluster on my SC400 and BMW 330i. It is right there in your line of sight. I still haven't gotten used to finding the clock on my LS400. My eyes never go directly to it. I aways have to look for it for a second or two.
#44
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That so-called infatuation with clocks in modern cars seems to have started with two things........First, the fact that, unlike those of decades ago, the clocks in modern cars actually WORK, and, Second, Infiniti started making auto clocks fashionable again when it introduced the circular/oval crystal analog dash clocks with its first cars in 1990-91. They became a big hit and an Infiniti tradition.....and other automakers, to an extent, have copied them.
#45
Lexus Test Driver
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i love the avalon, especially the ones before the refresh with the toyota body kit with the bbs wheels added to it, it looked so hott, im on 20 years old, have a 02 GS300 right now and i wouldnt mind buying and driving around a avalon, but it has to have that kit on the car for me to drive it, if not, i feel like the car looks like a old people car. i wonder how this one is gonna work with the kit. but overall i do like the changes, and especially the darker wood