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Ironically I test drove a new 2013 Avalon XLE (non-hybrid) today in an effort to win a new Corolla or Civic.
(One of our local dealers has a contest going where you like them and one of our local TV stations on Facebook and go and test drive any car on their lot, you are entered to win a new Corolla or Civic, so I thought what the heck, lol).
Anyway, I thought I would drive the new Avalon - this was a XLE model (still nicely optioned, its an Avalon, lol!) and it was the attitude black with black leather interior - which is optional I do believe - this car may have been the XLE Premium or XLE Touring, it definitely was not the Limited model. Its a very nice car, very solid, tight chassis and smooth riding. My only complaint was I was heard two or three "tick" sounds from the dash cluster area when I would hit expansion joints in the road. Maybe it was where the car had a black interior and it had got hot in the afternoon sun and it was just some plastic ticking because of the temperature. Its a little discouraging though. I rented a '13 Sienna LE van last week with 2200 miles on it (drove it about 600 miles) and I didnt notice this on the Sienna and it has nothing but hard plastic on the dash. Maybe this Avalon is an exception rather than a rule... I hope so. The dash layout was nice, but the temperature and fuel gauge was dimly lit, but again I may not have had the lighting up to full capacity.
I would buy one. I would certainally want to test drive another one to make sure it didnt have that annoying tick that the one I test drove had. After awhile though even on that one that may go away after the car gets broken in. In a way I wish that I had of also test drove a Camry. I really like those and anxious to see if I like it better than the last Camry I drove back in '08... an '08 Camry LE.
I hate how the car is egg shaped on the back end. Or maybe it looks more like the shape of a football? Reminds me of the Honda Accord Crosstour. No thanks.
To update on this - I WON the contest I entered by test driving this car! I am still in shock! (See I won a brand new car thread for details). LOL.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tennesseestorm
Ironically I test drove a new 2013 Avalon XLE (non-hybrid) today in an effort to win a new Corolla or Civic.
(One of our local dealers has a contest going where you like them and one of our local TV stations on Facebook and go and test drive any car on their lot, you are entered to win a new Corolla or Civic, so I thought what the heck, lol).
Anyway, I thought I would drive the new Avalon - this was a XLE model (still nicely optioned, its an Avalon, lol!) and it was the attitude black with black leather interior - which is optional I do believe - this car may have been the XLE Premium or XLE Touring, it definitely was not the Limited model. Its a very nice car, very solid, tight chassis and smooth riding. My only complaint was I was heard two or three "tick" sounds from the dash cluster area when I would hit expansion joints in the road. Maybe it was where the car had a black interior and it had got hot in the afternoon sun and it was just some plastic ticking because of the temperature. Its a little discouraging though. I rented a '13 Sienna LE van last week with 2200 miles on it (drove it about 600 miles) and I didnt notice this on the Sienna and it has nothing but hard plastic on the dash. Maybe this Avalon is an exception rather than a rule... I hope so. The dash layout was nice, but the temperature and fuel gauge was dimly lit, but again I may not have had the lighting up to full capacity.
I would buy one. I would certainally want to test drive another one to make sure it didnt have that annoying tick that the one I test drove had. After awhile though even on that one that may go away after the car gets broken in. In a way I wish that I had of also test drove a Camry. I really like those and anxious to see if I like it better than the last Camry I drove back in '08... an '08 Camry LE.
It's $3500 more for the hybrid than the V6. Worth it? Not to me, story of every hybrid. Just wait until Consumer Reports gets a hold of it and like the Prius and Fusion hybrids can't even get close to the mileage. =D
Doesn't appeal to me, but for gadget buyers it's loaded to the gills. I'd prefer a car that's actually well built and more basic. Rattles and poorly executed gauges... not my cup of tea. I've got the rattles in spades in my car (Mazda3), but yeah. Cheap cars, you get what you pay for. I guess it's tolerable in something costing less than $20k, but I've been in C-classes that rattled just as bad.
If you are looking for a big car ride the Avalon is the one to look at. Same car as the Lexus 300h for people watching their money but would like the same comfort at less money.
The Avalon hybrid limited is almost exactly like the Lexus 300h. Same motor and everything but comes with standard leather. The Lexus doesn't have leather standard. They use a vinyl called nuluxe. The Avalon limited comes pretty well equipped. The Lexus can climb above $47,000 easily and if you want the levinson stereo be prepared to pay around $50,000. If you are a status seeker go with the Lexus. If you want the best value go with Avalon.
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