considering buying an avalon

[akoda]

Hey All,

I am considering buying my wife a new car. She keeps wanting to drive my runner and we can't have that;-)

The cars we are considering are:

Avalon

Maxima

Volvo wagon 2.5T or XC

Any thoughts? I have always had and liked the Maxima but I looked at the Avalon yesterday and was impressed with the size. I am 6'8'' so size matters. She loves the Volvo but they are pricey and an electrical nightmare.

Koda

 

[alpha]

I've driven all of them. In my opinion, the avalon is the best car and most fun to drive. I also don't like the design of the new maxima. I've seen the electrical problems of Volvo's. Probably about 70% of the Volvos that have come into the shop, no matter the age, had some sort of electrical problem. Most of the problems were some window not rolling down, but that's what we deal with, but we also have to turn off all accessories. Sometimes the radio wouldn't turn off or something like that.

 

[Gromulus]

Avalon!!!

My wife is in the market for a new vehicle. It's like ulling teeth to get her out looking and test driving cars. She drovethe new Avalon among others. and loved the ride. Very comfortable, a huge back seat with reclining seats, extremely quiet, and excellent gas mileage numbers with a more powerful 282 HP engine.

I have not read a bad or even mediocre review of this car yet. Many consider it a value compared to entry-level luxury cars, including the smaller Camry-based Lexus ES.

The old Avalon was a "Japanese Buick" in terms of handling. The new model is somewhat better, although still no sports sedan. Most buyers in this market are looking for room, a quiet and softer ride, some luxury, and reliability. The Avalon has all of this in spades!

My wife's big objection is the size. It just feels too big for her. It is longer than her current minivan and my 4Runner. I think it would be a great addition but she is the one who will drive it.

 

[akoda]

I drove the Avalon last week like you I loved the ride and the size of the car but it felt like something my parents would drive. I am not convinced it is the car for me. I think I need something a little sportier. Maybe a Maxima.

koda

 

[peter78]

Volvo wagon 2.5T or XC

She loves the Volvo but they are pricey and an electrical nightmare.

Koda

My thoughts exactly. I had a Volvo once and I really liked it, I have also looked at them when we are buying a new car. I really like them, but there is a little voice in the back of my head saying "Don't do it".

 

[dano]

Look @ the Acura TL

I was in the same perdicament this past summer. My wife had an '02 Lexus ES300 that we tired of. It is not an engaging car to drive. The Avalon was more fun to drive with 282 hp vs 190 but I keep seeing senior citizens in them. I thought maybe the new and improved Avalon would attract a younger buyer but I haven't seen anyone under 60 in one yet.
We test drove the Acura TL and fell in love with it. And the age of most drivers I've seen is 30 to 50 so it appeals to both the young and the young at heart (we are 54).
At 6'8" you may not fit too well in it though. What the heck, just buy another 4Runner!

 

[akoda]

Re: Look @ the Acura TL

I was in the same perdicament this past summer. My wife had an '02 Lexus ES300 that we tired of. It is not an engaging car to drive. The Avalon was more fun to drive with 282 hp vs 190 but I keep seeing senior citizens in them. I thought maybe the new and improved Avalon would attract a younger buyer but I haven't seen anyone under 60 in one yet.
We test drove the Acura TL and fell in love with it. And the age of most drivers I've seen is 30 to 50 so it appeals to both the young and the young at heart (we are 54).
At 6'8" you may not fit too well in it though. What the heck, just buy another 4Runner!

I read in a review somewhere that the new Avalon design would lower it average driver age from 65 to 60 My wife has seen the new FJ cruiser and is wanting one of those now. I just don't think I need two 4x4's with gas and maintenance. I keep coming back to a Maxima. I love the new Maxima and have 3 Nissan cars in my past. My runner is my first Toyota.

Koda

 

[peter78]

Re: Re: Look @ the Acura TL

My wife has seen the new FJ cruiser and is wanting one of those now. I just don't think I need two 4x4's with gas and maintenance. Koda

I understand that they will have a 2 wheel drive FJ Crusier. Of course I don't really see the point. I guess if you want the look, but not the expense.:bouncy2: