'95 Avalon Engine Noise

[jimmygu3]

I am not a mechanic. I have a '95 Avalon with 135k that has always been a great car for me. It has recently started making a LOT more noise when accelerating. Kind of like a cross between a muscle car and a 1980 Tercel. It sounds like it's having to work harder to get going. Generally, as the car warms up (halfway on the temp gauge), the noise is not as loud, but still louder than it has been in the past.

My mechanic says it's an older car and as cars age they don't sound like they did when they were new. But this noise is so loud I thought maybe my muffler was disconnected or something. Pedestrians and neighbors get startled when I drive by. My wife doesn't want to drive it anymore because of the noise.

The mileage has gotten worse, but I drive all city miles now, whereas I used to drive mostly highway. I used to get 21 hwy and now I get about 16 city. Maybe that's normal.

My uneducated hunch is that the engine components are worn and it's not getting the compression it used to until it warms up. If this is so, would motor oil designed for high mileage cars help? Should I find another mechanic? All advice is appreciated. Thanks!

Jimmy

[ChiTDI]

I'd check all the fluids first. then when the engine is cold get underneath (engine off) and look at the exhaust system for damage, wear, or broken joints before and after the muffler, resonator, and catalytic converter.
Next look is at the engine compartment with the engine running in Park. As your friend lowers and raises the engine speed try to listen and isolate where the noise is coming from.
Maybe an experienced ear may help you at this point. Isolate the sound and we can go from there.

[ShawnM]

If something if obviously wrong to you then it should be fairly obvious to a mechanic. Find another shop and get their opinion.

[toyomoho]

If the noise is as loud as a disconnected muffler, as ShawnM states get a second opinion. Any competent mechanic should also pick it up.