Any issues with 98 Avalons?

[costadragon220]

Hi all, I've been on the corolla forum for a few months and now I have a great opportunity to own another great Toyota for $500 USD so I'm taking it!
And it happens to be a 98 Avalon. It's being practically given to me by a family member b/c he recently bought a customized Mercedez C-class when his Avalon just shut down a few days ago.<-He's got $$ and he's young and doesn't know much about cars,shame really . Short hx, He was driving when it all of a sudden shut off, I'm thinking starter but can't be sure until I get a better hx and a look at it. But for $500 who can say no

Just wondering of any MAJOR issues with this year?

Thanks all for input.

[supra06]

no major issues with my 98 XL, runs perfectly with 129,000 miles and stong

[aigochamaloh]

he was driving and it suddenly shut off? how did you come up with starter? the starter is not engaged anytime after it initially starts the car.

check some things like obdii codes, mil, blah blah blah. maybe the timing belt broke. in that case, just replace it along with the water pump.

[jon456]

Yes AC amplifier quitting, obnoxious clunk from suspension. I have experienced both, fixed the AC for 600 bucks.

[costadragon220]

he was driving and it suddenly shut off? how did you come up with starter? the starter is not engaged anytime after it initially starts the car.
check some things like obdii codes, mil, blah blah blah. maybe the timing belt broke. in that case, just replace it along with the water pump.

Well he says there's no turnover when tried with key. I didn't get full details, my wife did, her presumption was starter. But like a good husband I entertained her, I'm thinking alternator or battery , but I'll let you know.

Yes AC amplifier quitting, obnoxious clunk from suspension. I have experienced both, fixed the AC for 600 bucks.

AC amp just shuts off? Refurbished,New or used fix?
Obnoxious suspension clunk?hmmm.. not happen to be from front driver side? Did you ever get it fixed?


BTW- Anyone know where I could get the OBD code machine readers?

[84Cressida]

Almost 110,000 miles on my '98. Runs great almost 10 years later.

[aigochamaloh]

our big chain auto parts stores usually lends code readers out for a deposit or sometimes for free. check around.

[Ross_t]

I inherited my parents 97 with 70k miles on it. What I found and fixed so far seems to be pretty common with this generation Avalon: Worn front strut mounts, worn sway bar links (front and back,) leaky steering rack, blown rear door speakers. I also replaced the instrument light bulbs. Not sure if this is a common problem, but still a p.i.a to do.

[jon456]

The AC amp went on and off randomly and usually didn't work so a week later I got it fixed. This was over the summer. The Toyota dealer wanted 1200 bucks to fix this so I took it elsewhere, it was 700 actually. The sound is very common, and annoying. For me it is mainly front passenger side, a little drivers side. Many people also experience this from the rear suspension as well.