New 96 XLS owner questions

[sjag]

Hi all,

I just purchased a 96 XLS and had some questions that maybe you all can help answer. I stumbled on this site a while ago and have been catching up on posts for about the past month.

My car - 96 XLS / 145,000 miles / Extremely well taken care of / just inspected and had a few questions

During the inspection it was found that the car still had the original starter and alternator. I was wondering how long others have noticed that these lasted before needing replacement?

I may be able to find this but thought I would ask here: Where is the oil filter located at? I plan on doing the normal oil/filter, air filter, and possibly plugs. I will get the repair manual at some point but i just got the car so. . .

I appreciated the post on changing the plugs as it looks like the back 3 are going to be fun

Are there any recommendations for preventative maintenance that I can be doing at the 150,000 mark? I plan to flush most of the fluids but everything else checked out in good shape according to my mechanic.

Other then the questions I just wanted to say thay I am extremely happy with the car and got a super deal on a "clean" 96.

I'll try to post some pics once I get it cleaned up.

Thanks

[mmejia]

I have 98 Avalon XL with the original starter as well. I have 124k miles on it now. I would say the starter will serve you okay if you don't have problems cranking and it sounds fine.

The alternator, for me at least, went out at around 117k miles on the car.

The oil filter is located right under the front exhaust manifold. It's kind of a pain to get to when the engine is hot.

Since you are going to be changing all the fluids, the only other thing I could recommend is to have your mechanic check some of the suspension components (e.g. tie rods, bushings, etc). That's if he didn't do that for you already.

[Fuji*]

I have a 97 Avalon xls and i have both the original starter and alternator. Currently mileage at 148k and im having no problems with the car. Just routine maintenance and its all good =]. The air filter is that black box to the front right side of the car, just pop it open and there's your air filter

[greeksoccerboy]

I have a 97 XLS w/ 145k miles and s/ced =]. Original starter, alternator, hell just about everything but the supercharger and spark plugs.. great car you won't regret it. Oil filter is right under/behind the headers. it's real easy to spot if you take a look. how's the coolant, trans fluid?

[BMR]

My Avalon's starter was replaced at ~180k miles. Still has the original alternator.

My Cam still has the original for both at 292k miles.

I'm a believer in changing hoses and belts preventatively, but I wouldn't do that for starters & alternators. JMHO.

[sjag]

Hey all, thanks for all the updates!

During the inspection the brake fluid and coolant fluid both turned up "discolored", but the transmission fluid was very clean and red. I got a quote for both the brake and coolant fluid flush and plan to do that at 150k.

I did get the air filter changed - very easy Also, after looking over the engine for a bit I did see that the oil filter is right in the front under the heat manifold. This is very similar to my 90 celica GTS which I always loved because it is easy to get to.

I am also a fan of preventative belt replacement. Thank goodness this car wa serviced at my usual garage so they let me know that they had replaced the timing belt at around 130k. It should be good till at least 225k on that. Any other belts I need to watch out for? I didn't look to see if it was a serpentine or just a timing belt.

Overall, I am very happy with the Avy and am quickly becoming a fanboy My wife is already trying to pawn her car on me so she can drive it.

I detailed the car this weekend and hope to have a few pics up soon. It's very stock but in great shape.

[kevdude]

The only other belt I've had to replace due to failure was the power steering. I've done the other belts (serpentine, timing) at regular intervals so I don't get stuck somewhere. Hopefully the previous owners kept the oil changed regularly, or you may have the "sludge" issue. No tranny issues, alternator and starter still going strong at 188,000 miles plus. Replaced the rack and pinion for leaking a few years back.

[Fuji*]

We just gotta love our Avy's. I never really had a major problem with my avy so far and its about to hit 150k. Just regular maintenance. I have some pics of my avy in the avy pic thread. Post some of your avys there =]

[BMR]

Originally Posted by sjag

Any other belts I need to watch out for? I didn't look to see if it was a serpentine or just a timing belt.

There are two in addition to the timing belt, a serpentine and a separate one for the power steering. They're both cheap and easy to replace. Best to do them both at the same time, as one is "inside" the other, so to do the inner one, the outer has to be removed first.

[DiggerDogger]

My '95 Avy is the best vehicle I've owned.

[El_delincuente]

If you gonna be changing the plugs, the 3 of them in back are a pain in the B lol...Unless you have some sort of magnet to pull them up...good luck