Im in the process of shopping for a different car. I have a line on a 1995 XLS I'm told that is loaded with options. It has 102,xxx miles on it and has had AMSoil in it for quite some time. I'm told the only draw back right now is that the A/C needs to be charged. The guys is asking $3,000 for it. Just wondering from Toyota owners if this is a good car. I've done online research about it and know the NADA value, but I'm looking for an experienced Toyota owners point of view. Obviously Ill look at and drive the car before making a decision. Any help is appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Trevor
Last edited by tjmc25; 08-01-2010 at 12:15 PM.
Reason: operator error, lol
A few months ago we bought a '96 Avy XLS with 160K for $2k and so far we're happy campers. One caveat though: when a seller tells me "the A/C just needs a recharge" I assume it needs a lot more, otherwise the seller would have taken the trouble to do it before putting the car on the market.
Our car's PO had to have the A/C system completely overhauled at ~130K at a cost of about $1200 (new compressor, drier, etc.) which was actually one reason I decided to buy this particular car. I wouldn't want to be the one saddled with THAT expense. However, our car had spent most of its life in TX and CA where the A/C was probably put to good use year-round; with a midwestern car YMMV.
i bought a 96 avalon XLS with 196,000miles for $2200 here in FL 2months back. I would use the A/C as a reason to haggle the price down a bit. for the fact that if it need Freon ITS LEAKING. Ive owned/drove many different cars over the years and I LOVE this car. The only annoyance i have found with this car (and u will most likely have it) is that there is no markerlight/beep/horn on locking and unlocking the doors with the remote! ( I am in the process of writeing a howto for everyone to install a $6 or so fix for this)
I love my 1st gen avalon! hope you can get the price down with the leaking a/c or make them fix it before u buy it or something.
i'm reminded of an ancient cheech and chong "song," wherein resides the timeless classic line: "... take the REDS, man!..."
buy that avalon - right now - before someone else does!
Once I saw digital mag posted in this topic I thought, "oh no, avalon bashing!"
But I am glad to see it did not come to that P:
I've been driving the same 1996 XLS for three yeras, I've put 50,000 miles on it, with its current at 240,000. I picked up the car for $2200, and since put about $2000 into repairs. (egr, fuel injectors, suspension, timing belt+pump etc)
For the year, I think the Avalon offers impressive styling in contrast to most '90 cars, one of the many reasons I love it so.
I agree on the AC standpoint, for a $20-80 fix, why not spend the money to avoid giving potential buyers a reason to second guess?
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Click that cool picture above for my cardomain!
I've had my 95 avy for 5 years and since 99 for my parents. They gave me the car with 176,000 and now its standing at a great 213,000 miles. Its a great car to have. Other than a couple grand and a few things i had to replace due to old age and probably how i drive ;p its a great "grandpa car" to have lol
You cant beat that price you've been offered but like jigg and the others say, try and wiggle the price down for the a/c problem.
Well I think tomorrow I'll have the chance to look at it and test drive it. Very encouraging to hear what you guys have to say. The fact that I know the owner is a plus for me as well, as I know how he treats his stuff. I've gotten a little more information now as well, the struts have been replaced, and other assorted maintainance. And I've heard he has receipts for all the work that has been done. One of my buddies is his nephew and his driven the car many times, hes in love with it, but just doesnt have the cash to buy it. I've been on TN since like sunday and I bet I've spent 20 hours on here just reading. Everyone seems to be helpful and its much appreciated by this newbie.
Thanks again,
Trevor
PS regarding the A/C Ill be checking it out and seeing what the deal is but its not all that important to me. Its going to be a daily commuter for me, I put on about 300 miles a week and I like windows and sunroof for the 4 months of nice weather we get here in Wisconsin.
Last edited by tjmc25; 08-03-2010 at 07:13 PM.
Reason: Poster error....lol
So I got to see and drive the AVI today. I got to the guys house and from the outside I thought ehhhhhhh its alright. It had a few minor "bruises", a couple of dents in the rear where it looks like someone hit it with a ball peen hammer, no biggie though its an older car. Then I looked at the drivers seat and the seam right down the middle on the seat let loose, easy fix though so no biggie, even I couldnt screw that sewing job up. Now I got to drive the car, I started it and thought it kinda sounded like crap, but then stuck it in drive and took off, I was very pleasently surprised with the power. I got out in the country and cruised a bit, I was shocked when I looked down and was doing 80mph. What a smooth ride. Then I got back to his place and popped the hood to see how clean it was, I have to say I was impressed, it was absolutely spotless, looked like a brand new car. So I can't do anything till payday on friday but hes only had one call so hes not expecting it to be gone before then but if its still there its going to be mine. I will make just a few mods to it, nothing flashy but the factory tape deck has to go. I guess I thought all the XLS models had a little better stereo system, but I'm sure it was original as it said Toyota right on it. Its a single Din system so it should be an easy swap out. I do have one question though I noticed the key chain did not have a keyless fob on it. Was keyless entry only an option and not standard then? Doesnt really matter though its not a deal breaker for me.
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