Looking for 1st gen Avalon, anyone have tips for me?

[N4TECguy]

I'm helping my uncle look for an older Avalon, probably about 95-99 model. Is there any problem areas that I should be looking for? Is sludging a problem on those V6's?

[fj40supraman]

I'd check the paper then autotrader.com. I have a '99 Avalon with 160,00 miles and no problems yet, but I have only owned it for 8 months. They aren't really known for anything serious, look for tell tale signs of abuse or neglect. Owners care of car is gonna matter 10X more than Toyota's reputation with this car. Heck it's based on a Camry, the #1 selling car in the US, and it's also very similar to a Lexus ES300 which also has a decent reputation. Oil sludge was in older Toy engines.

[N4TECguy]

Hey thanks for the response. Yeah I've been looking for cars in the paper and autotrader. One thing I gotta comment on though, I thought it was the newer engines that were sludging? Because I heard even the new 3.3L has the same problem.

[02RSX90camry]

yes, it has teh 1MZ, which was teh engine that was had a very very large oil sludge problem. As long as u make sure to change the oil every 3k, u'll be fine.

surprisingly, my aunt didn't change the oil for the first time on her 01 sienna (also 1MZ) until 11k miles, and that was fine.


never heard of the problem on the 3MZ, but i could see that, since it's base on the 1MZ

[csaxon]

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/re...&src=VIP&tab=4

The red X is for possible engine gel issues. Some also had power steering pump leaks. I would be more concerned about the engine if buying it used.