Buying a 2000 Avalon XLS - Need Advise

[johnstrr]

Hi guys,

I have found a 2000 Avalon XLS with 105,000 miles for $11,589 TT&L. Question is whether or not I should take it to the local Toyo dealership and have them do a full tune job ($950) including replacing the timing belt and water pump, or just buy a 3 year warranty ($1225) and wait for something to go wrong. I don't know if the previous owner has had the TB replaced at 100,000 like recommended or not, but I'd either be on the safe side and get it done or be on the careless side and wait for problems. OR be on the supersafe side, increase my loan to $14,000 and have a warranty and the work done to the engine. So any advise from the car gods would be greatly appreciated.

[ej95cobra]

Do the full tune including timing belt, if you can't get records of the timing belt having been replaced. It's better to know it's right, than worry if/when it's going to break. Changing the fluids every 30k will keep it running right. I change oil every 5k and have 219k on my '96 XLS. I wouldn't waste the money on the insurance unless you think the car has been abused.

Just my 2 cents.

[johnstrr]

Thanx I came to that conclusion as well, love the car.. beats the heck out of my wife's 97 Mitsu Mirage.