looking for an avalon - please advise

[little a]

hi all

we''re looking for an avalon. we''ll have about $8500 to spend. i''m trying to read up as much as possible but would very much appreciate your advice and/or the relaying of direct experience with any details that might help in our search (i.e. things to look out for, one year vs. another, etc.). i know it's a toyota but i'm sure there are some benefits to be gained from first hand experience on these. thank you much

[avalonshoe]

my neighbor just purchased a used 01 Avalon. Its mileage is right at 95K (no sweat).

I would recommend checking for sludge, and see if the rear shocks are blown. I haven't had any "real" problems with my 00 avalon. I hope other members can contribute.

[toyomoho]

The Avalon is an upscale Camry (with V6 option).

If considering a 2000-2004 this would be similar to a Gen_4 and 5 Camry. Engine models changed in 2002.

[eyedoc]

my moms and pops are selling their 2003 Avalon, sunroof, leather, heated seats, dual climate control, 6disc changer, automatic, upgraded rims, pearl white, for $11,500 with 89-90,000 miles...... and I can ASSURE you that my dad is meticulous with maintenance of that thing and it has been well taken care of. They're in Kentucky, BTW.

Oh, and they just bought 4 new tires for it recently.


their car looks like this one of another member here, same rims and all.
Official second generation Avalon picture thread!

[TrailDust]

I own a 2002 Avalon XL and, except for a single problem with the ignition about four years ago, it's been a trouble free car/model year. You'll love the mileage too, which for me is 22 city and 31 highway (at 65 MPH). That's excellent considering the size of the vehicle and engine. It's true that the Avalon is based on the Camry, however, the Camry is plagued with problems (brakes, transmission, suspension) that have been changed for the Avalon...thus the Avalon does not suffer the same maintenance problems as noted with the Camry. Hope you find what you're looking for....

TrailDust

[ChiTDI]

Originally Posted by little a

hi all

we''re looking for an avalon. we''ll have about $8500 to spend. i''m trying to read up as much as possible but would very much appreciate your advice and/or the relaying of direct experience with any details that might help in our search (i.e. things to look out for, one year vs. another, etc.). i know it's a toyota but i'm sure there are some benefits to be gained from first hand experience on these. thank you much

+1 on the sludge issue.

[silverxls]

i think the avy is a used car bargain. i found in searching for mine that you could get a newer and nicer avy than a camry for the same money, because camry's are such a sought after used car. for 8500 i would think you could get into a 2000 or even 2001 with less than 100k miles. you may even find an older 98 or 99 with even less miles, but it may take a while to find. i would also think that in so cal there will be more around than other places. one of the main things to check for if it is approaching 90k miles or more is that the timing belt has been changed. if not you will have that additional expense right away. good luck searching and be patient, great cars are out there. hint, if you are searching on autotrader, remember that prices listed are asking prices....and most people will come off that price at least 1000. it's always nice to be able to buy from an individual who can verify the maintenance history.

[firehole]

i had a 98 and that never had issues, i have an 01 now and i had some rear shock troubles and my foot vents dont work, otherwise its a great car

[Florian 123]

I have one for sale in Montreal See my add.
http://montreal.craigslist.ca/cto/943031917.html (cars & trucks - by owner)

[verve92]

hey check out broadstreetautosales.com in NJ a blue mint '01 i think avalon I4 was too much for me but i bought one of his camry's which had a noisey strut -he replaced all 4 for me free of charge a good honest guyhttp://www.broadstreetautosales.com
ask for Joe Turse referrd by Jarret. I think he still has it but there is also a nice solara for $8k