Toyota Avalon Advice

[shadi]

Hey Everyone!

I am looking to buy an Used Toyota Avalon 2002-2004 models. I was wondering if I was on the right path. Are there any shortcomings with this car/known problems that I should be aware of. Are parts easy/hard to find? My only experience with Toyotas is I have driven a 2005 Toyota Camry & it was perfect. I am clueless about the Avalon & hence I am asking for your opinions, I am drawn towards this car based on Toyota's reliability reputation & the features on the Avalon. Also how much should I be looking to spend on a Used Avalon that has under 100,000 miles on it.
I look forward to your responses
Thanks

[buchaja]

Hello shadi, welcome to the forum.

I can't answer all your questions, but I will tell you about my experience with my '03.

First off, I think the quality of my Avalon is right up there with the finest of Toyotas' cars. I heard there were some problems with the previous generations HVAC systems, but if that's the case, they certainly worked them out with the update. I live in the southwest and the AC is necessary and is the best I've ever had. I like the heated seats in my XLS too.

The car is comfortable and well suited to the city driving I do.

Under warranty, I had to replace a dead battery and have the front brakes repaired for a bad shimmy at highway speeds. They simply turned the rotors, and maybe fixed a stuck pad which was the cause of the problem.

At approx. 30K miles I replaced the struts and threw on new tires. I was surprised the struts wore out so soon, but have come to believe this is common with oem equipment.

With routine maintenance, nothing else has gone wrong with my car. And, in fact, since the strut and tire replacement it is riding and handling better than new.

I'll leave you to determine the value of used Avalons, but the bottom line is, in my opinion, with a well maintained vehicle with reasonable mileage, you won't go wrong buying one.

Good luck. See you on the forums.

[bobflood]

Originally Posted by shadi

Hey Everyone!

I am looking to buy an Used Toyota Avalon 2002-2004 models. I was wondering if I was on the right path. Are there any shortcomings with this car/known problems that I should be aware of. Are parts easy/hard to find? My only experience with Toyotas is I have driven a 2005 Toyota Camry & it was perfect. I am clueless about the Avalon & hence I am asking for your opinions, I am drawn towards this car based on Toyota's reliability reputation & the features on the Avalon. Also how much should I be looking to spend on a Used Avalon that has under 100,000 miles on it.
I look forward to your responses
Thanks

An Avalon is really nothing more than a streched out V6 Camry. The drive train, running gear, etc is virtually identical. It's not sporty (they don't call it the "Japanese Buick" for nothing); but it is competent on the road and very roomy. I bought my 2002 Avalon XLS in 2006 with 29K miles; now has 147K with nothing but normal maintenance, plus one air/fuel sensor right after I bought it. Has averaged just over 23 MPG since I have owned it. I paid just over $14K then; no idea what current market is - suggest Edmunds or Kelly Blue Book. Good luck.

[shadi]

Thanks for your responses, it gives me a more realistic idea as to what to look out for. I came across mentions about Toyota recalls on 2000-2004 Avalons because of the steering lock, has anyone faced this issue/is this a common problem with the car?

[buchaja]

Now that you mention it, I did have the dealer do the steering lock recal fix. Never any problem, but I took it in when I got the letter.

I also forgot to tell you that I have been advised to replace the timing belt. That might be an extra expense you can expect on a used car.

Also be aware that some of the older Avalons had engine oil sludge problems. Make sure any you are considering buying don't.

[shadi]

Hey guys,

I had a long conversation with one of my buddies who is a 2003 Avalon XLS owner & he pretty much gave me a better picture of maintenance costs etc & he pointed some of the same aspects that you guys have mentioned here. His advice to me was to go for a 2005-06 Camry XLE since I am already driving a 2005 Camry LE (A rental) & I am happy with it. The Avalon seems great but it's more trouble than what I am willing to deal with. My problem is that my budget is $8-9k & I doubt I can get a 2005 XLE for that much or even a 04 XLE in that budget. Do you guys think I am making a feasible decision?

[BiXLL]

Originally Posted by shadi

Hey guys,

I had a long conversation with one of my buddies who is a 2003 Avalon XLS owner & he pretty much gave me a better picture of maintenance costs etc & he pointed some of the same aspects that you guys have mentioned here. His advice to me was to go for a 2005-06 Camry XLE since I am already driving a 2005 Camry LE (A rental) & I am happy with it. The Avalon seems great but it's more trouble than what I am willing to deal with. My problem is that my budget is $8-9k & I doubt I can get a 2005 XLE for that much or even a 04 XLE in that budget. Do you guys think I am making a feasible decision?

Not sure what you mean about "more trouble", but I have not had any problems or more expensive maint. then other model cars I have owned. To be honest, I prefer the 2nd Gen Avalon over the the 3rd.

[bobflood]

Originally Posted by shadi

Thanks for your responses, it gives me a more realistic idea as to what to look out for. I came across mentions about Toyota recalls on 2000-2004 Avalons because of the steering lock, has anyone faced this issue/is this a common problem with the car?

I never had a problem, but had recall done. Took about 30-45 mins at dealer.

Timing belt is normal maintenance item for any vehicle with a belt instead of a chain. Newer Camry 4 cylinder engines have a timing chain, but I believe the 6 cylinder's still have a belt.

I don't believe that maintenance on an Avalon will, on average, be any different than on a Camry.