I just recently bought a 2006 toyota avalon limited, with 56k miles on the clock. After driving it home maybe a total of 30 miles i had a check engine light, vsc light, and traction control off light come on. when bringing the car back to the shop the next day and them claiming they took care of the problem i started to drive home. Less than 3 miles away from the dealership where i purchased the car it starts to over heat. Get the car back to the dealer and they keep the car for 4 days and claim to have fixed the problem (well they said they didnt see one either). Start to drive home and maybe 7 miles away from the dealership it starts to overheat again, which made me quite angry. stop to let the car cool down, start to drive again, stop to let it cool a few miles later. finally the car is blowing steam out from under the hood and i can hear a boiling sound so i call the dealership say i cant make it any farther so they have to pick me up.
The car has now been in the shop for another week, and they are claiming after not wanting to pay for anything to be done to my car that the car now might need a new engine, or just a new head gasket. I am so frustrated because this car which my parents bought for me because toyotas are so reliable is having way more problems then my previous car which was a 2002 audi a4 1.8t automatic with cvt transmission.
I am just so frustrated with this, and am concerned that i will have problems continuing with this car once they repair it. The dealership has given me a loaner car, and are being very nice, also giving my family the option of returning the car and getting our money back, but we are not sure what we are going to do at this point.
Sorry for the rant, but if anyone has any suggestions let me know.
An Avalon overheating is not a common complaint I see at our dealership. The fact that you had to take it back 3 times for the same complaint would be my first red flag. Although it sounds like the dealership is trying to fix your problem, they or you may not know what the condition of the car was in prior to the dealership taking possession.
From my experience, and in my own opinion, and what I'd do, since they are offering to give you your money back, I'd see if they had something else you liked, and if not, I'd probably give them their car back. Avalon's are usually a very reliable car, especially ones that are taken care of. Now, if they are going to replace the engine for you, at no charge, I might also consider that deal too. It is a tough call, but how the dealer handles this, and sounds like they are trying, would be something to consider if I chose to keep it.
Don't sweat it, take it or have it taken to another dealership (Toyota) and have the engine replaced if need be. It is under warranty. If you want to escallate the issue, call Toyota directly.
Toyota is probably one of the most reliable brands... however any used car can have issues - because even if you did a carfax you do not truly know what happened to the car with the previous owner, even a new car can have issues.
I understand the frustration but personally I wouldn't sweat it. I see Avalon's for sale with over 180K miles and they still demand a decent price (good resale) and they truly still run like new.
An Avalon overheating is not a common complaint I see at our dealership. The fact that you had to take it back 3 times for the same complaint would be my first red flag. Although it sounds like the dealership is trying to fix your problem, they or you may not know what the condition of the car was in prior to the dealership taking possession.
From my experience, and in my own opinion, and what I'd do, since they are offering to give you your money back, I'd see if they had something else you liked, and if not, I'd probably give them their car back. Avalon's are usually a very reliable car, especially ones that are taken care of. Now, if they are going to replace the engine for you, at no charge, I might also consider that deal too. It is a tough call, but how the dealer handles this, and sounds like they are trying, would be something to consider if I chose to keep it.
hope my opinion serves you well.
I agreed. Avalon overheat is not common and 3 times? Something is not right but your dealer seems trying to get the problem fixed. If they offer money back, why don't you just ask them to locate another Avalon for you? Give them a chance
It looks like a lemon to me. Since they are offering your money back it I agree with the guy posted above. "Take the money and run!"
No sense trying to feel bad for them and then keep the car only for it to break down again after both your Toyota warranty and their lemon law warranty has expired.
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