Advice on used Avalon

[BrasiliaFlyer]

Hello,
I am in the market for a used 3rd generation Avalon. I am pretty certain I want either an xls or limited.
Seems like there are quite a few with high(esh) mileage for under $15k. I have an 05 Sienna Limited with 75000 miles, and I have had almost zero problems with it. Are the Avalons comparable in quality? What I'm getting at is should I avoid the cars with 60,000-80,000 miles and pay a premium for a lower mileage one, or are the cars in this mileage range typically ok?
People used to say that Toyota's run forever... can I expect an Avalon to go to 200k miles without major issues provided the usual maintenance stuff is taken care of?

Also, since I have purchased exactly one car in my lifetime, do you recommend buying from a dealer or private party?

Final question, does the Avalon have any known major issues? I know about the oil hose. Are there any other issues that plague a lot of Avalons (sludge, drive train issues, etc...)?

Thanks in advance for any help... I look forward to finding a great car!

[biker90]

I bought my 06 limited in December 2010 with 61000 miles on it, I now have 68700 and I absolutely luv this car, the only thing I did was put new rear springs and struts because I wanted a stiffer ride, I recently did a 2000 mile roadtrip with it and it was a real pleasure. I bought mine at the local Toyota dealer and paid $16.999.00 with 2.9 apr for 5 years.

[Tom in Tacoma]

I can speak from my experience. Mine is an '07 Limited, purchased new. It now has 106,000 miles on it and I constantly marvel at how good it runs. There's no doubt in my mind it will easily exceed 200,000 miles.

Issues? Well, depending on who you speak with, there are a few. Among them are:

• driver's seat becomes uncomfortable.
• rear window shade can be cantankerous and not go up (or down) when you want it to
• other issues that can be taken care of via recalls (quite a few)

Where to buy it? My preference would be to buy it from a dealer. Your state may offer legal protections if you buy it from a dealer, perhaps not if you buy it privately. You might also get the car with a warranty (or buy one) or the car might be 'Toyota Certified' (don't read too much into that though).

Lastly, regardless of what you want to buy, or where you plan to buy it from, take it to a Toyota dealership first and ask them to look up to see if all the recalls have been taken care of on that car. Might want to have them give it a real good inspection.

Good luck and let us know what you end up with!

[BrasiliaFlyer]

Ok. So you guys wouldn't consider 70-80k miles as being too many. Right?

What kinds of things start to go out as you near 100k? Want to get a good deal, but not get in over my head on maintenance and repairs...

Thank you very much for the replies.

[Tom in Tacoma]

Nothing has gone out as I approached 100k miles other than normal wear items (tires, brake linings, etc.). If you follow the Toyota recommended maintenance intervals you'll be fine.

[boosted-fc3s]

I bought my 07 last year with 58k. I'm at 70k. Only thing I've needed to do was change the oil, replace the brake pads, and get new tires.

[grandpapa]

bought 06 Limited in 04/10 @ 75K miles, totaled in 12/10 @ 85K miles (stupid me)
great car, no issue
the day after the accident, I picked up an 05 Limited @ 77K miles (pretty much the same car, with same options (all but laser cruise) only the color is different)

I got both cars from Lexus dealer. They both owned by older folks and in pretty good condition. Most of those old folks traded their Avalon in for Lexus so my GUESS is they take good care of their cars.

We really has no issue with the car but the 3.5 engine does have a bit knocking noise and it is kind of common (some people might view it as a big deal but not to me since I used to have 97 camry and 04 sienna)

Buying the Avalon back to back pretty much tell you how my family likes this model.