Things to watch - 1997 Avalon

Power windows can sometimes be a problem.
They tend to get stuck (when closed) to the weatherstripping, making them
appear to be inoperative. Problem seems to go away during very cold
temperatures (Just when you want to open them :) )
"news reader" <yahoo@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:cveml6$hms$1@nobel.pacific.net.sg...[color=blue]
> Just bought a 1997 Avalon with 100K miles from an auction. I would like[/color]
to[color=blue]
> know what are the potential problems with this model. (checked internet[/color]
and[color=blue]
> got - engine gelling, steering and suspension problems).
>
> If I were to go to Toyota dealer, will they be able to print me the[/color]
service[color=blue]
> records on this car (what work has been done on this car).
>
>[/color]

"news reader" <yahoo@yahoo.com> wrote:
[color=blue]
>Just bought a 1997 Avalon with 100K miles from an auction. I would like to
>know what are the potential problems with this model. (checked internet and
>got - engine gelling, steering and suspension problems).[/color]

Mine has 121K. I've had two problems with this car:
-Strut mounts: clunking sound when going over bumps, especially when
it's cold out. Sounds like the axle is loose. From what I've read in
this group, this is a common problem with '97 Avalons and Camrys.
-Idle Air Control Valve: I've had to replace this twice (at 37K and
102K miles) at a cost of ~$350 each. The symptom is the car won't
stay running when cold once you take your foot off the gas.

"news reader" <yahoo@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:cveml6$hms$1@nobel.pacific.net.sg...[color=blue]
> Just bought a 1997 Avalon with 100K miles from an auction. I would like
> to
> know what are the potential problems with this model. (checked internet
> and
> got - engine gelling, steering and suspension problems).
>
> If I were to go to Toyota dealer, will they be able to print me the
> service
> records on this car (what work has been done on this car).
>
>[/color]

My wife has a 96 and we have replaced the steering rack because of leaks.
Also have problems with the windows sticking. Other then that, the car has
been pretty good to us.

Just bought a 1997 Avalon with 100K miles from an auction. I would like to
know what are the potential problems with this model. (checked internet and
got - engine gelling, steering and suspension problems).

If I were to go to Toyota dealer, will they be able to print me the service
records on this car (what work has been done on this car).

"news reader" <yahoo@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:cveml6$hms$1@nobel.pacific.net.sg...[color=blue]
> Just bought a 1997 Avalon with 100K miles from an auction. I would like[/color]
to[color=blue]
> know what are the potential problems with this model. (checked internet[/color]
and[color=blue]
> got - engine gelling, steering and suspension problems).
>
> If I were to go to Toyota dealer, will they be able to print me the[/color]
service[color=blue]
> records on this car (what work has been done on this car).
>[/color]
Only if that dealer performed the service.

Power windows can sometimes be a problem.
They tend to get stuck (when closed) to the weatherstripping, making them
appear to be inoperative. Problem seems to go away during very cold
temperatures (Just when you want to open them :) )
"news reader" <yahoo@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:cveml6$hms$1@nobel.pacific.net.sg...[color=blue]
> Just bought a 1997 Avalon with 100K miles from an auction. I would like[/color]
to[color=blue]
> know what are the potential problems with this model. (checked internet[/color]
and[color=blue]
> got - engine gelling, steering and suspension problems).
>
> If I were to go to Toyota dealer, will they be able to print me the[/color]
service[color=blue]
> records on this car (what work has been done on this car).
>
>[/color]

"news reader" <yahoo@yahoo.com> wrote:
[color=blue]
>Just bought a 1997 Avalon with 100K miles from an auction. I would like to
>know what are the potential problems with this model. (checked internet and
>got - engine gelling, steering and suspension problems).[/color]

Mine has 121K. I've had two problems with this car:
-Strut mounts: clunking sound when going over bumps, especially when
it's cold out. Sounds like the axle is loose. From what I've read in
this group, this is a common problem with '97 Avalons and Camrys.
-Idle Air Control Valve: I've had to replace this twice (at 37K and
102K miles) at a cost of ~$350 each. The symptom is the car won't
stay running when cold once you take your foot off the gas.

"news reader" <yahoo@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:cveml6$hms$1@nobel.pacific.net.sg...[color=blue]
> Just bought a 1997 Avalon with 100K miles from an auction. I would like
> to
> know what are the potential problems with this model. (checked internet
> and
> got - engine gelling, steering and suspension problems).
>
> If I were to go to Toyota dealer, will they be able to print me the
> service
> records on this car (what work has been done on this car).
>
>[/color]

My wife has a 96 and we have replaced the steering rack because of leaks.
Also have problems with the windows sticking. Other then that, the car has
been pretty good to us.