Looks like you have answered your own question.

 

Yes, kind of. Just checking on long term satisfaction for those that have owned one for a bit. Thanks!

 

Very satisfying! My 2008 has 258k on it and has been Toyota-reliable. My wife just loves the car and it's really just a plain-Jane model (XL). Only things I've replaced (not counting brakes) have been axle shafts (lost one CV boot so decided to replace all of them since over 200k) and front wheel bearings. Good power (it surprises people), good mileage (28-30 mpg on the highway doing 70+), and comfortable on long trips. We've probably made at least 8 roundtrips from California to Nebraska and Texas over the years. Mine had the VVT TSB done at some point and the replacement hose still looks new. I do have the hardline fix parts, maybe I'll get around to it someday! Its not going to be a sporty handling car, but it wasn't made to be that. Cheers!

 

I'm a mechanic/painter but after my day job and side projects the last thing I want to do is work on my own vehicles. I researched the Avalon quite a bit on mechanic forums before we bought my wife's '11 and it was very highly recommended.

 

Too many side projects? I would rather work on my own vehicles whenever possible. I am a Mechanic on the verge of retirement again. Most Avalons are great cars. Even the early model years.

 

Thanks all, picked up a beautiful metallic blue 09 Limited and it is absolutely gorgeous. 118K, 9.9/10 interior (so soft) and quiet and smooth just like a Lexus. One small CV boot leak to fix as well as replace the VVT lines but man, what a peach she is. Happy Driving y'all!!!

 

Hello again, a month in and some things to ponder: Cruise control stopped working and it seems this is common. Also the sunshade is stuck in the up position and it also seems like this is common issue. I notice the "miles remaining" on the display is nowhere close to accurate; I just go by the odometer to get tank range. Any other quirks out there?

 

Really a good reliable car. We got our's new in 2005 (XL) and replaced the front and rear brake pads, front rotors, front wheel bearings, both CV axles and both stabilizer links. Just normal wear and tear especially the crappy roads in Honolulu.

 

I like my 06 Avalon! I get compliments every so often too. Buuuut.... honestly I prefer my 04 Lincoln Town Car more. Youre driving a tank while sitting on a leather couch. Constantly got compliments on her. Alas it had over 300k miles on it and needed something with low miles so I bought my Avalon with 249k miles.