[gclintj]

I have a 2000 Toyota Avalon. I am usually worried that its wheels could fall apart, or some belt could break, or some other mechanical failures could happen.

I see the regular check at a repair shop doesn't cover everything of a car, and I don't think things like metal fatigue can be examined.

So I am usually worried. Any suggestions? Do I just worry too much? Or how do I ask a repair shop to examine my car to make sure everything works well and I can drive with confidence?

Thank you!

 

[MacQ]

Mechanical failures can happen at any time, so that is why owner's manuals generally give some kind of routine maintenance and inspection recommendations (i.e., change timing belt and water pump every 90,000 miles). I've never heard of a shop doing something like metal fatigue, however, shops do look at parts that can wear out (i.e., tie rods, struts, etc.) and if they have indications of too much wear, will advise replacement. Belts breaking on your Avalon are usually more of an inconvenience than a danger. It's rare that a wheel ever falls off.

I do not mean to be insulting, but I do think you are worrying a bit too much. For many individuals, however, they cannot just simply stop worrying. If you worry about most everything in life and can't stop worrying, you could have an anxiety disorder...but I'm no doctor.

What I would do is take your car to a trusted and reputable repair shop and ask them to go over your car to make sure it is in safe operating condition. A good shop will have a checklist of things they will inspect and then after doing so, will report to you what they found and recommendations for what you should do.

 

[gclintj]

Thank you so much for your detailed reply!

 

[shortrun]

I wonder if you should take your car to a smaller garage, maybe for oil changes. Let them know you would like a full visual inspection, fix a cost for that before they start.

I also wonder if a small engine course, or something mechanical would be a good idea. Some times High Schools have basic courses in the evening. Sometimes fear comes from lack of knowledge. That is fixable.

 

[gclintj]

Thanks! Your reply is already helpful.
But would you please explain "fix a cost for that"? I dont get it.


And high school will have engine courses? like this?

https://www.pima.edu/programs-cours...ve-technology/automotive-technology-cert.html

Thank you!

 

[shortrun]

Sure.
What i mean is that you should agree with the mechanic before you start that you are want the 10 minute inspection. Not the 2 hour inspection.

 

[Desertds]

How many miles are on it?

 

[gclintj]

I see. Thanks!

 

[gclintj]

Around 120,000 miles

 

[gclintj]

How many miles are on it?

Around 120,000 miles

 

[surgeon0]

I would also recommend you read the readme stickies either in 1st gen avalon forum or in the camry forums. It gives you general info on a few things. With that much mileage, do you know when were your fluids, thermostat, etc were changed? Depending on who maintained it (dealer vs indy mechanic), there are few things to consider. There are some long-interval fluids like coolant and atf, that might need changing. These are some examples of things you cannot see or hear unlike brakes and suspension.

If you notice any noises, squeaks, white smoke, or something like that its best to go in. If you have maintained everything regularly and just worried because of high miles, nothing to worry. If you keep such things clean along with everything else mentioned (as they breakdown), your avalon will last a very long time. Many folks have over 250k. These are just great cars.

 

[gclintj]

I would also recommend you read the readme stickies either in 1st gen avalon forum or in the camry forums. It gives you general info on a few things. With that much mileage, do you know when were your fluids, thermostat, etc were changed? Depending on who maintained it (dealer vs indy mechanic), there are few things to consider. There are some long-interval fluids like coolant and atf, that might need changing. These are some examples of things you cannot see or hear unlike brakes and suspension.

If you notice any noises, squeaks, white smoke, or something like that its best to go in. If you have maintained everything regularly and just worried because of high miles, nothing to worry. If you keep such things clean along with everything else mentioned (as they breakdown), your avalon will last a very long time. Many folks have over 250k. These are just great cars.

Thank you so much for the advice!

 

[pvsprme]

These are great cars, with proper maintenance they will run into the 300K mile mark and more. My mechanic has one with 425K. I have a 2000 XLS with 220K and I love it. No leaks (just did the valve cover gaskets, they were leaking at about 200K), uses 1/2 quart of oil in 3500-4000 miles. I run Mobil 1 EP, 5W-30 at 7000 mile intervals. Use a good filter, Toyota OEM are among the best and 1/2 price of most premium filters. These engines have a tendency to "Gunk Up" if oil is not changed regularly. Use good oil and change regularly, change all fluids every 50K miles or 5 years, timing belt and plugs every 100K.
In addition to the VC gaskets, I have done the following over 10 years of ownership; got the car with 95K in 2007, owned by Ag equipment dealer, oil changed every 3K with synthetic.
100K: Timing belt, water pump & associated seals, plugs (looked good), drive belts and transmission and radiator fluid exchange (NOT flushed, exchanged).
150K: New struts, springs and pads, complete KYB assy. from Tire Rack; about $650.
204K: Timing belt, water pump, seals and belts. About this time I cleaned the throttle body and replaced the front O2 sensor.
215K: Spark plugs, valve cover gaskets, radiator and hoses.
As stated above, I've changed transmission fluid, coolant about every 50K.
I'd take the car to a dealer and ask what it costs for a 39 (or 40) point inspection. Most do this very cheaply, some actually are free. Don't let them fix anything, just give you an estimate for anything they find and then find an independent Toyota shop and ask them to confirm anything the dealer says is needed and price.
How long have you owned the car? If you ever want to sell it, shot me a PM, I'd love to have another with low miles.