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Sedans Toyota Avalon Toyota Avalon 2004 and earlier
3522 messages, Last post on Dec 01, 2009 at 7:29 AM
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As a follow on to my '03 post about my '01 XLS - it's now 4 years later and at this point we're at 180k miles and the only problem that we've experienced is the failure of the Mass Air Flow Sensor. Imagine that! After 3+ sets of MXV's and two windshields later this car has performed much better than expected. In fact, it's now ready for some shocks - would like to hear recommendations for aftermarket replacements to stiffen the suspension. The only other issue we ran into was the rear sway bar bushings, which needed replacement at about 90k if I remember correctly. That eliminated the banging that occurs once they wear out. Hat's off to Toyota on an absolutely great car! 
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Replying to: 2001xls (Dec 29, 2007 10:57 am) http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/WebX/.f0e8ddb/130 You could also search on abfisch and 55396. |
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Replying to: 2001xls (Dec 29, 2007 10:57 am) Nice posting. I have similar and have contributed to this site for awhile. Have an 02 Avalon XL with 96K on it. Have had CV/axle problems in the beginning with the car but now OK. Automatic car washes are hurtful to the brakes up here in North County. To answer your questions about suspension, I have posted these before but will again for you. I would not recommend putting in OEM Toyota struts/dampers. They are inferior in quality and performance to a twin tube low pressure gas shock. Two manufacturers, both TokicoHP and KYB GR2's are both very good. You will thoroughly enjoy the difference. For a high mileage car, the bushing/bump stops for the top of the shock housing and rubber where the spring sit s on the strut should be replaced at the same time too. Have them check on the CAB(control arm bushings) as well as the sway bar bushings. They are made of rubber and they dry rot through the years. They do make PU(polyurethane) bushings which are essentially thick plastic instead of rubber(Energy Suspension). I like them better, but they are NOT for everyone. There performance is superior, which makes the Avalon's turn in much sharper without an body lean b/w the shocks and the bushings. And they do not deteriorate at all like rubber so no need to replace again. However......there are disadvantages. They are higher maintainance, and tend to creak if not lubed once a year, and they do affect ride qualtiy negatively. To describe it to everyone, your XLS requires 32 PSI in the tires. Put 37 PSI in all your tires and ride around in it for awhile. That is how it will ride(quality) with PU bushings. So if the roads are bad, so will be the ride. If it is mainly highway, it will be much more controlling. Start with the struts and their associated hardware. Otherwise a very good car. The tranny fluid and the PS fluid(same fluid) should be addressed if not done so already. Hope this helps. abfisch |
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I am looking at a 1999 Toyota Avalon. I have heard reports in here about the more recent ones of how they have trnasmission probs and other oddities. Can somebody tell me what to expect from a 1999 Avalon? What kind of mileage could they run as high as before the car was done for? It has 149,000 miles on it.
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Replying to: winnieie (Jan 07, 2008 8:06 pm) With proper care the car could go 200k, maybe more. Do you know anything about the car's history? Got a Carfax report? Priced right, based on condition? Think about it... you might have a winner! Hope this helps. 
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Sounds unbelievable but last night I got 40.3 MPG on my XLS (as measured by the digital display which is quite accurate). On my stop-and-go normal commute I usually get 18 - 21 MPG. Last night I decided to take the expressway and I got this unbelievable 40 MPG even though I was driving between 60 and 70 mph. Somehow I could sense something unusual was happening because the engine purred so smoothly and quietly just like the first day I brought my baby home in July 2000. For the record the car is a 2000XLS with 60,900 miles on it and I've had only one problem so far, the replacement of a fuel sensor. I rarely drive on the freeway as most of my driving is confined to the traditional suburban to city driving. Great car although my brakes seem pulsate especially on wet surfaces. Question to Avalon owners, how is your Avy holding up in terms of handling and repair costs? And are you getting anywhere near the mileage I reported above.
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Replying to: bwia (Mar 19, 2008 2:23 pm) Roland |
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Replying to: bwia (Mar 19, 2008 2:23 pm) The pulsation on braking is a very well-known feature of our previous-model Avalons. The disks warp easily, aided by regular overtorquing of the lug bolts by gorillas at the tire shop or dealership. Hand tightening the bolts will somewhat reduce the problem, but ultimately the only solution is to replace the (front) disks and pads. I did this with Brembo disks and Toyota Racing Development pads at 60K, and the braking is now completely normal (and quite sporty).
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Replying to: mcclearyfl (Mar 20, 2008 3:35 am)
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