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Toyota Avalon - To Buy or Not to Buy?

22 messages,  Last post on Jan 17, 2007 at 6:56 PM

You are in the Toyota Avalon Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Avalon, Car Buying, Sedan

Messages Page 2 of 3

#9 of 22 1st time Toyota owner? by peteo511

May 03, 2006 (7:27 pm)

I am presently looking at a 2002 Avalon XLS loaded, 78,000 miles. This car was 1 owner and actually owned and driven by a minister who had serviced at dealership every 3 to 4k miles, there is a recorded paper trail with no major faults. The owner is trying hard to make this sale and has even offered to have timing belt replaced. This would be my 1st experience with a Toyota. Should I be worried about mileage or major mechanical problems lurking in the near future? Any inherent faults with this model? Thanks

#10 of 22 Re: 1st time Toyota owner? [peteo511] by fin

May 03, 2006 (8:35 pm)

Replying to: peteo511 (May 03, 2006 7:27 pm)
From my experience with a '99 XL and an '03 XL, you will the owner of a good car. There are certainly some things to check such as how well it was maintained. And the mileage is a little high. But you have a great car here to drive for several more years.
 
Change the timing belt and have a mechanic check the car, then do it. The thing you will most likely not like is the auto temp AC control. And check the front struts for wear as they are the weak points on an otherwise good car. Also check the battery cables and the battery terminals for corrosion buildup.
 
Buy it right.... and enjoy it.

#11 of 22 Re: 1st time Toyota owner? [peteo511] by abfisch

May 11, 2006 (11:47 am)

Replying to: peteo511 (May 03, 2006 7:27 pm)
Depending on the price, sounds like a nice vehicle. Have the VIN number checked.
 
abfisch

#12 of 22 2001 Avalon XLS w/ 362,000 miles! by johnms

Jul 21, 2006 (4:32 pm)

O.K. I need some of your assistance so I can prove my wife and even some neighbors wrong. They all claim I am making a mistake in buying a 2001 Avalon w/ 362k miles.
 
If I hadn't known the company and the individual driving it, I probably wouldn't have. It was religiously maintained with oil changes every 3k miles and mostly highway miles. They just put a new set of tires on it and we agreed upon $1500. They said it has started to run hot (about 3/4 up the gauge) when in stop and go traffic and when the ambient temperature is high. I drove it yesterday, and couldn't get it about the 1/2 gauge.
 
My question is, has anyone had any experience with this situation on a high mileage Avalon. I haven't taken possession yet, but can only think of changing thermostat, water pump, and flushing out radiator.
 
Any and all input is greatly appreciated! johnms

#13 of 22 Re: 2001 Avalon XLS w/ 362,000 miles! [johnms] by abfisch

Jul 27, 2006 (10:25 am)

Replying to: johnms (Jul 21, 2006 4:32 pm)
Wow. This extremely high mileage. You would have to know the person and know what recently has been changed. If the temp. was an issue, when was the thermostat and waterpump changed last???? How are the CV joints, axles at that mileabe?????Brakes?????? I have an 02, and have had a few issues with it, since I bought it although I do like the car, I don't think I would buy another one. At that mileage, the bushings in the trailing arms and sway bars and pretty much degraded. I guess it all depends on what you are going to use it for at $1500 and how much was put into it and how much you want to put into it.
 
abfisch

#14 of 22 Re: 2001 Avalon XLS w/ 362,000 miles! [abfisch] by johnms

Aug 18, 2006 (1:38 pm)

Replying to: abfisch (Jul 27, 2006 10:25 am)
You're right, the mileage is extremely high but i rode in it for 12 hours last month and wouldn't have believed the mileage without looking at the odometer. It was a 'company' car with my employer for their salesman. Even though i didn't get a folder of all the service records, i did get a few. They didn't skimp of maintenance and had oil changed religiously at 3k. I just need to resolve the overheating with a/c on in city driving and then will inspect the items you mention. Looks like a new radiator will need to be purchased. the timing belt, and I asssume water pump, was replaced at 327k. I plan to use it when I can to avoid dring my truck with its poor mpg. Plus i have 15 year old son who will be licenced in about 6 month. I just couldn't pass it up after spending the 12 riding in it last month.

#15 of 22 Re: 2001 Avalon XLS w/ 362,000 miles! [johnms] by abfisch

Aug 22, 2006 (8:52 am)

Replying to: johnms (Aug 18, 2006 1:38 pm)
Good second car. Get it checked out. Good luck. Let us know.
 
abfisch

#16 of 22 1999 Avalon XLS with 90K miles by rerrabolu

Jan 15, 2007 (2:48 pm)

Hi,
 
I recently came across an 1999 Avalon XLS for sale that had low mileage - 90K miles. I had the car inspected by Toyota dealership for a pre-buy checkup. The following is what they reported to me.
 
1. The front and rear brakes need to be replaced. The rotors are warped and brake pads almost half gone.
 
2. The timing belt is likely to be done.
 
3. The fan belt is a bit frayed and should also be replaced.
 
4. The transmission fluid is slight dirty.
 
5. The valve cover gasket and engine seals show signs of leak.
 
6. The original battery is gone and replaced with a wrong sized battery and does not have a holding clamp.
 
7. The rear wheel has one lug nut missing.
 
8. The spark plugs need to be replaced along with the wires as they looked frayed.
 
I spoke to the Toyota dealership regarding the cost of repairing the aforementioned list. They quoted me $2500. I am wondering if it is worth getting this vehicle even if I spend that much amount to repair it. I would have spent about 9-10K including repairs.
 
My concern is the quality of vehicle, the way it was maintained. However, if people feel it could be rescued, then I would like to consider it. I love the way Avalon drives.
 
sincerely,
ramesh

#17 of 22 Re: 1999 Avalon XLS with 90K miles [rerrabolu] by rpfingsten

Jan 16, 2007 (2:39 am)

Replying to: rerrabolu (Jan 15, 2007 2:48 pm)
Ramesh...couple of points to consider on the 99 avalon.. first of all, you asked if it would be worth paying the 2500 in repairs to fix the car... well that also would depend on how much they are selling the car for. If it's a real bargain, then maybe worth it, but if the price is high, and then you still have to add 2500 to it, then maybe not. I will say that 2500 to fix the list you presented seems alittle high to me.. but then again it is toyota and their parts and labor does run high.. also, the car has 90K miles on it, based on yearly avg, thats not alot of miles, something alittle over 11000 a year, below avg.. however some people would view 90 thousand miles as about 1/2 of the cars life. but again, eveything hinges on the selling price of the car Plus the expense to bring it back to good running order. also before I bought it, I would get the vin and run it thru some outfit like carfax to get the vehicles past history.. Good Luck.
 
Roland

#18 of 22 Side moulding or not? by carhop57

Jan 16, 2007 (7:20 pm)

I'm close to closing on an '07 Avalon but am undecided about side moldings. Haven't been able to see them anywhere and was wondering if their placement would protect against door dings. Anyone seen 'em or know about them? Thanks.
Anticipatin'

Messages Page 2 of 3

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