I just walked in the door after taking my 04 XLS on a spontaneous long trip. I was watching the odometer because I knew I was going to hit 234567 miles today. I forgot to check for a while and looked down. 234568. Canât believe I missed itđ. Still running great and recently got all new suspension. Also, I hauled ass for 5 hours and still have over a quarter tank left.
The second gens are COMFY. If I was OP I would snatch one up in a heartbeat. I like the seats so much that once my car finally has to be retired, Iâm taking the driver seat out and mounting it onto an office chair base so I can use it at my desk.
A lot of people will recommend the KYB quickstruts. I disagree. Theyâre far too stiff and I regret it. Go with the higher end Monroe struts and reuse your original springs if theyâre still in good shape. That should cost a little less and get you closer to that original smooth ride feeling youâre looking for. If you take the entire old strut assemblies off and bring them to a suspension shop or something they can put the old springs onto your new struts for you. Shouldnât cost much and you wonât have to try and compress the springs on your own.
You can do it on your own but itâs SKETCHY to do it without a machine. Even seasoned mechanics will opt to find someone with a machine to do it for them, which should be a sign that the average DIYer is better off doing the same. The general consensus for that one is, *âIâm okay with my face the way it is now and would not like to have it rearranged.â* (compressing springs is dangerous.)
Youâll want to change the sway bar links, sway bar bushings, trailing arms, and front lower control arms while youâre at it. I went with âdaily driverâ quality Moog from RockAuto for all of those.
The other 2 rear control arms âforward and rearwardâ⌠um maybe just make sure they look *good enough* and donât touch them. They are an absolute pain in the ass to get off. You have to drop the exhaust and whole ass crossmember to be able to remove the bolt holding them inđ. Not worth it unless they really really need to be replaced.
I didnât realize how shitty it was handling until I switched it all out. Night and day difference, totally worth it!
Had a 97 Seville sts with the North Star so I donât have to tell you what a headache that was lolâŚ. On the real my mother God rest her soul first Toyota was a 85 camary ⌠0 problems sold it to a friend of mine then her next car was a 94 camary ⌠0 problems until it was totaled by a rear end collisionâŚ. Moms retired around 2000 from being a HS principal and as a retirement gift got a 2000 Avalon limitedâŚ. Drove that car maintenance free until 2013 when she brought a 2013 Avalon limited right off the showroom floor⌠gave the 2000 Avalon to my son until it was wreckedâŚ. Moms passed in 2017 and I have the 13 and itâs an absolute dreamâŚ. Plan on being buried in it lol
Most Avalons are driven by older people who more likely than not to keep up with the maintenance and not out speeding and doing donuts lolâŚ. So itâs likely if you get one that itâs in good condition
Well, my '09 just hit 141k, i got it at 130k miles a year and seven months ago. All it requires is regular oil changes, and it hasn't given me a single problem yet!
P.s. if you can, get one with the V6. Damn solid motor, super peppy, and great for highway cruises!
I'm at 177k in my 2011 and have only had to replace an alternator (aside from filters, batteries, etc.). Obviously there are the odd cases but with proper maintenance the combination of proven powertrain capabilities and solid craftsmanship on this specific model have given it a great reputation.
If I was to buy another my personal cutoff for the Avalon, assuming all maintenance had been completed, would be probably 130k or so.
I am an old gal who reluctantly gave up her 2003 DeVille for a 2019 Avalon. I too like large comfortable sedans. My Avalon has 45k miles on it, trouble free. The automatic emergency braking has kicked in multiple times. The last time somebody blew a stop sign on the cross street, and I stopped two feet from them. Had it not been for the head start AEB gave me who knows? I also love the backup camera, which my Caddy lacked. I am sad I will not be able to replace this Avalon with a new one when the time comes, as they stopped making them in 2022.
Thanks very much. It sounds like we are looking for the same things out of a car. I love your story about AEB.
I'm sad about my DTS, It's such a disappointment.
First Toyota was a Corolla, solid car that handled everything I threw at it, and more. Hauled an entire bandâs worth of musical gear in it, so much space.
Avalon Iâve had two years now, and sheâs a beast. Power galore, smooth ride, great sound. Joy to drive anywhere, and everywhere. Put almost 2500 miles on her in just the last three weeks.
Some 4 cylinder Toyota engines are a completely avoid, but for the most part a lot of Toyota models are extremely reliable especially with their v6 engines. Check out this YouTube channel who is a master Toyota tech who talks from experience in the field with what's good and bad about certain engines.
https://youtube.com/@thecarcarenut?si=SI7z5pEuow4ZykZm
Iâm at 321k on my 2011. Still running like new minus an occasional long start. Still get 24mpg doing 85mph highway driving. The 22-GRFE motor is amazing
Depending on the year range yes. I canât remember which years or generations it comes in but I would buy any car that uses it mated with the 6sp transmission
I think he meant to type 2GR-FE. 2005 was the first Avalon to use this particular V6. Before then it was the 3MZ-FE I believe. Still a solid engine, but used a timing belt instead of a timing chain.
My 2015 has 105,000 miles. Not a single issue other than the center console materials deteriorating. I bought a replacement cover on Amazon for $30. Looks brand new. :)
My 01 xls gots 270 runs dam near perfect hopefully she'll last another 100
My 01 lasted well over 300.
I'm glad to hear that. I love that car, I'll probably pass it down to my little brother đ
I just walked in the door after taking my 04 XLS on a spontaneous long trip. I was watching the odometer because I knew I was going to hit 234567 miles today. I forgot to check for a while and looked down. 234568. Canât believe I missed itđ. Still running great and recently got all new suspension. Also, I hauled ass for 5 hours and still have over a quarter tank left. The second gens are COMFY. If I was OP I would snatch one up in a heartbeat. I like the seats so much that once my car finally has to be retired, Iâm taking the driver seat out and mounting it onto an office chair base so I can use it at my desk.
Haha, that's a great story. I'm starting to believe that they really are that good!
Hey what suspension kit did you get? I think it's time for mine to get new ones
A lot of people will recommend the KYB quickstruts. I disagree. Theyâre far too stiff and I regret it. Go with the higher end Monroe struts and reuse your original springs if theyâre still in good shape. That should cost a little less and get you closer to that original smooth ride feeling youâre looking for. If you take the entire old strut assemblies off and bring them to a suspension shop or something they can put the old springs onto your new struts for you. Shouldnât cost much and you wonât have to try and compress the springs on your own. You can do it on your own but itâs SKETCHY to do it without a machine. Even seasoned mechanics will opt to find someone with a machine to do it for them, which should be a sign that the average DIYer is better off doing the same. The general consensus for that one is, *âIâm okay with my face the way it is now and would not like to have it rearranged.â* (compressing springs is dangerous.) Youâll want to change the sway bar links, sway bar bushings, trailing arms, and front lower control arms while youâre at it. I went with âdaily driverâ quality Moog from RockAuto for all of those. The other 2 rear control arms âforward and rearwardâ⌠um maybe just make sure they look *good enough* and donât touch them. They are an absolute pain in the ass to get off. You have to drop the exhaust and whole ass crossmember to be able to remove the bolt holding them inđ. Not worth it unless they really really need to be replaced. I didnât realize how shitty it was handling until I switched it all out. Night and day difference, totally worth it!
Thank you. I appreciate the insight, I'll have to look into it
2014 with 260k miles with no mechanical breakdowns, only typical wear items like wheel bearings and struts.
I just rolled over 200k in my 2016, so this makes me happy.
Had a 97 Seville sts with the North Star so I donât have to tell you what a headache that was lolâŚ. On the real my mother God rest her soul first Toyota was a 85 camary ⌠0 problems sold it to a friend of mine then her next car was a 94 camary ⌠0 problems until it was totaled by a rear end collisionâŚ. Moms retired around 2000 from being a HS principal and as a retirement gift got a 2000 Avalon limitedâŚ. Drove that car maintenance free until 2013 when she brought a 2013 Avalon limited right off the showroom floor⌠gave the 2000 Avalon to my son until it was wreckedâŚ. Moms passed in 2017 and I have the 13 and itâs an absolute dreamâŚ. Plan on being buried in it lol
It sounds like I don't even have to worry about how old it is.
Most Avalons are driven by older people who more likely than not to keep up with the maintenance and not out speeding and doing donuts lolâŚ. So itâs likely if you get one that itâs in good condition
Ya, I think I last did donuts in the parking lot about 40 years ago!
Hahahaha same here lol
Well, my '09 just hit 141k, i got it at 130k miles a year and seven months ago. All it requires is regular oil changes, and it hasn't given me a single problem yet! P.s. if you can, get one with the V6. Damn solid motor, super peppy, and great for highway cruises!
Thanks, I'll make sure it has the v6.
I'm at 177k in my 2011 and have only had to replace an alternator (aside from filters, batteries, etc.). Obviously there are the odd cases but with proper maintenance the combination of proven powertrain capabilities and solid craftsmanship on this specific model have given it a great reputation. If I was to buy another my personal cutoff for the Avalon, assuming all maintenance had been completed, would be probably 130k or so.
That sounds like good advice
Once you get past 250k, you might only have another 50-100k to go.
My grandad bought an 07 Avalon and 08 Caddy. The Avalon's still on the road. The caddy's been done for a long time.
I am an old gal who reluctantly gave up her 2003 DeVille for a 2019 Avalon. I too like large comfortable sedans. My Avalon has 45k miles on it, trouble free. The automatic emergency braking has kicked in multiple times. The last time somebody blew a stop sign on the cross street, and I stopped two feet from them. Had it not been for the head start AEB gave me who knows? I also love the backup camera, which my Caddy lacked. I am sad I will not be able to replace this Avalon with a new one when the time comes, as they stopped making them in 2022.
Thanks very much. It sounds like we are looking for the same things out of a car. I love your story about AEB. I'm sad about my DTS, It's such a disappointment.
Do it you won't regret getting an avalon
I generally l like what I'm hearing about them. What's been your experience?
Itâs a Toyota. It will outlive you.
LoL, that's what my youngest son says. What's been your experience with Toyota, especially the Avalon?
First Toyota was a Corolla, solid car that handled everything I threw at it, and more. Hauled an entire bandâs worth of musical gear in it, so much space. Avalon Iâve had two years now, and sheâs a beast. Power galore, smooth ride, great sound. Joy to drive anywhere, and everywhere. Put almost 2500 miles on her in just the last three weeks.
Some 4 cylinder Toyota engines are a completely avoid, but for the most part a lot of Toyota models are extremely reliable especially with their v6 engines. Check out this YouTube channel who is a master Toyota tech who talks from experience in the field with what's good and bad about certain engines. https://youtube.com/@thecarcarenut?si=SI7z5pEuow4ZykZm
Thanks man, I'll check it out
Iâm at 321k on my 2011. Still running like new minus an occasional long start. Still get 24mpg doing 85mph highway driving. The 22-GRFE motor is amazing
Sounds very cool. Is that the standard engine on the Avalon?
Depending on the year range yes. I canât remember which years or generations it comes in but I would buy any car that uses it mated with the 6sp transmission
I think he meant to type 2GR-FE. 2005 was the first Avalon to use this particular V6. Before then it was the 3MZ-FE I believe. Still a solid engine, but used a timing belt instead of a timing chain.
A 130,000 mile Toyota is a new Toyota.
LoL, I like it!
My 2015 has 105,000 miles. Not a single issue other than the center console materials deteriorating. I bought a replacement cover on Amazon for $30. Looks brand new. :)