Toyota Avalon (2000-2005)

Comfortable and reliable car – Have owned a year 2000 Avalon VXi since I bought it new 15 years ago and it's up to 185,000 km. Thanks to Bunbury Toyota it is still in good shape. I've done some serious towing a campervan in North of WA. Didn't miss a beat even in searing heat. I've driven it on the notorious Gibb River Road, up rocky creek beds and down 4WD only tracks, even… Read more

through virgin bush. Places a car like that shouldn't go. Once got deeply bogged in sand and I think it overheated the sump a bit and I had to have the crankshaft main bearing oil seal replaced. Only just replaced the radiator. Did that myself because it started leaking so badly very quickly it was virtually undrivable. Also replaced both rear window winders. Tiny critical plastic part seems to break easily after 12 years. The ones I bought on eBay appear to be more strongly constructed. Oh, and Toyota replaced the two front disc rotors that were buckled. They are telling me that I need a new power steering pump but I replaced the fluid that had been there for 15 years and it is now a lot quieter, inaudible inside the car. Contrary to complaints about the styling I think it is a great design. All controls are logical and ergonomically placed, the car is quiet, supremely comfortable and roomy. Absolutely no rust and the paint is pretty much still in showroom condition. Even the appearance of the engine and under bonnet components belies the car's age. Would be nice if the back seat folded to increase carry space but you can't have everything. With luck this will be a keeper for a while yet.

Great Car – I have owned my Toyota Avalon for 15 years. I have ony done 198,000klms. The only problem I have had is with a leaking power steering pump. Took it to my mechanic and he advised me to fill the power steering resivour with STP stop leak stuff as this is a common problem with this vehicle. I did, no futher problems and that was 110,000 klms ago.… Read more

Like the V6, it is comfortable but don't put four big guys in it, it hits the suspension overriders with a bang that is frightening if you do not know what it is. Usually it is only my wife and I in it. Will keep it till it falls apart.

October 5th 2017 Update: Sadly my Toyota Avalon has been retired

Sadly, at 258,000 kilometers, I have given my much appreciated Toyota Avalon away. It went to a good home of a family much in need of a car. Never once did this car leave me stranded, every time I turned the key it just went, and went, and went. Good stuff Toyota!!! Based solely on price, I bought a new Isuzu MU-X LS-U, see how it goes in comparison to Toyota.

Superb car – We purchased a 2004 avolon 7 years ago with 33000k on it as our family car they are fantastic I had always owned commadores we had one written one off with the insurance money we got back a 2000 model conquest was in our price range it was so good for years we bought another one the 2004 model now has 385000k on it is now my vehicle I run in and… Read more

out of work with it does not get looked after and has a couple of scars from roos but this car still drives like new does not use one drop of oil and sometimes oil changes are well overdue I still drive it more out of curiosity of how long it will go for when I took the Avalon my wife bought a falcon xr6 a2010 model well she kept it six months before she suggested we sell it and find another Avalon bought one with165000k on it but not even concerned I luv my old girl and have become quite attatched to it if anyone wants a bullet proof car that to drive far exceed holden or ford and your not always in your wallet these cars are for you we will update shortly on my wifes car and we will give the aurion a run will never buy another brand

Cheap luxury car – Cheap luxurious car that has been reliable with no major issues in 5 years. Bought for $400 at auction along with fees it was out the door for $800. Issues were power steering pump changed on purchase and 3 out of 4 electric window motors failed. Cheap Chinese replacements seem to last longer than ones bought from the wreckers. Fuel economy isn't great and oil leaks are a thing on this engine. Show details

Toyota Avalon GXI Auto 2005 only done 44,000KM's – This car was bought new in 2005. My parents only used it for driving around the city and sometimes down to Mandurah from Perth. Car has never had any issues and is very quite to drive. All it ever required is a grease and oil change and one outside mirror change. The engines in these cars are apparently identical to the Toyota Camry's of that era… Read more

which is why both of these cars are so reliable with their engines. The great thing about these older cars is you can see the front of the car when parking. Modern cars slope downwards and you simply can't see the corners of the front of the car which makes it far harder to park like in hatchbacks from Toyota or any other brand of car.

One of the better caravan I’ve owned – I’ll get the bad news out the way first, this car is a bit ugly. But that’s it. It is the comfiest, most reliable and fuel efficient car I’ve ever owned. 12 kilometres to the litre. Great. Smooth and quiet ride, great suspension and centre of gravity. Fast aswell if you need it to be. CD player never gets a bump. Airbags all round… Read more

as standard. Very safe with my little 3 year old son in the car.

Massive boot space and a good towing capacity.

Many a good memory in this car. This is one of the best tourer type vehicles I could recommend. You can go all over the country in these and an added bonus to that is, spare parts everywhere.

Giving this 4 stars but would like to give it 4.5.

Half a star off for its poor aesthetics from the outside which reduces their ‘apparent’ value. But it’s deceiving - if you see a second hand one the price tag will be less than what it’s really worth I guarantee it.

Very pleased and would recommend especially for students, young families or travellers.

Reliable and low mantience – Got my Toyota Avalon back in mid 2013 and besides the trottle body becoming dirty and dirtying up the idle sensor. The timing sensor has an issue it has been an absolute blast. Runs smooth as the day i got it. Previous owner was the original from new (2002 advantage) be religious on the oil changes 4-5k and it should last forever. Currently on 167k. Might be a sterotypical old mans car but being a early 30s bloke.. dont care lol  Show details

A reasonable car for the price – Is a reasonable car. The turning circle is terrible, and the windows frequently fail to wind up, but in terms of the price, it's a reasonable car. Good power and acceleration, good room and nice to drive. Generally reliable except for the issues outlined above. For the price, would recommend.  Show details

Our 2001 Toyota Avalon is a fantastic car and we never want to part with it – We've had our Toyota Avalon for 15 years and have travelled just 86000 kms. It is a superb and very safe car but it is heavy on tyres (Bridgestone). At around 44000 kms an ignition coil failed and had to be replaced. Another failed within another 2000 kms and so we had the remaining one replaced as well. They're supposed to last 100 000 miles… Read more

from what I've read so we were a bit unlucky. We love this car and hope it will see us out - which shouldn't be difficult as we're no longer spring chicks. It sticks to the road like glue and gives a very comfortable ride and runs like a dream.

Great car, albeit not so pretty – Highly reliable car, we have owned it from new and its still going strong in 2016. Not pretty, but very comfortable ride. The only thing I don't like is that the back seats do not fold down, which makes it difficult to move bulky items. If you buy one of these second hand be sure to get a stereo conversion kit and cables and install something with MP3 capability and Bluetooth because this baby came with a tape deck and a CD player.  Show details

Good Engine But Poorly Assembled Here In USA – 2002 Avalon. Door window's seals are not tied, you can hear wind drift specially in a dry day when seals are not wet. At 100k, steering started making banging noise when turning left or right at stop or very low speed, no dealers or mechanics can find the problem in the last 4 years. In winter you have to have the heater and AC on at the same time… Read more

to stop fog build-up on the windshield. Never had this problem with 12 other cars owned previously.

Toyota Avalon Grande – The Toyota Avalon is such a great car to drive such soft suspension when traveling on Australia's roads. I have a 2000 Toyota Avalon Grande and it has so much features inside the Avalon, it actually has more features than mums 2013 Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport and dads 2008 Toyota Hilux SR5. I really like the reliable V6 3.0 litre 1MZ-FE Lexus… Read more

Motor been so good on fuel about between 8.5 litres to 9.5 litres on highway and I have 255,000km with not a problem always serviced a Busselton Toyota every 9,000km. If you are looking for a nice luxury car that will go for like ever with a well trusted make, well Toyota Avalon is one of those cars for you. Plus I don't see how some people find them a ugly car because I definitely don't find them a ugly looking car. Toyota Avalon Grande, Oh What a Feeling.

My Perfect Car – Yeah, I know my title exaggerates, but what do I want? Reliability, power and comfort. The Avalon ticks each box. Okay, I've only had my Avalon for three weeks (2004), paid $4500, but it's a beautiful car. It's got 208,000k on the clock, but every inspection has revealed it to be in top notch condition. Admittedly, it hasn't had the timing belt… Read more

(kit) done yet, so that's a priority for me. Although I recently bought the workshop manual for it, I'll leave the big jobs for the professionals. I bought the vehicle because experience has shown that Toyota is reliable - that's the key for me. Knock on wood it gives me years of driving pleasure.

Forever reliable – I own a 2000 Toyota Avalon Conquest. By far the the most reliable car i have ever owned. After 10 years and 150000 kms not one major problem, it may be ugly but it drives and handles beautifully, apart from regular servicing this car has never let me down. It has brilliant fuel economy for a 6 and I have wiped the smirk off a few peoples faces at… Read more

the traffic lights. They may be getting on but they are good value, you get a lot of car for not a lot of money these days. Great car.

Toyota avalon – Avalon drive and you will never turn back!!! We had the car brand new from 2001 and sold it 10 years later.All i can write is that this was a faultless ,powerful and comfortable family car. Look beyond the bland looks and you will have a very reliable car. As for those who complain about engine sludge,its either because the oil change was igonored or the incorrect oil was used.  Show details

Beware of the infamous sludge engine – After owning a new one of these new in 2000, I was in the market for a used one last year. After purchasing a good looking and driving example, I started to commute daily in it. Initially no worries except some blue smoke on start up. This wasn't evident on the purchase test drive. I decided to check the oil and it was low. Went to top it up but… Read more

the oil refused to enter the oil cap. I was confused so I decided to lift the front tappet cover. The problem was immediately obvious. Oil sludge everywhere. The only place with no sludge were the cam shafts. Now this rngine was smooth, powerful and quiet. After 4 weeks of engine teardown, cleaning, seals and gaskets I had a clean engine again.

Be careful. These V6 engines are renowned for sludging up even if the prescribed oil change schedule was followed. Toyota has had a class action against them in the US over this very engine. I found the main problem was sludge caught between the tappet cover and the baffle plate covering rear pcv valve. I drilled the baffle rivets out, cleaned and replaced the baffle with bolts/tapped holes and locktite. Then a new pcv valve. I then used synthetic oil which doesn't cause sludge.

Get a thorough inspection of the internals of any Avalon V6 before purchase. If you're handy with tools, ask the seller to allow you to remove the plastic cover, 3 coils and the 10mm bolts. This only takes 5 minutes to get off but could save alot of expense and grief in the long run.

They are an awesome car when properly maintained with synthetic oil.

Un-kill-able car – Easily the best car I have ever owned. I bought a 2000 vxi in 2005 with 93K on the clock. It now has 290K on the clock and it has never missed a beat. I doubt this car will ever die. Yes, I get it serviced regularly, but all cars need this. My two young children have never known any other car, and the space in the front and back is all that a… Read more ·  1

family would want. Reliable. The electric windows have gone on me twice, and the replacement part is a tad expensive.

Never failed – What a shame it's now time to upgrade to a smaller car. Similar to [name removed] below, the advantage has done 240, Klms for me since I bought it 8 yrs ago. And it's only now showing its age and starting to cost me for replacement parts . Never before. It will be a very sad day when the kids and I trade it in for nothing. No more Avalon highway waves. Very reliable, sturdy, smooth and so comfortable .

The ugly duckling syndrome – Purchased in 2004 with 41000Klm on the clock over 10 years and 290000 Klms more the car always impressed me and others who drove or a passenger. With regular oil changes mostly and servicing the car always passed rego inspections. I've sold it now but it is sad to see it go. Comfort, amazing lighting, handling, appointment of accessories like the… Read more

cool air selection whilst the heater is on. Not good for any body above 173cm as the seat does not move back any further

Oil leaks & ball joints problems – I bought a 2003 Toyota Avalon in 2012, 90,000km at $7k. After a year, it's got oil leaks problem and rattling sounds whenever the car accelerated. NRMA checked the car and quoted $2.5k for the oil leak and another $2.5k for the ball joints, joints etc. I decided to sell the car as the repair cost is higher than the car value. I went around but… Read more

nobody wanted to take the car, and I thought Toyota was a branded name. With no more hope I traded this Avalon in for a new car, it's only worth $2k. I lost $5k in a year.

Needless to say my new car now is not a Toyota, and don't ever tell me again that Toyota has better resale value. Cruising is good on motorway, stable and low noise. High fuel consumption at consistant 13.5L/100km. Stiff auto gear change, and oil leaks.

Reliable, classy family car – I had an Avalon Grande, very nice car with superb build quality from Toyota. Never had an issue, on LPG it was very economical as well. The turning circle was terrible and parking the car was a pain. I would definitely recommend this car to someone looking for a cheap cruisy family car. Power, Price, Interior Turning circle

Toyota Avalon 2003 GXI mark 3 Sedan – I recently bought one with 82000 kms on it from an older fella and have to say its like in new condition off factory line. cant find anything wrong with it, just to be on the safe side i'll do full engine flush and new oil and filter and added k&n filter for better performance and fuel economy , the full stainless steel exhaust system that comes… Read more

standard with this car is ridiculous as in only luxury cars over 60k have this as standard 2.5 inch, car drives like how its suppose to be and everyone in the family loves it and will not let me sell it back for a profit cause i've been offered 2.5k more then what i payed for it by my cousin lol. Everything beats a Ford and Holden aussie built cars of same era even newer ones.

Toyota Avalon 2000 Sedan – A practical family car except beware if you don't service regularly. We let our Avalon sit in the garage to keep the mileage down however, after 140,000 Kim's one of the pistons went resulting in a $7000 rebuild. Very disappointing as we would have expected a better run for a 6 cycling Car. The mechanic commented about excessive sludge buildup in… Read more

the motor causing poor piston lubrication and consequential failure. If you are considering buying an Avalon, make sure you get a full service history record and have it checked for sludge build up. The only other annoying thing is the centre console cover doesn't stay closed. Good size family car with good road handling. Sludge build up in the motor caused piston failure after 140,000 kms

Great Value Car – Was looking for a car with a good ride for over a month. I was finding all the cars I look at had a rough ride due to low profile tires or just bad design. I found a Avalon 2002 Sorrento second hand for $6000 at a dealer mid 2012 with 132,000km on the clock. Went for a quick drive and found it road very well for a modern. I purchased car and found… Read more

it is very quiet on the highways, it has cruise control, power windows/mirrows, abs, CD player and more. The back seat has more leg room then a falcon or commodore of the same age. If I drive easy I can manage 10.5lts per 100km which is great for the size of the car.

Update 2016, car has 209,000km and has needed new brakes and rotters. Oil leaks are an issue on valve cover which took a number of goes to fix. New shock absorbers was required as well. Fuel use has increased to 11.5lt 100km. Cars going well and still happy with the car. Ride quality, cruise control, quiet, fuel economy, ABS Style of the 1990's

The best car was taken away from me :( – I bought a sorrento conquest avalon with only 17 thousand km on the clock and it was such a pleasure for the 7 years i had it tooken away from me it took me from a to b never broke down on me i was going to keep it till the end and then straight into the tip this cars are out of this world. Then one day on the way to work some guy hit the rear… Read more

of my car and it was a right off thank god i am ok but i am gutted i lost such a beautiful car. Would recommended this car for people who want reliable car if want that hint of luxury would go for the Grande. Everyone loves this car. Reliable, Fuel Efficent

superb refined machine – First let me say I have owned many cars but there is something special about the Avalon. Toyota did produce a fantastic car. Now it is not a sports car but it was never designed to be one. It drives very well and easily, I highly recommend one. I was looking for months at falcons and commodores and was dissapointed in the cars and their owners for… Read more

months. I found a senior who could no longer drive (83 year old) and it was like brand new car. Me and my little kids really like driving the car. Even though it is front wheel drive you can barely tell. Great build quality from toyota I would say very close to a Lexus build. I am very impressed so far and would highly recommend them for their size and space. I am 6'4" and find it hard to find a car with enough wheelbase to not squash the kids. The Avalon has almost the same interior space to the fair lanes and caprice. It would have to be the quietest and most comfortable car I know of. The engine has shock absorbers attached to it to reduce cabin noise and vibration. Superb engineering and assembly from toyota, well done. interior and boot space, wheelbase, decent fuel consumption, quiet, very comfy ride looks a bit bland, front wheel drive, no wagon option

Excellent – I have a 2003 GXi MK3. I bought it based on having a V6 (with a lovely syrupy note) and being a large and comfortable sedan. I love the fact you can set the cruise control, have the radio on and float along the road without being uncomfortable or experiencing any harshness of the road. It is a supurb car that I would very much love to keep until… Read more

it dies (probably a long way off as it is an Aussie built Toyota). I recommend the 2003 - 2005 MK3 models to anyone because I think they are much better looking to the 2000 - 2003 MK1 and MK2, and are that bit newer with better equipment levels. Smooth and responsive V6, efficent on the freeway. Very comfortable for long or short drives. Great equipment levels for the price. Very classy looking car that doesn't look dated (2003 facelift). Doesn't make you feel like you regret the purchase. Can be a tad heavy on fuel when doing short trips. Servicing can get expensive.

Good – We bought our 2004 Gxi 1 week ago and every time I drive I am amazed at how smooth and quiet the drive is. Significantly quieter and smoother than a Lexus IS200. As a value for money, 'upmarket' day to day car for a single car family we are really happy with it. We compared it to a 2004-2006 Camry (Altise or Ateva), 2004 Subaru Forrester, and… Read more ·  1

2004-2006 Corolla. Value for money the Avalon wins by a long way. It's very similar to a V6 Camry Ateva but cheaper and a little more ‘exclusive’. We are very happy and expect to drive it for a good 5 years. Engine and ride is smooth, plenty of room for family, good power, nice front styling, whisper quiet while driving, fuel economy is good, excellent on highway, standard features on Gxi which include : alloys; rear map lights; tacho; usefull trip/efficiency meter; wiper intermittent speed dial; good sound system, leather steering wheel, lights at base of door. Rear styling is a bit bland, single button only on remote keyless entry, no input on stereo system for MP3 player, no wagon option.

excellent first car – Bought a 2000 vxi for my daughter 5 months ago with 127000 Kms. Has all the safety features, duel front air bags and side air bags and ABS. Didnt know anything about Avalons before this and am very impressed with this fantastic car. Agree with most of the other reviews, apart from drab looks, drives like a limo. I would highly recommend this to… Read more ·  2

anyone looking for safe , reliable first car. We have 3 other newer cars at home and I enjoy driving this one the most. Dont understand why there arent thousands more on the road. Safety features, quality of build, smooth & comfortable ride.

Excellent – We bought my Avalon (2002 Toyota dealer demo model) in 2005 and I have never looked back. She appears timeless and reflects a stylish, uncluttered and pristine appearance. Fitted with a 3-litre engine, one cannot complain about the petrol consumption you get, especially on the open road. Sure, town driving is seldom, if ever, economical. The… Read more

style, lines and looks of the Avalon would not have reflected that well if the paint colours were bright and gawdy. I feel confident and safe when driving the Avalon, even though nobody is ever 100% safe in any vehicle in an accident. I have to admit, it took me quite a while to become accustomed to the large shape of the Avalon when I got her, especially when turning and parking. Small and short people do feel 'intimidated' by this. In a nutshell, if given the opportunity again, and for the price-conscious person, I would purchase the Avalon all over again! I like my car. I like almost everything about the Avalon! This car may not cost as much as a similar-sized Lexus, Merc or BM, however, her 'looks' compare well in their midst. Many larger cars similar to the Avalon appear as an 'old man's' car and I like that because it shows class and style. The looks of the Avalon suppresses the engine capacity - she has excellent pull-off and accelleration power - I even put an even-matched Commodore (driven by a mere male) to shame (eat my dust). I can also confirm the large boot and interior space, and the comfort levels, are good too. The sound-system works well for me. It can deafen me if put up too loud but then again, I rarely drive like that because one needs to be able to hear sirens and hooters in an emergency. The heater system works very well, as does the airconditioner. The design of the headlights give the Avalon a modern and stylish look and that is what first attracted my husband to the car. Long distance driving is very comfortable and with the lumber support and the seat hight adjustment, driving the Avalon is comfortable - more so when the cruise-control is activated. Having mentioned that the brakes appear a bit sluggish, I must admit that the ABS works exceptionally well and I have experienced this only once - I never wish to repeat the fright I got from this experience as this is my first ABS fitted vehicle, however, I felt absolutely save! I like the larger-sized tyres on the Avalon and have replaced the standard tyres with a broader sized tyre. Would have liked to have had a CD stack rather than only the single disc unit. I can confirm that the brakes do tend to feel sluggish, however, when you push down hard enough, make sure you have your seatbelt fastened because you WILL be jerked forward! It is a pity the radio controls could not also have been added to the steering wheel (especially if smaller cars have this feature!). I would have added an automatic 'up/close' function for the windows as well. With the position of the rear lights in the back window, it does not provide good access to clean this area of the back window. I agree that the turning ability, or lack thereof, leaves a bit to be desired and I have often questioned whether I have power steering. I find the airconditioner very loud and noisy and would have provided better sound-proofing for this size and model vehicle. Road noises penetrate the door areas and can become pretty intense (torture?), especially if no radio is on and on long distance driving. I would also have added an external temperature gauge to the Avalon. The sound of the hooter on the Avalon sounds 'small' and could have a 'deeper' sound. Reversing-sensors are not present and this is a big negative for this size vehicle - especially with the long downward bonnet and high-backed tail end. I can never judge my distance when trying to park and need to get out to check the available space in the front and especially rear. The shine on and shape of the dashboard reflects badly in the windscreen and can be dangerous, especially when driving into the sun as visibility is drastically reduced. Having a foot brake, one is unable to pull off from a steep incline with the assistance of a hand-brake - I cannot work the foot brake AND accelerator pedal at the same time. Although there is space for three people in the back, due to the 'hump' in the middle, this seat is not as comfortable and any person occupying this seat obscures the view of the driver in the rear-view mirror due to it sitting higher.

Excellent – Great Car! best car I ever owned. I'm gonna drive it till it drives no more. I also really like the Body style. I should have went for the Leather interior. I have 200,000 carefree miles on the car. Love it! Oxygen sensors are too sensitive and need replacing, so engine light goes on and off.

Spacious, , powerful ,elegant and cheap to run comparing the strong V6 – I drive a 2000 Avalon and quite happy with the performance of the car. IT has a powerful v6 engine with lexus grade interiors. Seats are more comfortable than the same year Camry. Many people does not like its too simple looks. But I am happy with its looks. Its fun riding on it on long runs. Hand brake location.

Excellent – Own a 2001 model, 210K kms and of those I have driven 130K. Kept it serviced for most of that time. Driven it carefully, parked it away from crowds as much as possible and usually off-street. Despite the blurb, this is a car designed in the United States circa 1994. In the late 1990s Toyota Australia bought the tooling, made a number of… Read more

adjustments and tried to flog it as

1. A more upmarket V6 Camry (same engine)

2. A more economical and sophisticated rival to the Commodore and Ford.

I fitted into the first category.

There are some neat features in my bottom of the range Conquest model including air cond, car locks itself after a period, auto headlight off, fully powered windows, courtesy door lamps,cup holders, magic stereo, intermittant wipers.

The 7 function trip computer emphasizes economy.

Here are some official features and specs:

Features

Dual Airbag PackageAntilock BrakingAir ConditioningAdjustable Steering Wheel15 Inch Alloy WheelsCruise ControlCentral Locking Remote ControlEngine ImmobiliserPower MirrorsPower SteeringPower WindowsRadio Compact Disc with 4 SpeakersSeat belt PretensionerSide Front Air BagsTrip Computer.

Specifications

Comfort

Seating capacity 5

Transmission

Transmission Type Automatic Driven wheels Front

Exterior/Body Features

Front tyre size 205/65 R15 Rear tyre size 205/65 R15 Front wheel rim size - Rear wheel rim size 6.0Jx15 mm Number of doors 4

Performance

Injection/Carburation - CC 2995 cc Number of Cylinders V6 Front suspension Ind;McSt;CS;SA;SB; Rear suspension Ind;McSt;CS;SA;SB; Front brakes DV Rear brakes DC Fuel tank Capacity 70 km/litreitre Fuel Type UNLEADED PETROL Fuel consumption (city) 11.5 km/litre Fuel consumption (highway) 6.8 km/litre CO2 level (g/km) - Maximum torque 284 RPM for maximum torque 4400 Maximum power (kW) - RPM for Maximum power (kW) 5200 Valve gear type DUAL OVERHEAD CAM

Dimensions

Overall Height 1445 mm Overall Length 4870 mm Overall Width 6.0J mm Ground clearance unladen 114 mm Wheelbase 2720 mm Kerb weight 1505 mm Turning circle 11.6 m Front track 1545 mm Rear track 1520 mm Gross trailer weight braked 1600 kg

General

Model AVALON Make TOYOTA Variant CONQUEST Series MCX10R Body Sedan RRP - Warranty whole vehicle (months) - Warranty whole vehicle (kilometres) - Service Interval (months) 12 Service Interval (kilometres) 15 Country of origin AUS Vehicle segment LARGE

courtesy: Carsguide.com.au

Replacement parts/services purchased so far:

*new alternator: carked it at 190K: Cost $500 approx

* new battery and tyres X 2

* Interior Panel: optional, mine was stained from cleaning.

* Car antennae: lost the plot at 200K needs to be replaced.

* Door hinge: $12

* A/C valve ( home repaired). Interior flooding due to cockroach stuck in there.

Free to repair-learnt from the internet.

* Speedo cover ( clear plastic) needs replacement: got foggy from steam cleaning interior and some residue left behind. Cost $77

* Power window malfunction due to use: Cost $213

* Brake pads & the usual car service.

* Interior Floor foam ( optional)DIY for $30 place under carpet, adds a greater degree of foot and leg comfort.

* Seat Belt housing and tensioner: had to be replaced at about 200K

All lights and essentials are tip top.

At the moment I am running a Nulon Engine treatment and Castrol engine oil and I am getting a drive like it was when I bought it. Smooth and quiet. You can barely hear the cars engine on idle. The air con is so powerful, you have to tune it down to low and off in the middle of summer.

It easy takes 4 people and a huge load of luggage on a driving holiday.

Ive owned all kinds of cars, this one is the cats whiskers. I reccomend it.

try to find out about its history etc, usually an older person will take better care of it. Look at the interior for damage, get a service history.

Theres still some cheap deals around for this model. Because its not going to set the world on fire, its very affordable for what you get.

Ive been really happy with it. Im regretting the day I will trade up to the new Aurion.

Thank you for reading my review. Smooth quiet engine, incredible fuel economy, power when required, extrordinary visiblity,tight brakes, easy to service and repair, ultra-reliable, understated looks, thoughtfully designed, interior comfort, safety cell design, bright lights, size, utilty,cavernous boot, air con ultra effective, durability and overall honesty. Interior lighting is very poor, air vents can be noisy, can feel a bit staid on the road.

Excellent – Great car that represents brilliant value for money, a pleasure to drive engine is smooth in operation, very smooth seemless 4 speed auto gear changes, V6 power when you need it with 4cyl fuel economy, the avalon looks very smart when detailed and looked after a real prestige look. like owning a prestige saloon for a fraction of the price! Smooth… Read more

3.0litre engine, bang for your buck, prestige style. foot opperated park break take a bit of getting used to.

Excellent – Toyota quality. Smooth, reliable, comfortable, economical. All this, plus the market undervalues it, so you save over its competitors or over sibling Camry when bubying on the second hand market. How can you lose? Avalon is an extremely comfortable long distance cruiser. Our 2001 Conquest has covered the 4000km run from Brisbane to Melbourne… Read more

and return quieter, smoother and more economically than the VT Berlina that it replaced.

The reliability cannot be faulted, and while there is a reason you don't see many Avalons at Bathurst in October, they handle extremely well for a family tourer.

The controls are easy to use and well laid out. The sound system is among the best available for its day. Entry and exit is easy and rear seat comfort is superb with leg room that almost matches the long wheelbase Fairlane and Statesman, and makes Falcon and Commodore seem claustrophobic by comparison. On the downside, the damn cruise control has to be turned on every time you turn the ignition on. Why can't it staay on like it does in the Commodore?

Front wheel drive brings with it the penalty of container ship sized turning circles and this, combined with styling that seems to hide the car's dimensions from the driver, can make it a difficult car to park neatly