Model: 2005 to 2010 Toyota Avalon
Vehicle type: Large sedan
Approximate used price range: $13,000 to $32,000
History/description: The Toyota Avalon is a big, sophisticated car with a relatively simple goal — delivering an affordable taste of the motoring high life to its owners.
Toyota fit the Avalon into their product lineup above the Camry sedan, and packed it full of some of the market’s most sought-after features and luxury amenities. The last-generation Avalon was on sale to Canadians from 2005.
All last-generation Avalon models got Toyota’s 3.5-litre V6 under the hood, driving the front wheels via an automatic transmission. Horsepower figures were between 268 and 280 depending on the year in question, and transmissions got five or six gears. From 2008 and on, the Avalon’s six-speed unit helped boost performance and fuel economy.
In the used marketplace, the Avalon is relatively rare — though shoppers can look for hardware like a CD-changer, JBL audio system, self-dimming rearview mirror, a sunroof, heated leather seats, in-cabin air filtration, navigation, Bluetooth and automatic climate control.
What owners like: First and foremost, owners on the Internet tend to rave about the roominess, comfort, luxury and quality imparted by the Avalon driving experience. Long-haul comfort, acceleration and bang-for-the-buck are also highly rated.
What owners hate: Numerous complaints surfaced in online Avalon owner circles about the navigation system, clumsy or harsh gear shifting and bland cabin and body styling.
Common issues: Though relatively inconclusive, some owners reported frustrating and hard-to-track electronic issues with some of Avalon’s interior electronics. As such, spend some time ensuring everything inside the car functions as expected. Extra attention is advised for the navigation system, climate controls, all cluster lights, and the audio system.
Shoppers should also pay attention to the vehicle’s front end — noting any pulling or vibrating through the steering wheel that could indicate an alignment issue. Listen for popping or clunking noises from the front and rear of the vehicle, which could indicate a worn-out or damaged suspension component.
A well-documented issue deals with a potentially nasty oil leak caused by a faulty oil line attached to the Avalon’s engine. In numerous cases, this line fails and bursts, spraying hot engine oil all over the engine compartment. This causes a nasty smell, potential smoke, a giant mess, and potential engine damage or failure — which is a safety hazard. To be safe, check for signs of oil leakage
Free recalls to address this and several other Avalon problems were issued by Toyota.
If you’re not buying at a Toyota dealership, be sure to contact one with the vehicle’s VIN number to see if any recall work is outstanding.
The verdict: If the used Avalon you’re considering checks out in the mechanical and electronics departments, you can expect relatively reliable operation and higher-than-average resale values.
