I am going to end up getting my paternal grandparent’s 2004 Toyota Avalon XLS that they first brought brand new. The odometer reads 207k. What is your opinion on the Toyota Avalon?
Oh yeah I take that car in a heartbeat. It's got 200,000 miles on it you can get another $300,000 out of it if you take care of it.
@rain-in-tx can you copy and paste your answer into the ‘Your Answer’ box down below? Thank you.
Great car. You're gonna love it.
It’s basically a Fancy Camry or a cheaper Lexus. Amazing car.
Very good cars, they can last a really long time. Too bad Toyota recently announced that they are not gonna make them anymore after 2022.
Unfortunately that engine 3.0L 1MZ-FE V6 (the sole engine in the Avalon of that generation model years 2000-2004) is susceptible to engine oil sludge. To be fair, that is the last year of that generation and it’s not clear how many of those had engine sludge issues, but the earlier model years were more prone to it. One way to mitigate the risk is to religiously change engine oil every 3,000 miles. Otherwise, they were solid vehicles and you are getting it for (presumably) free. I would keep it and stay on top of the engine oil changes (also don’t forget to change transmission fluid every so often as well - I like to go every 40,000 miles). See below:
http://www.toyotaproblems.com/oil-sludge/
https://repairpal.com/sludge-buildup-on-engine-due-to-infrequent-oil-changes-375
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Avalon/2004/
https://repairpal.com/2004-toyota-avalon/problems
Avalons are Crown Vic of Toyota line up. Great cars.
While Toyota may be discontinuing the Avalon after 2022, in 2023 Toyota is releasing the Grand Highlander; in between the regular highlander and Seqouia.
OP was asking for opinion on his 2004 Toyota Avalon.
Oh. I still wouldn't buy with that engine. Also. The new SUV that is coming out as listed above, might end up being a replacement for the Avalon.
http://www.toyotaproblems.com/oil-sludge/
That first comment I made was for something else; my mistake.