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Used 1996 Toyota Avalon XLS 4dr Sedan Consumer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars
30 reviews

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5 out of 5 stars

This thing just won't die

Ryan, Chicago Heights, IL, 10/22/2015
Toyota Avalon XLS 4dr Sedan
24 of 24 people found this review helpful

My dad bought it new in 96 and has driven it around town 80-90% of the time. Over the past 19 years he's only had to replace the components that typically fail in these first generation Avalons: the valve cover gaskets (at 150,000 miles) and now a new rack and pinion assembly (at 180,000 miles). For its age and considering that the vast majority of the miles have been hard "city" miles the car drives exceptionally well, accelerates smoothly (the 3.0 is VERY torquey), and shifts effortlessly. The seats are incredibly comfortable and roomy and I am often complimented on how well it still rides 19 years later. Also, the build quality is fantastic; interior materials are of very high quality, road noise is kept to a minimum, and there are NO noises generated from inside the car. Even after losing oil pressure twice (at 145,000 miles and 175,000) the engine still runs like new, you just can't kill these Avalons. I fully intend to replace the timing belt and water pump for the second time soon and drive it for many years to come. Gas mileage is superb, I average around 20 in town and routinely in the low 30s on road trips at around 70 MPH.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

confident,reliability in my toyota avalon.

ronzo, East Haddam, CT, 10/04/2015
Toyota Avalon XLS 4dr Sedan
9 of 9 people found this review helpful

by,by. American cars. had my share, started whith a corona,then the Cressida,s now the Avalon, all performed great for me ,my Avalon I have now just reached 235.kl and still feels strong ,of course I do the regular maintenance, just bought a 96 whith 127.)000.kl.on it .im looking forward to good reliable transportation,whith this one .love this modle xls.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.88 out of 5 stars

Outperforms Most Newer Cars

ddbates, Bland, MO, 04/21/2015
Toyota Avalon XLS 4dr Sedan
11 of 12 people found this review helpful

I love my 96 Avalon. I have had it for almost 2 years. In the course of this time it developed a significant oil leak and I thought it would cost an arm and a leg to fix. It was only $225 (including labor) to replace the crank shaft seal and since the timing belt is adjacent to it, that was replaced as well! I have replaced struts, tires, a control arm, a caliper, and have had it regularly maintained. The display lights are going out and the CD player and tape player no longer work but the radio does. It has 198,000 miles on it and is still running splendidly. When it is time for this gem to retire I would really like another Avalon.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Still Like New

mrosen3030, 03/18/2006
Toyota Avalon XLS 4dr Sedan
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

We bought this car four years ago and it has been nothing but reliable for us. Starts easily even in bitter cold. We haven't had to do anything other than routine maintenance to this car. Smooth ride. Roomy backseat - three kids can fit easily (two with carseats). Nice trunk space. Ride has gotten a bit noisier through the years, but is not unacceptable for a ten year old car. We have about 170K on this right now and will keep it for as long as it will go. Our Camry had 250k on it when we finally sold that (was still running and in great condition), so we have high hopes for the Avalon.

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5 out of 5 stars

Toyota is the Best

Best, Reliable Car, 12/09/2009
Toyota Avalon XLS 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I bought the XLS brand new in 96 when I was single. I've since married and had 2 children and today at 189,000 miles my baby is still kickin. I agree with everyone that the maintenance is about $5,000.00 or less because I've spent around $3,000 so far. What I love the most is the reliability to start in 10-20 degree weather and I've never had a breakdown ever. It's roomy enough for the kids to hop in/out of their booster seats and at 5'2" I can adjust the seat forward or up/down to match my body length. I also love the lumbar that adjust nicely. The only thing I miss is a CD player because it was not that big in 96 but I have a personal CD player that kicks when I connect it to my car stereo.

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