Used 1997 Toyota Avalon Consumer Reviews

Wish I wasn't getting rid of mine

I bought this car with 92,000 miles on it several years ago, using it for commercial (livery) use and then driving from Massachusetts to California in it. I now have over 152,000 miles on it. I had to replace brakes/rotors as well as the shocks (which I didn't bother fixing for 4 years, actually), but absolutely trusted this car all the way (no major repairs, just routine stuff). Unfortunately, my husband crashed it recently, and would rather spend $7k on a Honda rather than $3k to fix the Avalon. I'm heartbroken, but we'll still hold on to it in our garage and perhaps fix it later.

Bought used/drives new

Since I purchased this car used I have had to replace the windshield wipers! That's it! Could not ask for a better reliable car. A friend had told me about a sludging problem that the v6s were having & had suggested I get the extended warranty which I did. It started to blow some light blue exhaust about 6 months after I had it. Took it into the dealer and they handled it & like I said, haven't had to do a darn thing to it (other oil changes & reg maintenance). Would recommend these cars to anyone.

Not so reliable

Owned since new. Many disappointing problems. Very expensive considering the number of amenities. 60k - transmssion leaks. <100k, all steering components had to be replaced. Power steering pump had to be replaced twice. Tire wear is a huge problem! This car wears out tires in 20k miles, even top rated tires.

Lots of miles...Running Great

I liked it so much, I now own the 2001 model as well. The suspension problem (struts) mentioned in previous reviews was so common on the '97 that Toyota had a service memo to all delearships. My car was repaired (to my surprise)for no fee in 2000 by a toyota dealer after some frequent complaining on my part. That is the extent of my repairs. After 150,000 miles I'm selling the car almost regretably and would absolutely reccommend this Avalon to make it to 200,000 miles easy.

Still running great!!