Used 1999 Toyota Avalon Consumer Reviews
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Reliability and Comfort
Slick , 08/29/2021
1999 Toyota Avalon XLS 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
My 99' Toyota Avalon XLS was just deemed a total loss at 239k miles, after getting hit while parked. I'm writing this to encourage anyone looking at these cars to strongly consider purchasing one. I bought her in 2015 with 172k for $1700. Took her on a short test drive, and heard clunking in the front end. Still took a gamble, as my previous was a 95' Camry V6 (same engine/trans), and I could tell the rest of the car was solid. Turned out it needed front struts, which is common issue on Camry/Avalons from the 90s. My camry needed struts replaced multiple times, despite my careful driving, tip-toeing around the many potholes. So, after front struts were done, I was still under $3k spent, and she lasted another 6.5 years needing next to nothing. Unfortunately had to do the struts again after only 50k miles, which was upsetting. The radiator also cracked along the top on a hot day (was definitely full of clean coolant-but also a nearly 20 year old original radiator), so I had to replace radiator and hoses, but I was never once left stranded with this car, aside from a dead battery. At around 210k, the crossmember had to be replaced, as I felt the back end feeling loose when hitting a bump on tight corners, and upon inspection, I noticed it was rotting. Got a remanufactured one on ebay for under $200, and paid another $100 for labor. Not sure if this is common, but there was no other notable rust on this car, and the crossmember appeared to rust prematurely. Aside from the aforementioned, it only needed general maintenance that every car needs (oil change every 3k, coolant flush, brakes, battery, and tires). I had 100% confidence every single turn of the key, that I was going to get where I needed to go. Avalon is Toyotas flagship full size sedan, so you're looking at the top model from the best manufacturer of vehicles out there, in my opinion. This is also the last year of the first generation of Avalon, so they had 5 years to work what little kinks out, if there was any. The 3 Liter 1mz-fe V6 that is standard in this first Gen Avalon is incredibly reliable, with ample power at around 200 horsepower. My 95 Camry had the same engine and I drove 70k over 7 years, only needing to replace valve cover gaskets, which is the only known issue with these engines. I also put 70 k on this engine, and valve covers leaked slightly, but I was never low on oil. Definitely one or the best V6 engines ever designed, in terms of reliability and longevity. Avalons feel great on the highway. Road noise is much less than any other 90s Japanese car I've ever been in. The V6 will never make you feel like you're struggling to gain speed when you're on the on-ramp. I'm very tall, and there is plenty of head/leg room. It's technically a six seater. XLS has the leather interior, which held up quite well over 22 years. Expected wear in the driver's seat, but never a single rip or tear. Heated seats were an unexpected treat. Love the sunroof on the XLS, now I'll never buy another car without one. Even after 22 years, every single button and control, including power windows, seat, mirrors, sunroof, wipers - all worked every time. Same thing with my Camry. Never had a single electrical component fail in either car. If this is either your first car, you are purchasing a car for your child, or you just need something comfortable and inexpensive that's going to last you forever with limited maintenance, then I can't recommend a better car. 90s Camry and Avalon are without a doubt, some of the most reliable cars ever made, and if you can get a 99 Avalon for a good price, you are getting in my opinion the best 90s Toyota ever made. Well maybe Toyota Supra, but good luck finding that. I've been driving 90s Toyotas since college, and now that I'm almost 40, I'm looking at something a little more fun to drive, namely a car with a manual transmission, which you can't get on an Avalon. That being said, I decided to keep my totalled Avalon, rather than let the insurance pay me $700 for her. Even with almost a quarter million miles, I have confidence that once the body work is done, I can get another quarter million miles. That's how much I can speak to the reliability. If you can find this car free of rust, buy it. You will not regret it. Keep reading reviews and doing your homework.
A wonderful car to drive each day.
Rich W. White, 09/19/2002
1999 Toyota Avalon XL 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Excellent build quality, both inside and out. Very smooth ride. Good acceleration for a large car. Large backsear with lots of legroom. Trunk large enought to accommodate a family's vacation needs or four sets of golf clubs. Comfortable seats. This is what fullsized Buicks, Mercurys, and Oldsmobiles should have been.
So good, you will be bored...
deanstayton, 10/20/2009
1999 Toyota Avalon XLS 4dr Sedan
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
There is no doubt this is an incredible vehicle. It is smooth, reliable and fast (for a daddy sedan). It has many creature comforts and even gets 26 mpg. hwy consistently on 87oct. I drive a Platinum Ed. XLS and mile for mile this car has been the best used vehicle I have purchased (read- least expensive to maintain for the ride quality). Purchased in late 08 for 5900- w/113k miles. Clean as a whistle this is proving to be quite the deal. The mid-life crises sport coup-loving man bemoans the dull exterior looks and cushy drive. This inner teen wants to buy an RSX or TC, but I can not justify selling such a great car. The practical man in me loves every boring bit of this machine.
Can't beat it.
Bobkat67, 08/17/2005
1999 Toyota Avalon XL 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
PRO: We have had it since 1999 and purchased it used. We have had no problems. We traveled cross the US twice and never had a single need other than gas and oil changes. Great car. CON: cup holder in bad location....
XLS Platinum Edition
Avalon4me, 07/18/2002
1999 Toyota Avalon XLS 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Oh, baby - if you're thinking about a 99 Avalon, take a long look at the Platinum Edition - I've never seen a better color on a car! Oh yeah, the rest of the car ain't bad either! Just as a basketball team works best when there's great chemistry, the Avalon's combination of attractiveness, safety, comfort, reliability and resistance to depreciation really come together in a great package. I thought about buying an Avalon in 1998 - instead decided to save money and get a Sable. What was I, nuts??
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