Used 2006 Toyota Avalon Consumer Reviews
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Great but not perfect
Nic, 05/11/2024
2006 Toyota Avalon XLS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is an honest review of the 2006 Toyota Avalon. I just bought this car in the XLS trim at 100,00 miles. This was Toyota's top end sedan at the time and a luxurious vehicle. Including some features that weren't normalized until a decade later. Surprised with the quality considering it was made in America and not Japan and there's no creaking and plastic noises. Includes, power windows, sliding center console, sun roof, heated seats, power/heated mirrors, JBL premium sound, and infotainment screen for fuel economy, climate control, and mile range. It has plenty of room for storage and a cassette tape player on this specific trim. It also has its own passenger controls for separate AC, heat, and fan speed options. This is a 5 seater full size sedan that was to appeal to Americans at the time. Reclining backseats with plenty of legroom and can easily fit adults comfortably in all seats. Large trunk that fits a full size spare tire underneath. Interior is mostly leather with laminated wood similar to some Lexus models at the time. Basically a Toyota with a Lexus budget. In my opinion body design and exterior have aged very well and it's a shame they stopped using it in the newer models. This is a reliable, comfortable, and fast car, what more can you ask for and makes a good first car. This V6 makes good power and an absolute sleeper, while managing to be fuel efficient. It was made to be quiet and is almost as smooth as a hybrid on the road! Now the cons.. I've done extensive research before buying this vehicle. I'm not going to get into every issue but I'm going to cover the main takeaways that I KNOW OF if the engine hasn't been neglected on its maintenance. And then my personal opinion of what I didn't like. It's obviously older and doesn't have a backup camera and modern apple car and android auto. If you're looking for a super easy engine to learn on if you're just getting into mechanics. Well this engine isn't exactly the easiest to take apart and put back together for a novice car enthusiast as myself compared to other Toyota and Hondas. It's a very large and complicated engine from my experience but basic maintenance is definitely viable to do yourself such as fluids. The rear spark plugs aren't so accessible because it's a V-style engine. This car has little to no room for personality with aftermarket cosmetic mods. It's more of a personal opinion if you think that's a pro or con. Funny enough it's considered a grandpa car on most online threads despite its 6.4 second 0-60 MPH. Most of the people who bought this generation of Avalon's were older folks that babied it. It is supposed to be a quiet and smooth ride and you won't be finding body kitted stanced 3rd gen Avalon's very often. There is a pretty bad sun glare on the dashboard on sunny days. And then not just this model but Toyota is known for their dashboards bubbling up in the sun. I had to buy a fabric dashboard cover to fix this problem because I keep it parked outside. Also a small problem is that the color on the plastic for the interior was painted on instead of having the plastic made that color out of the factory already. I have seen a lot of these used car’s with indications and lettering rubbed out for example, on the heated seat button levels. This first generation of the 2GR-FE oil line came out of the factory made out of rubber and loved to rupture. There was a recall for it to replace it with metal (mine was fixed when I bought it). There is an issue where the acceleration is jumpy and over accelerates at slow speeds. I have seen it myself and others have reported it. Doesn't happen too often that I've personally noticed. VVTI gears had a manufacturing problem and can go out at around 210,000 miles and a rattle will appear on a cold start. Before I say this next section, I'm not 100% sure if these people were changing their oil every 5k miles or 2 years leading to these issues. I've read many blogs that this engine has had coolant leak, that it takes a long to see it dripping, and even oil leaks. And most of the time it's too late for your bearing's when you notice. The water pump has many reports of going out over 100,00 miles. Overall this is a good car and engine that can do 300,000-400,000 miles easily but can quickly turn into a nightmare if maintenance isn't kept up (like most cars) . I've even seen a couple people get it a million miles. If you're looking to buy this car used, ask if they changed their oil every 5k miles and MAINTENANCE IS KEY for longevity. The previous generation Avalon's were definitely more of a tank and customizable but I still plan on keeping my 2006 Avalon for a long time and definitely happy with it. Remember they don't make em like they used to!
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Tough Toyota
Jalo, 12/04/2018
2006 Toyota Avalon XLS 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is a GREAT car. I've had t since new and at the 120.000 mile state, it's just like brand new!! It drives wonderfullyly, has plenty of room, a smooth ride,heated seats. Who could ask for anything more?
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
2006 Toyota Avalon for sale near you
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- Limited SedanMSRP: $4,995109 mi away
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Worrisome Steering
Longhorn6, 12/09/2007
2006 Toyota Avalon Limited 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Comfort is very good, fuel economy good but the steering is very worrisome. It has a clunking sound and feeling when accelerating and stopping. Already replaced steering column once. Appears that another steering column has gone bad and needs replacing. Fortunately I have an extended warranty but Toyota has yet to approve another replacement of steering column. Very disappointed in the reliability and quality of the car. Excellent sound system and leg room in the car.
Wow!
Gus, 09/08/2006
2006 Toyota Avalon Limited 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have owned BMW's, Mercedes, VW's and Hondas. This car far surpasses them all in value.
Outstanding for the money.
Bill DiGrezio, 03/13/2010
2006 Toyota Avalon Limited 4dr Sedan (3.5L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This has beat every luxury car I have owned---BMW-Jaguar-Cadillac. It beats all in quality and comfort. Style could be a bit better but for the money the car is super. It is priced at a much lower price that the Lexus but has all the features of the top of the line Lexus. Highly recommend unless you are willing to spend $15-20K more for upgraded style.