Used 2012 Toyota Avalon Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Good Car But
There are two design deficiencies I have noted so far. Foremost, there is a severe glare of the dash on the windshield when driving into the sun or with the sun on your left shoulder and hitting the dash. The "hump" over the instrument panel reflects onto the windshield directly in the drivers view. I have not experienced anything of this magnitude in my 73 yrs. Secondly, and a minor flaw, when the sun shines on the digital clock the white numbers become red and you don't see the actual time. For example, at 3:43 pm I was seeing "1388" in red numbers. I blocked the sun and saw the correct time with white numbers. I would not have bought had I been aware of the reflection.
Surprised at 70k miles
We've had our Avalon for about a year and a half now and have been satisfied. We've had Toyota's since 1989. At 65k, front brake rotors warped & pads needed replacing - at 68k, the rear rotors & pads got replaced. At 70k, inner tie rods got loose and got replaced. We're holding our breath and wondering what's going to be next. Of course, this is the first Toyota that we've kept beyond the 36k mark, so perhaps this brand isn't as reliable as we've always thought? Although we'd hesitate to say this Avalon is a lemon, we've planned on its lasting 10 years...wish us luck.
- Base SedanMSRP: $11,97936 mi away
- Limited SedanMSRP: $16,990In-stock online
- Sedan 4DMSRP: $14,590In-stock online
You don't need a limited
I waited to long to find a 2010 xls with the color that I wanted they were gone but there a few used demo models they had to many miles 3000 plus on them. I guess when Toyota offered a $3000.00 rebate this made the 2010 a lot better buy. My new 2011 Limited has alot of things that most people( myself included) would be better off with out. 1. the vented seats the holes are ugly and get dirty real fast. 2. the new dash gauge is hard to read the gear selection drive (D) is between two small circles. 3. why does the odometer go in large numbers 10-30-50-70-90-110 and so on in twenty (20) mile per hour increments, very hard to judge speed between. 4.The navigation outdated.
Sun, Rain, and lockout
The rear power sun shade quit requiring the removal of the fuse. Dealer told me the repair costs would be prohibitive. The power roof drains have become clogged several times with one occurrence causing the electrical system to go haywire. I have the roof drains checked every 5,000 miles. The power locks quit on three doors. The original dealer tried to tell me that all three locks failed simultaneously which I calculated the probability of that happening at a trillion to one. The other dealer in the area repaired the problem after three tries. The radio/CD has become unreliable yielding the ability to change any setting, volume, channel, etc. inoperable.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Noise & Handling Problems Etc.
Road noise is excessive, I believe it is because of the Bridgestone tires. Also it is difficult to keep car from drifting all over the lane expecially when there is a little breeze. There is no valet lockout for trunk. Volume speed control on radio does not work. Can't see display on radio in daylight. Can't hear directional signal.
My Third Avalon is a Lemon!
I bought my 2011 Avalon Limited new in Dec.2011. It is not the same quality of my two previous Avalons. Last one was 2002 with 176K miles and it ran smoother and quieter than the new one. Wind comes in window, I'm told it's normal due to mirrow (doesn't do it on passenger side). Rides rough, worse than my husbands F250 4x4 diesel. Lots and lots of road noise. Not a quiet car at all. Rear passenger window broke (fixed now), rear reclining seat broke (part ordered). Brakes feel mushy, Struts seem non-existent. Car really sat low when 2 adults and 2 teens with 4 bags packed (not heavy..trunk too small to pack much). Toyota dealer tells me everything is normal and up to Toyota specs. Bad Car!!
I'm in LOVE
Have lots of Money!
- Safety
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Try it, you'll like/love it!!!!
This car drives well. It has a tight turning circle for a large car, smaller than the turning circle in my Volvo s60 (which was surprising). The trunk is slightly smaller than the '06 Limited I traded in. It uses regular gas and the maintenance is minimal. Since it is black, it looks great when washed and waxed. The interior is quiet, even when it is windy outside. Gas mileage is impressive, especially for a car this size. This is my second Avalon and it took some time for me to adjust to driving it. Take it easy; it's a car to be driven smoothly. It has great get up and go when on the highway, passing and changing lanes. It takes a lot of composure to drive it. I am constantly tempted to drive faster, etc. But, if I wanted speed for speed's sake, I would drive my s60, which has a beauty all its own. This car takes you by surprise, urging you to want to take more road trips, which I plan to do. Go for a test drive and you might want to get one too. I purchased an extended warranty, since I plan on many road trips, where almost anything can happen. I also bought an after-market GPS to help find " things".
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
NICE CAR
No problems since purchaced--low tire light came on ---checked the tires all ok---called Toyota and the answered did you check the spare tire? Who would think to do that!---that was the problem
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Best car I owned
Best car ever owned
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
A Quality Car
Traded off my 2005 Avalon Ltd. with 90,000 miles and after much research went back to a 2011 Avalon LTD. Gas mileage is great. I can get 30-32 mpg on the open road and around 27 mpg mixed. The navigation system is a little hard to figure out and backing is a little difficult even with backup camera. Love the XM/Sirius option. Lots of room inside and big trunk space
Great car
This is a great car for highway driving
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
A great luxury car for the money
We've had our 2011 Avalon Limited for almost 4 years; bought it with 13k miles and it now has 90k miles on it. So far, the car is incredibly reliable. The only thing that malfunction was the power locks quit working and Toyota replaced an electronic component for $600. Otherwise, mechanically it has been excellent - no issues at all and it doesn't use a drop of oil hardly in 10,000 miles. It is comfortable and has plenty of power. The infotainment is now slightly outdated but it does everything you need it to do and the large back-up camera is better than some 2019 cars. Heated/cooled seats are wonderful as are the big, comfy leather seats. Love the HID headlamps, too. I would recommend this car for a big, comfy touring car as a great value and Lexus quality.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Third one
After looking at others vehicles of similar size and power, the Avalon not only was the cheapest with most options, their price was less that 2010 models, with same equipment, second vehicle with sat radio a plus,not as exciting as a Taurus Sho, but better mpg and more rear seat room. Still learning the Nav system but finally conquered phone.
Outstanding Vehicle
Very dependable auto with buttery smooth ride.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love our 2011 Avalon
It’s an older design now, but still very comfortable and rides smoothly and quietly. I’m glad we chose this car for getting around town as well as for long trips. We love the heated and cooled leather seats and the memory seat and mirror positions.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love our new Avalon
We love our new Avalon. It is roomy, comfortable, quiet and smooth riding. I am apparently one of the few who like all of the new styling updates as well. Maybe thats because at 66, Im in their target demographic. I think its the best car Ive ever owned. Its remarkable how much power it has and yet I get 22+ mpg in town and 30+ mpg on the highway. Its a great car for road trips.
Lexus LS for Half The Price
This is my third Avalon, from 2005 to 2008 to the new 2011, all Limiteds. Each one was better than the last and this is the best yet. I got the new zephyr blue color and it is absolutely stunning. This "redesign" is not much different than the old version but it still looks great and current. Smooth, comfortable, and quiet ride, back seat that feels like a limo. Newly upgraded NAV system with back-up camera. All the bells and whistles you want in a luxury vehicle. I cannot understand why anyone would pay double the price for a Lexus LS.
Good buy
Moved from an ES350 and really like the better visibility, ride (no boat float), comfort and especially much less road noise. Do hear the wiper motors and the whine of the transmission. Had to change out the horrible noisy wiper blades. Very cheap interior by comparison to others in class. It really has great handling compared to others in class. Not sure I will buy another until they get a better interior.
Amazing car
These cars are amazing. They don't make cars like they used too. This car is pretty much bullet proof. I'm writing this review may 2023. Drives like a dream and super reliable v6 gas mileage pretty good for a bigger car. This car is beautiful I'm 43 with a family and it's perfect for us. Don't question yourself if you can find one even with 200k buy it you will get atleast another 100k or more out of it. Make sure to cha get your oil.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great Car
This car rides like a Lexus. Perfect for everyday driving as well as road trips.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love My First New Car
I've never bought a new car but when my 1998 Q45 clipped over 200K miles it was time. Looked at the SHO, but too bulky for my taste. Avalon Limited was an easy choice, lots of great features and a very economical price. Immediately took it on a 2K road trip and got great gas mileage, wonderful handling. I love this car. Clean and simple.
Poor man's Lexus
Great car, no problems. Smooth and quiet ride. Only requires fluids and service schedules parts replacements. Only major issue was an air conditioner leak but that was from poor maintenance from a previous owner who did not wash the car properly or keep the rubber supple. I have never driven a Toyota that was this smooth and comfortable before. Definitely the precursor to the Lexius 400 series.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
The scoop
Roomy. Big trunk Drives great
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
So far so great
Very pleased with the car. It has met or exceeded my expectations. Did a lot of research before buying. This is my 1st full size/luxury car. It's a lot of money but it's a heck of a lot of car! With the problems Toyota's reputation is facing today incredible discounts are out there on even new 2011's. But even their MSRP prices beat the snot out of the competition. Tremendous engine, transmission, ride & comfort. Quick as this car is it gets phenomenal mileage. Once you've driven one, you will want it!
Welcome refuge
Driving 35K a year in an economy car has the body calling out for more comfort. Compared every luxury/full size car available from BMW to KIA. When you total everything up: MPG/Comfort/Fuel Type/Maintenance/ Price/Features/ Reliability and Design the Avalon is a pretty clear choice. New cabin is clean, clear and concise which instills in you a feeling of unpretentious elegance. The cocoa bean metallic paint is possibly the best color available by any manufacture this year. I have only had mine two weeks but fully expect my Avalon to be a trusted part of our family for the next 10 years.
me
go for it it`s a great car
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Reliability
- Value
Toyota Avalon -GRRREAT!!!
Seats are not heated... XM is not included....telephone is not included.... Sun roof advantages and disadvantages...extremely easy to drive and enjoy
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
terrific car -- why buy newer model
Great car; changed model in 2013, but this version much better. Love the Car!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Initial review after first trip.
Within the first week of ownership completed a one day 830 mile trip. Really smooth, quiet, comfortable, fuel efficient car. Computer said we got 29.9 mpg at 70++ mph. Not a canyon carver but handles well enough for legal speeds. Braking is okay but not stellar, best you could say is it gets the job done without drama. JBL sound system has excellent separation and frequency range. Blue tooth is a plus. Floor mats are black, a little strange. All dash controls are easy to reach and well lit even in bright light. Manual tilt and tele. Seats are supportive even though flat but sit a little to low even when adjusted as high as they go. Headlights light up the night.
Try a Buick Lucerne
I am in the shopping process & have driven nearly every competitor & rate the Buick Lucerne as the best in this class overall. The Avalon does not offer the Blind side warning system, chrome wheels & the trunk is much smaller than the Lucerne which costs less w/the discounts available. The Avalon is faster but the exterior look is dated & not as impressive in my opinion as the Lucerne. Ford is out of the game w/their ugly Taurus which has an almost useless trunk & such poor visibility that it is a wonder the NTSB allows it on the road? The foreign buck boards are reserved for the road & track people.
Don't buy a 2011 Avalon
My 2011 Avalon has problems with the rear window sun screen, heater/AC, and windshield wipers, the GPS is useless and the wind noise is worse than any car I a have ever owned. The dealer admits the problems, contacted Toyota, and Toyota will do nothing about any of them and neither will the dealer. Do not buy this vehicle.
poor pannel fit
pannel fit is realy bad. Cabin is very very noisey driving on windy days. Good mileage 23-30. great power and smooth motor but so what noisey. my 08 ltd was about the same while 95 avy was a whole lot better all around, Need to start making then in JAPAN AGAIN!! BY till later.
A is for Avalon
This is a great car. I traded it in however, because I needed to transport my pets and needed a vehicle that would accommodate their carriers. I also did not care for the color (green). The power was there and it was easy to drive. I loved it. While the outside mirrors were large enough to be heated, the size obstructed my view since I am a short person and they were in my line of vision. I had to move back and forth to make sure the road was clear.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Not only for senior citizens!
Very reliable car with just over 110k miles! No major problems. Very smooth ride. Best for highway, less city. Plenty HP but why go faster than 60 on highway? Enjoy driving. Got average 24 mpg in mix hwy/city drive. 29 on highway only. Seat flattened over time by use. More maintenance need take care of when miles add up. Hope to keep it for other 7 or more years to come. Compared newer models, seat is too low even the bumper is low. Worst for 2019 models but looks sharp. I’m willing to trade if it’s easy to get in and out but they’re not.
terrific Toyota
This 2011 Avalon looks new. The car holds it's value well.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Most dependable car I’ve ever iwo
Ride! Comfort! Dependable! Road trip!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Excellent Sedan
I love this car. I have had if for two months and have put about 7000 miles on it. Having come from an SUV the last 15 years, the ride on the Avalon is a big plus. I really like the cabin room, smooth transmission and engine, and the overall classy interior. I have been averaging about 23 mpg combined, and have seen 29 mpg on the interstate. The radio and controls are easy to view and use. I have the base radio and its works great and even sounds great for a standard system. The only issue that I have is I could use a little more trunk room.
Best Bang for Buck on The Market
Gives great power, reliability, comfort, interior space, fuel economy what else can you ask for in a large sedan. Plus with Limited Trim I have wood grain interior, Navigation, push button start, rear sun shade, and more.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2011 Limited
Bought first 2011 Limited in Texas. Previously owned 2005, 2006 and 2008 Avalon Limited. 2011 has a little more 'sporty' look (more so than pictures show) More obvious to someone who owns a current model than a non owner. Interior dash board changes and updated Navigation system a big plus. Many "optional equipment" items now standard. Sticker price about $2,000 less than comparable 2010 models. (perhaps to line up price wise to 2010 Lacrosse) MPG 'claims a one MPG improvement. No laser guided Cruise control on 2011 models, dealers don't know why. Dealer did come off sticker more than expected,With base difference on MSRP I feel I paid a $2500 premium for 2011 vs 2010.
Love the 2011 Avalon
I purchased the car new from a dealership primarily because it was rated one of the quietest sedans on the market. I drive averaged 55 miles per day 90% on the highway above 70 mph. I truly enjoy the quiet. Reliability has been great. The car (now 7 years old) has 131,000 miles on it. I'm an aggressive driver and have replaced the tires 4 times. Other than regular oil changes I have not had to do ANY repairs to the vehicle. I consider it to be in very good condition and I would not hesitate to take it on a 1000 mile drive. There is a small wear spot on the drivers side leather seat. Other than that the leather interior looks like new. I like the instrumentation layout. The seats are very comfortable, it get's about 19 mpg overall. It will get about 27 mpg on the highway with plenty of power to pass when needed. The only thing I didn't like about the vehicle is there a beepers that ding, beep and sound and after driving it for 7 years, I still don't know what some of them are trying to tell me, particularly when I park the car and start to get out. Most of the time some chime or beep is going off and I don't know why.
- Technology
- Performance
- Comfort
!0 year old Toyota Avalon
I'm still getting to know this car but I must say it is very smooth and quite on the road. I hardly ever give anything 5 stars but being 10 years old I felt it deserves at least 4 stars.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Grandma/grandpa car
Great car for old people or toting around kids in car seats. Decent fuel economy. Toyota would do right by extending their true Motorsport vehicles into their line up... but they seem to have to whole market fooled into buying their extraordinarily boring vehicles, especially camrys and tacomas. Thank goodness for the return of the Supra.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Another winner
I bought a '11 Limited after looking at pre-owned '09 & '10. The car just oozes quality. Unbelievable power from a V6 in a large car, especially given the outstanding gas mileage. I get 26- 29 mpg. Nice styling changes to the front & rear ends as well as the dashboard. NAV has been improved & has a backup camera, too. Several optional items are now standard. In reality the price for the Limited has gone down! Before you buy a competitor, drive the Avalon. Dollar for dollar you can not beat it!
My Avalon on its 6th birthday
The car lives up to its reputation as a "poor man's Lexus".
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Reliability
- Value
Toyota makes another bad decision
Purc'd 4/28/10 - give all eval. ratings a ten. Bliz Pearl w/Lt gray interior carpet. All online 2011 Avalon Ltd online pics as well as build-your-own car have matching carpet color mats. Ours arrived w/black mats we didn't want. Imagine a beautifully designed kitchen, w/a black plywood floor? To the eye, black is a size reducing color. Seems like black mats are up to our knees. Feel we are due $199. Called CA CServ. CS person said we don't reimburse and ALL Avalons now come w/black mats. We said Toyota is deceiving cust. Could have easily notified Dealers or put new link online. CS person had us on hold ten min-came back-said Toyota will reimburse you. Mail us copy of Vehicle sticker. We did
Luxury Boat
I bought this car two years ago with 68k miles on it. I have had the opportunity to drive many different cars and the refinement and ride would outperform a Mercedes any day. I’m not wild about the styling though the 2011 facelift was an improvement over the prior year. The room, comfort, performance and reliability are second to none especially for the $$.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
L-O-V-E this car!
I grew up with the "boats" of the 1970s, driving used Caddys, Pontiacs & Buicks that wouldn't fit in a modern garage. I loved the "float" and the overall comfort those cars provided. I seriously considered a Crown Vic/Grand Marquis and Caddy DTS before noticing the Avalon. The Caddy was too pricey and the interior didn't really suit me...the CV/GM just were so outdated that I wouldn't be happy. The Avalon is a perfect mix of comfort and amenities. The rear seat is so spacious that my 4-yo's feet can't reach back of my seat! The steering wheel tilts far down like the cars of yesteryear (and current Buicks) and telescopes right to me. I love how the car rides. I would recommend it..HIGHLY!!
Comfort Plus
Have had my Limited for a couple of weeks now and can't believe the quiet comfort and smooth ride even compared to the 2005 Limited I traded in. Beautiful car
The Best of the pack
I owned the first Avalon made and many in between and the most recent 2008. I was doubtful about the changes in styling for the 2011 that I read about. Well, I bought the Avalon and fell in love with the changes to the interior. It seems more upscale. The dash is beautiful. The exterior styling is an improvement. People ask me when I got my Lexus. I say it's an Avalon, they are surprised. I couldn't be happier. I have no complaints at all. The car drives like a dream. I can't wait to drive it every chance I get. It's so quiet. I love the blue tooth, so easy to get it going. I never thought I would pay for satellite radio, but I got hooked. The memory drivers seat is so wonderful.