Toyota Avalon

betnoyer · April 2001

I just purchased 98 Avalon with 29,000 mile. traded 99 VW Passat. The Avalon appears to ride very soft with bouncing up and down. I prefer stiffer suspension, but not a "buckboard" feel. Any suggestions? Since the wife and I use car for trips and transporting grandchildren, we do not drive aggressively and are curious to what tire would provide better ride and give decent wear ability. Car currently has Bridgestones which are hard as a rock.
And, last but not least, what type of mileage should we expect. Does mid range or premium gas help mileage and / or performance. Since we are new to this vehicle and not sure what to expect, we feel it's better to ask the one who know.
Ps. No where in the book does it state at what miles to replace cam belt. Anybody know?
Thanks,
Bill

jerome27 · May 2001

To playbak and anyone else w. this problem: My husband's 2001 Avalon has been brought to the dealer for service for a scraping sound at least 3 times. Playbak - is your problem completely solved? We have another appointment in 2 weeks. (This happens even on interstate highways.) Thanks for any feedback.

harvmorris1 · May 2001

Has anyone found an after market splash guard that will fit the XLS? Perhaps ones made my a different auto manufacturer that will work. My weekly cleaning of road tar is growing old.

hawiianavowner · May 2001

Harvmorris1, you need to look at toyotaparts4u.com
They have color coordinated ones in the avalon colors. They are more expensive than off the shelf generic ones but worth it IMHO.

trout66 · May 2001

I have had my Avalon XLS for a week now and am very pleased but have found one thing I don't like and plan to return to the dealer expecting a remedy. The left rear rotor is showing a deep groove already with 380 miles. Anyone seen this before? By the way, second thoughts, I too had considered the Volvo S60 2.4T but the dealers think to much of them. I traded a 2000 Camry on this Avalon because the seat was just to small and I almost got what I paid for it.

joel2468 · May 2001

I had this happen to me once in the past. It was a stone chip that somehow got between the pad and the rotor. It did leave a groove. You can have the rotor turned, or live with it if it is not hurting braking power.

ellioth · May 2001

I heard that Avalons are super critical about scheduled oil changes due to the higher engine temperature. People tell me that it is impossible to buy a used Avalon and determine if the owner changed the oil on a regular basis (unless he has receipts). Is this true?

pilot13 · May 2001

That Avalon engines are super critical about scheduled oil changes?
Absolutely not! Don't believe everything you hear--The Toyota V6 is no less tolerant of neglect than any other, and in fact, more tolerant than most. The only folks who promote the hearsay theory you reference are those who won't accept the truth---they figured the car would run forever with nil maintenance!
That it's impossible to tell how often the previous owner changed oil? Again, not true. A comprehensive pre buy inspection by a reputable technician should be able to give you a pretty fair picture of how a used car was maintained.

chirravu · May 2001

Hi:

I have had new 1996 avalon, and it has about 90K miles on it. I also own 2000 Tundra V8 with 40K miles, both with absolutely ZERO problems. Both of these vehicles are absolute fun to drive either on a short trip to the grocery store or on multiple long trips I made (1200 miles each way). With Toyotas/Hondas, you don't end up breaking your backs on real long trips !

Rest of my family owns 3 more Toyotas and 1 Honda. ZERO problems on 700K+ combined miles, over 13 years of continued ownership.

Chirravu ..

gotsha · May 2001

Does anyone know how to change the filter for the A/C? Its located behind the glove box but I haven't been able to figure out how to get the glove box out. Dealer quoted me $135 to change the A/C filter. I find that price outrageous.

bwia · May 2001

What should I expect for the 15,000 scheduled maintenance service. I paid $224 for that service which involved changing the engine oil and rotating the tires.

What is incredulous is that my oil changes for the first 24 months are free and the regular price for rotating the tires is $22.95. What gives?

Shouldn't this scheduled maintenance include things like:
--Check and clean the brakes
--Replace wiper blades
--Check and change transmission fluids
--Change AC filter
--What about spark plugs and coolant?

I know these new engines require less frequent scheduled maintenance, but what is the minimum I should have gotten? They did charge me for 2.5 hours of labor time.

texaninlakemn · May 2001

I have a 2000 Avalon XLS with all the extras. RADIO Problem -- Since the beginning, the JBL radio system switches from mono to stereo and back again. The service manager says that we're in the fringe zone of the radio station -- 15 miles away? I think not. They claim to have replaced the radio, but still have the problems. Has anyone else had a similar problem with CM radio quality?
TYRANNY -- I've had all of the injectors replaced at 20M. Ever since the first one fouled, the cranny seems to shift hard, especially when downshifting at about 25 mph. Also, at about 60 mph, when I decelerate, the car seems to "lunge". The dealer says, "That's how an Avalon is." This really bugs me. Has anyone else experienced anything similar?
Has anyone communicated with Toyota directly and had any success?
LOOKING FOR HELP IN MN.

msumner1 · May 2001

I wrap the exhaust pipe near the oil filter with aluminum foil before I change the filter in my 2000 Avalon. I haven't found any way to keep the oil from spilling when removing the filter, but at least the foil keeps the car from smoking and smelling from oil on a hot exhaust pipe. After sopping up the spilled oil off of the engine and frame, I wash it with water. I had the same problem with a '94 Camry with a similar engine.

dfwjsg · May 2001

I ordered both from Toyotaparts4u. Mudguards were $56.41. Installation was very, very easy and took less than 1/2 hour which included time to jack up and remove rear tires to give easier access. Before installing the mudguards I did take an added precaution of applying clear 3M paint protection film (www.xpel.com) to protect the paint from contact with the hard plastic of the mudguards. Applying the film is not included in the 1/2 hour installation time. The A/C filter was $23.66. It comes with installation instructions. I haven't replaced my filter yet since I have less than 10,000 on my Avalon. I also ordered wiper blade refills. Cost was $2.14 for the passenger side, $3.14 for the driver side. I placed my order over the internet. Order was delivered in less than 5 days.

bjk2001 · May 2001

I have a 97 Avalon XL with 72000 miles on it. No problem at all. We did hear some front end "cling or clunk noise" once a while, when we started driving the car feel like drive over a metal gate. Not sure what it is.
But now I saw some power steering fluid on the floor, and power steering fluid went below the minimum level. I went to auto parts store and try to find a can of power steering stop leak fluid.
There are only two kinds of power steering fluid: 1 for GM, Chrysler, Ford and others. 1 for Honda's only. I checked the Avalon Owner's manual, it says to use ATF Dexron II or III fluid.

Can I use the power steering stop leak for Non-Honda's car? Does anyone have any information?

Thanks!

hicaira · May 2001

You selling this car soon? If so, that's the only reason you might want to put a band-aid like stop leak in. If you plan on keeping this car around for a bit longer then forget band-aids and fix the leak. It's probably something as simple as a bad hose or clamp and should not set you back too much. If too much stop leak ends up killing the power steering pump though, well, that'll cost a bit more.

HiC

joel2468 · May 2001

I'd like to 2nd hicaira's comment on the "band aid" fix for the power steering pump. I am against band-aid fixes, except to allow travel to a qualified repair shop to fix the problem, preferably with a new, original equipment, part. Why? In my opinion, temporary fixes (parts) for mechanicals, tires, lights, etc., put the driver, and everyone around him/her in a dangerous situation. I certainly wouldn't want to be driving near you when your power steering pump "flat lines", and you lose full control of the car. I feel the same about people who brag about getting 60K miles out of their tires and brakes. If you want to take a gun and blow your own brains out, fine with me. Just don't do it in a crowd.

chief30 · May 2001

Have a 2000 Avalon LS with 6500 miles. Immediately after delivery, scraping noise from left front wheel when in turn at low speeds. The ABS harness was rubbing on the frame. Second problem occurred at 4000 miles. Left side of driver's seat track would move when stopping or accelerating. Seat track was replaced and as expected, door panel scratched during process. Anyone else with same problems?

dfwjsg · May 2001

It is a bit difficult to give step by step instructions. The installation instructions that come with the filter rely heavily on pictorials to help one understand the process. The process doesn't look too difficult. Basically, you remove a panel below the instrument panel above the passenger foot well; remove the air bag harness cover; remove glove box; remove filter assembly from blower unit; replace filter; reverse the steps. Overall, the whole process is more involved than it needs to be. Toyota should be ashamed for making it so involved. With my Lexus RX-300 it was very simple since the filter could be reached through the glove box which takes less than 5 minutes to do. For this, the Lexus dealer charges $90.00 ($30.00 for the filter, $60.00 labor). They never got that money from me and the Toyota dealer won't get their high labor fee from me either. By the way, I ordered my filters from www.toyotaparts4u.com for $23.00 each.

gjhuff · May 2001

I have a 1997 XLS purchased new in July, 1997. Just after reaching 30K miles, the warranty limit, the right front started rattling over bumps. It now rides like a tank. The dealership told me that this wasn't covered in the warranty and that it wasn't unsafe to drive - i.e. some sort of looseness in the right front strut. Since then, the problem has become worse. Any ideas on how to fix this problem?

frankmax · May 2001

I just bought my 2001 XL two weeks ago. At that time, I also bought the TOYOTA's Platinum extended warranty (extra care?) (for 6 yrs) for over $2000. Now I am thinking maybe It is not necessary or not worth. Please let me know your opinion. I have 30 days to cancel it. Thank you very much!

bwia · May 2001

It's like putting two stamps on a one-once letter, it does not get there any faster. Therefore, I would cancel the extended warranty. Most any thing that can go wrong in your Avalon will probably occur in the first 18 months thus, it would be covered under the basic warranty.

Considering Toyota's history for reliability and dependability buying such a warranty is superfluous. I have seen (but can't recall) companies offering warranty protection on the Interned for about $800. And if you filed no claims after five years you would get 75% of your money back.

alcan · May 2001

Cancel the extended warranty, put the $2,000 into good mutual funds or treasury bills, spend out of that fund if and when something breaks, and take a great vacation in 6 years with the money in that account.

frankmax · May 2001

for your valuable opinions. I think I put two stamps. I will cancel it and, like alcan suggested, I can invest that money on some stocks. Right now probably is a good time to do so. If I am lucky, after 6 years I may earn anothe rnew car from it. Thanks again!

frankmax · May 2001

I checked the documents again. For the money I paid ($2299), I got one extended warranty ($1299) which I will cancel it, and one prepaid maintenance program ($1000) which will cover 55000 miles or 4 yrs. I don't know much on the cost of one maintenance. The oil change would only cost $20-$30. For a service interval of 5000 miles, do you think it is worth? Thanks.

anselmo1 · June 2001

Wow, that is a lot of money up front for 4 years of maintenance. You would have been better to pay as you go. Unless you have a lot of money you don't know what to do with, I would cancel the pre paid maintenance also.

frankmax · June 2001

Thanks for the message. I called Toyota and I was told that I can not cancel it. They told me that this program includes oil change, etc. every 5k, and three major services at 15k, 30k, and 45k, each one will cost over $400 if I pay over the counter. This is my first time buy a new car from dealers. I learnt some lessons. Thanks a lot!

bjk2001 · June 2001

Just got my 97 Avalon XL rack an pinion replaced @ 72,500 miles, costed me $350.00. It was leaking. My mechanics told me they have replaced some Avalon's rack and pinion even newer than my car, but never replaced any Camry.

webwon1 · June 2001

our 1998 avalon was in a major front end collision, hit by another vehicle traveling at least 45 or greater mph and not one air bag deployed causing injury to both occupants, a neighbor owns a 2001 avalon and the same thing happened to him, anyone else experience this?

guilbault1 · June 2001

From what I have been reading I am torn on wether buying a 96xls avalon is a good idea. This car has only 43,000 miles and is in clean condition. I am a woman who has been getting the run around from dealers and need some advice. If anyone can help it would be appreciated.

joefinkel · June 2001

I bought a 1999 Toyota Avalon LS in May of 1999
the first 11,000 Miles were fine but soon after that my Transmission
Started to develop a clunk when accelerating after a slowdown.
It also has a heavier clunk when shifting from neutral to reverse.
There is a vibration in the steering wheel on acceleration in the front
wheels with the front jacked up.
the is a vibration in the steering wheel while on the highway
at 40 MPH on up - worse on curves or turning the wheel slightly.
Had repeated fronted alignments and tire balancing, tried 4 sets of new tires
Toyota dealer is acknowledges that there is a problem and balance the tires
with no improvement.
Toyota Rep says the vibration is characteristic, because all 98's and 1999's vibrate
and clunk is bad driving habits
Abitraitor says it is a grey area and claim has been denied .
Toyota Re said at the Green field, Massachusetts Dealership there was 1998 that
was worse than mine sitting on the lot.
If what the Factory Sep says is true about this charctaristic then it seems a class action
lawsuit is in order, Would any one with a similar problem please contact me.
thank you

suzy6 · June 2001

I guess this is trivial?? But, I've recently purchased a 2001 Avalon XL in the Diamond White Pearl. I really like the car, but I live in a rural area -- thus lots of highway driving and lots of bugs. The low front (bumper) has become stained in a couple of places where ugly old bugs have been. I clean the car regularly, removing the bugs thoroughly, but there are these sort of yellow-orange stains about the size of a quarter and I cannot get them to come off. I guess that bumper thing is plastic?? My husband & I owned white vehicles many years ago.... when cars were all metal. Any suggestions for removing such stains? Thank you for any tips you can offer.

chipf3 · June 2001

My wife's 2001 Avalon had a starting problem--would crank but not start, when the outside temp was over 80 degrees F. Took the Washington DC-area dealer about 4 weeks to diagnose it to the body computer and about another 2 weeks to get the part from Toyota and make the repair. Legendary Toyota quality? How about fairytale Toyota quality!?! Toyota supposedly first told the dealer they suspected a bad batch of fuel pressure regulators, and there was something muttered about a possible recall to replace those. Naturally, the car came out of the shop with body damage. It also seems to have a shifting problem going up a gently sloping hill at about 35 mph. Stay tuned.

jump99 · June 2001

My husband and I are out looking for a new(?) car. I fell in love with a 99 avalon but
my husband being the smart consumer that he is, called the dealer where the car was leased
from. We wondered why it was from another
county. Now we know! Seems it had a new transmission put in at 22,000 miles. It now
has only 27,000. The dealer that has it now didn't say a thing about the new transmission to us. Only by us investigating on our own did we find out. After reading what joefinkle wrote I
just may be glad we didn't rush out and buy it.

Thought joe may be interested in hearing other
99's having transmission problems. Good luck to you!

pbanko7 · June 2001

hello,
i have a 1998 avalon that is a great car with only 25,000 miles on it. my only complaint is that the suspension seems to be a little "loose" and tends to rattle over bumps and rough roads. superb on smooth highways, though! i guess i was expecting a better ride over the "bumps". any comments or suggestions would be appreciated. thanks.

frankmax · June 2001

I just noticed that the engine temperature for my 01 Avalon is very high (the niddle almost at the middle) comparing to that of my other cars (the niddles slightly above the bottom). Is this normal?

rubicon52 · June 2001

I've had several Toyotas in recent years and on all of them the needle on the temperature gauge was almost at the middle. Don't think you have anything to worry about. I have found the coolant temperature to be very stable on my Toyotas. The temperature changed very little no matter how hard I was driving the car.

frankmax · June 2001

Thanks a lot for your information. I also found the back window inside always got dirty. Is this due to eletrostatics from the buildin antenna?

ewasserman · June 2001

I have a 97 xls with 46,000 miles on it. after the car sits for a while, like over night, the first time you step on the brake there is a definite clunk, almost like a loose part has just reset itself. Before the warranty expired I told the dealer about the noise and he said it was a strut bracing. He replaced that under warranty but 3 months later if was back. The car handles and rides well and it only clunks once a day so (I know it sounds stupid), I left it alone. At 27,000 miles the original tires were shot so I put new ones one. While rotating the tires I noticed that the left front is cupping on the inside. I'm going to have the tire rebalanced and check the alignment but I can help wondering if that clunk is the cause. I have the oil changed at toyota because they go over the car with a lint brush trying to find something wrong so they can sell you a replacement (boy do they make up some wild stuff) and they never find anything wrong with the suspension. Still have the original brakes and although I can't believe it, the pads still look great. What is that clunk?

akuma1 · June 2001

Is the car reliable? We're thinking of purchasing one.

dougcindy · July 2001

I agree with your comments on the Avalon baulky transy. I own a 2001 XLS and find
it to my liking except for the transmission shifting comments you noted. My previous
car was a 96 Camary V6LE and shifting was silkly smooth. I assumed the new Avalon
would be likewise.
If anyone has found, or if Toyota has available, an alternate transmission or a microchip
which would improve smoother shifting, I would be interested

jirik · July 2001

Response to post #130.

Albert, just to know how Toyota is responding to questions about Avalon crash test results, look at postings #854 and #865 in "Toyota Avalon" in "Sedans". In your case it is not just a hypothetical crash test that turned out poorly, it is real injured people.

dave92115 · July 2001

My in dash cd is stuck. For those of you familiar with this, the error is Error 1. The cartrige is stuck out, and wont come out whether electronically, or by pressing the manual tabs on the bottom. Can anyone help?

Dave

lstclaas · July 2001

I have had a 2000 Avalon for about a year now. After 5000 miles, it developed a creaking noise in the center console area that matches pretty much exactly the description in Edmunds' road test: "An annoying and consistent squeak, much like a cricket's chirp, came from the center panel and drove our staff nuts. Regardless of the surface we traveled over, the chirp, chirp, chirp accompanied us, and it got worse when speeds increased." (http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/roadtests/roadtest/44249/article.html)
The car developed two more noises, a rattle in the passenger side front door and a popping noise in the roof, both of which were fixed by the Toyota dealer, but the console creaking never went away, even after the third visit to the dealer. I don't think they know what's causing it. It's very annoying, especially because the car's quietness was one of the main reasons for me to buy it... - Any suggestions? Thanks!

dmlons · July 2001

I bought a 2001 Avalon one month ago. Everytime when I started the car and shifted the stick from 'P' to 'D', I heard (and also felt from the pedal) a clunk from the front. Has Anybody here found the same phenomenon? Please let me know whether this is normal. Thanks!

dobsonsm · July 2001

We bought our 1999 Toyota Avalon LS new at the end of 1998. We soon noticed that when you slow to make a turn that it would jerk when you accelerated after the turn. The Toyota dealer test drove it and said it was fine, no problem.

We took it to an independent transmission repair shop and they definitely noticed the problem. They changed the transmission fluid, but it made no difference.

Since then my wife took it in to one Toyota dealer and I took it to another. Both claimed that the car had no problems.

I would love to be part of a class action suit or use Michigan "Lemon Law". Any advice would be appreciated.

Steve Dobson dobsonsm@cbpu.com

kata41 · July 2001

I check J C Whitney, Toyota dealer, was told no mud flaps available, but the car needs them. Has anybody bot flaps for a different vehicle and adapted them?

hawiianavowner · July 2001

This comes up every so often from new ava owners...yes there are standard mudflaps that work ok. Or go to toyotaparts4u.com and get color matched, avalon specific ones at a reasonable price. Or contact Canadian toy dealers for black only ones plus travel or shipping costs.
All installable by self.

deroyale · July 2001

Hello all,
I just recently purchased a 98 avalon. Once the car is turned on the car drives beautifully. I've had problems though, the alarm shuts off the car once I apply brakes to move the gear off park. Has anyone else had this problem?? I'm thinking this problem might be my battery or something. I do realize that the battery needs changing, but that should not have anything to do with the alarm system. When the brake is applied the entire car shuts off, lights and all. Any possible remedies would be greatly appreciated

markxd · July 2001

Is there a way to disable permanently or temporarily the Daytime Running Lights in a 2001 Avalon XL?

I'm not looking to spark a big discussion on the pros & cons of the DTRL, I would just like to have the lights off.

Thanks

Toyota Avalon

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