New to us 2006 Toyota Avalon.

[VK56VD]

Got a great deal on a 1 owner, private party sale, with all service records through Toyota, 2006 Toyota Avalon. It has a 3.5L V6 and 5 speed automatic transmission that uses Toyota WS fluid.

Any known issues with this vehicle?

 

[Lead Shoes]

Nice car, except for the back end, always seemed like they had an asz like beyonce... that's the only thing that has stopped me from getting one..

 

[The Critic]

The VVT oil line might blow and leak all of the engine oil out, resulting in catastrophic engine failure.

You should input the vin into the toyota owners site and see what records come back.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Originally Posted By: Brenden
Nice car, except for the back end, always seemed like they had an asz like beyonce... that's the only thing that has stopped me from getting one..


LOL. My first thought when I saw the pic

 

[Hokiefyd]

I've always liked Avalons, and yours sure looks like a nice one. Looks like you live in a Toyota-friendly neighborhood, with the 4Runner and 2 Corollas in the picture. Enjoy your new car!

How many miles?

 

[sciphi]

Ooh, nice highway cruiser! Kinda like Toyota took over for Buick when the Park Avenue stopped production.

How's the ride and acceleration? If it's like a Buick, the former should be very cushy, and the latter should be much faster than most folks expect.

 

[Hokiefyd]

0-60 in 6.2 seconds in this Motor Trend test from 2006: Link to Motor Trend large sedan comparison test.

And here is a Car & Driver large sedan comparison test, in which they coaxed a 6.0 second 0-60 run. In the C&D test, the Avalon posted the highest lane-change speed and nearly the highest lateral acceleration. It was the hottest rod in most of the acceleration tests, and also posted the best EPA and C&D observed fuel economy, by far. Impressive indeed.

The Avalon also won both comparison tests.

 

[FirstNissan]

Out of curiosity, approximately whats the ballpark figure that you paid for this good deal. Reason I ask, my parents were looking for one last year, all private party sales wanted a premium since its not that common of a car, such as the camry.

 

[addyguy]

I've never really been in the market for one, but every time I've sat in an Avalon, I've always been stunned by how comfortable and well-laid out they are.

If I was ever in the market for a large sedan, these would be top of my list. Great car.

Now, down the business - what oil will you be running in it?

 

[VK56VD]

The car is fairly powerful posting 280hp on premium and 268hp on regular gas. It has a very smooth and floaty ride and is indeed a pleasure to drive on the highway with an EPA mileage of 31 hwy. The car has 80k miles on it but comes with a Toyota Platinum Extra Care Warranty until 100k miles which was transferred over by the original owner. I basically got a steal on the car paying $8,500 due to the fact that a son was selling this car for his father who passed away and needed to get rid of it as the mother couldn't stand looking at it. They didn't even bother taking it into the dealer to get the car appraised. Dealers are selling this thing for $14-$15k and at dealer Manheim auction auction, they are selling for $12-$13k. I think this is one of those deal of the lifetime moments.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Holy cow, that is a steal. That 2GR-FE engine uses timing chains, and not a belt, so you have no worries like that looming. Just the spark plug change at 100k miles, and probably some other items from age, like a coolant change, etc.

 

[VK56VD]

I already replaced the engine air filter and cabin filter. Rear brakes were replaced by original owner at Toyota less than 2k miles ago. There is a shimmy in the steering wheel when braking due to somewhat warped front rotors. There is still about 40% pad left but I'll go ahead replace everything with new rotors and pads in the front. I have already performed a Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic oil change with a PureOne cartridge filter. This thing takes 6.4 Qts wth filter change so a oil special with filter that usually come in 5.1 qt. jugs won't cut it unless I buy two specials which I did recently.

I have already purchased Toyota coolant, brake fluid, Amsoil ATF for the power steering and will be purchasing Amsoil Energy Efficient ATF for the transmission. Basically within the next month all fluids will be replaced.

I also added Redline SI-1 FI to the gas tank already.

I'm thinking about purchasing a new PCV valve at Toyota but hear it's difficult to get to at the back of the engine. Should I go ahead and change it or is this not important to do in this car?

Oh, and I bought this car for my girlfriend. She likes smooth cars, has owned 2 Lexus Rx's and we were in the market for another RX when I scored this. So far she loves everything about this car except she sits lower in this than she did in the RX. The guy originally posted this car up on Craigslist for $13k but later told me that the people looking at this didn't have cash in hand and wanted to pay the vehicle out as they drive. He saw I was serious, had money to buy that same day, called his mom and she gave him the okay to get rid of it.

I plan to tint the windows 35% all around as it should compliment the shape/ lines of this car and color very well. It will also help in the summer heat.

As for me, I drive the Maxima I posted in the photo section a few weeks ago.

 

[FirstNissan]

HOLY BATMAN! 8500 for that car? Deal of a lifetime is an understatement, let me know, haha, 9500, ill be glad to take it from you.

Congrats

 

[VK56VD]

I already fully detailed the car on the inside and outside with vacuuming, removing any stains on the carpet and plastic trim,cleaning all trim on the inside, washing, polishing and treating all windows to Rain X on the outside. Spent two days doing everything but it was well worth it when I compare the before and after appearance.

 

[Cutehumor]

awesome deal, now go and drive it like you stole it