1997 Toyota Avalon LXS review from North America
"I generally like the car and Toyota"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Alarm system randomly goes off due to faulty trunk sealing incorrectly and has from day one. Toyota could never make it stop so I stopped using the alarm.
Trunk leaks on right side. Resealing didn't help.
White smoke billows out the tailpipe upon starting engine, especially first thing in AM.
Power door locks on driver side window are grinding.
Tape player is clicking.
Rattling sound on passenger side, but think after reading all these comments, it could be the struts.
Clicking sound upon acceleration.
General comments?
This is my second Avalon. The first one had wind noise so bad on the passenger side I couldn't hear anything else. The second Avalon was somewhat improved in the wind noise department.
Love the old body style. Love the leather seats, power everything. Great car, but has lots wrong now and has for years. It is still running tho in spite of all these problems. Am worried about the white smoke tho that started around 85500 miles even after regular oil changes. Dealer said it was sludge in the engine. Said to change the oil after 1000 miles until it cleared the sludge out. Will try it.
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| Reliable, fast, comfortable, but all the fun of kissing your sister |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | Don't Know |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 10/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 10 miles |
| Most recent distance | 86000 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota Avalon |
| Date of Entry | 2nd June, 2003 |