1998 Toyota Avalon xls review from North America
"High cost bomb"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Climate control went out and dealer wanted $600 for parts and $300 for labor to replace it. I assume they never heard of repairing a defective unit. If you had a $600 TV go out and manufacturer told you to junk it and get a new one, you would think the manufacturer was crazy. Purchased replacement climate control system from salvage yard for $65 and had it installed by small garage for $75. Unfortunately it has gone out again so will need to replace it. Toyota admitted they had a problem with this unit and in 1999 a service bulletin was issued, but not to replace them, but to dealers warning of the problem. I would never buy another Toyota product again, not only for the reliability factor, but shoddy service from dealer.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 4/10 |
| Reliability marks | 1/10 |
| Comfort marks | 3/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 76000 miles |
| Previous car | Lincoln Continental |
| Date of Entry | 30th January, 2003 |