1998 Toyota Avalon XL review from North America

* struts (replaced)

* brakes (worn quickly - replaced)

* headlights (replaced)

* air-conditioner (air ran hot although freon added and re-added, but still no leak found)

* the engine (soon to possibly be replaced)

I faithfully get the oil changed every 2500 - 3000 miles. However, on friday the oil light came on, the car stalled yet immediately restarted. I got it across the street to an auto shop where they thought it was a switch - replaced but it wasn't the answer and noted concern about oil pressure. The light went out but they suggested I take it to Dealer for further evaluation.

I got it to the dealer where it sat for some 27 hours, I kept calling until I was finally told service checked it and I needed a new engine!

Asked about what diagnostics were used and told none because the service person had some 15 years experience and simply started it up, listened and heard a slight noise from engine and to tear it apart to see if it was the oil pump or anything else would be nearly as much as simply getting new engine installed - so why bother? Thus, they could get me a new (really turns out to be a used engine) and install it for me, (estimated some 25-30 hours of labor plus engine ($1800 - 2300).

No answer given to why this slight noise never heard by them before with all the other service items (see above repaired in last 2 years) or oil changes!

Anyone else with this engine problem as they state, I'm their only case and thus must be something I've done to this car.